Pennsylvania, US, 29th September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, CEO Coaching International, a premier executive coaching firm for growth-focused CEOs and entrepreneurs worldwide, today proudly announced that Greg Coticchia has joined its ranks as a Partner and Coach. This strategic addition brings a unique blend of executive leadership, deep expertise in product innovation, and a profound academic background to the firm’s roster of elite coaches. Coticchia’s distinguished career as a six-time CEO and two-time COO, alongside his status as an award-winning entrepreneur, professor, and author, provides him with an unparalleled perspective on scaling businesses and achieving extraordinary results. His move to CEO Coaching International marks the next chapter of his career, one dedicated to sharing the wisdom and strategic insights he has accumulated over three decades of building companies from the ground up.

Coticchia’s professional trajectory is a powerful narrative of transformational leadership. As the former CEO of Sopheon, a publicly held global company, he was instrumental in its successful pivot from a traditional, consulting-centric service provider into a modern, SaaS cloud-native powerhouse. This strategic shift not only modernized the company’s offerings but also unlocked new avenues for explosive growth and market leadership. Coticchia’s tenure culminated in a highly successful exit to the private equity firm Resurgens Technology. This experience cemented his reputation as a “hired gun” CEO, a leader capable of driving monumental change and building enduring value in complex corporate environments. His track record of turning organizations around and positioning them for significant exits is a powerful testament to his strategic acumen and operational excellence.

The Art of Innovation and New Product Commercialization

Driving innovation and new product commercialization is a powerful skill every company must master, and Greg Coticchia has done so repeatedly throughout his career. He has actively participated in fourteen startups, successfully founding four of them, and has served as an executive in organizations ranging in size from early-stage ventures to those with revenues exceeding $1 billion. This breadth of experience gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise at every stage of a company’s lifecycle. Over the course of his career, he has been responsible for the launch of over one hundred products and solutions and has been a key player in more than seventeen mergers and acquisitions. He has also successfully raised over $73 million in venture capital, a testament to his ability to secure the necessary resources to fuel ambitious growth.

“Every CEO faces the issues of growing and differentiating their business,” Coticchia said. “With decades of success as a six-time CEO, executive mentor, and board member, I have helped businesses grow through product innovation and also been involved in reaping the benefits of these investments with multiple successful exits. I can help Make BIG Happen through this unique lens to drive business value.” This philosophy highlights his belief that true business value is created not just through operational efficiency, but through continuous, market-driven innovation. His ability to guide businesses through these critical phases makes him an invaluable resource for CEOs seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace.

From the Boardroom to the Classroom: A Legacy in Education

Beyond his impressive business achievements, Greg Coticchia has dedicated a significant part of his career to fostering the next generation of product and innovation leaders. He is widely recognized for creating and launching the world’s first Master’s Program in Product Management (MSPM) at Carnegie Mellon University, where he also served as its founding executive director. This groundbreaking program established a formal academic pathway for a field that was, for decades, learned primarily on the job. His work in academia demonstrates a commitment to elevating the profession and providing aspiring innovators with the formal training and strategic perspective necessary for success.

In addition to his foundational work at Carnegie Mellon, Coticchia continues to share his expertise as a respected educator at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business, where he teaches several courses, including B2B marketing. His passion for teaching and mentorship provides him with a unique perspective that he now brings to his coaching practice. This dual role as both a hands-on executive and an academic thought leader enables him to guide clients not only with a wealth of real-world experience but also with a structured, pedagogical approach to problem-solving. It is this rare combination that makes his coaching so comprehensive and effective.

The Next Chapter: Making a BIG Impact

Greg Coticchia‘s decision to join CEO Coaching International is a direct reflection of his passion for helping other leaders succeed. He joins a global team of former CEOs, presidents, and executives who have all “Made BIG Happen” in their own careers. CEO Coaching International is known globally for its success in coaching growth-focused entrepreneurs to meaningful exits. The firm has coached more than 3,000 CEOs and entrepreneurs in more than 60 countries and 45 industries. The firm’s coaches have led double-digit sales and profit growth in businesses ranging from startups to over $10 billion, and many are founders that have led their companies through successful eight, nine, and ten-figure exits.

“Greg comes to us with decades of unique experience in founding, leading, driving extraordinary growth, and scaling companies from startups to billion-dollar industry giants,” said Mark Moses, CEO and Founding Partner of CEO Coaching International. “I am thrilled to welcome Greg to our team and look forward to seeing him apply his expansive knowledge and experience towards coaching other CEOs and helping them achieve BIG goals.” This endorsement from the firm’s founder speaks volumes about the value Coticchia is expected to bring to his clients. He is perfectly positioned to help CEOs navigate the complexities of product development, market differentiation, and strategic growth.

Accolades and Professional Recognitions

Throughout his career, Coticchia has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. He was named a finalist three times for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and for the Tech 50 CEO of the Year. The University of Pittsburgh, his alma mater, honored him twice as a Distinguished Graduate, from both the Katz School of Business and the Swanson School of Engineering. Coticchia holds an MBA and a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and has earned certificates in Entrepreneurial Management from Carnegie Mellon University and Professional Coaching from Duquesne University. His book, “Start Your Startup Right,” is available on Amazon and provides a clear guide for new entrepreneurs.

About CEO Coaching International

CEO Coaching International works with CEOs and their leadership teams to achieve extraordinary results quarter after quarter, year after year. Known globally for its success in coaching growth-focused entrepreneurs to meaningful exits, CEO Coaching International has coached more than 3,000 CEOs and entrepreneurs in more than 60 countries and 45 industries. Companies working with CEO Coaching International for two years or more have experienced an average revenue CAGR of 31% (2.6X the U.S. average) and an average EBITDA CAGR of 52.3% (more than 5X the U.S. average).

To schedule a complimentary introduction call with Greg Coticchia or another one of the CEO Coaching International coaches, visit: https://ceocoachinginternational.com/coach/greg-coticchia/.

Santa Clara, CA, 29th September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly powerful force in marketing, strategist Faranak Firozan is issuing a clear warning to the industry: while AI is an invaluable tool for efficiency, brands are making a dangerous and costly mistake by allowing it to replace human creative teams. In a new release, she argues that a reliance on AI for creative work poses significant ethical risks, particularly concerning issues of diversity, representation, and genuine cultural resonance.

Firozan’s perspective is a vital counterpoint to the hype surrounding AI in marketing. She acknowledges the immense potential of AI to automate tasks, analyze data, and optimize campaigns. However, she firmly believes that the soul of a brand—its ability to tell a compelling story and connect on a human level—is something that an algorithm simply cannot replicate.

The Rise of the Algorithmic Creative

The allure of AI in the creative process is undeniable. It promises to deliver content at scale, to hyper-personalize messaging, and to produce thousands of variations of an ad in seconds. For many brands, the cost savings and speed are too tempting to ignore.

However, Firozan argues that this efficiency comes at a great cost. When brands use AI to generate creative work, they risk creating content that is sterile, predictable, and devoid of genuine human insight. It’s a process of optimization, not creation. The resulting creative work may be statistically perfect, but it will lack the spark of originality and the depth of lived experience that makes a brand truly memorable.

The true art of brand storytelling, she notes, lies in a human’s ability to tap into collective emotions, to understand subtle cultural shifts, and to craft a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar. These are qualities that require empathy, intuition, and a lifetime of human experience—things that AI, by its very nature, does not possess.

The Perils of Algorithmic Bias

Perhaps the most significant ethical risk of over-relying on AI for creative work is the issue of algorithmic bias. AI models are trained on vast datasets of existing content, which inevitably contain the biases and blind spots of their human creators. When an AI is tasked with generating images, text, or ideas, it often replicates and even amplifies these biases.

Faranak warns that this can lead to a homogenization of brand creative, where representation becomes a checkbox rather than a genuine, thoughtful effort. AI might default to stereotypical portrayals, exclude certain demographics, or fail to understand the nuances of cultural identity. A brand that relies on AI for its creative output risks alienating and misrepresenting the very audiences it is trying to reach.

The solution, she says, is not to ban AI, but to put humans in the driver’s seat. AI should be used as a brainstorming tool or a powerful assistant to human creative teams. It can help analyze trends or suggest ideas, but the final, ethical decisions about representation and messaging must be made by a diverse group of people with a broad range of experiences and perspectives.

When Efficiency Replaces Empathy

In the push for automation, Firozan sees a worrying trend: the de-prioritization of empathy in the creative process. Building a brand is, at its core, an act of empathy—it is about understanding and connecting with another person’s story. This requires a human touch, a willingness to listen, and the ability to find shared humanity in a world that is often divided.

AI, in contrast, operates on logic and data. It can tell you what resonates, but it cannot feel it. When a brand’s creative is driven purely by an algorithm, it may lose the ability to speak to people’s hearts. It becomes a machine-to-human communication, rather than a human-to-human one. This may drive short-term results, but it will never build the deep, emotional loyalty that defines a truly great brand.

Faranak emphasizes that the most successful brands of the future will be those that strike a balance between technology and humanity. They will use AI to streamline the tedious tasks of marketing, freeing up their human teams to focus on what matters most: storytelling, creativity, and empathy.

A New Framework for a Hybrid Future

To help her clients navigate this challenge, Faranak has outlined a framework for a “human-in-the-loop” creative process.

Ethical Guardrails: Establishing clear, human-led ethical guidelines for all AI-assisted creative work. This includes defining what data sets are used, how diverse representation will be ensured, and which human teams are responsible for final approvals.

Creative Co-Piloting: Training creative teams to use AI as a collaborator, not a replacement. AI can be used for ideation, audience research, and production efficiency, while the human team retains control over the narrative, tone, and ethical direction.

Investing in Human Talent: Reinvesting the savings from AI automation back into a diverse and talented creative team. This is a critical step. A brand that truly values authenticity and cultural nuance will invest in the people who can provide it.

Qualitative Feedback Loops: Implementing feedback systems that go beyond quantitative metrics. This involves conducting qualitative research, listening to community conversations, and engaging in dialogue to understand how creative work is truly resonating on an emotional and cultural level.

The Future Is Human

Ultimately, Faranak Firozan believes that the brands that win in the long run will be those that never forget the human element. The greatest brand stories are not a product of an algorithm; they are a reflection of shared human experience.

“AI can make your process faster, but it can’t make your brand feel more real,” says Faranak Firozan. “Authenticity is a human quality. The most effective use of AI is to give us back the time we need to focus on what only we can do: create with empathy, connect with courage, and build something truly meaningful.”

About Faranak Firozan

Faranak Firozan is a marketing strategist and brand consultant based in Santa Clara, California. With over 12 years of experience in consumer branding, digital strategy, and inclusive communications, she is known for helping companies build culturally fluent, emotionally intelligent campaigns rooted in authentic values. Through her firm, Firozan & Co., she works with organizations across sectors to integrate equity and inclusion into the creative and strategic foundations of their brands.

Media Contact

Faranak Firozan

Firozan & Co.

Email: firozan@faranakfirozan.com

Website: https://faranakfirozan.com/

The Wellness Center’s innovative thyroid and digestive health programs bring root-cause solutions, restoring balance, energy, and long-term wellness.

Georgia, US, 29th September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, South GA Center for Optimal Wellness, a leader in integrative and holistic healthcare, has announced the expansion of its specialized services with the introduction of advanced thyroid and digestive health programs. This expansion reflects the center’s commitment to addressing complex health concerns at their root and providing patients with comprehensive, individualized care that goes beyond traditional medicine.

The thyroid gland is one of the body’s most critical regulators, influencing metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being. When thyroid dysfunction arises, whether in the form of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, patients often struggle with fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood imbalances, and long-term health risks. The new thyroid program at South GA Center focuses on accurate diagnosis combined with targeted treatment plans that look past symptom management. Instead, the center’s practitioners emphasize identifying underlying triggers, such as nutrient deficiencies, stress, or autoimmune factors, to restore lasting hormonal balance.

In addition to thyroid health, the expanded services include a comprehensive digestive health program. Recognizing the gut as a cornerstone of overall wellness, South GA Center addresses issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, food intolerances, and inflammatory bowel conditions. The program combines advanced testing with holistic strategies to rebalance the gut microbiome and improve long-term digestive function, ultimately enhancing patients’ quality of life.

 “Too often, patients feel dismissed or stuck when they struggle with ongoing thyroid or digestive symptoms,” said a spokesperson for South GA Center for Optimal Wellness. “Our approach is different — we listen, we test thoroughly, and we create personalized strategies that restore vitality from the inside out.”

The expansion of these programs aligns with the center’s broader philosophy of treating the body as a connected system, where thyroid health, gut health, and overall well-being are interdependent. Patients can expect treatment plans that combine the best of advanced medical testing with nutrition, lifestyle modifications, pharmaceutical-grade nutraceuticals, and natural therapies. By providing patients with practical tools and ongoing support, South GA Center is setting a new standard for integrative healthcare in South Georgia.

Appointments for the advanced thyroid and digestive health programs are now available, with the center welcoming both new and returning patients who are ready to explore comprehensive solutions for their health concerns.

For more information about their thyroid and digestive health programs, refer to the details provided below.

About South GA Center for Optimal Wellness

South GA Center for Optimal Wellness is an integrative healthcare practice dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting wellness through personalized treatment and root-cause solutions. With specialties in bio-identical hormone balance, menopause management, environmental wellness, thyroid disorders, digestive health, and autoimmune conditions, the center combines advanced medical knowledge with holistic care. Its mission is to empower patients to reclaim their vitality, improve quality of life, and embrace long-term health.

Noel, Missouri, 29th September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Foundation Fifteen has announced a strategic partnership with local schools to expand suicide prevention and mental health awareness programs for students. This new initiative responds to the growing mental health crisis among teenagers and represents a unified effort to provide sustainable, community-centered solutions that put youth well-being first.

Research shows that teen stress, anxiety, and depression are on the rise, often going undetected until they reach crisis levels. For many schools, the lack of resources and staff training makes it difficult to meet these needs effectively. Foundation Fifteen’s partnership with schools will focus on filling those gaps through specialized training, community-based youth programs, and early intervention strategies.

Educators and administrators will gain access to professional development workshops designed to help them identify early warning signs of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Students will also benefit directly through age-appropriate workshops and classroom-based discussions, which will normalize conversations about mental health and reduce stigma.

“This partnership with local schools represents one of the most important steps forward in our mission to support youth,” said a company representative. “We know that schools are often the first line of defense in recognizing the early signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. By equipping educators with tools and connecting families to essential resources, we’re creating a community-wide safety net for vulnerable teens. This isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action. Together with our school partners, we’re ensuring that no young person feels invisible or without hope.”

This initiative will also connect students and families to mental health programs for young people, providing pathways to counseling, affordable therapy, and emotional support for struggling teens. By creating clear, accessible channels to professional care, Foundation Fifteen ensures that families no longer have to navigate the mental health system alone.

Foundation Fifteen believes that preventing youth suicide requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. By working directly with schools, the organization is creating a sustainable model of prevention that can adapt to the evolving needs of students. The long-term goal is to foster a network of schools, families, and providers working together to protect the well-being of young people.

The initiative comes at a critical time. National data highlights that nearly one in five teens experiences symptoms of anxiety or depression, and suicide remains a leading cause of death among adolescents. This partnership acknowledges those realities while offering concrete solutions designed to save lives.

About Foundation Fifteen

Foundation Fifteen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through community-based youth programs and expanding access to youth mental health support. The organization connects teens and families to affordable therapy, suicide prevention resources, and long-term emotional support. By collaborating with schools, families, and community partners, Foundation Fifteen builds pathways to resilience, hope, and healing for young people across Missouri.

Contact Information

Website: https://foundationfifteen.org/

Email Address: contact@foundationfifteen.org

NGKParts.com, a trusted auto parts store online, expands wholesale inventory of ignition and tune-up parts while introducing faster nationwide shipping to support retailers, repair shops, and independent mechanics.

Vernon, CA, 29th September 2025, ZEXPRWIRE, NGKParts.com, a leading wholesaler in the automotive aftermarket, has announced a significant expansion of its wholesale product catalog along with upgraded nationwide shipping solutions. Known for its extensive line of ignition and tune-up parts, the wholesaler is enhancing both availability and delivery speed to better serve distributors, repair professionals, and automotive businesses.

The expanded wholesale inventory includes a full selection of spark plugs, ignition wires, coils, and modules. With specialized parts such as Honda Accord, Audi A4, and Ford Mustang auto parts, NGKParts.com is meeting the growing need for accurate, high-quality components across a diverse range of vehicles. The wholesaler’s catalog now supports independent repair shops, retail outlets, and service centers with bulk purchasing options designed for efficiency and cost savings.

In addition to inventory growth, NGKParts.com has strengthened its logistics network, offering faster shipping timelines to customers across the United States. These improvements mean wholesalers and service professionals can reduce inventory gaps, minimize downtime, and meet customer demand more effectively.

A company representative shared the motivation behind these updates:

“As an online wholesaler, NGKParts.com understands the critical role of reliability and speed in the automotive supply chain. By expanding our catalog and upgrading our shipping, we’re equipping retailers, garages, and service professionals with the parts they need—whether it’s TR55 spark plugs, ignition coils, or modules—delivered with consistency and accuracy.”

The announcement reflects the broader industry trend toward wholesale e-commerce, where businesses prioritize a fast, reliable supply of critical auto parts. With its reputation as one of the best online auto parts stores, NGKParts.com continues to adapt to market demands, balancing volume supply with precision fulfillment.

The wholesaler’s product offering has grown to encompass major makes and models, supporting everything from domestic vehicles to imports. From Acura Integra and Audi A3 spark plugs to BMW X1 auto parts, NGKParts.com provides wholesale access to parts trusted by repair professionals nationwide. Its ability to serve both large-scale distributors and small independent workshops makes it a flexible and competitive resource in the automotive aftermarket.

The improvements are designed to support customers not only with product variety but also with streamlined operations. By combining bulk pricing advantages with enhanced logistics, NGKParts.com delivers a wholesale solution that reflects the evolving needs of today’s automotive businesses.

“This expansion reinforces our commitment to wholesale customers,” the company spokesperson added. “Repair shops, resellers, and retailers rely on us for timely access to accurate parts. With a broader catalog and faster delivery, NGKParts.com ensures businesses can continue serving their customers without interruption.”

About NGKParts.com

NGKParts.com is a leading online wholesaler of ignition and tune-up parts, supplying spark plugs, ignition wires, coils, and modules nationwide. Trusted by repair shops, distributors, and automotive businesses, NGKParts.com combines a comprehensive wholesale catalog with fast shipping to deliver reliable solutions for the automotive aftermarket industry.

Contact Information

Website: https://ngkparts.com/default.aspx