Chosen by our exclusive network of purpose‑driven leaders, they exemplify the growing power of people-centric business leadership.

It is with extraordinary excitement that we announce our second annual Nominations Feature at the Dave Alexander Center for Social Capital. These CEOs and founders were all personally hand-picked by our exclusive network of high-impact, purpose-driven leaders, putting a powerful punctuation on our second banner year.

We warmly welcome these new additions to our Social Capital community — all leaders who know that the real bottom line is people and that taking care of people is taking care of business.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those previously honored leaders who continue to fuel our social capital fire by spreading the word and nominating others they believe are changing the world in amazing ways. Their support proves that Social Capital is contagious.

Additionally, we are excited to see this year’s nominees come from across the spectrum of size and industry, signaling that this movement is not confined to any one sector or level. This is truly a universal movement — and we are proud to be its media leader.

We are equally excited to see selections that are closely in step with what we are trying to promote and describe through our Social Capital platform. Clearly, more companies are adhering to the Ten Core Principles of Social Capital Leaders.

And we are seeing more proof that people‑centric leadership is not only the right thing to do but the most economically practical one. In the coming year we will be working with a leading certification and data company to gather more data on how this is taking shape in the field.

In the meantime, an increasing number of companies are publicly stating that human‑centric is the way to go — especially in an age of AI.

Earlier this year, IDC (International Data Corporation) — a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services and events for the IT and consumer technology markets, and one of the most trusted research firms in the industry — conducted its annual CEO Study. The study included 419 CEOs and 15 in‑depth interviews, exploring business priorities, risks, approaches to AI, technology priorities and vendor perceptions.

The majority insisted that leaders must “[L]ead with humanity in the business relationship: While AI is great at a lot of things, building deep and trusted connections requires not just humans in the loop, but humans at the core.”

In a world where many fear AI will take over and destroy humanity because business leaders care only about profits, it is reassuring that — to steal the essence of a favorite quote from Mark Twain — the news of humanity’s death has been greatly exaggerated … at least if the CEOs in that study and those we honor this month stay true to their commitments.

Most importantly, these companies included in our feature this month are not just talking — they are acting.

So, to all the nominees and their nominators, we are thrilled to shine a light on you and to work with you in pushing this movement forward.

Here’s to all of you: Onward and upward — to a better world for all, through capitalism that puts people first.

Tim Barttrum, CEO at Aramark Correctional Services

Nominated by Vince Barsolo, CEO of Televerde

Honored Social Capital business leader Vince Barsolo, some of whose Social Capital creds we spotlighted in April 2025 in Why Empowering Others in Business Has Never Been More Important and September 2025 in Business Can Be the Ultimate American Community Organizer, shared the following with us when he nominated Tim Bartrum:

“Tim Barttrum may not be the first name people expect to see here. Anything connected to ‘corrections’ and prison carries a stigma, and I understand why. But that’s exactly why his leadership matters. He’s changing what this work can mean.

“Tim talks about corrections not just in terms of safety or cost, but in terms of dignity, opportunity, and hope. He treats programs like IN2WORK as core to Aramark’s mission, not side projects. Through his leadership, the company is creating real pathways for people inside prison to gain skills, build confidence, and walk out ready for a second chance.

“What strikes me most is how he defines success: it’s not just a smoother operation; it’s whether a person leaves better prepared for life on the outside. He speaks openly about reducing recidivism through education and training and backs it up with action.

“In a field most people would rather ignore, Tim is leaning in and making it better. That’s leadership worth honoring.”

Tim shared with us why he sees people as the point of profit and how he has worked to integrate that into how he does business: 

“I believe that the sustainable success of a business always begins with people. When you prioritize people, everything else follows: stronger teams, deeper engagement and better business outcomes. My beliefs as a Christian guide my conviction and faith in people and that, if given the opportunity and tools, they can change the trajectory of their lives. Whether it’s through mentorship, training or simply creating space for individuals to contribute meaningfully, the goal is to help people succeed in ways that ripple beyond the workplace.

“In every role I’ve had, I’ve worked to build cultures rooted in respect, accountability and purpose. That means listening first, empowering others to take ownership and leading with empathy. When people feel seen, supported and trusted, they bring their best selves to work and that energy directly impacts the quality of service, relationships and results.

“Ultimately, I believe that business should be a force for growth, not just financial growth but human growth. Profit is the outcome, not the driver. When you build people up, you build stronger organizations and, in turn, stronger communities.”

Jennifer Bardot, Founder at G.R.I.T. Community

Nominated by Susanne Evens, Founder & CEO of AAA Translation

Honored Social Capital business leader Susanne Evens, some of whose Social Capital creds we spotlighted in February 2025 in Authenticity Rules: Business Leaders’ Tips on How to Be Real – and Why and June 2024 in The Empathy Emergency! Successful Business Leaders Need It Now More than Ever, shared the following with us when she nominated Jennifer Bardot:

“Jennifer leads her company with the belief that success is measured not only by results, but by the impact we have on people and communities. By fostering a culture rooted in respect, collaboration and authenticity, we empower individuals to bring their best selves forward and create meaningful change together. Our business decisions are guided by purpose — using innovation, leadership and shared values to build opportunities, strengthen connections and make the world a better place for those we serve.”

Jennifer shared with us why she sees people as the point of profit and how she has worked to integrate that into how she does business: 

“At GRIT, we believe that people are the foundation of every form of success — not a line item, but the very heartbeat of purpose-driven growth. Our community was built on the principle that when you invest in people — their confidence, resilience and potential — you create a ripple effect that transforms not only organizations but entire communities.

“The GRIT movement was born from real stories of perseverance and possibility. Every book we publish, event we host and coaching program we design is centered around amplifying people first — their stories, their leadership and their impact. By giving individuals the tools, visibility and support to rise, we create a culture where collaboration naturally drives innovation, and empathy becomes a business strategy.

“We integrate this belief into everything we do:

“Our seven anthologies elevate over 275 authors globally, helping them preserve their legacies and grow their brands

“Our events and coaching programs connect professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to mentorship, leadership development, and economic opportunity

“Our partnerships and sponsorships are built on mutual value — emphasizing shared success, inclusion, and authenticity.

“To us, profit is the outcome of empowered people working with purpose. When individuals are seen, heard and supported, they don’t just succeed — they lead with heart, create meaningful impact and redefine what sustainable business truly looks like.

“That’s the GRIT way: people first, always — because when people thrive, profits naturally follow.”

Will Lewis, Chair & CEO at Insmed

Nominated by Fred Hassan, Director at Warburg Pincus and Former Chairman & CEO of Schering Plough

Honored Social Capital business leader Fred Hassan, some of whose Social Capital creds we spotlighted in August 2025 in Empathy at Work Is Broken: Employees Are Hurting – and Losing Faith in Leadership and June 2024 in The Empathy Emergency! Successful Business Leaders Need It Now More than Ever, nominated Will Lewis as another business leader who leads his company to success while upholding and modeling a philosophy of respect for people — using successful business to make the world a better place.

Will shared with us why he sees people as the point of profit and how he has worked to integrate that into how he does business: 

“People are, by definition, the difference maker in any organization. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations are all, basically, trying to accomplish the same goal using similar business models while navigating regulatory oversight. It stands as obvious that the reason one company does better than another is because of the people they have and the way they empower them.

“In my mind, the more we allow our people to authentically define what they do and how they do it, the more we gain greater access to their talent. If you align that focus with a North Star of trying to benefit patients, the result can be magic: new medicines coming from a successful and rewarding work environment where people do their best work, advance and find professional accomplishment all while enabling patients to gain access to better medicines. There is no better or humanistically ideal environment in which to work.”

Terry Rasmussen, President & CEO at Thrivent

Nominated by Jasmine Jirele, Allianz Life Insurance Company

Honored Social Capital business leader Jasmine Jirele, some of whose Social Capital creds we spotlighted in March 2025 in Five CEOs Who Respect Families at Work Explain Why, June 2025 in The Well-Being Wake-Up Call: Work Burnout Is at DEFCON ONE! and September 2025 in Business Can Be the Ultimate American Community Organizer, shared the following with us when she nominated Terry Rasmussen:

“Terry Rasmussen, president and chief executive officer of Thrivent Financial, is a leader worthy of recognition for her dedication to driving change to make the world a better place. Terry is a respected business leader in both the financial services and Twin Cities communities who is well-known for commitment to giving back. Terry ‘walks the walk’ via her personal efforts to give back through volunteerism and mentoring. She models these values and helps Thrivent leverage its success to make a positive impact in the lives of many people nationwide.”

Terry shared with us why she sees people as the point of profit and how she has worked to integrate that into how she does business: 

“At Thrivent, we embody the ‘people are the point of profit’ ethos as one of the original purpose-driven companies. For us, value is ultimately created in human relationships — between clients and advisors, teammates and communities. When we prioritize trust, transparency and inclusion, performance follows. And our purpose — to empower lives of service and faith — keeps us grounded in that truth.

“We integrate this belief into how we do business every day. Our advisors lead with purpose‑based advice that begins with clients’ priorities and values, not product sales. We treat money as a tool, not a goal, and create financial plans together that reflect what matters most and endure over time. We prioritize long‑term client outcomes, invest in advisor coaching and education, and measure success by the quality and durability of relationships.

“Inside Thrivent, our culture reflects the same commitment. Our values — empathy, authenticity, commitment, gratitude and impact — shape decisions, development and recognition. We offer our team members growth opportunities, well‑being support and flexible ways of working so they can bring their best to those we serve. And we extend this people‑first mindset to our communities through volunteerism and charitable partnerships that strengthen the places our clients and colleagues call home.

“Thrivent was born when neighbors came together to insure one another. That legacy guides us still: When we faithfully put people first, we create enduring value for clients, teammates and society — and the profits required to sustain and expand that good work that we’ve already done for more than 120 years.”

Kyle Samuels, Founder & CEO at Creative Talent Endeavors

Nominated by Karla Trotman, President & CEO of Electro Soft Inc.

Honored Social Capital business leader Karla Trotman, some of whose Social Capital creds we spotlighted in June 2025 in The Well-Being Wake-Up Call: Work Burnout Is at DEFCON ONE!, shared the following with us when she nominated Kyle Samuels:

“Kyle Samuels is the founder and CEO of Creative Talent Endeavors, a two-time Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company redefining executive search through data, equity and human connection. A pancreatic cancer survivor, Kyle has transformed his recovery into a mission to help organizations lead with empathy and impact. Under his leadership, CTE has become a trusted partner to Fortune 500 and growth-stage companies seeking authentic, people-centered leadership. He also created Fairantee™, an AI-powered pricing platform bringing fairness and transparency to the search industry — embodying his belief that purpose and profit should always align.”

Kyle shared with us why he sees people as the point of profit and how he has worked to integrate that into how he does business: 

“At Creative Talent Endeavors, we’ve always believed that profits are the result of people thriving — not the other way around. Our firm exists to help organizations make better leadership decisions, and that begins with understanding people deeply: what motivates them, what they value, and how to create conditions where they can excel.

“When I founded CTE, I made a deliberate choice to build a company where empathy, equity and accountability are inseparable from performance. ‘People-first’ isn’t a slogan for us — it’s the business model. Every client engagement, hiring process and product we design, including our value-based pricing platform Fairantee™, is built on aligning value creation with fairness and human impact. When leaders invest in people — through trust, transparency and opportunity — profitability follows naturally and sustainably.

“In short, we see people not as a cost to be managed but as the ultimate driver of long-term value. That belief has guided every decision we’ve made and every success we’ve achieved.”

Vanessa Best, Founder & CEO at Precision HealthCare Consultants

Nominated by Karla Trotman, President & CEO of Electro Soft Inc.

Karla also believes Vanessa Best deserves recognition as a Social Capital leader, telling us:

“Vanessa Best, CEO of Precision HealthCare Consultants, exemplifies people-centered leadership by building a global health-equity company that prioritizes impact over profit. Her work transforms access to care for underserved populations across 39 states, 11 countries, and 3 continents — while mentoring the next generation of diverse professionals. Vanessa’s philosophy of /people first, profit follows’ drives every aspect of her business, from empowering employees to advancing inclusive clinical research and community health outcomes.”

Vanessa shared with us why she sees people as the point of profit and how she has worked to integrate that into how she does business: 

“I’m truly humbled to be recognized among leaders who share a belief that people are the foundation of every sustainable success.

“At Precision HealthCare Consultants, I’ve always believed that people are the point of profit because purpose, compassion and trust create the kind of culture that drives performance and innovation. Our business was built by listening — to employees, patients, clients and communities — and ensuring every voice is valued. That focus has allowed us to grow from a single-person consultancy into a global health-equity company serving 39 states, 11 countries, and 3 continents.

“We integrate this philosophy in tangible ways: through workforce development for underrepresented youth; global mentorship programs; and health-equity initiatives that center on inclusion, respect and shared prosperity. Our team also partners with homeless shelters and local libraries, in collaboration with Community Health Centers, to provide free wellness sessions and community education in healthcare desserts — extending care and compassion beyond traditional healthcare settings.

“When our people thrive, our partners and the communities we serve thrive — and that’s where true impact and profitability intersect.”

Dr. Paula Anderson, President & CEO at PACE Consulting

Nominated by Karla Trotman, President & CEO of Electro Soft Inc.

Karla sees Dr. Paula Anderson as another leader who exemplifies what it means to be a Social Capital leader:

“Dr. Anderson exemplifies what it means to lead with genuine care for her team’s well-being and professional growth.

“As CEO of PACE, Dr. Anderson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating a workplace culture built on psychological safety. She openly acknowledges that leadership is a continuous journey of learning, yet her sincere belief that people are the heartbeat and driving force behind organizational success sets her apart. Dr. Anderson has cultivated an environment where every team member feels empowered to share ideas, voice concerns and propose improvements without fear of negative consequences.

“In today’s workplace climate, where speaking up can feel risky, Dr. Anderson views fostering psychological safety not merely as a leadership preference but as a fundamental responsibility. Her approach has proven that when people feel genuinely valued and heard, both individuals and the organization flourish. Through her leadership, Dr. Anderson has shown that prioritizing people isn’t just good ethics — it’s essential to sustainable success.

“Dr. Paula Anderson’s dedication to people-centric leadership makes her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.”

Dr. Anderson shared with us why she sees people as the point of profit and how she has worked to integrate that into how she does business: 

“At PACE Consulting, we firmly believe that people are our greatest asset. Our work in mental wellness and organizational development is inherently people-centered; our services not only strengthen businesses and teams but also transform and save lives. This kind of impact is only possible through passionate, purpose-driven individuals.

“We view profit not as the goal but as the outcome of meaningful work led by dedicated professionals. Our team’s well-being is central to our success. That’s why we prioritize wellness check-ins, foster open and attentive communication, and cultivate a psychologically safe environment where every voice is valued.

“By investing in our people, we amplify our impact, which in turn drives sustainable growth. At PACE, people aren’t just part of the business; they are the reason it thrives.”

Tina Rogers Brown, President and Co-Founder at Vector Holding Group

Nominated by Karla Trotman, President & CEO of Electro Soft Inc.

And Karla nominated Tina Rogers Brown as another leader who exemplifies what it means to be a Social Capital leader:

“Tina Brown is the president and co-founder of Vector Holding Group, where she leads with a profound commitment to transformation and human-centered leadership. Her passion lies in breathing new life into organizations, people, culture and products by awakening the spirit within, uncovering full potential and inspiring meaningful change. Guided by the principle of ‘always leave things better than you found them,’ Tina has established humanism as the cornerstone of Vector’s mission and operations. Her leadership philosophy centers on recognizing and nurturing the inherent value in every individual and organization she encounters. Under Tina’s guidance, Vector Holding Group has distinguished itself through its unwavering commitment to placing people at the heart of business success, demonstrating that sustainable growth and human flourishing can — and should — go hand in hand.

“Tina Brown exemplifies leadership that transcends traditional business metrics, creating lasting positive impact through authentic connection, purposeful transformation and a steadfast dedication to making every interaction and intervention count.”

Tina shared with us why she sees people as the point of profit and how she has worked to integrate that into how she does business: 

“Profit creates a viable business, which serves all stakeholders well. When a business is truly viable, employees thrive, customers’ requirements are exceeded and investors receive strong returns. My experience is this virtuous cycle only works in a sustainable way when you put people first.

“Our people-centric approach shows up in concrete ways. Recently, a subcontractor approached us directly offering services at lower cost, which would have significantly increased our project profitability. While our contract didn’t prevent this, we declined out of respect for our 15-year relationship with our partner CEO. People-first means honoring relationships, not just transactions.

“We’ve also built a culture where our team genuinely feels valued through active communication, required one-on-ones and skip-level feedback. The result? Retention rates significantly higher than typical business “

“Through four business turnarounds in my career, I’ve learned that the fastest path to transformation isn’t cutting costs — it’s investing in people, building trust and creating cultures where everyone contributes their best work.”