Meet Our Team
How can we help?
If you have a question, or would like to find out more about our programs, get in touch.
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Founding Partner, Rhythm Catalyst
Mooresville, North Carolina
Chris Short is more than just a leader; he’s the heartbeat that keeps our mission-driven ecosystem in sync, ensuring that every step we take is intentional and aligned with our greater purpose. With over two decades of experience spanning Finance, Human Capital, and Technology, Chris has cultivated a unique ability to harmonize diverse elements, bringing a broad and seasoned perspective to every challenge he encounters.
Chris doesn’t just lead operations—he orchestrates them. He is the architect behind our Intentional Operating Systems (IOS), designing and implementing frameworks that do more than just function; they thrive. His work with clients goes beyond conventional consulting, as he collaborates closely to embed intentionality into the very fabric of their operations, enhancing well-being and fostering sustainable growth.
Chris’s journey is marked by a series of transformative roles that have shaped his visionary approach. At Pocket Network, a pioneering decentralized blockchain communications provider, Chris served as the Head of Delivery. There, he took on the monumental task of scaling agile operations from the ground up, supporting a Product and Engineering team of seventy and steering the company through a phase of rapid growth and maturity. His ability to bring rhythm and structure to a fast-paced environment was crucial in turning ambitious visions into reality.
Before his tenure at Pocket Network, Chris honed his expertise at Beeline, where he led enterprise-scale product delivery programs for SaaS products. His strategic thinking and deep understanding of agile methodologies allowed him to craft roadmaps that not only supported the organization’s long-term goals but also empowered teams to innovate and excel.
Chris Short is, in every sense, the Rhythm Pillar of IMPowerU—a leader who doesn’t just guide but empowers, ensuring that every beat of our operations resonates with purpose and drives us toward a more intentional, well-aligned future.
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Founding Partner, Well-Being Catalyst
Mooresville, North Carolina
Taylor Short is the compassionate force at the core of our mission, embodying the belief that true leadership is deeply rooted in well-being and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. As a former Division I athlete, Taylor brings the same passion and drive that fueled her collegiate lacrosse career into her role at IMPowerU, where the intersection of sports, wellness, and business defines her dynamic approach.
As a Founding Partner of IMPowerU, Taylor channels her extensive experience as a business owner and holistic consultant into fostering well-being in the business world. Her journey from the lacrosse field to the boardroom is a testament to her ability to translate athletic discipline into business success. She has owned and operated various wellness-focused businesses, including a lacrosse business, a yoga studio integrating cutting-edge well-being technologies, and a consulting practice centered on holistic principles. This diverse background underscores her commitment to holistic individual development and her unique ability to blend a sports mentality with a deep understanding of wellness.
Taylor’s academic achievements further enrich her approach. She holds a Bachelor’s in English from Davidson College and a Master’s in English from Wake Forest University, where her graduate studies in Disability Studies and the Evolution of Human Rights deepened her commitment to social justice and uplifting women. This academic foundation allows her to bridge the gap between corporate strategy and everyday life, advocating for a more inclusive and humane approach to business.
At IMPowerU, Taylor’s role as the Well-Being Catalyst extends beyond traditional leadership. She is the guardian of our collective well-being, ensuring that every decision, strategy, and action aligns with our values of integrity, respect, and intentionality. Her work with clients is rooted in a holistic approach to business development, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.
Taylor’s impact is woven into the very fabric of our organization. She has a unique ability to integrate well-being into every facet of leadership, ensuring that our people-first ethos is not just a guiding principle but a lived reality. Her work inspires us all to lead with intention, compassion, and a deep commitment to the greater good.
In Taylor, we find the heart and soul of IMPowerU’s leadership—a leader who understands that well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity, and that true leadership begins with the courage to care.
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Founding Partner, Vision Catalyst
St. Louis, Missouri
Jerry Thompson is the visionary force behind IMPowerU, a transformative platform designed to help businesses unlock their full potential. With over 25 years of experience as a Business and Digital Innovator and Operator, Jerry has cultivated a deep understanding of how to harmonize organizational vision with practical execution, driving impactful change across diverse industries.
As the Vision Catalyst at IMPowerU, Jerry’s mission is clear: to bring organizational vision to life by fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and compassionate connection. His journey to this role is a testament to his ability to see beyond the immediate and envision what’s possible. Jerry’s career highlights include his pivotal role as a Tax Principal at KPMG US, where he led the Value Chain Management group. In this capacity, he aligned organizational vision, mission, values, and strategy with efficient systems, processes, and structures, proving that visionary leadership is as much about execution as it is about inspiration.
Jerry’s shift from corporate leadership to personal and professional well-being was sparked by a recognition of the need for holistic support amidst rapid change. In 2017, he transitioned into health, life, and personal transformation coaching, bringing his strategic mindset and deep empathy to individuals navigating life’s complexities. This shift was not just a career change but a natural evolution of Jerry’s lifelong commitment to fostering growth and transformation.
In January 2022, Jerry founded IMPowerU, combining decades of experience as a consultant, in-house executive, and advocate for personal and professional well-being. Under his leadership, IMPowerU has become a beacon for organizations seeking to align their vision with meaningful action. Jerry’s unique ability to catalyze vision into reality is the driving force behind our platform’s success.
Jerry Thompson is not just a leader; he is the catalyst for change, inspiring those around him to embrace their potential and guiding organizations to achieve their most ambitious visions. At IMPowerU, Jerry’s influence is felt in every strategy, every decision, and every connection we foster, ensuring that our mission to empower businesses and individuals is realized in every endeavor.
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Founding Partner, Focus Catalyst
Arizona
Rob Vanderwerf is the strategic force driving IMPowerU’s mission to redefine organizational development through a holistic lens. With over 30 years of experience as a Business and Digital Innovator and Operator, Rob has an unparalleled ability to focus on what truly matters, navigating the complexities of business growth in dynamic environments shaped by continuous technological advancements and evolving values.
As the Focus Catalyst at IMPowerU, Rob’s expertise is the cornerstone of our approach to creating thriving organizations that are deeply invested in the realization of human potential. His rich history of serving Fortune 500 companies, mid-market enterprises, and start-ups across diverse industries has equipped him with a profound understanding of the intricate balance between strategy, business and product development, sales, technology, and operations.
Rob’s journey has always been about seeing the bigger picture while honing in on the critical details that drive success. As a founder of IMPowerU, he brings innovative solutions that transcend traditional consulting. His comprehensive approaches equip organizations with the tools, support, guidance, and mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of the connected economy. Under Rob’s leadership, the focus isn’t just on business growth but on fostering resourced individuals and cultivating a positive, thriving workplace culture.
At IMPowerU, Rob’s role as the Focus Catalyst ensures that every strategy is aligned with our mission to empower organizations and individuals alike. His ability to maintain clarity of vision while diving deep into the nuances of operational excellence is what sets IMPowerU apart as a transformative platform. Rob’s influence is embedded in every facet of our work, ensuring that our clients are not only equipped to succeed but are also positioned to lead with purpose and intentionality in a rapidly changing world.
Rob Vanderwerf is not just a leader; he is the focus that sharpens our collective efforts, guiding us to achieve impactful results and empowering organizations to thrive in the modern economy.
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Wellbeing & Marketing
West Coast, USA
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Internal Operations
St. Louis, Missouri