VAIL 2025

Alex Kutsishin is co-founder and CEO of FUEL, the world’s first Performance-as-a-service platform for online performance training for happier, healthier and more productive humans. FUEL redefines business education and performance standards. With an entrepreneurial spirit evident since his youth, he has co-founded ten companies – from pioneering medical offices in Washington, D.C. to introducing the first American-based low-code, no-code platform for custom mobile websites. Kutsishin has won numerous awards, including EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Inc 101, Deloitte fast 50 and is recognized for building the fastest mortgage technology company in the world (7,000% growth in four years).

Laura Barlow is the founder of Breathe Colorado, a holistic private practice pioneering a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing stress resiliency, cognitive function, and human performance optimization. With 20 years of clinical experience in dentistry, Laura brings unique expertise that merges neuro-craniofacial sleep medicine with principles of physiological performance.

Laura studied respiratory psychophysiology at the Professional School of Behavioral Health Sciences. She is pursuing her master’s in Human Performance Optimization at Buckinghamshire New University, London. Her combined clinical and academic background has shaped a deep understanding of maladaptive breathing behaviors and their physiological consequences—specifically, the role of chronic respiratory alkalosis in stress vulnerability.

Through her work at Breathe Colorado, Laura developed an integrative system utilizing capnometric metabolic analysis, HRV biofeedback, and movement-based breathing education to physically and cognitively restructure dysfunctional breathing patterns. This approach fills a fundamental gap in holistic health and performance programs by addressing both breath’s immediate and long-term impacts on resilience, recovery, and human potential.

Jason’s been in tech for 20+ years. He’s held varied roles, including Chief Information Officer, startup founder, data and analytics consultant, quantitative trader, and GenAI sales operations manager. He recently relocated to Denver after spending 2 years in London and 7 years in Singapore.

Jason is an entrepreneur. He’s built two businesses “on the side,” teaching algorithmic trading to 1,800+ people, generating $2M in revenue in two years. In August 2024, he published a book on the topic.

He was most recently at AWS in GenAI operations, managing the GenAI mechanisms for the Amazon and AWS CEOs. In January, he will join Andersen Consulting as Managing Director of Global AI Strategy.

Despite his success, Jason started from humble beginnings. He struggled with drugs and alcohol in his teens finishing high school with a 1.7 GPA—just enough to get into the one tier 3 Illinois state school he applied to.

In his talk, Jason will briefly discuss how persevering through challenging odds helped him become “comfortable being uncomfortable” and drove his success. He’ll then look forward and discuss how he plans to build a global AI practice and help Fortune 500 firms navigate their AI strategies.

Enter the extraordinary world of Sean Swarner: a living legend who’s ranked among history’s most inspiring figures. With multiple world records, he’s the focus in an Emmy-nominated Amazon Film, and sought-after presence on global media platforms like ESPN, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, and beyond. He is the only individual in history to conquer Everest, the highest mountain on all continents, ski to both Poles, and complete the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. This phenomenal feat unfolded after surviving not one, but two terminal cancers, enduring a dire 14-day prognosis, and emerging from a year-long coma – with one lung.

From the brink of death to breathtaking triumph, Sean’s odyssey unveils the secrets to shattering limitations and defying fears. His magnetic presence has illuminated stages across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on countless souls. His corporate speaking and collaborations have become a compass, guiding millions of lives toward transformation and empowerment. Now, Sean unveils the tools sculpting his purpose-driven life. His secrets are your gateway to a transformative journey of meaning, passion, significance, and boundless opportunities.

Check out Sean’s featured film, True North.

Meet Annie Yatch, a remarkable transformational expert who transitioned from her role as a Consultant for the Defense Intelligence Agency to become one of America’s most prominent Team Leadership & Performance Coaches.

With a track record of guiding businesses across various sectors, Annie has consulted with companies from ground zero to 1.2B in revenue. Her prowess extends from startups to multimillion-dollar enterprises, as she expertly prevents costly mistakes, boosts revenue, and catalyzes lasting behavioral changes within teams to drive consistent and remarkable results.

Recognized as the Chief Transformation Officer for Influencers and Entrepreneurs, Annie has earned this title through her unparalleled ability to empower you to rewire the subconscious patterns that limit your net worth.

Her methodology extends beyond the surface, aiming to dissolve deeply ingrained trauma patterns that hinder your growth. By helping both you and your team overcome these limitations, Annie paves the way for achieving monumental goals with a newfound ease and unwavering confidence.

Annie’s mission is clear: to empower you to rise above limitations, break boundaries, and reach new heights in your entrepreneurial journey.

Chad Stender is a Managing Partner at SeventySix Capital that invests in startup sports media & entertainment companies. Stender worked in professional sports, was an entrepreneur, and has been a venture capitalist for over a decade.

Stender focuses on deal sourcing and leads finance, operations and investor relations for the fund. He is on the Board of FORTË, Lucra Sports, Quintar, Showroom and ZATAP. Stender was on the Board of Vigtory that was acquired by fuboTV. In addition, DraftKings acquired SeventySix Capital’s sports betting network portfolio company VSiN and Cosm acquired C360.

Stender was awarded the 2018 Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the 2018 Southern New Jersey Business People’s 40 Under 40.

Prior to SeventySix Capital, Stender worked for the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast-Spectacor, led a sports accessory startup and interned for the Philadelphia 76ers and The Walt Disney Corporation. He currently sits on the boards of Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Challah for Hunger, Tribe 12 and is an advisor to New Leaders Council Fellows.

Stender is a graduate of James Madison University and received his master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University.

Robyn O’Brien is a bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur and investor who thrives at the intersection of courage, authenticity, innovation and leadership. Her critically acclaimed books The Unhealthy Truth, How Our Food is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It (2009) and Seeding Innovation, the Path to Purpose and Profit in the 21st Century (2024) established her as a thought leader and changemaker. She is a partner at Montcalm and was listed on the Forbes Impact 50 List for her work at the intersection of food, finance and climate.

Rachel Lambert, Founder and Owner of Braincode Centers, has been in the field of brain mapping and neurofeedback for almost 17 years. Rachel’s life was transformed by neurofeedback when she was a struggling teenager. After her pivotal experience, she dedicated her life to being a neuro specialist and expanding the field. She has unique insight and personally values each and every client’s journey, giving them an exceptional experience. Rahel has grown her company from the ground up and now has multiple locations across the country, as well as a worldwide remote neurofeedback company. Braincode Centers has been able to serve over 12,000 clients over the years around the globe. Rachel is very passionate about the mission of Braincode Centers and wants everyone to have the opportunity to learn about the power of creating a resilient brain. She is also an excellent keynote speaker, getting to educate and inspire others on topics such as neuroscience, biohacking, and leadership.

Rachel studied Psychology at Baylor University where she earned her undergraduate degree. She went on to earn her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor and she is also Board Certified in Neurofeedback.

Rachel is an avid golfer, mountain biker, skier and loves traveling. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. Rachel would tell you that Braincode Centers is her other baby and her goal is to have an immense positive impact by optimizing peoples brain potential!

Angie received her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and Music Performance. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. She combines fundamental elements from both studies to help change her clients’ lives. Angie served as a neuro specialist and licensed professional counselor at Braincode Centers until becoming the Senior Vice President of Business Development in 2020. . She has clinical experience in treating dependence, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, concussion recovery, and performance anxiety. Angie is also a fitness enthusiast who loves to spend time with her puppies whenever she gets the chance.

Kris Kluver is a strategic advisor, investor, and bestselling author with over 35 years of experience guiding Family Offices, CEOs and leadership teams to achieve extraordinary growth. He has helped hundreds to discover what is next in life and drive companies to billion-dollar market caps, facilitated high-stakes turnarounds, and advised leaders through complex challenges across industries like AI, crypto, and private equity.

Kris is also the founder of Peer Circles, an exclusive mastermind for elite leaders looking to solve high-stakes challenges, gain candid feedback, and scale with precision. Known for his candid yet compassionate approach, Kris helps leaders break through ceilings using practical tools and fearless facilitation.

He has studied entrepreneurial strategy at Harvard Business School, is a Certified Exit Advisor, and a sought-after speaker. When he’s not advising, Kris and his wife, Reka, embrace adventure in the Colorado high country.