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meet-our-team

BOARD MEMBERS

We happily admit it: Over the years, a big part of our success has been sparked by our Board Members’ wise counsel, incisive perspectives, and generous hearts.

It really does take an extended, committed community to weather the ups and downs of running a company. Lucky for us, these seasoned professionals are all in.

Avron Barr

Avron Barr

Aldo Ventures, Inc.

Avron Barr is an independent consultant who helps executives and entrepreneurs understand, explain, and market cutting-edge software. Early in his career, he edited “The Handbook of Artificial Intelligence” and co-founded a Silicon Valley startup. Avron is an expert on the technologies used in schools, colleges, and companies to help people learn. He chaired the IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee and currently serves on the IEEE Educational Activities Board. He’s had a lifelong interest in how AI will change the way we know, the way we learn, and the way we teach.

“The PowerSpeaking family is passionate about empowering people to speak with impact. Long before the COVID pandemic caused everyone to pivot to online learning, the PSI team was finding innovative ways to help speakers see themselves and change how others see them.”

Brent Bloom

Brent Bloom

President at Consulting Service Solutions Inc., Advisory Board Member & Emerging Training Leader Judge, NextStep Technology Board Member

Brent Bloom brings a broad set of skills and experience pulled from his 34+ years in various leadership roles including: VP, Executive Leadership Development and Coaching; VP, Human Resources; VP, Learning and Development; and VP, Service Operations, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Engineering. With a very sensible and well-grounded approach to people and business problem solving, Brent has a unique way of bringing practical yet effective recommendations to fruition while enhancing team dynamics and overall collaboration.

“A former executive vice president once said, ‘A presentation generally can’t make a career, but a presentation can undo a career.’ I heard this many years ago during my first engagement with PowerSpeaking. When I personally experienced PowerSpeaking’s transformation of so many accomplished people into stellar speakers and communicators, I knew this company was something special. The founders, Rick Gilbert and Mary McGlynn, along with the rest of the PowerSpeaking team, made an indelible impression on me, and this kept bringing me back to partner with them. They touch people’s lives in ways that make a difference—and in many cases, ‘make a career!’”

Carla Boragno

Carla Boragno

Senior Vice President Global Engineering & Facilities, Pharma Technical Operations, Genentech

With more than 25+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and site management, Carla is currently responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and life-cycle asset management for Genentech and Roche’s global manufacturing network. Carla is a sought-after inspirational speaker.

She serves on the Executive Committee for Bay Area Council, the Board of Directors for the Genentech Foundation, and is a member of the International Women’s Forum. In 2016, Carla was recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the most influential women in business in the Bay Area, and in 2017 was named to their “Forever Influential” Honor Roll.

Tom Crotty

Tom Crotty

Family Office Practice Leader at Sensiba San Filippo

Tom Crotty provides consulting accounting, and technology services for families and their family offices. He served as a CFO/COO for family businesses for more than 40 years, has substantial nonprofit board leadership experience, and is currently on the board of The Catholic Community Foundation. Tom also owned and operated the largest desktop software training company in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“I joined the PowerSpeaking advisory board to further my mission of mentoring entrepreneurs focused on creating great companies. PowerSpeaking’s commitment to powerfully serving all of their stakeholders and growing a company that transforms their employees’ and clients’ lives makes it a joy to be part of their success.”

Bindu Garapaty

Bindu Garapaty

 VP, Talent and Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Impossible Foods

In addition to her executive position at Impossible Foods, Dr. Garapaty is the co-founder and CEO of The Happy Leader, LLC. Her presentations and trainings have included both national and international forums in areas of leadership, diversity and inclusion, education, and women’s health. Her approach highlights the importance of understanding cultural paradigms and building emotional resilience. She uses experiential learning strategies and insights to empower leaders to enhance critical thinking, increase effective communication, and build powerful networks.

”The partnership between confidence and communication is foundational as we look at future leadership. PowerSpeaking gives people the strategies to build their confidence and inspire them to shine as authentic leaders.”

Erna Grasz

Erna Grasz

CEO, Asante Africa Foundation

Erna Grasz has led organizations, teams, and individuals to succeed in fast-paced, high-stress, and results-oriented environments for over 25 years. She has an established reputation as a strategic leader with demonstrated success in diverse industries, including medical device, defense research, and semiconductor capital equipment. She has exercised her skills in full management for business functions including general management, research and product development, business development, operations, sales, and marketing. In 2012, she transitioned her leadership skills from being a Chief Technology Officer in the medical device market to the social impact sector as the CEO of Asante Africa Foundation. She is known as an organizer of chaos and a "turnaround" leader.

“As a growing Silicon Valley executive, I engaged PowerSpeaking to guide me in managing my audience and communicating the strategy. As a result, I succeeded and my teams succeeded. PowerSpeaking enables individuals and teams to find their voice, use it effectively, and create change, locally and globally.”

Marten Nelson

Marten Nelson

CEO, M10 Networks

Marten Nelson is co-founder and CEO of M10 Networks, provider of the leading digital currency platform for banks. Prior to M10, he was the co-founder and CMO at Token, a pioneer in open finance. Marten has decades of experience creating and leading product and marketing teams in new technology markets.

“I’m delighted to be able to share my entrepreneurial experience with PowerSpeaking and provide advice, but I’m equally excited about being able to learn from the best in the communications industry."