Our Optimist Instructors

Samantha Clarke is a happiness consultant and author of Love It or Leave It: How to be Happy at Work.

Brand & Business Coach to Difference-makers, Founder and Podcast Host.

Don Yaeger has been called “one of America’s best storytellers” by many of today’s great business and thought leaders.

Lori Zukin, Ph.D., is founder and CEO of Zukin Leadership. As an executive, team coach, and consultant, Lori empowers her clients to do what they love, and love what they do.

Joseph desires to empower those who are next, so that we can be equipped to transform ourselves and the world around us.

With an unrelenting optimism and infectious energy, she serves others by stepping into the worthwhile conversations that help people grow.

Heath Slawner is a passionate speaker whose gift lies in connecting with people and their ideas.

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D. works with individuals and organizations around the world to forge purposeful leaders who cultivate more meaning, motivation, well-being, and performance.

Elisabeth has given Congressional briefings, spoken at the UN and two TEDx conferences, been featured by Forbes, NBC, SHRM, Goop, and Virgin’s 100% Human at Work.

Stephen Shedletzky—or “Shed” to his friends—helps leaders listen and nurture the voice of others.

Denise R. Green is a former Corporate Leader and the founder of Brilliance Inc. She's coached thousands of leaders in the Silicon Valley/Bay Area and beyond.

Retired US Army Colonel, assistant professor of strategy, and executive communicator Chris Rogers has a passion for helping individuals and organizations achieve their purpose and potential.

Joe Sanok is the author of Thursday is the New Friday: How to work fewer hours, make more money, and spend time doing what you want.

A curious autodidact, Jerry has spent the last decade plunging across the borders of art, culture, and business to evolve his understanding of the world—from theory to practice.

Rich is a bestselling author, leadership and human performance expert, and retired Navy SEAL Team Six commander. During his 20 years in the US Military, Rich completed 13+ deployments.

Everything Matt Dunsmoor does is designed to help leaders and organizations be more intentional with their choices.

Tara-Nicholle Kirke is a globally-recognized author, transformation expert and Master Coach.

Kristen Hadeed believes that authentic, human leadership can change the world. At 19, with hardly any leadership experience, Kristen started a cleaning business called Student Maid.