Our Team
Paula Rua
Founder & Managing PartnerPaula Rúa is the Founder of Lyoness Holdings, LLC and a seasoned entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of disciplined capital, operational excellence, and human centered leadership. With a career spanning real estate, brand development, wellness, and large scale event production, she brings an operator’s perspective to the investment process and a deep understanding of how strong businesses are built and grown.
Paula focuses on acquiring founder owned businesses with strong fundamentals and guiding them through their next phase of growth. Her approach centers on long term stewardship, strengthening teams, modernizing operations, and building companies that can expand sustainably. She works alongside an experienced advisory network across finance, operations, healthcare, technology, and governance to ensure thoughtful decision making and disciplined execution at every stage.
RICHARD POWELL
Investment and Acquisitions AdvisorRichard Powell is an entrepreneur, investor, and board advisor with a strong track record of creating value while advancing economic mobility and inclusive growth. He has supported and scaled companies across multiple sectors, operating at the intersection of capital, business growth, and social impact. He gradated from Harvard University and worked in New York for UBS and Bear Stearns before starting APC Holdings, LLC.. Richard and his partners successfully acquired a Company when he was 24, using the same approach we are pursuing today. He built that Company (ZeroChaos) from $60 million to $1.2 billion in revenue in 6 years. As a seasoned investor with 25 years experience, and member of elite global networks including the WEF and YPO, Richard brings deep insight into capital raising, negotiating and executing acquisitions, and long-term value creation. His experience advising founders and investors alike makes him a trusted strategic voice within our firm.
CHRISTOPHER HINN
Strategic AdvisorChristopher Hinn brings more than five decades of elite experience spanning aviation security, global logistics, intelligence operations, and international market development. His career includes service as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he operated at the highest levels of security and cross-border coordination. Beyond government service, Christopher has worked extensively throughout the Middle East and Gulf region, advising on sourcing, infrastructure, and strategic development initiatives. He is the founder and principal of C-7 International, a consulting and business development firm that connects U.S. enterprises with key markets in the United Arab Emirates and broader GCC. Christopher's rare combination of government intelligence expertise, operational precision, and international business acumen provides our firm with a decisive strategic advantage in global expansion, risk management, and high-level partnerships.
DAMONA EMAMI, MD, MHA
Healthcare & Wellness AdvisorDr. Damona Emami is a physician, healthcare executive, and founder with deep expertise in medical operations, patient-centered innovation, and premium healthcare service delivery. She is the CEO and Founder of Rajeunir Concierge MD, a highly regarded medical and aesthetics practice recognized for advanced clinical care, strategic growth, and an elevated, high-touch client experience. Holding both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Health Administration (MHA), Dr. Emami brings a rare dual perspective that bridges clinical excellence with operational and financial strategy. Her leadership experience spans healthcare systems design, scalable practice models, and executive decision-making. Dr. Emami serves as a key advisor guiding our long-term vision across wellness, healthcare investments, and strategic partnerships, ensuring our ventures are built with integrity, scalability, and sustainable impact.
Rusty Gardner
Technology & Systems AdvisorRusty Gardner is a seasoned academic executive and technology strategist with over 25 years of leadership at Florida State College at Jacksonville. His career has been dedicated to advancing digital transformation, organizational systems, and institutional performance at scale. Currently serving as Executive Director of Academic Technology, Rusty has led major initiatives that modernize infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and align technology with long-term strategic goals. His expertise spans systems architecture, leadership development, and enterprise-level planning. Rusty's insight ensures our firm remains future-focused, operationally disciplined, and technologically resilient, supporting the development of high-performing ventures built to scale.