Andrew McConnell

Alively

As the Co-Founder and CEO, I lead a groundbreaking initiative in "Healthspan," representing a new approach to enhancing and prolonging the quality of the years each of us have. Our mission is to empower individuals to enjoy more years that are more fulfilling by providing access to curated resources and guidance tailored to their unique journeys.

We are redefining the approach to thriving throughout life, addressing all key pillars, specifically: fitness, nutrition, sleep & recovery, mindset & stress management, and social connection & purpose.

Key facets of my role are:

•	Taking a Healthspan-Centric Approach: Creating a platform that supports all aspects of living with vitality. We understand that true well-being is multi-dimensional and encompasses all aspects of a fulfilling life.

•	Championing a Comprehensive Life Model: Promoting a nuanced understanding of a fulfilling life. Our company challenges conventional narratives, advocating for an approach that nurtures all aspects of an individual's life.

•	Developing a Collaborative Ecosystem: Actively seeking partnerships and collaborations aligned with our comprehensive vision. By bringing together experts from diverse domains, we aim to create a rich, multidisciplinary resource network for our users.

•	Fostering a Purpose-Driven Culture: A commitment to cultivating a culture where every team member thrives. I am deeply involved in identifying and attracting team members who are not just skilled but are genuinely driven to make a difference in the world of health and well-being.

While our work is currently in a phase of strategic development, our ambition is to redefine the landscape of well-being with a clear focus on Healthspan. We are not merely creating another new product or service; we are spearheading a movement toward a future where every individual can relish a longer, more vibrant, and fulfilling life.

Make every day Alively day.

Co-Founder and CEO

TravelNet Solutions

In my capacity as an Advisor to TravelNet Solutions post-acquisition of Rented, I have been instrumental in steering the seamless integration of Rented’s team and operations into the TravelNet framework. My role encompasses managing the transition process, ensuring continuity, and aligning the newly combined strengths of both entities to optimize overall performance and market impact.

Key aspects of my advisory role include:

•	Strategic Integration Management: Guided the strategic integration of Rented into TravelNet Solutions, focusing on harmonizing processes, cultures, and goals. My efforts have been pivotal in preserving the essence of Rented’s innovative approach while leveraging TravelNet’s resources and market presence to create a unified, stronger entity.

•	Corporate Development Support: Actively involved in corporate development activities, I provide insights and strategic guidance to support TravelNet’s growth and expansion plans. My role involves identifying opportunities, advising on potential partnerships, and contributing to strategic decision-making processes.

•	Strategic Initiatives and Advisory: Continuously engaged in advising on various strategic initiatives for TravelNet Solutions. My expertise in the short-term rental industry and experience in scaling businesses are instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and response to evolving market dynamics.

•	Industry Trends and Developments: As an industry expert, I keep a pulse on the latest trends and developments in the travel and short-term rental sectors. My advisory role includes providing TravelNet with foresight and strategic recommendations to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry landscape.

Serving as an Advisor to TravelNet Solutions allows me to leverage my experience and insights gained from founding and growing Rented, contributing to the broader vision and success of TravelNet in the evolving travel industry.

Advisor

Techstars

As a mentor for Techstars, I help guide and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly those dedicated to environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship. This program, a beacon of innovation and community impact, aligns with my passion for leveraging business as a catalyst for positive change.

Key contributions and program highlights include:

•	Empowering Entrepreneurs: I provide hands-on mentorship to startups, sharing insights from my extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business strategy. My focus is on helping these emerging leaders refine their business models, enhance their market strategies, and scale their operations sustainably.

•	Fostering Social Impact: The accelerator is committed to driving significant community impact through innovative solutions. I contribute to this mission by mentoring companies that are not just commercially viable but also socially responsible, aligning with Cox Enterprises' vision of using business as a force for good.

•	Access to Resources: A key aspect of the program is facilitating access to funding and critical resources. My role involves connecting startups with potential investors and industry experts, thereby opening doors to opportunities that can accelerate their growth and impact.

•	Building a Sustainable Future: By focusing on startups in the environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship sectors, the accelerator and my mentorship efforts contribute to creating a more sustainable and equitable future, aligning with global efforts to address pressing environmental and social challenges.

Volunteering as a mentor for Techstars Atlanta is an enriching experience that allows me to give back to the entrepreneurial community, fostering a new wave of businesses that prioritize both profit and purpose.

Mentor

Rented

As the founder of Rented, I spearheaded the development of a cutting-edge pricing engine and comprehensive managed services for the short-term rental industry. Our solutions were designed to optimize revenue for our clients, leveraging advanced analytics and market insights to deliver unparalleled financial returns.

Key achievements include:

•	Innovative Pricing Engine: Developed a state-of-the-art pricing engine that transformed the revenue management landscape in the short-term rental sector. This tool enabled clients to dynamically adjust pricing based on real-time market data, significantly boosting their profitability.

•	Managed Services Impact: Beyond the pricing engine, we provided comprehensive managed services that ensured maximum impact for our clients. Our approach combined strategic pricing with hands-on management, resulting in optimized operations and enhanced revenue streams.

•	Exceptional ROI for Clients: Our clients experienced a remarkable return on investment, with an average of $11 in net incremental new revenue for every $1 spent with us. This outstanding performance underscored the effectiveness of our pricing strategies and managed services.

•	Acquisition and Industry Expansion: In 2022, Rented was acquired by TravelNet Solutions, Inc., a strategic move that enabled us to better serve the enterprise tier of the short-term rental management industry. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in our journey, expanding our reach and reinforcing our position as an industry innovator.

Founding and leading Rented was a journey marked by technological innovation, strategic growth, and a relentless focus on client value. This experience solidified my expertise in developing and scaling high-impact solutions in the competitive short-term rental market.

CEO (acq. by TravelNet Solutions)

VacationFutures

As the founder of VacationFutures, I created the first and largest online marketplace tailored to pairing asset owners with professional managers for the short-term rental industry. This innovative platform revolutionized the way vacation rental homeowners connect with local professional vacation rental managers, streamlining the process and maximizing profitability for both parties.

Key achievements include:

•	Innovative Market Leadership: Developed and launched a groundbreaking marketplace model, filling a significant gap in the short-term rental industry. This platform provided an unprecedented solution, simplifying and enhancing the rental process for homeowners and managers alike.

•	Exponential Revenue Growth: Under my leadership, VacationFutures experienced a meteoric rise in revenue, doubling each month at its peak. Over a span of three years, we achieved a 51-fold increase in revenue, a testament to the platform's value proposition and market fit.

•	Industry Recognition and Rankings: Our rapid growth and innovative business model earned VacationFutures a prestigious spot as the second fastest-growing travel company in the Inc. 500 list. Additionally, we were honored as the fourth fastest-growing company of any kind in the Financial Times ranking of the Americas’ fastest-growing companies in 2021.

•	Impact on the Travel Industry: The success of VacationFutures not only demonstrated the viability of our unique marketplace but also set new standards in the short-term rental sector. Our approach provided a scalable, efficient, and profitable model for vacation rental management, contributing significantly to the evolution of the industry.

Founding and growing VacationFutures was a journey of entrepreneurial innovation, strategic execution, and industry leadership. This experience solidified my expertise in identifying market opportunities, creating disruptive business models, and scaling companies rapidly in competitive landscapes.

Founder & CEO

Axiom

In my role as Director, Solutions Design, I led the strategic development and implementation of outsourced legal solutions for a global clientele, primarily within the financial and energy sectors. My focus was on transforming the operational efficiency and performance of in-house legal teams through meticulously designed, bespoke solutions.

Key achievements include:

•	Strategic Diagnostics and Solution Design: Conducted comprehensive diagnostics of in-house legal teams to pinpoint strengths, gaps, and critical pain points. Collaborated closely with clients to tailor solutions that precisely addressed their unique business needs, ensuring alignment with their strategic objectives.

•	Revenue Growth and Business Expansion: Played a pivotal role in scaling the service line from $4 million to $20 million in revenue within its second year. This rapid growth was a testament to the effectiveness of the solutions provided and my ability to understand and meet the evolving needs of our clients.

•	Operational Excellence: Managed end-to-end processes for launching new outsourced teams, including recruitment, location procurement, and training. My hands-on approach ensured that each team was optimally positioned to deliver high-quality services from day one.

•	Project Management and Continuous Improvement: Oversaw the project management of Axiom’s outsourced teams, maintaining a focus on seamless operations and continuous efficiency enhancements. My leadership in this area ensured that our teams consistently delivered value, driving client satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships.

This role required a blend of strategic insight, operational acumen, and client-focused innovation. It was instrumental in solidifying my expertise in designing and implementing high-impact legal solutions for complex, global organizations.

Director, Solutions Design, Managed Services

McKinsey & Co.

As an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, I led diverse, cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact solutions to a global clientele, including some of the world's foremost corporations and government entities. My role centered on navigating the intricate nexus of strategy formulation and organizational design, ensuring that our clients' strategic visions were seamlessly translated into actionable, structured plans.

Key highlights of my tenure include:

•	Strategic Leadership: Spearheaded multifaceted projects, steering clients through critical transitions and transformations. My approach combined analytical rigor with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, enabling clients to achieve strategic alignment and operational excellence.

•	Global Perspective: Collaborated with an array of international clients, gaining unique insights into various industries and organizational cultures. This experience honed my ability to adapt strategies to diverse contexts, ensuring relevance and efficacy in different market environments.

•	Client Impact: Consistently delivered tailored solutions that addressed complex challenges at the intersection of strategy and structure. My focus on aligning organizational architecture with strategic objectives led to measurable improvements in efficiency, agility, and overall performance for our clients.

•	Team Development: Mentored and developed team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning. My commitment to nurturing talent resulted in high-performing teams capable of tackling the most demanding projects with creativity and precision.

This role at McKinsey & Company was instrumental in shaping my expertise in strategic consulting, reinforcing my ability to drive meaningful change in challenging and varied environments.

Engagement Manager

Ashe, Rafuse & Hill, LLP

Summer Associate

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP

Merrill Lynch

Summer Intern

I'm an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker dedicated to learning, and sharing that learning for the benefit of others. My journey is fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive to learn, grow, and execute innovative ideas.

With a track record of rapidly assimilating complex information and turning insights into action, I've successfully navigated multiple entrepreneurial ventures. My approach combines a deep commitment to health and well-being with a pragmatic, results-oriented mindset.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I'm a lifelong learner and an advocate for maintaining a dynamic equilibrium in health, family life, and personal growth. My mission is to inspire and empower others to achieve their best selves, both personally and professionally. 

Let's connect and explore how we can make a meaningful impact together.

Kimberly Afonso

The KA Consulting Group

𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗘𝗢𝘀, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖-𝗦𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀.

To schedule a call or learn more: www.thekaconsultinggroup.com

CEO and Founder at The KA Consulting Group

Forbes Business Council

Forbes Councils is an invitation-only community comprised of leading executives created in partnership with Forbes and expert community builders. In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. Members are selected based on the depth and diversity of their experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.

Official Member

I’m the CEO and founder of The KA Consulting Group. We’re an award-winning global consulting agency that specializes in thought leadership strategies and execution for CEOs, Founders, Executive Suites, and Corporate Teams.

I founded the KA Consulting Group to fit a need in the market for amplified end-to-end management of executives' communications. We help industry leaders to generate more visibility by doing the heavy lifting in curating their thought leadership content, maintaining presence, and creating engagement.

We believe in becoming an extension of our client’s existing office and executing complementary efforts that fit their specific goals — all while their communications are active and up-to-date with minimal effort.

Our team of experts develops positioning strategies and harvests content ideas to ensure our clients have an authentic voice on the most influential digital media platforms.

Our services include:
• Thought Leadership Strategy
• Executive Communications
• Executive Positioning
• Corporate Strategy
• C-Suite Visibility 
• Employee Engagement
• Content Strategy and Creation
• Online Profile Management  (LinkedIn, Forbes, Fast Company, Wikipedia) 

I’m incredibly proud of our recognitions and accomplishments, including being awarded as a Top 30 B2B Marketing Agency in 2021, a Top 6 Personal Branding Expert to Watch in 2022, and a Top Thought Leadership Agency in 2023.

Interested in getting started with your Thought Leadership strategy?

Contact me for a consultation call with our team.
https://www.thekaconsultinggroup.com/contact

We position CEOs, Founders, and C-Suite executives as industry thought leaders through best-in-class online profiles and thought-provoking content.

To schedule a call or learn more: www.thekaconsultinggroup.com

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Andrew McConnell

Kimberly Afonso

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