ABOUT US
Winning Pathway (a DBA of Project SPICES™ LLC) is a purpose-driven, socially conscious company that goes beyond leadership coaching. We dig deep, diagnose what’s really going wrong in organizations, and deliver transformational results that others can’t. Why? Because we use our Project SPICES™ Transformational Model™, a proprietary methodology built around the whole person — spiritual, physical, interpersonal, cognitive, emotional, and social.
We’re not the first place people call.
We’re the last stop when nothing else has worked — and we’re proud of it.
That said, if you're reading this, we’d like to be your first and last stop too. Because if you’ve got the right mindset, this might be the most meaningful sales role you’ve ever had. We don’t do check-the-box training. We don’t do quick fixes. We’re called in when nothing else has worked, and real change is overdue.
We work with senior leadership teams, executives, federal agencies, financial institutions, and organizations in transition — helping them identify deep-rooted issues, realign people and culture, and build healthy, high-performing systems.
Our work spans coaching, consulting, facilitation, advising, and fractional services, with offerings tailored for businesses navigating M&A, culture clashes, leadership, burnout, and flat-out chaos. If you’re looking to sell software or widgets, this isn’t it. If you’re looking to sell real solutions with heart, brains, and proof behind them — keep reading.
Why Winning Pathway?
During times of change, our strategies help organizations save millions — not just in costs, but in morale, retention, and performance. We optimize systems and strengthen cultures to help companies grow sustainably.
Winning Pathway (A Division of Project SPICES LLC) is a socially-conscious and purpose-driven company. Our mission is to increase productivity by developing a belonging culture for purpose-driven, socially conscious leaders through coaching, consulting, teaching, and more.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help leaders and organizations achieve purpose-driven profitability by aligning culture, leadership, and people.
Our Vision
Our mission is to help leaders and organizations achieve purpose-driven profitability by aligning culture, leadership, and people.
Drive Profitability with Winning Pathway’s Growth Strategy Experts
We help businesses accelerate performance, increase efficiency, and scale sustainably.
Companies
More than 20 years of experience working for and with financial institutions, Fortune 1000 companies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and other institutions.
Government
More than 20 years of Federal Government experience from Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Defense, Central Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, Housing and Urban Development.
Team Members
Dr. Sarai Koo
Executive MBA Candidate
Founder & Principal, Winning Pathway™ | CEO, Project SPICES LLC
Dr. Sarai Koo is a transformation strategist and former intelligence officer with more than twenty years of experience leading organizational and behavioral change across federal, corporate, and social sectors. Known to clients as “The Pivot Master,” she helps executives, government leaders, and high-growth organizations navigate complex transitions and culture realignment with measurable results.
Drawing on her background in the CIA and in national-level leadership development, Dr. Koo integrates behavioral science, emotional intelligence, and systems thinking to deliver lasting transformation. Her proprietary Project SPICES™ Transformational Model™ aligns six dimensions of human potential—spiritual, physical, interpersonal, cognitive, emotional, and social—to drive sustainable performance.
She has advised Fortune 1000 companies, senior defense officials, and educational leaders on organizational strategy, diversity and inclusion, and crisis-ready leadership. A frequent collaborator with top business schools and innovation councils, she brings both analytic rigor and human insight to every engagement.
Dr. Koo holds advanced degrees and executive certifications from Georgetown University, the International Coaching Federation, and Harvard-affiliated programs, and is completing her Executive MBA. Her mission through Winning Pathway™ is simple: help leaders create Transformation That Sticks™—where culture, purpose, and performance move in one direction.
Dani Hernandez, M.Ed.
Dani Hernandez leads initiatives promoting educational and business excellence, equity, and empowerment for students, families, and communities.
With over 10 years of experience, Dani has a proven track record of creating impactful programs for multilingual and multicultural learners, engaging diverse partners, and optimizing resources.
Holding a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, she is dedicated to advancing opportunities for diverse leaders, fostering family engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments, leveraging her skills in communication, collaboration, and technology.
John Pietro
John Pietro is a Marketing Executive, entrepreneur, and mentor. His professional career spans over 40 years as a Marketing Executive for Restaurant Chains like Wendy’s, Denny’s, and Bojangles Chicken.
John then switched to the Advertising Agency business working for a mid-sized agency, then the world’s largest Agency conglomerate names Omnicom, he worked on clients like Burger King, Denny’s and Union 76. He's famous for the "Where's the Beef" Wendy's commercial campaign.
At 51 years of age, John quit the corporate world and launched a small advertising agency in Orange County California called AMP. He built the business over the next 12 years by working with clients like Cinnabon, Coca Cola, El Pollo Loco, Baja Fresh and Aramark. He sold the business 12 years later and retired.
John has been married to his beautiful wife Anne for 47 years, has one son Michael and a granddaughter Elle. He is an avid sports fan and golfer.
John’s Best Advice to entrepreneurs is simple: “ Be Great at One Thing.”
Dr. George Taylor
Dr. George D. Taylor has extensive leadership and administrative experience in large institutions. His career spans significant roles where he has effectively managed complex operations, driven organizational growth, and implemented strategic initiatives.
Renowned for his ability to navigate and lead within large-scale organizations, Dr. Taylor leverages his comprehensive expertise to foster innovation, efficiency, and excellence across various institutional settings.
Dr. Greg Tanaka, J.D., MBA
Gregory K. Tanaka, Ph.D., JD and MBA, possesses a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge and experience spanning education, business, finance, law, culture, social sciences, and more.
Dr. Gregory Tanaka held numerous high caliber positions. In the State of Hawaii, he was the Cable Television Administrator (negotiated $2 billion franchise renewal), President of the International Saving and Loan, Deputy Public Defender and Appeals Chief, and Associate Dean at the University of Hawaii Richardson School of Law.
On the mainland, he served as the Chief Diversity Officer/Assistant to the President as well as the Associate Dean and Director of Minority Student Services (Loyola Marymount University). Further he was a Professor and Visiting Professor at various universities. He is the creator of INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION.
© 2025 Project SPICES LLC | Dr. Sarai Koo
Winning Pathway™ | Coaching Specialty™ | Leadership Coaching Channel
Transformation That Sticks™