Sabbatical

Working on my doctoral dissertation and spending more time with my wife and kids

Sabbatical break to work on my doctoral dissertation

ShareBuilder 401k

•	Led Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Product, Finance, HR, Accounting, IT Infrastructure, & Facilities

•	Crafted a $200M acquisition of a competitor that has generated more than $25 million in profit

•	Drove M&A event from Capital One with an on-time closing, final price 50% under budget, & $3M in year 1 profit

•	Achieved more than 4X EBITDA/Net Income goal for fiscal 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023

•	Grew assets at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 35%

•	Piloted sales increases of more than 20% annually

•	Created a customer success organization that saw FinTech SaaS renewals at a 99% rate

•	Constructed handbooks, manuals, & plan documents in house saving over $2 million at startup

•	Vetted & contracted all vendors (Insurance, HRIS, Payroll, VPN, Security, Salesforce, Five9, Jira, Meraki, etc.)

•	Oversaw modernization of all technological systems savings of more than $3 million annually while leading to greater efficiency, risk mitigation, & business continuity

•	Distilled brand partnership efforts to concentrate on affinity, ISV, strategic, and influencer efforts to dive a 12% increase in partner leads and 12 new national partner agreements

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Capital One

•	Collaborated with 8 Director teams across 6 sites to create the rhythm of the business (ROB), resulting in improved execution alignment for 850+ associate stakeholders including Sales, Presales, Sales Operations, Partners, Marketing, Services, & Customer Success, 52% Y/Y pipeline growth, & an 11% reduction in account whitespace within 9 months

•	Directed cross-functional teams, bringing together small & mid-size (SMB) business customer data, expanding whitespace customer interaction opportunities by 30%, & driving an increase in SMB product penetration by 23%

•	Public relations media spokesperson for radio, TV, & events (SXSW, GROWCO, Dreamforce, etc.)

•	Grew revenue by 32% compounded annual growth rates (CAGR) over 8 consecutive years

•	Increased assets under management (AUM) by 35% CAGR over 8 consecutive years

•	Boosted customer acquisition by 18% CAGR over 8 consecutive years

Vice President, Business Strategy, Acquisition & Retention

•	Saved over $100M in annual spending by moving Capital One from 26 instances of Salesforce to 2 (Business & Consumer) while also increasing whitespace business customer opportunities by 47%

•	Mentored startup founders on business fundamentals, financial discipline, & the FinTech landscape as an advisor in Capital One Lab’s startup accelerator. Three advised companies generated $300 million in profit for COF

•	Delivered on aggressive sales growth of $500M & $750M Y/Y

Senior Director, Business Development & Retention

•	Led a cross-functional cohort to craft Capital One's first diversity, inclusion, & belonging mission (later DE&I)

•	Expanded external sales team to 6 regions capturing $1.5B in mid-market and enterprise accounts over 3 years resulting in $10M in new recurring annual revenue

•	Initiated business banking referral program including crafting all messaging, training, & program details to increase customer whitespace opportunities by 78%

Director, Sales & Customer Services

•	Pushed external sales team to 3 regions & captured $180M in new SMB & enterprise sales in the first 12 months
 
•	Began managing call center customer service teams, quickly solving customer issues & driving an increase in Net Promoter Score (NPS) from +11 to +42 over 12 months

•	Created a Fee Fighters superhero campaign (piggybacking on the superhero movie craze) where employers & employees could receive social badges by uploading newly legislated fee disclosure documents increasing upmarket leads by 29

Senior Manager, Sales & Customer Service

•	Initiated & led a multi-year partnership with Costco resulting in a 57% annual increase in sales

•	Established external sales role to push "upmarket” resulting in the company's first $1M, $2M, $5M, & $10M sales

•	Segmented sales roles by customer type & associate experience creating 5 sales roles & 8 customer archetypes resulting in sales gains of 13% Y/Y & increased revenue of 26%

•	Led partnership acquisition strategy (affiliate, affinity, cross-marketing, distribution, influencer, ISV, strategic, referral, & white label) resulting in 47 agreements in the first 12 months and a 27% increase in qualified leads

•	Launched a reseller program, collaborating with external firms as authorized resellers to increase product reach resulting in a sales boost of 19%

Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing

•	Refined sales process & technique to increase sales by 234% in 12 months

•	Crafted dynamic customer journeys resulting in a 94% conversion increase & a 56% gain in sales Y/Y

•	Reformed product marketing messaging & voice driving a 187% increase in leads, 119% increase in opportunity creation, & a 62% increase in sales Y/Y

Manager, Sales & Marketing

AutoNation

•	Built, optimized, & refined sales processes & engagement framework for internet sales departments across multiple regions & then nationwide, reducing engagement time from days to minutes, resulting in sales increases of 387%

•	Designed & deployed Microsoft Dynamics, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), increasing revenue by 7% & earnings by 15%

•	Led product team that evaluated paper processes for digitization, eliminated $30M in annual spending, & increased on-time financial EOM close by 26%

•	Developed positioning, messaging, & campaign materials to propel AutoNation's $21 billion revenue, including messaging, pitch decks, creative, & datasheets.

Director, Sales Process & Operations

Younger Kitchens

Founder/Owner

People Leader | COO | CRO | CEO | Creating Efficiency | Accelerating Growth & Revenue | Satisfying Customers | Change Management | GTM Strategy | Fintech | Capital One | ING | AutoNation | Founder

An inclusive hands-on executive focused on finding talented people, optimizing processes, and disrupting markets with winning strategies. This is an approach that has equaled 20 years of explosive sales growth, brand-loving customers, and huge increases in revenue and earnings. Always examining challenges with a creative entrepreneurial approach while also applying business fundamentals through a rigorous financial lens. Utilizing Organizational Change and Leadership expertise acquired through doctoral studies at the University of Southern California to achieve impactful and lasting change!

Known for:

✓ Ability to Get Things Done
    • Always Meeting Deadlines & Quota
    • Providing Targeted Problem-Solving
    • Influencing Cross-Functionally Throughout Organizations

✓ Leading Initiatives that Spark Significant Gains in: 
    • Efficiency
    • Productivity
    • Operational Effectiveness

✓ Leveraging Interpersonal Acumen & Superior Communications Skills to Establish Relationships of Trust that Drive Growth & Exceed Objectives

✓ Bringing Extensive Enterprise SaaS sales, Go-To-Market, Product Marketing, Business Development, Customer Success, Finance, Accounting, & Partnering Expertise to Ignite Transformational Growth

✓ Being an Intellectually Curious Problem-Solver who is Successful in Identifying & Overcoming Business Obstacles

✓ Creating Diverse & Inclusive Cross-Functional Cultures that Empower and Instill a Shared Vision – Aligned with Aggressive Business Objectives & Goals

✓ Managing by the Numbers by Directing the Creation of Ambitions, Concrete, & Aligned OKRs/KPIs to Create Action-Oriented Achievement

✓ Being an Excited Father, Dedicated Husband, Early Adopting Technology Enthusiast, Sports Junkie, Whiskey Connoisseur, Indulgent Epicurean, & Flawed, but Ever-Evolving Man

Specialties: Revenue Growth | Strategy | Profit Optimization | Go-To-Market Leadership | Technology Solution Innovation | Account Management | Growth Strategy | Major Project Management | Sales and Marketing | B2B | B2C | Multichannel | Executive Vision | Organizational Development | Business Turnaround | Customer Acquisition | Customer Retention | Operations | Operational Excellence | P&L | Strategic Planning | Tactical Execution | Digital Transformation | Global Go-to-Market Planning | GTM Leadership | Continuous Improvement | Customer Success Management | Process Engineering | Digital Channels | Brand Strategy | Team Building | Analytics | Business Development | Client Relations

Robert Younger

Tara LaFon Gooch, MBA

Best Branding Solutions, LLC.

We understand the challenges of building a strong online presence, gaining visibility, and building an impactful brand identity, which is why we offer a seamless integration of marketing and strategic branding services. As a growing 8(a) certified, woman-owned small business we are here to create an impact and help as many businesses as possible achieve incredible results.

We empower established entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers to achieve top 1% positioning in months, not years. 

We specialize in transforming 7-8 figure businesses through strategic branding that captivates audiences and elevates brand perception. Whether crafting a brand identity from scratch or rejuvenating an existing one, our meticulous strategies ensure a seamless process that enhances visibility, fosters connection, and drives long-term success.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀: 
“Tara's innovative approach to branding takes you beyond what you ever imagined was possible! After working on my speaking programs, marketing material, LinkedIn posts, and overall brand strategy I was able to increase my offering anywhere from 200-500%.”

-Edward E. Mosley, International Speaker & Executive Leadership Coach

Contact us today to embark on your journey to accelerated growth and long-term impact. Your audience is waiting – let's captivate them together!

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩:
"To expand potential by creating groundbreaking branding that sets our clients apart, inspires change, and creates impact within communities and individual lives."

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐔𝐬:
www.BestBranding.Solutions
Hello@BestBranding.Solutions
(704) 438-0762

Chief Executive Officer

GRASP Confidence Podcast

In a landscape where self-doubt frequently impedes personal and professional advancement, GRASP Confidence stands as your guiding light, delivering priceless insights, actionable strategies, and authentic anecdotes to fortify your journey toward unshakeable confidence.

Imagine a platform where top-tier experts in psychology, communication, business growth, leadership, and personal development converge to share their wisdom. Every week, our captivating episodes equip you with the tools to surmount obstacles, seize opportunities, and exude confidence across every facet of your life.

Our commitment to personal development is underscored by weekly interviews with global thought leaders. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspective, ensuring that each episode becomes a transformative experience. Picture gaining access to the minds of these trailblazers, absorbing their insights, and applying their strategies to your own life.

Our episodes are released bi-weekly, strategically geared to kickstart your empowerment journey with a dose of inspiration and transformation. Whether you're navigating challenges in your professional journey or seeking personal growth, our podcast provides the compass you need to navigate toward unwavering confidence.

Now, you may be wondering, what does GRASP stand for?

Gratitude 
Responsibility 
Action
Sight
Purpose

This 5-step method is aimed at transforming your life and empowering our listeners to dream BIGGER, live BETTER, and INSPIRE others. 

𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧:
GRASP Confidence Podcast is proudly sponsored by MELLANMÅL of Sweden, creators of RE:DO vegan protein bars. 🇸🇪 

Available on Spotify, Amazon/Audible, iHeart Radio, and Apple podcasts!

Podcast Host

Scared So What™ Ltd

We’ve created the world’s first bespoke Personal Change Model©—SCARED SO WHAT™. This pioneering model helps reduce stress, anxiety, and worry by teaching people to critically reflect on personal change—anytime, anywhere. People may accept, reject, or feel stuck in change. Most organizational models fail to include the individual in the change process.

SCARED focuses on feelings and guides informed decisions over assumptive ones. SO WHAT helps individuals create and execute their own action plans.

Together, they empower better reflection, decision-making, and reduced stress. In organizations, we recommend prioritizing individuals before launching any change plan. SCARED SO WHAT ensures they’re INCLUDED.

We go further—our model integrates Transformational Leadership to help leaders succeed daily, not just in change. We also offer executive 1:1 coaching.

SCARED SO WHAT is the missing link to successful personal and organizational change leadership.

Offering: Change Management Tech via our Personal Change PRO App, Instructor Certification, Online Courses, and full implementation support. Accredited by ITOL, CPD, and endorsed by The Oxford Review.

🌐 www.scaredsowhat.com

Sr. Partner

From Calling To Confidence

As the founder and retreat leader of From Calling to Confidence, I guide faith-driven women through a transformational journey of rest, realignment, and bold activation into their God-given purpose.

I curate an elevated, all-inclusive experience that blends spiritual depth with personal branding, visibility, and leadership development. Through intentional teaching, one-on-one guidance, and collaboration with guest speakers and facilitators, I help each woman gain clarity, confidence, and the tools to rise into her next level—with faith and authority.

From luxury accommodations and professional media coaching to powerful worship and healing moments, my role is to hold sacred space while equipping women to multiply their message, expand their influence, and walk boldly in their calling.

Retreat Leader & Visibility Strategist

TEDxSugar Creek Women

As a TEDx speaker coach and curator, I am honored to help thought leaders bring their ideas to life on one of the world’s most recognized stages. My role involves guiding speakers to refine their concepts, develop impactful narratives, and deliver presentations that captivate audiences while staying true to their unique voice.

I work closely with speakers to ensure their ideas are communicated clearly, authentically, and with maximum impact. By blending storytelling techniques with strategic coaching, I help individuals unlock their potential and deliver transformative talks that leave a lasting impression.

In addition to coaching, my responsibilities as a curator include identifying and selecting innovative, thought-provoking topics that align with the TEDx mission of spreading ideas worth sharing. This involves collaborating with teams to ensure every event showcases a diverse range of voices and perspectives that inspire, educate, and challenge the status quo.

With years of experience in leadership, branding, and storytelling, this role is a natural extension of my passion for empowering others to achieve their full potential. TEDx talks have the power to ignite change, and I am committed to helping speakers make their mark while contributing to meaningful conversations that shape the future.

Are you ready to step onto the TEDx stage and share your idea worth spreading? Learn more about our upcoming event at TEDxSugarCreekWomen. I look forward to seeing how your story can inspire change on a global level.

View our event page here:
https://www.tedxsugarcreekwomen.com

Speaker Coach & Curator

Talk Your Way To The Top Speaker Community

Are you ready to stop searching the internet for hours for conferences and events hiring speakers?

We developed a community to support speakers just like you who are ready to step on stage and be discovered.

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨:
1.) Provide lists of open conferences and events looking to hire speakers. (No more searching)

2.) Provide podcast guest opportunities. (No more visibility challenges)

3.) Provide editable branding and marketing materials. (No more guessing)

4.) Provide deep dives into strategy and teach speakers the business of speaking. (No more speaking for free)

5.) Provide advanced TEDx and LinkedIn courses to expand your brand and thought leadership on a global scale. (No more issues with reach)

6.) Support from a community of like-minded people who are cheering you on every step of the way. (No more being alone in your journey)

From crafting compelling brand strategies to securing prestigious speaking engagements, our community is your ultimate partner in success. Our team of seasoned professionals is committed to refining your speeches, honing your pitch techniques, strategizing your brand for continued success, and demystifying the business of speaking.

With our comprehensive resources and personalized guidance, you'll not only increase your reach and visibility but also save valuable time with our AI-powered training and development tools. Join us and unlock your full potential as a speaker, making a lasting impact on every stage you grace.

Join us today and embark on a transformative journey to unleash your full potential as a dynamic and influential speaker under expert guidance and support!

Founder & Community Leader

C-Suite for Christ

Member, Speakers Bureau

How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power

You were born confident, we all were. No baby has ever been born thinking that it is unworthy or underserving of its parents’ attention. Babies cry and are confident in their abilities to have their needs met. As toddlers, we learn how to walk, eat, talk, and do things independently; all of which work to build confidence within us. A toddler when learning how to walk does not fall and then assume they are not good at it or that they are a failure, the young child thinks nothing of the sort. They simply get back up and keep going. Even though they are beginners they do not believe they are failing, and they remain confident that eventually, they will understand how to walk, run, and even jump.

Gradually through life’s obstacles, perceived failures, hardships, and traumas, our confidence begins to dissipate and diminish with time. Confidence can begin to seem elusive and untouchable for many people as they enter adulthood and proceed in their careers. Sadly, a lack of confidence holds many people back in life, preventing them from tapping into their fullest potential and becoming successful. Throughout our lives, we face barriers that all work to lessen our confidence and it can be difficult to overcome for many people, especially for those who have lived through trauma. If left unchecked these past pains and traumas can work to lessen our confidence and hold us back in our lives and careers.

Even though confidence can begin to lessen over the course of our lives, it is possible to regain it. Ultimately, while some individuals may be naturally more confident than others, confidence is a skill that can be cultivated and developed through intentional effort and practice. My sincere hope is that this book helps anyone who is struggling with confidence realize that life begins the moment you step into the confident person you were always meant to be.

‣ Available on Amazon, grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!
https://www.amazon.com/author/taralafongooch

International Best-Selling Author

FOX Daily Post

As a Personal Development and Leadership Editor, I specialize in bringing leaders' stories to life across diverse industries. With a keen eye for impactful narratives and a passion for personal growth, I collaborate with leaders to articulate their journeys, insights, and strategies for success. Through compelling storytelling and thoughtful editing, I aim to inspire and empower audiences, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and leadership excellence. My role involves distilling complex ideas into accessible and engaging content, amplifying the voices of leaders, and providing valuable insights to readers seeking personal and professional development.

Personal Development & Leadership Editor

LionsHead Specialty Tire & Wheel, LLC

Managing annual revenue in excess of $20M while retaining and enhancing client and partner relationships was my top priority as a sales director. I led a distinguished career with repeated success in maximizing revenue in demanding corporate settings. I secured new business, and maintained current client relationships, ensuring collaboration to leverage organization’s bottom-line growth. As a seasoned sales director, I was highly instrumental in maximizing client satisfaction by delivering impeccable customer experience and providing leadership to coincide with core company values. Communication is one of my greatest strengths and it has helped me forge solid relationships with partners and build consensus across multiple organizational levels. 

Throughout my career, I managed customer communications and initiatives to improve customer service, satisfaction, and retention. My skill set of customer relationships and clearly understanding their needs and objectives, I facilitated exceptional levels of service and repeat business while extending strategic sales and marketing efforts to win new business. I am adept at coordinating both internal and external partners to ensure top-tier customer experience and satisfaction while maximizing efficiency, streamlining operations and increasing bottom line growth.

Sales Director- East Region

Regional Sales Manager

Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker, International Best-Selling Author | Elevating Businesses, Brands & Leadership Potential | 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙈𝙮 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

On a Mission to Help Thought Leaders Rise as Global Voices of Impact 🎤

In 2022, my life changed forever.
What once terrified me—speaking—became the spark that ignited my calling. That moment wasn’t just about finding my voice. It was about helping others discover theirs.

Today, I help thought leaders grow influential brands, land TEDx talks, and become global voices of transformation.

As a Forbes-featured entrepreneur, International TEDx Speaker, 2× Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, and Award-Winning Speaker, I’ve built a proven system to help speakers, consultants, and CEOs elevate their message and confidently lead movements that matter.

Whether you're launching a podcast, applying for TEDx, or building your authority in a crowded space, I bring both strategy and soul to your success.


What I Do:

• Help entrepreneurs + speakers become TEDx speakers

• Build magnetic brands that drive revenue to your business

• Land TV interviews and launch profitable podcasts

• Coach leaders using my GRASP™ Method (Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, Purpose)

• Host the globally ranked GRASP Confidence podcast


I believe confidence is a calling, not a personality trait and that leadership grounded in faith, strategy, and action can change the world.

From rural Maryland as the youngest child of five raised by a single mother to global stages, I’m proof that when you bet on yourself anything is possible.

My purpose is to help others rise in their God-given identity and pursue their callings with confidence. ❤️



𝘼𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 & 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩:
I deliver high-impact keynotes and workshops on leadership and personal growth, blending confidence with business strategies that create lasting transformation and success. 

𝘼𝙨 𝙖 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨:
I help thought leaders refine their messaging, position their brands for success, land TEDx talks, build global influence, and turn their stories into movements. My clients step onto world-class stages and lead businesses with clarity, purpose, and conviction.


Are you ready to elevate your impact, brand, leadership, and confidence? Let’s build something extraordinary together!


𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳: 
🎙️ Podcasting
📈 Marketing & Branding Options
🎤 Speaking Engagements & Workshops
🌍 Join My Global Speaker Community!

‣ My Website: www.TaraLaFonGooch.com
‣ Company Website: www.BestBranding.Solutions

taplio

The Battle

Robert Younger

Tara LaFon Gooch, MBA, CVP 🎤

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