Michael E. Sloopka, is the founder of negotiatingcoach.com and is an internationally recognized coach, teacher, and highly rated professional speaker. Michael is an expert on the topics of negotiating and decision-making dynamics that impact, influence, and affect negotiations in our personal lives, social lives, and especially in our business lives. Michael is also the host of his new Negotiating for Success Podcast. Michael has personally trained over 50,000 people of all experience levels, across multiple industries, in 31 countries how to negotiate more effectively. His five-star-rated presentations and negotiating skills training programs have been delivered around the world to small and medium-sized businesses, Fortune 500 corporations, and professional associations.

GEORGE ARAU

Born in Mar 1 1962, in June of 1988 at age of 26 years old I decide to leave the country of Romania for good! I hide on a 65000 tons vessel named BACESTI, who’s destination was Venezuela after a few days at sea (Black Sea) I jumped off in water of Sea of Marmara in Istanbul, Turkey.

After 23 months in Istanbul I was able to get my approval from INS and travel legally to USA, arriving in New York.

Hours pass by and I was informed that my luggage did not make it, so I have to continue my next stop to LAX, Los Angeles the “City of Angels” witch later they were conform that my luggage was stolen in the airport transit Athens, Greece, so I realize that God has somehow put me to the test, you want freedom, then you should start from zero, after 2 months when I got my first check from Marriot company where I start my first job I decide to washed all my clothes that I came with in USA put the in a plastic bag and I placed them on the bench at the bus station, Sunset Blvd and Fairfax Avenue next to Thrifty store ( now Rite Aid ) including my watch and gold ring on top of it, so somehow to confirm my destiny that I came to USA with nothing and I left everything behind!

In August 26 2005 my older brother at 46 years old after God knows how many years of pain of a bad marriage (after over 20 years of marriage his wife put the divorce and kick him out of the house) he decide to end his own life and leave me (not knowing) with to many questions unanswered!

I was struggling to understand for years what just happened and finally after 14 years I made my book/novel dedicated in memory of my brother and the reason my wishes are centered on writing this book is that I have been in silence for so many years about losing him.

I never thought that I could, or would want to, write a book capturing a terrible event interrupting my life. But, I did feel so obligated to break my silence and place my truth into such words, because I believe that maybe someone, somewhere, is wondering why this is all happening to him or her; perhaps someone is in need of a brother or sister, and I hope that person will find solace!

DALLAS THORNTON

Los Angeles-based and Boulder-bred, he is an Indie-Pop/Rock artist and producer known for his high-energy performances and positive message. He has played for audiences in 9 countries and from coast to coast of the U.S. spreading a message of peace.

​Thornton serves as Artist In Residence for Common Foundation, a philanthropic incubator that serves 225+ companies across 27 industries and 20 countries for the benefit of people, planet and peace.

He’s been songwriting, performing and producing for over a decade and sometime after this photo was taken also earned a degree from Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA in Contemporary Writing and Production. 

The answer is love, and music its soundtrack.

JIM MCCARTHY

Jim McCarthy is a TEDx speaker and #1 bestselling author of Live Each Day: A Surprisingly Simple Guide to Happiness. He teaches people how to create their happiness by blending mindfulness techniques and timeless wisdom with simple, science-based practices. 

Jim is recognized for his unique perspective — as a Stanford MBA, internet pioneer, and person living with a cancer diagnosis. He teaches people how to create their happiness by blending mindfulness techniques and timeless wisdom with simple, science-based practices.

He has presented his innovative and acclaimed “Happiness Keynote” to organizations of all sizes across the U.S. and internationally. His talks aren’t just inspirational. Jim’s talks can show you how to:

• Reduce your stress

• Boost your confidence

• Appreciate the life you already have

• Find greater meaning in your personal and professional life

• Create a legacy with no regrets

Audiences take away practical strategies, evidence-based insights, and daily action plans — because happiness is a skill you can develop.

HUGHIE STONE FISH

Hughie Stone Fish is an independent music artist with strong ties to his hometown of Syracuse, NY. This summer he will appear on NBC’s “Bring the Funny,” with his comedy band “Lewberger,” release his album “Look How Quickly Everything’s Changing,” and fund a campaign to investigate the American Detention Centers near the border with his group “What is America.”

Hughie recently completed the city-wide project “Welcome to Syracuse” in the city he holds so dear.