John L. Heithaus

My perspective is shaped by time spent in 5 successful startup exits, 25+ years as an executive in the service industry and corporate environments, and the music business as co-owner of a Grammy winning record label —three worlds that teach very different lessons about risk, creativity, people management, and execution. I’ve built from scratch, worked inside large systems, and created in industries where attention is earned, not assumed. Startups taught me speed and survival. Corporate life taught me how power, process, and incentives really work. The music business taught me how to connect with an audience—and why authenticity can’t be faked. My talks focus on innovation, branding, and human behavior, with an emphasis on decision-making under pressure and creativity within real constraints. I don’t offer hype or formulas. I offer perspective, pattern recognition, and practical insight for people building, leading, or rethinking what comes next.