Our Story
Why We Built This
Most leaders have never been shown just how good they could feel. Not as a wellness aspiration — as a performance reality. We built OPTImind because we found that edge ourselves and couldn't stop wondering why nobody had an owner's manual for it. Why the most powerful performance tool every leader carries goes so deeply underaddressed in every coaching program, every leadership curriculum, every mindset course ever designed.
The body isn't the carrier of leadership. It's the foundation of it.
In a world where AI is redefining what work requires of people, human biological capacity — the ability to think clearly, create boldly, lead with energy and purpose — becomes the ultimate competitive advantage. OPTImind is the company helping leaders develop and sustain that edge.
From the Founder
The People Behind OPTImind Labs
The Human Edge isn't just what we teach. It's how we operate.
Helen Harrod Clark
Founder
Helen is the founder of OPTImind Labs and a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 10 years of experience in human performance optimization. Her work sits at the intersection of clinical physiology, performance science, and leadership — translating complex biological systems into practical tools that help leaders perform at their highest level.
As an endurance athlete and active researcher, Helen brings both clinical rigor and the lived experience of high performance to every engagement. Helen is driven by one question: what does the science actually say, and how do we translate it into daily life? Her ongoing work ensures that everything OPTImind delivers is grounded in the best available evidence — not trends, not guesswork.
Helen also founded Maine Strength Co. in Yarmouth, Maine — a performance-focused community gym built on the same body-first philosophy that drives OPTImind Labs.
She founded OPTImind Labs on the belief that the missing variable in most leadership programs isn’t strategy or mindset — it’s physiology.
Brian Beard
Visual Specialist
Brian brings over 30 years of experience in commercial and collegiate photography to OPTImind Labs, where he specializes in transforming complex ideas into visually compelling and easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Brian ensures that every program is not only engaging but also accessible to a diverse audience.
Passionate about showcasing the stories of artisans and small businesses, Brian views OPTImind Labs as a powerful resource for individuals and organizations alike. His work bridges the gap between evidence-based science and practical application, creating content that resonates with everyone—from corporations to entrepreneurs to high-achieving individuals striving for more.
Terry Johnson
Director of Strategy and Operations
Terry Johnson is an experienced business advisor and mentor specializing in small and medium-sized businesses. His expertise spans all facets of business, with particular emphasis on developing business leaders, building and testing business models, and driving innovation. He takes a systemic, functional approach to design, focused on delivering results efficiently and effectively.
Terry's current focus is helping growing companies transition to improved profitability and scale. Drawing on an extensive background in the semiconductor industry — including roles at Fairchild, National Semiconductor, and Texas Instruments — he brings a business process and systems perspective that aligns organizational and customer needs with the right methods and tools. His experience in design, general management, operations, project management, and workflow improvement has enabled him to lead large-scale projects, surface new business opportunities, and deliver meaningful operational enhancements.