Justin Spears isn't just the founder of MXI Consulting; he's a catalyst for business transformation. Leveraging a unique blend of military discipline and agile innovation, Justin has made MXI Consulting the go-to partner for businesses hungry for growth. As a U.S. Navy veteran and certified Scrum Master and Safe 5 Agilist, he knows how to navigate complex challenges with precision and agility.

Before MXI, Justin honed his skills in both the government and commercial sectors. Armed with an M.A. in Intellectual Leadership and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, he's not just a strategist; he's a doer. His portfolio boasts successful change initiatives and the launch of new organizational divisions across diverse industries. Add certifications in Change Management, Design Thinking, and Lean Six Sigma, and you've got a leader who doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk.

What sets Justin apart? It's his proven track record in driving continuous improvements and his passion for applying agile and LEAN management techniques. He doesn't just offer services; he becomes a strategic partner committed to your success.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Cam Mackey is President and CEO of the International Safety Equipment Association. ISEA champions a strong and vibrant personal protective and safety equipment industry through product standards, advocacy, actionable market insights, and industry-leading training. Appointed by the Board in May 2022, Cam is the leading advocate for the industry that protects over 100 million workers every day in the U.S. alone.

Prior to joining ISEA, Cam was Executive Director at SCIP, the non-profit advancing the practice of competitive strategy & intelligence. He also held senior positions at Manufacturers Alliance, a professional society advancing manufacturing executive leadership, and at Corporate Executive Board, a best practices advisory and consulting firm (now part of Gartner).

Cam has led or collaborated on benchmark studies in areas including sustainability, product management, competitive strategy, innovation, and channel strategy. He is a member of the Live Stream Interchange Advisory Board, and the Finance Committee of the Edmund Burke School.

A native of Ashtabula, OH, Cam is a graduate of Haverford College, and lives in Washington, DC with his wife, two daughters, and Labrador retriever.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Jake Bernstein is the Director of Business Development at SPINS, a CPG data and insights company based out of Chicago. He leads a team of 5 business development representatives at the company, helping drive lead generation and new business opportunities. He's passionate about teaching, coaching and enabling others to sharpen their craft and achieve outcomes both personally and professionally.

Prior to SPINS, Jake was employee #1 at an HR Tech company called Bonfyre based out of St. Louis. Outside of work, Jake is a proud father of his son Shane who turns 1 this July, and is involved in a cause called Experience Camps, which helps grieving children have the best week ever.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

As owner and President at AIM – Targeted Intelligence, Anne’s responsibilities include business prospecting and resource management. For over two decades, Anne has led a team of experienced intelligence analysts and librarians in delivering valuable solutions for the public and private sector.

Anne seeks continuous learning opportunities to provide innovative best-in-class solutions. This is evident through educational engagements, professional certifications and awarded contracts, such as AIM’s: Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) from the Insights Association, Competitive Intelligence Professional (CIP) certification from the Academy of Competitive Intelligence and a GSA federal contract awardee.

Anne also served as a past President for the Special Library Association’s (SLA) Competitive Intelligence Community, Director for SLA’s Michigan Chapter, and enjoys serving her local community and students by volunteering as a guest lecturer at Northwood University and Michigan Technological University.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Dragoljub Marjanovic is 23 years old and is from Belgrade, Serbia. He is a student-athlete at Gannon University currently enrolled in MBA in Business Analytics. In May 2022, he graduated from Gannon with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. For the past three years, he has been working as a research analyst for Gannon University’s Beehive.

In 2017, he came to the US as a foreign exchange student to finish his senior year of high school. At age 16, he was a professional water polo player in Serbia and a member of the Youth National team.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Brad Gleason is the Director of Entrepreneurial Operations at Gannon University and the CEO of Domestic Monitoring Initiative (DMI). Brad has an undergraduate degree at Gannon University, and a Masters of Science at Mercyhurst University in 2013. Brad has one 24 year old daughter Alexa (her Husband Ryan Patiya), and a life partner Dr. Julie Hartmann. Brad recently moved to Louisville, KY and splits his work life between Erie, PA (Gannon University) and Kentucky.

Brad's DMI journey started with what he phrases “The Aha” moment. A dying wish of his mother, combined with a gathering with a life mentor triggered an idea tied to solving a problem that has turned into a four year effort to reduce suffering, self-harm and group-harm for the betterment of society. Domestic Monitoring Initiative can revolutionize case management awareness that will reduce crisis events and add efficiencies to diversionary care in mental health and over time fields such as veterans, children & youth, pre-release programs and even employee assistance programs.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH isn't just a prophecy for Caesar to watch his back; it's a warning to rulers everywhere their people aren't necessarily going to roll over and accept tyranny without a fight. Starting last year, we began celebrating the Ides of March (always the 15th) with a tradition we call Death-to-Tyrants Day, which just happens to be the day of our livestream this week. Join us this Wednesday at Noon Central time to discuss what's trending in our autocratically intensifying world and how to fight for freedom and liberty in spite of it all.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/

Join us for a special episode of Running Into the Fog as we celebrate Derek’s 20th anniversary in the field of competitive intelligence! As one of our talented hosts, Derek has been instrumental in bringing our viewers unique quests and insights into the world of competitive intelligence. Now, it’s time for us to turn the spotlight on him and hear about his journey into this fascinating field.

During this episode, Derek will share his personal experiences and lessons learned, from his early days in the industry to his current role as a leader in the field. He’ll provide valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in competitive intelligence, including the skills, mindset, and tools needed to stay ahead of the competition. Join us as we celebrate Derek’s achievements and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the field.

https://aurorawdc.com/

Arik JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikjohnson/

Derek JohnsonLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-johnson-cfa-190893/