Meet the Award-Winning Dream Team behind

CEO Performance Network

Brian OliverSmith, CEO &

Co-Founder

Brian has helped  entrepreneurs raise over 100m in early stage funding, most of it first money into the venture. He has successfully  coached thousands on funding their venture over the last 25 years and has also funded 3 of his own ventures, with one scaling globally to be sold to a public entity. He founded RaisEasy because he knows this is a common problem talented entrepreneurs face.

Sergey Safonov, CRO &

Co-Founder

Seasoned IT executive with over 20 years of experience driving IT management and operations, business process optimization, and organizational alignment. Skilled in marketing, sales, business development, and channel partner management across diverse sectors—including banking, telecom, retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Successfully built three companies and led strategic business development for Oracle, Cisco, IBM, and BMC. Holds an MBA from the University of Kingston.

Juana Paz Duranona

Director Marketing & Operations

Juana holds a Bachelor's in Public Relations & Communication (UADE) and a Digital Marketing certification (CoderHouse). She has led digital campaigns, coordinated teams, and driven brand growth through strategic and hands-on leadership. As Director of Marketing & Operations, Juana combines creativity, operational excellence, and a focus on scalable growth in dynamic start-up environments.

This team has

  • Built 7 companies to date (sold 1 to a public entity).
  • Held the CEO Position in 8 Companies (including a public entity)
  • Done business in 75 Countries
  • Won 8 Global Awards (Gartner, GSMA, Frost & Sullivan, Codie Award, US Export Award, Top 10 Technology Company (Georgia), plus.
  • Raised over $100m for their & other ventures.
  • Holds degrees in Masters in Business, Marketing, Organizational Psychology, plus certifications in Executive Coaching & Emotional Intelligence.
  • Led Strategic Projects with Cisco, IBM, Oracle, BMC, Vault Technologies, and guided 100s more.
  • Speaks 4 languages fluently.
  • Has developed sales & channel development in technology (including Ai), banking, telecom, mobile, publishing, manufacturing, ecommerce, Cybersecurity, education, manufacturing & more.
  • Has presented globally over 700 times.

 "The leaders at CEO Performance Network unleash the greatness in the people around them.” Ryan.S

"CEO Performance Network advised us in raising 1.2 million within 4 months time, in the middle of a pandemic!" W. N. (CEO)

"CEO Performance Network pulled forth a strategy that led to a 3m expansion and 2 new partnerships." - Ian H.

The team at CPN also owns and operates our subsidiary RaisEasy