BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Please meet our Board of Directors

Michael Dauphinee – President 

Michael Dauphinee is a coach, consultant, speaker, author, and adventurer, tenaciously committed to helping people navigate the unknowns of work and life. A highly sought-after Clifton Strengths expert, Mike believes people drastically underestimate their abilities and the mark they can make on the world. And not just for their own good, but for the good of others.

Michael helps leaders navigate their greatest problems. After finishing undergrad, a stint working in juvenile drug rehab and six years with Hewlett-Packard convinced him he had to work for himself. Founding the Dauphinee Group in 2005, Michael became one of the world’s most sought-after strengths consultants, training and coaching at companies like Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Detroit Lions, The US Olympic Team, Upside Travel, Kaiser Permanente, Chick-fil-a and United Way Worldwide.

In 2010 Michael expanded into international development specializing in security, governance, and justice in fragile and conflict-affected environments. He currently coaches entrepreneurs, embassies, universities, and governments in Nigeria, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Afghanistan.

Inspired by his trek through Torres del Paine, in Chilean Patagonia, Michael founded Dauphinee Adventures in 2013. Clients have trekked hundreds of miles with him in Chile, Peru, and Nepal while wrestling with their most significant questions.

Always looking for ways to inspire others to navigate their lives courageously, Michael is a sought-after keynote speaker and shares daily inspiration online.

Richard Farris – Secretary
Richard Farris has 20+ years of professional experience in sales and a proven record of increasing company profits with industry-leading labels and start-up brands.  He works in conjunction with and has input on design, production, logistics, and finance.  As an International Sales Manager with extensive global travel, Richard possesses the ability to navigate easily through international markets, evaluate performance of competition and increase brand market share, and set and meet forecast for revenues and expenses.  With over 20 years in the action sports industry, he has developed extensive relations with distributors, athletes, and manufacturers.  Richard, who has been long-committed to the Next Up mission, serves as Secretary.

Andre Genovesi – Treasurer
Andre was born in Sᾶo Paulo, Brazil in 1980 and fell in love with skateboarding at the age of seven.  In 1996, he helped shape a skateboarding program for the Foundation for the Well Being of Minors in Brasil, where he would meet and inspire “Vina” with his vision to help juvenile delinquents become rehabilitated through the lessons learned in skateboarding.  In 1998, skateboarding opened the door for Andre to come to California, where he became a professional skateboarder in 2004. Andre’s background in sports and brand development, product placement, and marketing helped him to develop a successful career in the financial industry.  He is also a sought-after speaker throughout the United States on the subjects of business leadership, money concepts, and finance.  Andre has the vision and a proven track record to help at-risk youth.  He believes that a small positive opportunity is enough to change an entire life for the better.