AFN Expands Leadership Platform Through Strategic Partnership

At AFN, we believe your network is the answer, and that leadership flourishes when great minds connect. Our new partnership with Sixth Wing brings that belief to life in a bold new way. By combining AFN’s global CEO network and Kinetic Path’s deep expertise in human dynamics with Sixth Wing’s transformative coaching, we are delivering an integrated platform that equips leaders with the insight, tools, and community they need to meet today’s challenges and shape tomorrow’s opportunities.

Read the press release to learn more about how this partnership is shaping the future of leadership. Media Contact:

Betsy Klein

Marketing | Chief of Staff

Betsy@afn.global

714-478-0353

SixthWingLLC.com

Sixth Wing’s Strategic Partnership Continues to Transform the Future of Leadership

Advantage Foundry Network and Kinetic Path join Sixth Wing, bringing together powerful networks, deep coaching expertise, and a shared commitment to Leadership that Lifts.

August 28, 2025 | Annapolis, MD — Sixth Wing, an executive coaching and leadership development firm rooted in values-driven growth, is expanding its platform with the addition of Matt Sitter, CEO of Advantage Foundry Network (AFN), as a new partner. AFN—a global CEO network—and Kinetic Path (KP), a leadership development and advisory firm, are joining the Sixth Wing ecosystem as part of this evolution. Together, they are redefining how leaders grow, connect, and lead in today’s complex and fast-paced world.

The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared belief: that true leadership can only be measured by how much leaders inspire and empower those around them to become better versions of themselves. Sixth Wing, in collaboration with AFN and KP, will deliver a comprehensive range of services that combine global insights with personal growth, supporting leaders at every level with strategy, mentorship, and execution.

"We are so thrilled about the impact that this partnership with AFN and Kinetic Path brings to the Sixth Wing ecosystem," said Bridget Ruiz, Co-Founder of Sixth Wing. "We are excited about adding AFN’s unique leadership groups under our wing as an incredible support to our Sixth Wing clients, and adding Kinetic Path’s advisory services.” 

Bridget Ruiz and Laura Maasdam, co-founders of Sixth Wing, and Matt Sitter, CEO of AFN, will lead as equal partners, bringing together a powerful blend of military discipline, executive insight, and entrepreneurial agility. Their collaboration reflects Sixth Wing's core values: a standard of excellence, a focus on the human, a bias toward action, and a relentless desire to give. United by these principles, the leadership team is committed to helping today's leaders unlock their potential and lead with clarity, connection, and courage. 

"We know that no two leadership journeys are the same," said Laura Maasdam. "Our approach is grounded in the human element—supporting leaders with actionable tools and the space to reflect, connect, and evolve. Leadership isn't a destination. It's a discipline and a practice."

By combining AFN's expansive executive network and peer learning platform with Sixth Wing's transformative coaching and Kinetic Path's strategic insights into human dynamics, the new Sixth Wing team delivers an unparalleled, integrated platform for leadership development. They unite human-centered growth, real-world experience, and peer-driven wisdom to help leaders navigate complexity and lead with clarity.

What this means for clients:

• Holistic leadership solutions: Visionary strategy meets real-world execution with offerings that include executive peer groups, executive coaching, leadership development programs, and mentoring—designed to align personal growth with business success.

• Diverse expertise: With experience spanning military leadership, corporate boardrooms, and entrepreneurial ventures, the Sixth Wing team brings a dynamic, profoundly human approach to leadership grounded in trust, adaptability, and purpose.

• Global reach, personal touch: Clients gain access to an international network of leaders and expert coaches while receiving personalized guidance that addresses both the human dynamics and strategic demands of leadership.

This partnership also accelerates Sixth Wing’s position at the forefront of leadership development. Moving forward, the combined entity will operate under the Sixth Wing name, with AFN’s peer network and related services continuing as a core offering within that brand. Plans include integrating AI-driven tools, expanding innovative programming, and addressing pressing issues such as executive burnout. By combining expertise and vision under one unified name, the team is well-positioned to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s leaders.

"The union allows us to enhance leadership development," said Matt Sitter. "Combining our coaching practices, development programs, and executive network allows the leaders we serve to expand their capabilities in new and meaningful ways."

About Sixth Wing

Sixth Wing is an executive coaching and leadership development company dedicated to empowering leaders, teams, and organizations to grow, thrive, and lead with impact. Now operating as a unified platform that includes the services of Advantage Foundry Network (AFN) and Kinetic Path, all under the Sixth Wing name, the organization brings together deep expertise in coaching, facilitation, and executive peer learning.

Rooted in military and executive experience, Sixth Wing’s methodology views leadership as an ongoing practice that strengthens resilience, deepens connection, and creates space for collaboration and excellence to flourish. With a bold, human-centered approach, Sixth Wing delivers “Leadership that Lifts.”

About Advantage Foundry Network (AFN)

AFN is built on a simple truth: your network is the answer. As a global community of CEOs and business leaders, AFN empowers its members to tap into the collective wisdom of their peers, solving complex challenges, seizing new opportunities, and growing together. Through curated peer groups, expert-led conversations, and trusted relationships, AFN transforms connections into capabilities and communities into catalysts for leadership.

About Kinetic Path

Kinetic Path offers executive coaching, mentoring, and leadership development programs to elevate individual and organizational performance. Led by seasoned professionals with deep business expertise, Kinetic Path brings critical insight into the human dynamics that shape workplace behavior. They empower leaders to drive meaningful outcomes and achieve lasting success, reassuring them that their personal growth is aligned with the business strategy.