Team Vertical Motion
Tom
EXECUTIVE COACH / FOUNDER
Tom has closed more than $1.5B in new business throughout his career, has an MBA from Georgia State University, and holds multiple patents for his work in satellite technology innovation. Tom also served in the US Army as a combat medic and satellite controller, and volunteers as a mentor and speaker at Patriot Boot Camp, which helps veterans and military spouses enter the world of entrepreneurship. He lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife of 20+ years and two teenage children.
In August of 2022, Tom was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and given less than two months to live. Six months of multiple hospitalizations, chemotherapy, and a handful of near-death experiences helped Tom to realize that of all the things he has done in his career, inspiring and mentoring others was the most rewarding and energizing for him.
With a second chance at life, Tom is leaning into these skills. Tom started Vertical Motion to mentor aspiring and emerging executives on how to build their own executive style, executive presence and executive network. With 15+ years experience in VP and C-level executive roles in high-growth environments, Tom has the advantage of having sat in the executive chair himself, and is excited to mentor and energize an entirely new generation of business leaders on how to become the best, most authentic leaders they can be.
Sandra
EXECUTIVE COACH
Sandra Turner Morales brings over 30 years of diverse corporate experience to the table, with a career spanning a wide range of industries, including finance, legal, medical, consumer products and goods, IT, and cybersecurity.
Sandra's journey has taken her through the highest echelons of corporate leadership, where she honed her skills and gained unique insights into the inner workings of C-Suite environments. Her passion lies in demystifying the world of executive recruitment and empowering individuals to take control of their career narratives.
With a deep understanding of what it takes to excel in competitive industries, Sandra helps professionals, from emerging talents to seasoned executives, reach new heights. Her approach blends strategic networking, personalized coaching, and the art of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with recruiters and decision-makers.
Sandra's commitment to helping individuals goes beyond the business world. She understands that success is not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about fulfillment and balance in both career and life. Through her guidance, clients discover a path that aligns with their true passions and values.
She is excited to walk alongside the Vertical Motion clients as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional success.
Jacki
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE CAREER ACCELERATOR & COMMUNITY MANAGER
Jacki Neal is a seasoned Business Owner, Executive Recruiter, and Program Director who blends strategic insight with a relentless commitment to helping leaders thrive. With many years of experience in recruiting industry, she brings deep industry knowledge, unmatched energy, and a consistent track record of driving results.
Jacki Neal began her career in hardware engineering before transitioning into tech consulting sales, where she discovered her passion for talent strategy in technology and engineering organizations. She went on to co-found Peak Resource Group, a recruiting and staffing firm known offering project-based solutions as well as supplemental contractor staffing and employee recruiting services. Under her leadership, the company grew rapidly, was an INC 5000 award recipient several times. Peak was successfully acquired by Kinetix, where she served as Vice President of RPO.
In 2020, Jacki launched Lanier Staff to continue her mission of connecting top-tier talent with transformative opportunities. Today, she serves as the connective force within the VM community, keeping members in motion toward their goals, identifying key networking opportunities, and championing their success with precision and care.
Ryan
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SUCCESS & EXECUTIVE COACH
Ryan served 20 years as a U.S. Air Force officer and fighter pilot, leading high-stakes missions and shaping military strategy at the highest levels. After transitioning from the Air Force, he built and ran successful businesses, applying his expertise in leadership, strategy, and execution to drive measurable growth. As co-founder of a defense contracting firm, he secured multimillion-dollar contracts and led initiatives that set new safety standards in military training.
In 2018, Ryan embraced an unconventional lifestyle, leading his company remotely while living aboard a sailboat and exploring over a dozen countries and covering over 10,000 miles in the Atlantic and Caribbean. This experience reinforced his belief in adaptability, strategic vision, and the power of bold decision-making in uncertain environments.
Today, Ryan is responsible for overseeing business operations and ensuring client success, while also mentoring and coaching leaders to turn ambitious visions into reality. With extensive experience in executive leadership and strategic execution, he guides professionals in refining their leadership style, improving operations, and scaling businesses effectively. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and high performance, helping leaders thrive under pressure and navigate conflict as a driver for growth.
Ryan is committed to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous growth and innovation. He believes that the right combination of strategy, execution, and adaptability empowers leaders to achieve lasting impact in their organizations and beyond.
Nelson
ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE, EXECUTIVE COACH
Nelson brings more than three decades of proven experience, having led numerous operations, business development, sales, marketing, and technology teams. His core specialties include corporate turnarounds, M&A transactions, business optimization, technology integrations, and high-value business consulting engagements across a range of industries.
His operational expertise includes AI integration, biometrics, MFA, cybersecurity systems integration, blockchain and NFT business implementation, deployment of data centers, advanced KPI data driven business optimization, complex technical solutions selling and capture management of Federal acquisition regulation (FAR) contracts. He has secured large, multi-year DoD contracts; capturing over $2B in strategic program sales in his career. He held prior executive positions at Envistacom, Convoko, Bridgeline Digital, Internap, Rockwell Collins, DataPath, Tandberg Television, and National Oilwell Varco.
Nelson Santini graduated cum laude from the United States Naval Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering followed by a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. He served seven years in the US Navy as a submarine weapons officer on Trident submarines.
Nicole
MARKETING & OPERATIONS / CO-FOUNDER
Nicole has more than 20 years of marketing experience, including working for startups as well as Fortune 500 companies. Her main focus was conferences, events and tradeshows. She has produced events ranging from 14 attendees up to 27,000 attendees world-wide.
She loves to manage things behind the curtain. Nicole co-founded Vertical Motion and is committed to ushering in a new group of empathetic, authentic and audacious leaders.
Cal
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Cal is a highly motivated business professional and a solid track record of contributing to growth-focused teams through sales, research, and operations. Based in Chicago, he graduated with a degree in finance from Roosevelt University, where he was part of the Honors Program and competed as a collegiate baseball athlete.
Today, he dedicates his efforts to creating pathways for growth and leadership, particularly for those on the verge of stepping into executive roles. Through his work in community outreach, he helps identify and support aspiring executives, connecting them with the tools and mentorship needed to take the next step in their careers.
Renée
HEAD OF MARKETING
Renée is a strategic, results-driven Brand Builder, Creative Director, and Team Leader with a proven track record of transforming complex marketing and operational challenges into scalable, high-impact solutions. She has held leadership roles at Under Armour, Orvis, and her own agency, where she served clients across a broad range of industries.
Renée has crafted innovative brand strategies, managed and mentored teams of writers, optimized creative processes, integrated efficiency-driving technologies, built brand voice platforms, and implemented omnichannel marketing programs that drive measurable outcomes. A natural organizer and true Architect who brings structure, clarity, and purpose to every project, she leads with empathy and accountability—always focused on her core brand pillars: Reputation, Relationships, and Results.
Dave
HEAD DISCOVERY & STRATEGY COACH
Dave works with mid-career professionals who feel like they’ve hit a ceiling in impact, income, or identity—helping them reconnect to what drives them and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Drawing from more than a decade of experience in high-performance coaching, business development, and decision-support consulting, Dave brings a rare blend of emotional intelligence, strategic insight, and performance psychology to every conversation.
Before joining Vertical Motion, Dave coached athletes and leaders alike—building a successful strength and conditioning business in the UK while also contributing to high-stakes, fast-paced corporate environments where he refined his ability to guide decision-making, motivate teams, and build trust across complex systems. He has worked with global brands, fast-moving startups, and executive teams navigating complexity, growth, and change.
Dave’s superpower is helping people quiet the noise so they can hear what really matters. He asks the questions others won’t—and helps clients see the patterns, barriers, and possibilities they’ve been missing. Whether someone is contemplating a pivot or seeking more purpose, Dave helps them reconnect to what drives them and chart a bold new course forward.
Dominic
DISCOVERY & STRATEGY COACH
Dominic brings a sharp, results-driven perspective to executive transformation rooted in real-world experience, not theory.
As the founder of LazyShredded, a concierge health and performance company trusted by executives, founders, and investors, Dominic has helped high-performers across the globe optimize the one area they often neglect: themselves.
He understands the pace, pressure, and standards of elite environments and what it truly takes to thrive within them.
At Vertical Motion, Dominic brings that same clarity and execution-focused mindset to career strategy. His approach is empathetic, but direct. Insightful, but practical. Designed for leaders who don’t have time to waste and are ready to move.
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