Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein

Joey Starr is a a photographer and school teacher. He grew up in a low-income household near Seattle with a teacher mom and a dad who worked at Costco. His parents instilled a work ethic in him, encouraging self-improvement by aiming to be 1% better each day.  Despite being a bad student who disliked school, he eventually became a teacher, a decision he initially rejected because of his mom's experience. He has an older sister who is also a teacher, though she became one after raising five children. Joey took a four-year break after high school due to family issues and lack of support for college.  However, a former soccer coach and her husband, a principal, recognized his potential and offered to support him through college, a gesture he greatly appreciated. His transition from security guard to teacher, driven by the need to support and mentor children in the public school system. His interest in outdoor activities like climbing and photography began after his competitive soccer days ended.  Joey fell in love with climbing, starting to document it through photography without any formal training. His Instagram journey started in late 2019, initially using a personal account before creating a new one to focus solely on outdoor content.

Mika has a diverse background in culture, diplomacy, art, and business. She spent 15 years at UNESCO, creating World Philosophy Day and International Jazz Day. She advised notable figures like Herbie Hancock, Lady Gaga, and organizations like UNICEF and Cartier International on philanthropic efforts.  Mika has held roles in music tech firms, directed UNESCO International Jazz Day, and produced artistic projects. She's a published author, painter, Le Cordon Bleu graduate, and cookbook author. Currently, she's the Founder/CEO of Issei, a food innovation company that launched Issei Mochi Gummies exclusively with Whole Foods Market in the U.S., quickly selling out in multiple stores. Issei represents the heritage of first-generation Japanese immigrants and aims for significant growth with new product lines in development.

Daniel Marcos, CEO of Growth Institute, is a pioneering force in online education for C-level executives in fast-growing firms. As a keynote speaker and certified CEO Coach, he champions empowering 1 million entrepreneurs to scale impact and streamline operations. With affiliations in prestigious groups like YPO and EO, Daniel's expertise as a Scaling Up methodology coach stems from his experience in EO's "Birthing of Giants" CEO program. His educational background includes a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from ITESM and an MBA (cum laude) from Babson College. Recognizing CEOs as pivotal to a company's growth, Daniel, a seasoned entrepreneur, collaborated in 2012 with Verne Harnish to democratize executive training. This effort made premium training accessible globally, moving beyond the confines of exclusive niches. Under Daniel's leadership, Growth Institute has achieved four consecutive INC5000 recognitions, reflecting its rapid growth and global reach. The institute boasts a vast membership of over 70,000 individuals across 70+ countries, signifying its profound impact on aspiring business leaders worldwide.

Jonathan Shank has continuously forged pathways within the live entertainment industry, actively seeking out untapped territories and marginalized markets, thereby contributing to the creation of immensely successful family-oriented touring phenomena and unconventional cornerstone projects. As the CEO of Terrapin Station Entertainment, a dynamic collaboration with Sony Masterworks, Shank has firmly established himself at the innovative crossroads of artist management, event production, immersive experiences, talent cultivation, and community empowerment, all centered in Los Angeles. An ardent music enthusiast with a diverse portfolio spanning from collaborations with the Bob Marley Estate to partnering with Mickey Hart from the Grateful Dead, Shank stands as a trailblazer in adapting cherished intellectual properties into captivating live stage productions. His visionary contributions, such as Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour, Peppa Pig Live!, and The Fresh Beat Band Live, have collectively grossed over $80 million in box office sales. Notably, his collaborative efforts with Mickey Hart led to the groundbreaking Grammy Award-winning album, Global Drum Project, recognized in 2009. Moreover, Shank's commitment to charitable endeavors is equally noteworthy. His production of charity events like The Homeward Bound Concert and A Tribute to the Music of Linda Ronstadt showcases his dedication to leveraging entertainment for philanthropic causes. In recognition of his pioneering initiatives and substantial contributions to the industry, Shank was honored with the T.J. Martell Trailblazer Award in 2020.

Lucas Foster, hailing from Telluride, Colorado, embodies an accomplished career as a snowboarder, showcasing his dedication and prowess in the sport. His impressive journey includes a 17th place finish in the 2022 Olympics, multiple podium finishes in the NorAm Cup, a second-place position in the U.S. championships, and numerous commendable rankings in various competitions. During his formative years, Lucas faced limited access to halfpipes in his local area, which prompted him to ski in other regions' halfpipes merely five to ten times a year. However, as his snowboarding career progressed, he immersed himself more deeply into mastering the halfpipe, dedicating extensive time to perfecting his skills in this domain.  Beyond his snowboarding endeavors, Lucas maintains a strong focus on health and wellness. He attributes skateboarding as a significant influence on his snowboarding journey, highlighting its role in shaping his approach to the sport.

Jay Demerit is an American retired soccer player who played as a center back. He played college soccer for the UIC Flames and was in the Chicago Fire Premier development squad, but after not being drafted for Major League Soccer, he moved to look for a club in England. He played for non-league sides Southall and Northwood before signing for Watford of the Championship in 2004.  Demerit played 211 total games for Watford over six seasons, including one in the 2006–07 Premier League, having scored in their victory in the 2006 Football League Championship play-off final. After his release from Watford, he was the first player signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for their entrance in MLS, where he played four seasons before retiring through injury. Jay was first capped for the United States in March 2007, earning 25 caps up to 2011. He was part of their squads that won the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and came runners-up at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, also featuring at the 2007 Copa América and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Jeff Seckendorf is a life-long adventurer, filmmaker, and educator with extensive experience in various fields. He's a flight and scuba instructor, having mentored numerous aspiring film directors and conducted numerous film workshops. Jeff founded Unified Team Diving, where he authored multiple training materials and played a key role in developing certification programs. His career transitioned from stills photography to cinematography, working on diverse projects like video games and award-winning films. He spent two decades as an instructor at prestigious film institutions, later founding One On One Film Training for emerging directors and cinematographers. Jeff also managed the creation of Recify, a custom online education system for Unified Team Diving. Beyond film, Jeff is an accomplished cyclist, racer, triathlete, skier, trekker, climber, flight instructor, and aerobatic pilot. He now channels this wealth of experience into "The Training Cycle," delivering engaging keynote presentations and workshops focused on the principles of education—exploring teaching methods and learning processes.

Bertie Gregory, a dynamic 30-year-old British wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer, catapulted into the realm of wildlife photography by earning the esteemed title of 'Youth Outdoor Photographer Of The Year.' Armed with a degree in Zoology from the University of Bristol, Gregory embarked on his professional journey alongside the renowned National Geographic photographer, Steve Winter. This collaboration laid the foundation for a stellar career that saw him produce and host eight compelling projects for National Geographic, with the critically acclaimed 'Resurrection Island' standing out among them. The recipient of a BAFTA for outstanding cinematography on 'Seven Worlds, One Planet,' Gregory's contributions to the field are nothing short of exceptional. His latest ventures, 'Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory' and 'Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory,' showcase his storytelling prowess and can now be experienced on the Disney+ platform. Despite his relatively brief tenure in the industry, Gregory generously imparts valuable advice for aspiring wildlife filmmakers, emphasizing the paramount importance of hands-on experience and strategic networking. His journey, fueled by a lifelong passion for the natural world that began with his triumph as Youth Outdoor Photographer of the Year at the tender age of 16, is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and skill in the realm of wildlife filmmaking. Gregory's impact on the field is not only a result of his technical expertise but is deeply rooted in his unwavering commitment to capturing and sharing the wonders of the natural world with a global audience.

Phil Dunlap, a martial arts legend, carries the torch of the Kachin arts from Northern Burma, a lineage steeped in tradition passed down through generations. With an impressive record of 119 professional fights across various disciplines, Phil's early career was marked by his exceptional fighting skills. However, his journey took a resilient turn when a car accident left him with a broken neck, defying the odds to make a triumphant comeback at 36.  Phil's story of determination also includes a victorious battle against cancer, cementing his legacy as a fighter and teacher, with a strong commitment to sharing martial arts with all. Phil's expertise spans beyond Lethwei and Naban, extending to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) where he holds a Black Belt from Ricardo Calvalcanti. Not only has he excelled in various martial arts, but he also ensures that financial constraints don't hinder others from pursuing their passion by offering free classes to the general public through the Asylum Fight Team.  With a unique journey that encompasses three distinct careers - fighting, teaching, and a triumphant return from health challenges - Phil Dunlap's life is a testament to unwavering determination and an enduring love for martial arts.

John's diverse background forms the foundation of his journey. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, he bears the rich cultural blend of a Malaysian father and a mother from Hong Kong, thanks to his parents' migration to Australia in the 1970s. As he reflects on his upbringing, he recalls the invaluable role played by his grandmother from Malaysia, who helped raise him, instilling a deep sense of family and tradition. His early aspirations were rooted in a strong connection to the church and a profound desire to make a positive impact on the world. At first, he envisioned a path as a pastor or working within a nonprofit, guided by his unwavering convictions. Yet, as he matured, he recognized the vital role of leadership skills in sustaining one's mission, preventing burnout and navigating the complexities of strongly held beliefs. This realization led him to chart a course that would marry technology, business acumen, and leadership principles. In his current role as Chief Revenue Officer at Domain, a position he assumed in September 2021, John is on a mission to accelerate Domain's marketplace strategy across various sectors, including Residential, Commercial, Developer, Media, and Agent Solutions. With an eye on Go To Market, Sales Operations, and Customer Experience teams, John is committed to leveraging Domain's core ethos of 'Better Together' to empower real estate agents, enabling them to build resilient and efficient businesses. His vision revolves around providing a holistic suite of interconnected solutions, ultimately streamlining agent workflows and allowing them to accomplish their daily tasks in record time.