Matt Ward

Founder of New Atenism an organization dedicated to uniting reason and religion. Author of "New Atenism A Reason Evolved Religion

After 40 years in the professional audio industry, Matt Ward reinvented himself as a philosopher and founder of a new religion for the modern age.

He calls it New Atenism: a Reason-Evolved Religion.

Beginning with Spinoza’s idea that God and Nature are one and the same — all that exists, revealed through reason — Ward weaves philosophy, science, psychology, and history into a practical vision for the age of knowledge.

His central claim is simple but radical: reason is the true source of human progress. It has extended lifespans, reduced suffering, expanded rights, and lifted billions from poverty. And its greatest power lies not in individual genius, but in collective refinement — the shared process of questioning, criticism, and improvement that builds reliable knowledge.

If progress is the blessing, reason is the spirit behind it.

New Atenism offers a way to keep the community, purpose, and aspiration of religion — without requiring belief in the supernatural.

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Emilia Smith

Founder and CEO of Evolve Ventures Technologies LLC, and host of the Evolve Ventures

Emilia’s journey into business and human optimization didn’t start in a boardroom. It started with adversity.

After experiencing chronic traumatic memory loss from ages 4 to 25, she made a decision early in life to see her neurodivergence not as a limitation, but as a strength. That choice shaped everything that followed.

Today, Emilia is the Founder and CEO of Evolve Ventures Technologies LLC and host of Evolve Ventures, a Top 200 global podcast focused on growth, leadership, and human optimization.

A serial entrepreneur since age 6, she has built and operated across startups, publicly traded companies, and nonprofits in industries ranging from neuroscience and biotechnology to real estate, aviation, and technology. Her work connects business performance with human behavior, helping leaders operate at a higher level.

As a neurodivergent leader and mental health advocate, Emilia helps entrepreneurs, executives, and teams build emotional intelligence, resilience, and sustainable success by blending neuroleadership, mental health, and technology.

She holds a background in International Business, Finance, and Developmental Psychology, and is currently pursuing her PsyD in Psychoneuroimmunology, with certifications in Trauma Recovery Coaching and Internal Family Systems.

Outside of work, she is a proud dog mom, nature lover, and someone who actively practices the growth she teaches every day.

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Andrea Gash

You Don't Bounce Back-You Rebuild Forward

Andrea Gash is a speaker, facilitator, career coach, and author who helps people navigate grief, identity shifts, and the moments when life doesn’t go as planned. She blends lived experience with practical tools to help individuals make sense of disruption and move forward with clarity and intention.

Andrea is the creator of the five-step Momentum Method, a framework that helps people name what broke, reconnect with who they are now, and rebuild a life that actually fits. Known as an Activation Speaker, she doesn’t just inspire reflection—she equips people to turn insight into action.

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