Michaéla Schippers is a Professor of Behaviour and Performance Management at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. She holds a PhD from the Free University in Amsterdam and is the scientific director of the Erasmus Center of Study and Career Success. Dr. Schippers invented the GoalSetting Intervention and introduced the concept of “life crafting” to enhance performance and happiness. Her work has significantly improved student retention and success at RSM, impacting around 60,000 students.

She also developed the life-crafting chatbot Iki to support student well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Scientific Advisor for GoalStart, her expertise is a key asset to the organization. Her research interests span team performance, ikigai (purpose in life), social inclusion, and diversity. Dr. Schippers has published in top academic journals and developed courses like Positive Psychology and the Future of Work. She has been featured in media outlets such as CNN, New York Magazine, Oprah Magazine, and more.

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August Papadopoulos is the Interim CEO of GoalStart and Director of Impact and Engagement at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. In 2020, he recognized the transformative potential of RSM’s GoalSetting research and led efforts to expand its impact. Under his leadership, collaborations with educational institutions across the Netherlands and Greece were formed, where the GoalSetting methodology was rigorously tested and validated. These efforts, spanning secondary schools, vocational schools, and universities, positively impacted over 60,000 students.

August’s work contributed to both academic success and institutional recognition for RSM, leading to continuous improvements in the methodology's quality and usability. Now, through GoalStart, he aims to make a global impact by helping students and institutions succeed. August has also established Chartered Management Institute colleges in North Macedonia and developed disability centers for UK universities. He holds postgraduate degrees from Warwick Business School, the Chartered Management Institute, and the University of Liverpool.

Oliver Kirchner is an impact investor with a 20+ year international track-record as legal and business executive in the IT industry. He is well-known in the Swiss and European startup scene as lawyer, strategic advisor, board member and investor. His focus areas are technology startups and university spin-offs, in particular related to B2B SaaS, AI, LegalTech, Sustainability, Sports and EdTech.

Oliver studied law at the University of Tübingen in Germany, is a licensed attorney in Germany, and holds an LL.M. from the University of London. He is a certified data privacy expert (CIPP/E) and has completed executive programs at MIT Sloan and Imperial College London. He is a member of the Swiss ICT Investor Club and the German IT Lawyer’s Inhouse Association (DGRI), and regularly speaks at conferences and events.

He has led several EU research consortia with academic, industry, and government organizations focused on the implications of digitalization and strategies for digital innovation. His research centers on technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Secure Multiparty Computation.

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Andreas Alexiou currently serves as an Assistant Professor in Digital Strategy at TiSEM, Tilburg University (NL) and as a Senior Researcher at the Department of Management and Organization at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL). He specializes in topics related to Digital Transformation and Digital Innovation, and the philosophy of technology, particularly the ethics and the political dimensions of technology. His research has been published in journals like the Long Range Planning, R&D Management, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Technological Forecasting & Social Change and more.​

He has been involved in and led multiple EU research consortia involving academic, industry and government organizations interested in the implications of digitalization and how to strategize and organize around digital innovation. His research has been focusing on technologies such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Secure Multiparty Computation.

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With over a decade of experience in web development and technical leadership, Thanos Eleftherakos has cultivated a deep passion for technology, starting with his degree in Electrical Engineering. This academic foundation sparked his interest in the tech world, which he has since transformed into a dynamic and successful career. Over the years, Thanos has led and contributed to a broad spectrum of projects, ranging from IT consultancies to cutting-edge software houses, where he honed his skills in software development, architecture, and strategic implementation.

His hands-on experience spans across various sectors, but his true expertise lies within the fast-paced startup ecosystem. Thanos thrives in environments that demand agility and creativity, where his leadership and ability to adapt to rapid technological advancements have consistently delivered innovative, scalable solutions. Known for his forward-thinking mindset, he actively stays at the forefront of emerging technologies, applying the latest trends to create impactful, future-proof products. His leadership style fosters collaboration, driving teams toward success while maintaining a keen focus on both technical excellence and business growth.

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Lazaros is an ambitious and driven professional with a strong passion for marketing, data, design thinking, and emerging technology trends. His curiosity about how things work has inspired him to pursue new challenges from a young age, shaping his early career.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and a Master's degree in Strategic Product Design from the International Hellenic University.

Currently, he serves as Chief of Staff and CMO at GoalStart, where he leads marketing and operational strategies that drive growth and impact. His previous role as Senior Operations Manager at SSPV Capital, a pioneering venture firm, allowed him to work at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship, specializing in optimizing processes, resource allocation, and building strategic partnerships across various ventures.

With his experience in the startup ecosystem, combined with his background in marketing and design thinking, Lazaros significantly contributes to the growth and success of dynamic startups, helping shape the success stories of tomorrow in an ever-evolving landscape of creativity and disruption.