MENTOR BRAIN TRUST

At the heart of Prodigy Innovator Camp is a remarkable community we call our Brain Trust—a diverse constellation of mentors, guest speakers, and advisors who powerfully shaped the experience for our young entrepreneurs.

These visionary individuals span industries and continents—from Emmy-winning filmmakers and tech founders to global CEOs, military leaders, and social change-makers. Each one brought a unique story, a depth of expertise, and a spirit of generosity that left an indelible mark on our campers.

They served not just as instructors, but as guides, coaches, and inspiration—meeting our students where they were and helping them discover where they could go. Whether unlocking a camper’s creativity, challenging their assumptions, or cheering on a breakthrough moment, our Brain Trust turned ideas into action and values into vision.

We are profoundly grateful to this extraordinary group of changemakers for helping us prove that storytelling isn't just at the heart of entrepreneurship—it’s the soul of it.

(Listed alphabetically)

Scilla Andreen
CEO and co-founder of IndieFlix, an award-winning filmmaker, and a changemaker in using film as a catalyst for social impact.

Celeste Burgoyne
Celeste Burgoyne is the President of Lululemon and a dynamic leader known for her visionary approach to retail and deep commitment to empowering women in business.

Coach Dar
Darleen Santore, known as "Coach Dar," is a best-selling author, speaker, and former Phoenix Suns Mental Skills Coach whose journey through multiple strokes ignited her mission to help others unlock their inner greatness. As a personal story mentor and occupational therapist, she empowers people to thrive through adversity with purpose and resilience.

Frank D’Souza
Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Recognize, Former CEO of Cognizant, Fortune Business Person of the Year, and Philanthropist.

Sue Dunnett
Susan Dunnett is Professor and Personal Chair of Consumer Culture and Society at the University of Edinburgh Business School, specializing in branding, consumer vulnerability, and healthcare consumerism. Her research explores how branding intersects with identity and social support, particularly in contexts of illness and stigma.

Warren Etheredge
Award-winning filmmaker, author, and founder of The Warren Report. Host of the critically acclaimed series The High Bar, Warren is a master storyteller and mentor, known for his ability to unlock creativity and elevate narratives.

Nathan Gamble
Actor in The Dark Knight, Babel, A Dolphin Tale (1 & 2), and Marley & Me. Nathan is also a talented writer, director, and acting coach with a passion for guiding young creatives.

Gerald Gangaram
Retired U.S. Army Major and West Point graduate. A highly decorated leader and former Apache helicopter pilot with extensive missions in Afghanistan, Gerald overcame significant adversity to become a respected expert in leadership and resilience.

Doug Holladay
Former U.S. Special Ambassador and Georgetown University professor. Doug specializes in business ethics and leadership, inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

Peter Horton
Emmy-nominated Director, Producer, and Writer; Actor (notable for Thirtysomething, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Cure).

Susan Lacy
Creator and former executive producer of PBS’s American Masters and documentary filmmaker for HBO. An acclaimed filmmaker, Susan has directed documentaries on icons like Steven Spielberg, Billy Joel, and Jane Fonda.

Angelique LeDoux
CEO and strategist for Seattle-based storytelling venture StoryQ. Former writer and photo editor at TIME Magazine, founder of Jade’s ToyBox and the youth talent development nonprofit PALNYC. Managing editor at the UHNW Institute and NYC-based angel investor specializing in early-stage impact investing.

Max Losee
CEO of VOAST, Director of ProdigyProject, and Principal at StoryQ.

Christian Loubek
Director, Filmmaker, and Storyteller known for his creative approach to visual storytelling across various media.

Paige MacLean
Paige MacLean is a lecturer at Yale School of Management and philanthropic advisor, specializing in strategic, high-impact giving with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership.

Tania Marino
Named Innovator of the Year for her groundbreaking work addressing hunger solutions in New Hampshire. Tania is a passionate advocate for systemic change in food security.

Keiron McCammon
Keiron McCammon is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and product strategist who has co-founded and led multiple successful startups to exit in the internet, mobile, and e-commerce sectors.

Catherine McCord
A multi-award-winning filmmaker known for her innovative storytelling and captivating visual style.

Lord Neil Mendoza
Provost of Oriel College, Oxford University, and a Commissioner for Cultural Recovery and Renewal. A seasoned entrepreneur across film, design, marketing, and technology sectors, Neil bridges academia and industry innovation.

Charles Meyers
Executive Chairman of Equinix, a leading $10 billion technology company.

Brian McDonald
Acclaimed author, filmmaker, and storytelling instructor at Pixar. Brian's storytelling principles have shaped some of the most beloved stories in modern cinema.

Christopher McQuarrie
Academy Award-winning writer and director, celebrated for The Usual Suspects, the Mission: Impossible series, and Jack Reacher. Chris brings invaluable expertise in crafting compelling stories for the screen.

Chris Millar
Chris Millar is a New Zealand-born tech entrepreneur specializing in international security systems and monetary policy. With deep expertise in global finance and cutting-edge technology, he develops innovative solutions at the intersection of security and economics.

Tash Moffitt
Tasha Moffitt always believed that small, contagious acts of generosity can transform the world for the better, echoing Edward Lorenz’s “Butterfly Effect” theory—that even the softest flutter can set off a powerful chain reaction. Through her work as an artist, philanthropist, and founder of Butterfly Effect: Be the Change, she inspires global acts of micro-philanthropy into meaningful change.

Sam Nelson
Harvard lecturer, software sales leader, and influencer. Sam combines his expertise in technology and communication to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sheryl Palmer
Chairman and CEO of Taylor Morrison, a leading $10 billion homebuilding company. Sheryl is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive communities.

Andy Paterson
Award-winning producer and writer of films including Girl with a Pearl Earring, Jackie and Hilary, The Railway Man, and Restoration. Andy's expertise lies in creating films that resonate deeply with audiences.

Dave Rolfe
Dave Rolfe is a renowned advertising executive who served as President of Production at BBDO, the world’s largest advertising agency. With a storied career spanning decades, he has been instrumental in shaping groundbreaking campaigns and elevating the role of production in modern marketing.

Jim Salters
Visionary, philanthropist, and serial for-profit and non-profit entrepreneur, including a 7-figure exit to a public company. Songwriter, pilot, CEO and youth sports coach.

Jason Smith
Jason Smith is a five-time successful entrepreneur and the Founder/CEO of Klue, with deep expertise in app development and a current focus on AI. He’s raised over $100 million, planted 100,000 trees, traveled the world with his family, and once went cage diving with alligators.

Hugo Spowers
Hugo Spowers MBE is a British entrepreneur-engineer who co-ordinated the development of the Morgan LIFEcar sports car project that was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, and the Riversimple Urban Car.

Rick Stevenson
Founder of StoryQ, the 5000 Days Project, and Prodigy Camp. With 12 feature films, 100 hours of television, and 500+ shorts to his name, Rick is a masterful storyteller, author, and mentor.

Dune Thorne
Partner at Brown Advisory and expert family wealth advisor. A dedicated philanthropist, Dune is committed to empowering young leaders through financial literacy and social responsibility.

Kari Tilman
Editor-in-Chief of Special Sources Magazine, Founder of Project Sunshine, Consultant, and Philanthropist.

Deron Triff
Deron Triff is the co-founder of WaitWhat, the media company behind influential podcasts like Masters of Scale and Meditative Story. A former TED executive, he has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, innovation, and transformative ideas.

Bill Way
Oscar-nominated Producer & CEO of Fit Via Vi Films. Philanthropist.

Mary Way
Executive Director Emeritus of Southwest Shakespeare Co.; Founder of Fit Via Vi Films; Philanthropist.

Craig Weatherup
Former CEO of Pepsi-Cola and renowned business leader. Craig brings decades of experience in corporate leadership, branding, and operational excellence.

Summer Wilson
Technical designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Kit and Ace and Ride Cycle Club. As the founding lead designer at Lululemon Athletica, Summer helped shape iconic products like the Groove Pant and logo hoodie, bringing creativity and innovation to every endeavor.

Christine Wise
Branding and marketing strategist and professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. Christine helps organizations tell their stories with clarity and impact.

Mystery Mentor
A digital pioneer whose creative work has garnered billions of views and tens of millions of subscribers on YouTube, inspiring audiences worldwide through innovative storytelling.

“You should be so proud of what you have done all these years and the lifeline you give these beautiful kids! Truly changing their lives for the better! Thanks again for inviting me and letting me participate! ”

— Sheryl Palmer, Mentor
Chairman & CEO of Taylor Morrison