For many, stepping away from a stable career into the unknown is terrifying. For Anthony Lane, it was the only path forward. After serving 22 years in the U.S. Navy, he faced a personal crossroads: stay within the security of a government career or take a leap into entrepreneurship. He chose the leap.

Now, as the founder of Connecting Lane, LLC, Anthony is on a mission to help others break through their own limitations and design lives filled with purpose, clarity, and confidence. But this journey wasn’t without its challenges.

From Military Service to Coaching

Anthony’s years in the Navy weren’t just about serving his country—they were about learning resilience, leadership, and adaptability. Over time, he realized that his greatest fulfillment came from mentoring and guiding fellow service members. When it was time to transition to civilian life, he experienced firsthand the struggles that come with redefining one’s identity outside of a structured environment. That experience fueled his passion for transformational coaching.

“I knew there were so many people out there—veterans, professionals, individuals feeling stuck—who needed guidance in rediscovering their purpose,” Anthony shares. “I wanted to be the one to help them navigate that journey.”

Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

Leaving a stable government position to start his own business wasn’t an easy decision. Friends and family questioned his choice, warning of financial risks and uncertainty. But Anthony trusted his intuition. He invested in personal growth, built a strong support network, and leaned into meditation, self-reflection, and continuous learning to stay on course.

His coaching philosophy centers on emotional mastery, mindset transformation, and strategic action. By helping clients break free from limiting beliefs, he empowers them to step into their full potential—whether they’re facing career transitions, personal struggles, or the challenge of simply feeling stuck.

A Vision for Impact

Through Connecting Lane, LLC, Anthony works with ambitious professionals—particularly women—who feel overwhelmed or lost. His coaching approach blends mindset strategies with real-world tools to help clients gain confidence, resilience, and direction. And he’s not stopping there.

Looking ahead to 2025, Anthony has bold goals:

• Help 500 individuals through his coaching programs
• Develop a life blueprint tool for personal transformation
• Expand into digital courses, group coaching, and immersive experiences using VR and AI

His vision? A global coaching brand that fosters personal growth, transformation, and emotional mastery.

More Than a Coach

Beyond his coaching business, Anthony is also a male model with Runway for a Cure DC, where he participates under Zaddies for a Cause to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. His commitment to service extends beyond personal coaching—it’s about making an impact wherever he can.

“I want to create a ripple effect,” Anthony says. “If I can help someone transform their life, they’ll go on to inspire others. That’s how real change happens.”

With his background in leadership, his unwavering dedication, and his heart for helping others, Anthony Lane isn’t just building a coaching business—he’s building a movement.

Connect with Anthony Lane

• Website: https://connectinglanellc.now.site/home
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anthonylane3

Rob Salafia has spent his life mastering the art of presence—both on stage and in the boardroom. A former performing artist turned executive coach, he now helps top talent navigate the corporate world and develop authentic executive presence. As the CEO of Protagonist Consulting Group and a lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, Rob brings a unique perspective to leadership development, blending theater methodologies with corporate training. In this interview, he shares insights on career transitions, leadership authenticity, and the evolving nature of executive coaching.

From the Stage to the Boardroom

Rob’s career has taken him across vastly different worlds. He spent 15 years in theater, traveling the globe as a tap dancer, wire walker, and storyteller. But at a pivotal moment, he transitioned from the performing arts into corporate training. This wasn’t just a career shift—it was a complete reinvention.

“I navigated two massive career transitions,” Rob shares. “It took deep self-reflection and the willingness to start over. But I was determined to take all of my skills and talents with me along the way.”

This mindset became the foundation of his work. Today, he helps professionals harness their strengths and show up as the best versions of themselves. “I help others bring the best parts of themselves and their personalities to their work,” he says. “To become genuine and authentic leaders that create environments where people and ideas can thrive.”

The Meaning of Resilience

For Rob, resilience isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life. Having been knocked down many times, he’s always found a way to get back up and move forward. His motivation? A quote from Picasso:

“The meaning of life is to discover your gifts. The purpose of life is to give them away (or put them to the best and highest use).”

“That’s what keeps me going,” he says. “I’ve faced setbacks, but my purpose remains the same—to help others grow, learn, and become better leaders.”

Adapting to Change in a Shifting Industry

The executive coaching landscape has changed significantly since Rob started, and he’s had to evolve with it. Before COVID, the majority of his work was in-person. Now, 90% of it is online. Instead of resisting the shift, he embraced it.

“I saw the change happening and adapted,” he explains. “Virtual learning actually solves a key problem—it helps sustain and reinforce new behaviors back in the workplace.”

His ability to pivot is a lesson in itself. Growth, both personal and professional, requires flexibility and an openness to change.

Creating Balance and Staying Grounded

Even in a fast-paced career, Rob prioritizes balance. His secret? Meditation and active energy work.

“I make these a part of my daily activities,” he says. “And I bring this awareness and these skills to everyone I work with.”

Self-care isn’t just personal for him—it’s woven into his coaching philosophy. Leaders who take care of themselves are better equipped to inspire and support others.

Breaking Through Limitations

One of the most rewarding parts of Rob’s work is witnessing transformation in others.

“Seeing someone break through their self-imposed limitations, learn, and grow—that’s the most fulfilling part of what I do,” he says.

Growth isn’t just about skills; it’s about shifting mindsets. Rob helps professionals step into their leadership potential by building confidence, refining their executive presence, and mastering the art of storytelling.

The Role of Inclusion in Leadership

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of his leadership philosophy.

“If we want to develop the best and most innovative ideas, we need to lean into differences,” he says. “That means creating a psychologically safe learning environment—one that is, by definition, inclusive.”

For Rob, leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about embracing individuality and fostering spaces where diverse perspectives can thrive.

Looking Ahead

At 70 years old, Rob is as energized as ever. His goal over the next five years is to continue building his brand and broadening his client base—so that his business can eventually run itself or be sold.

“I love what I do,” he says. “And as long as I can keep helping people grow into their best selves, I’ll keep going.”

Rob’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, resilience, and authenticity. From the theater stage to executive coaching, he’s taken every skill, every lesson, and every setback and turned them into something meaningful. And in doing so, he’s not just leading—he’s inspiring others to do the same.

Connect with Rob Salafia

• Website: www.protagonistconsulting.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robsalafia

Kenchen Bharwani didn’t just find a niche in the fashion industry—she built a movement. For over 17 years, she has been at the forefront of the off-price fashion world, proving that excess inventory isn’t waste; it’s potential waiting to be unlocked.

From Indonesia to New York, Kenchen’s journey is one of resilience, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusion. She consults for Empire Apparel LLC, where she connects surplus stock from manufacturers to retailers, ensuring that high-quality fashion remains accessible while reducing industry waste. But her mission goes beyond business—she’s also a champion for women in global supply chains, pushing for their recognition and leadership.

From Surplus to Strategy

Kenchen’s career started with a simple yet powerful realization: just because something is unsold doesn’t mean it’s worthless. She saw brands sitting on excess inventory due to canceled orders, overproduction, or minor imperfections—items that still had value. By stepping in as the bridge between manufacturers and retailers, she transformed a common industry problem into a profitable and sustainable solution.

Her work isn’t just about moving products; it’s about reshaping perceptions. Off-price fashion has long been seen as an afterthought, a way to offload goods at a loss. Kenchen is changing that narrative, proving that when done strategically, it’s a win-win for businesses, consumers, and the environment.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Success didn’t come easy. As a woman, a minority, and a newcomer in the competitive New York fashion scene, Kenchen faced skepticism at every turn. The industry’s top decision-makers were often men, and she had to fight for her place at the table.

But instead of backing down, she let her results speak for themselves—negotiating deals that saved brands millions, building global networks, and turning overlooked inventory into high-demand products. She immersed herself in international trade laws, market trends, and cultural nuances, ensuring she was always two steps ahead.

Empowering Women in Fashion Supply Chains

Kenchen’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. She is passionate about uplifting women in the industry, particularly those in production and supply chain roles who often go unrecognized. Whether advocating for fair wages, leadership opportunities, or ethical working conditions, she is determined to make fashion’s backbone—its workers—visible and valued.

Sustainability Meets Profitability

One of the biggest myths in fashion? That sustainability is expensive. Kenchen challenges this notion daily, proving that ethical sourcing and smart business strategies go hand in hand. By repurposing surplus inventory instead of discarding it, she reduces environmental impact while boosting profitability.

Through public speaking, media features, and industry mentorship, she’s inspiring brands to rethink their approach to inventory management. Her message is clear: fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful to be successful.

Lessons for the Next Generation

For those looking to break into the off-price fashion industry, Kenchen offers this advice:

• Think beyond trends. Understanding supply chains, negotiation, and global trade is just as important as knowing what’s “in” this season.
• Relationships matter. Trust is the currency of this business. Build strong networks and always operate with integrity.
• Adaptability is key. The industry moves fast, and opportunities don’t wait. Stay resourceful, keep learning, and be open to new strategies.
• Sustainability is the future. Consumers and retailers are demanding ethical solutions. The more you integrate sustainability into your work, the more relevant you’ll be.

The Future of Off-Price Fashion

Kenchen isn’t just participating in the off-price fashion industry—she’s shaping its future. She envisions a world where excess inventory is seen as an asset, not a burden, where quality fashion is accessible to all, and where women at every level of the supply chain receive the recognition they deserve.

Through her work, she’s proving that fashion can be profitable, sustainable, and inclusive all at once. And she’s just getting started.

Connect with Kenchen Bharwani

• Website: www.kenchenbharwani.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanchan.bharwani/
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kanchanbharwani
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanchanbharwani/?hl=en