Matt Melvin is the author of Bullied Behind Bars and a speaker who shares hard-earned lessons about accountability, resilience, and the human cost of the justice system.

Raised feeling like an outsider, Matthew struggled to find belonging from an early age. As a young adult working at a car dealership in Vermont, a single impulsive decision—made while feeling wronged and unheard—led to a criminal conviction and an 18-month prison sentence. What followed would profoundly change his life.

While incarcerated in general population, Matthew faced extreme isolation, bullying, and violence. As a gay man with an adult autism diagnosis, he learned quickly how unforgiving and unsafe prison environments can be for those who don't fit in. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, Matthew emerged determined to take responsibility for his actions while also speaking honestly about systemic failures, mental health, and human dignity behind bars.

Today, Matthew uses his story to help others understand the real consequences of poor decisions, the importance of accountability, and the resilience required to rebuild after loss. His work focuses on lessons learned, personal growth, and the belief that even after the darkest chapters, change is possible.

Eddie Speed is a nationally recognized note-investing educator and the founder of NoteSchool, one of the leading training platforms for buying and selling mortgage notes.

With decades of experience in the note business, Eddie has been involved in tens of thousands of note transactions, giving him rare, real-world insight into how the industry actually works. Rather than focusing on theory, his approach is rooted in practical execution, risk management, and understanding how to structure deals that work in real market conditions.

After seeing how confusing and inaccessible note investing was for most people, Eddie created NoteSchool to simplify the process and educate investors at every level. Through structured courses, live training, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of students learn how to evaluate notes, avoid costly mistakes, and build sustainable investing strategies without owning physical properties.

Today, Eddie continues to teach, mentor, and advocate for smarter financial education, emphasizing discipline, ethics, and long-term thinking. His work focuses on empowering everyday investors with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and build lasting wealth.

Dan Sullivan is the founder of MatchShot, a platform designed to simplify and modernize the way athletes connect with coaches and opportunities.

With firsthand experience in the challenges of sports recruiting, Dan built Matchshot to remove friction from the process and create clearer pathways for athletes to be seen, evaluated, and matched with the right programs. His work focuses on transparency, efficiency, and giving athletes better control over their recruiting journey.

Today, Dan continues to build Matchshot with a mission to level the playing field in recruiting by using technology to create smarter matches, save time for coaches, and open doors for athletes who might otherwise be overlooked.

With a lifetime of experience in the pet industry, Michael is a business executive who is passionate about creating and growing brands that make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners. As the CEO & Chairman of EarthWise Pet Franchise, he oversees the development of the corporate vision and the nationwide expansion efforts of all of their EarthWise Pet family of brands. Michael's core competencies include strategic brand management, cause-driven business strategy, franchise development, and franchise sales. He has successfully led the transformation of EarthWise Pet from a small regional chain to a national franchise system with over 200 locations and a robust pipeline of new stores. He has also established a strong reputation for EarthWise Pet as a socially responsible and environmentally conscious company that supports local communities and animal welfare causes.

Michael's passion is platforming established franchise systems as well as franchise systems with high-growth goals, and empowering franchisees to achieve their dreams of owning and operating their own pet businesses.

Rick is an exceptional business coach with a remarkable track record of guiding companies and individuals to unparalleled success. With his extensive and eclectic business experience and coaching expertise, Rick empowers his clients to turn their visions into actionable strategies, propelling them towards their goals and milestones. As a serial entrepreneur, Rick has scaled businesses across various industries, creating a multimillion-dollar company that serves clients in 80 countries, including top hotel chains and Fortune 500 companies.

With over 40 years of experience in diverse sectors such as accounting, IT, talent, and Oil & Gas, Rick is a seasoned veteran in the business world. His formidable presence in Vietnam is evident through his involvement in numerous organisations and his status as one of the longest-serving expats in the country. Rick is also a sought-after speaker and thought leader, covering topics like talent, technology, digital transformation, and Vietnam inward investment. With his passion for coaching and an impressive array of certifications, Rick is a visionary leader who combines business acumen with coaching and mentoring skills to help others achieve extraordinary success.

Pav Lertjitbanjong is the founder of Layoff Ready, a program that helps people prepare for job loss before it happens. She guides professionals in building financial security, confidence, and peace of mind so they can face change without fear.

After experiencing major shifts in her own career and life, Pav saw the importance of being prepared. She turned these lessons into a mission to help others turn layoffs into opportunities for growth.

Through Layoff Ready, Pav shares simple tools and clear steps to manage money, stay resilient, and plan for the future. Her goal is to help people feel secure, confident, and truly ready for what comes next.

John Dwyer started his career in the retail marketing world, working with major brands and becoming a National Marketing Manager in his twenties. He later launched his own agency, where he built a name for creating bold, direct-response campaigns that delivered serious results.

He's now the founder of The Institute of Wow, best known for developing the Wow Strategy, a proven formula that helps businesses attract more customers using irresistible offers and clever incentives. His approach is all about cutting through the noise and getting real, measurable outcomes.

Today, John helps business owners across industries grow fast with his plug-and-play marketing systems and "Wow Injection Packages," giving even small businesses access to big-impact strategies without huge budgets.