The Global Beat - June 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Chair
Fund Development Update
Inside SIBF Travel
2026 Program Recaps
Webinar Archives
Upcoming Programs
Faces of the Global Network
SIBF Initiatives
Nominate a Member
Call for Speakers & Topic Suggestions
Global Network News
Supporters Spotlight

Letter from the Chair

As we approach the year’s halfway mark, I want to thank all of you who have given and are giving your time, ideas, energy, and support to SIBF. Much of the value of our organization comes from members’ active participation, through program attendance, sponsorship of prospective members, welcoming of new members and spouses, hosting of local gatherings, service on committees, and interaction with your fellow members between national events.

So, how is the year going for SIBF?

Very well indeed.

Our programming remains strong. We recently concluded the Washington Briefing, which, once again, provided an opportunity for timely discussion, thoughtful engagement, and fellowship among members. The Norway Fellows International Conference, the Cambridge Young Adults Program, and the Annual Summit in Nashville all reflect the quality and range of experiences our members value. The Summit promises to be an excellent meeting, with speakers slated to address the economy, geopolitics, technology, leadership, creativity, and the changing nature of work.

Local programming has been especially active this year. Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Mexico City, and others have hosted gatherings that combine fellowship and learning. While our national and international programs are important, many of the relationships that keep members connected are built in smaller settings, closer to home. I am grateful to the Local Chairs and local volunteers who are doing this work.

While the Roundtables are relatively new, they too are already giving members a practical way to have smaller, focused conversations about topics of common interest, enabling members to meet others they have not previously known, and facilitating meaningful connection.  In other words, they are starting to do what we designed them to do.

Beyond this year’s programs and activities, the Strategy Committee has continued its work on SIBF's long-term sustainability,  having reaffirmed that lifelong learning, trusted relationships, excellent programs, and global connections remain central to who we are and where we are headed. Wonderful new members have joined us through both the academy and direct paths, bringing new energy and excitement for our future. And development work is advancing our organization’s current and future health, helping to support the programs and relationships that are at the heart of SIBF's mission. I appreciate the members who have already contributed to these efforts, and I encourage others to consider doing so.

As we look ahead to the rest of the year, I hope each of you will find a way to engage. Attend a local program. Join a Roundtable. Reach out to a new member.

Thank you to our Board, sponsors, volunteers, and staff for all of the great work you have already done this year. SIBF remains a strong organization because of the quality of our members and the relationships we continue to build. I look forward to seeing many of you in Nashville and to continuing our work together.

Judy Powell (GA, '18)
2026 SIBF Chair

Fund Development Update

Philanthropy plays an important role in sustaining the programs, relationships, and educational experiences that make SIBF distinctive. It allows us to support the work our members value today while also helping ensure that SIBF remains strong for the future. We are grateful for the progress being made through Education Sponsorships. Our 2026 fundraising efforts are off to a wonderful start, with 11 new Education Sponsorships committed and 23 total sponsorships confirmed, representing 80% of our annual sponsorship goal. These donations help underwrite the quality programming our members expect and make it possible for SIBF to continue offering thoughtful, relevant, and well-executed experiences across the organization and the Global Network.

Our Annual Giving Program also continues to move forward. We are currently at 40% of our annual giving goal. We are working to make giving more streamlined, more personal, and more closely connected to the programs and priorities that matter to our members. At the same time, we are expanding donor recognition and creating more consistent opportunities to communicate the impact of member support throughout the year.

We are especially pleased with the ongoing development of the SIBF Legacy Circle. This effort reflects the long-term importance of planned giving and gives members a meaningful way to support the organization's future. Through additional member education, personalized conversations, and discussion of tax-smart charitable giving strategies, we hope to help members consider the approach that best aligns with their own priorities and commitment to SIBF. We appreciate every member, sponsor, and supporter who has participated in this work. Whether through an annual gift, an educational sponsorship, a planned gift, or a conversation about the network's future - your support matters.

To those who have already given or sponsored, thank you! To those still considering these opportunities, we hope you will give each of them serious consideration. Thank you for helping strengthen SIBF and for investing in the programs and relationships that continue to define our organization.


Bob Blanchard (FL, '96) and Palmer Garson (VA, '10)
SIBF VPs of Fund Development


Inside SIBF Travel
Global Trends, Insights, and Learning

SIBF’s international programs have long offered members more than exceptional destinations. They are designed as immersive learning experiences, combining access, cultural understanding, business insight, and the shared curiosity of a globally minded community. In this conversation, Shannon Williams, SIBF’s Director of Programs, shares what distinguishes SIBF travel from traditional travel experiences, the trends shaping the future of high-end global travel, and the moments from decades of programming that continue to stay with him.

Q: What distinguishes SIBF’s international programs — particularly the Fellows International Conferences — from traditional immersive travel experiences?
SIBF offers programs of varying lengths, formats, and price points to meet the needs of members at different stages of life and career. Our more premium travel experiences, such as the Fellows’ International Conferences, are far more than luxury trips, they are immersive educational journeys designed for SIBF’s globally curious lifelong learners. Through exceptional access, thoughtful curation, and authentic engagement with local leaders and communities, members gain a nuanced understanding of a country’s culture, business environment, history, and identity in ways conventional travel rarely provides. All of this is complemented by outstanding accommodations, Michelin-level dining, and the camaraderie of traveling with intellectually curious peers.

Q: What travel trends are you watching closely?
Over-tourism is one of the biggest trends I’m watching closely in international travel. During peak seasons, many destinations simply can’t support the volume of visitors, leading to excess traffic, overcrowded cultural sites, strained infrastructure, and a diminished guest experience. Weather is also becoming a major factor, with excessive heat impacting destinations that historically had more temperate climates. As a result, cooler-weather destinations and shoulder-season travel are increasingly in demand. Another important shift is the move away from rushing from one city to another. Slower, more immersive travel continues to surge as travelers seek a deeper understanding of the places they visit rather than simply checking destinations off a list. SIBF has embraced this approach with its International Briefings, which focus on a single city or region. Recent programs centered on Warsaw, Berlin, and Brussels have allowed members to engage more meaningfully with the culture, history, and people of each destination. Lastly, I believe the growth of luxury cruising on smaller yachts is one of the most significant developments in the market. Brands traditionally associated with ultra-luxury hotels are now entering the cruise space, including The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Aman, Orient Express, and Four Seasons Yachts. These smaller vessels offer a far more intimate and personalized experience, with access to ports and destinations that larger ships cannot reach, aligning perfectly with the broader demand for exclusivity, authenticity, and slower-paced exploration.

Q: What are two quick travel memories from an SIBF trip that you still think about today?
As you can imagine, after 33 years of traveling with this great organization, I have many fond memories. A few stand out. One was being in Hong Kong in 1997 before the handover back to China. I still have this vivid image ingrained in my mind of standing next to the countdown clock with Jane Shivers (GA, ’92). Another memory I think about often was during one of our trips to Cuba, when we had a woman speak to us about her life there. She was clearly nervous, and her story got lost because her English was poor, but SIBF spouse Susan Sutterfield (GA) was so warm and gracious in making her feel comfortable, both during and after the session. She went up to engage with her personally, letting her know how much she enjoyed her talk. It was such a meaningful moment and a wonderful reflection of the kindness and spirit of SIBF travelers.

Q: What is something about a destination that surprised you the most?
One of the biggest surprises I’ve had while traveling was in China. I was struck by how modern, efficient, and seamlessly connected the infrastructure was. The transportation systems in particular were remarkable; fast trains, clean and intuitive metro networks, and an overall ease of movement that made navigating large, complex cities feel surprisingly simple.

Q: Do you have a favorite city or country to design programs for, or do you find each place uniquely rewarding?
I can truly say I don’t have a single favorite destination to design programs for. Every city and country has something unique to offer and part of the joy is uncovering what makes each place distinct.
That said, I have to admit I especially enjoyed showcasing my new city of Cleveland to 60 SIBFers last year. It’s a former Rust Belt city that is very much in the midst of a renaissance, and it was a real pleasure to help bring that story to life. Sharing its transformation, energy, and character with fellow members made the experience particularly meaningful. 

Whether exploring a major global capital, engaging with local leaders, or discovering the story of a city in transformation, SIBF travel is rooted in something deeper than place. It is about learning in context, building meaningful relationships, and seeing the world through a more informed and connected lens. As Shannon’s reflections remind us, the most memorable programs are defined not only by where members go, but by the access, insight, and community they experience along the way.

2026 PROGRAM RECAPS

Band of SIBF Sisters: Seeing Birmingham Through a New Lens
More than 60 women, both members and spouses, from across the SIBF network gathered in Birmingham this spring for the 2026 Band of SIBF Sisters (BOSS), a program that offered a thoughtful exploration of a city shaped by resilience, creativity, and transformation. Over three days, participants experienced Birmingham not simply as visitors, but through the people, stories, and institutions that continue to define its future.

From botanical gardens and powerful Civil Rights narratives to intimate member home visits and an engaging conversation with the founder and editor of FLOWER magazine, the program offered a comprehensive and meaningful view of the New South. The women of BOSS explored the city while connecting with the people who bring it to life today. Through the voices of local leaders and artists who thoughtfully weave Birmingham’s past with its present, attendees gained a deeper appreciation for a city that continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in its history.

One of the most memorable themes of the program came from a local artist who encouraged attendees to “never stop seeing.” The phrase became something of a lens through which many viewed the weekend, serving as a reminder to remain curious, attentive, and open to the people and perspectives that enrich our lives and work.


As with every BOSS gathering, the destination was only part of the story. The relationships formed and strengthened throughout the program remained at the heart of the experience. Conversations about history, culture, art, leadership, and life created opportunities for deeper connection among a remarkable group of women whose friendships extend far beyond a single event.

A special thank you to Carolanne and Johnny Roberts (AL, ’02), Barbara and Vic Hayslip (AL, ’14), Lydia and Taylor Pursell (AL, ’02), and Kelley and CT Fitzpatrick (AL, ’09) for graciously welcoming participants into their homes and sharing the warmth and hospitality for which Birmingham is known. Their generosity helped provide an authentic glimpse into the spirit of the city and the community that makes it so special.

The 2026 Band of SIBF Sisters was a reminder that some of the most meaningful experiences come not from checking destinations off a list, but from seeing a place through the eyes of those who call it home. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone on the committee, our staff, and especially the attendees for helping make this program a success. We look forward to what this powerful group of women has in store for 2027.

Brussels Briefing: At the Center of Europe’s Conversation
From the cobblestones of Brussels to the working edge of Antwerp’s port, the 2026 Brussels Briefing brought SIBF participants into the heart of Europe at a moment of complexity, consequence, and change. Across several days, members explored a country whose influence reaches far beyond its size, where diplomacy, art, commerce, and history sit remarkably close together.

The program began with a timely introduction to Belgium’s distinctive political landscape, including a discussion with Stephanie D’Hose, Parliament Representative and former President of the Belgian Senate, followed by a private tour of Parliament. The conversation offered a useful framework for understanding a nation often described as small in geography but expansive in global relevance. That theme continued the next morning with Founder & President of Inkovation Angela Dansby (Belgium, ’18), award-winning Belgian broadcaster and communication consultant Rob Vanoudenhoven, Dominik Jankowski of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, whose sessions placed Belgium, Europe, and the Atlantic Alliance within the larger geopolitical questions shaping the world today.

The experience was equally rich in culture. Participants explored the legacy of René Magritte during a pre-opening private visit to the Magritte Museum, then stepped inside Solvay House, one of Victor Horta’s great Art Nouveau landmarks, where owner Alexandre Wittamer shared the history and stewardship of the family estate. Others got a taste for Belgium through chocolate making or a visit to the Royal Museum for Central Africa, adding further texture to a program that balanced serious dialogue with a deep sense of place.


In Antwerp, the briefing turned toward global trade, design, and craftsmanship. At the Port House, Zaha Hadid’s striking architectural statement overlooking one of Europe’s most important ports, Philippe Beaujean, Business Development Advisor of Port of Antwerp-Brugge, offered perspective on Antwerp’s role in international commerce. Participants also heard from Arthur “Colorman” Langerman, the Belgian diamantaire and Holocaust child survivor whose life and work brought rare insight into the natural-colored diamond industry and the human stories behind it.

As always, the true highlight was the people. One participant captured it simply: “It is always the reconnection with SIBF friends and the establishment of new friendships.” Another reflected, “The events are all curated so well, and when a great conversation happens along the way, it’s even better.”

By the time participants departed, Brussels and Antwerp had offered more than a briefing on Belgium. The program revealed a country that operates at the crossroads of policy, security, trade, art, and memory, with each session adding another layer to the larger European story. For SIBF, it was a reminder that the most valuable programs do not simply explain a place. They place members inside its conversations.

Washington Briefing: Clear Eyes on a Changing World
As the erosion of the long-standing “rules-based order” continues to reshape global dynamics, the need for fresh thinking, strategic alignment, and new approaches has never been more important. These themes set the tone for SIBF’s 2026 Washington Briefing, where members gathered in the nation’s capital for thoughtful discussions on the domestic and international policy issues shaping our future.

Participants heard from leaders across the political spectrum and experienced the kind of access and candid dialogue that have made the Washington Briefing a beloved SIBF tradition. The program opened on Capitol Hill in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room (below), a setting that underscored both the weight of the issues at hand and the importance of engaging with them directly.


There, Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) offered a powerful reminder that business success and family success do not have to be competing ideas. His remarks connected the workforce to families and communities, emphasizing that strong economies depend on people who are supported in both their professional and personal lives. Representative Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), brought a physician’s perspective to questions of healthcare, manufacturing, and global conflict, including US-Israel attacks on Iran. Even amid significant complexity, he expressed confidence that “we can do an incredible amount of good,” pointing to the progress still possible in difficult times.

The Capitol Hill program also featured James Romoser, Supreme Court reporter for The Wall Street Journal, who helped participants better understand the major cases currently before the Court, the evolving dynamics among the justices, and the critical role legal reporting plays in helping the public follow consequential judicial decisions.


The following sessions widened the lens from Washington to the world. Erik Peterson, managing director of the Global Business Policy Council at Kearney, framed the current moment as a seminal point in history, setting up a day of deeper inquiry into global power, national security, and political change. Michael Tierney, director of the Global Research Institute at William & Mary, offered insight into the tools used to track China’s global influence, while Amna Nawaz, co-anchor and co-managing editor of PBS NewsHour, shared perspective from her foreign policy conversations with world leaders and what those exchanges reveal about national security.

Domestic politics also came into focus through a conversation with Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, who examined the dynamics shaping the 2026 midterm elections. Later, experts from the Center for a New American Security explored global flashpoints and US strategy, bringing bipartisan, pragmatic analysis to some of the most pressing security challenges facing the United States and its allies.


The program also offered moments that reflected Washington’s broader civic and diplomatic landscape, from an evening at the United States Botanic Garden during its America 250 celebration to a closing gathering at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, where participants heard remarks from Deputy Head of Mission Trygve Bendiksby.

The 2026 Washington Briefing was a reminder that the most important debates rarely have easy answers. They need better questions, sharpened perspective, and space for thoughtful engagement across differences. Thank you to all who joined us for another meaningful program in DC.

Special thanks to Suzanne and Randy Nuckolls (DC, ’83) for hosting SIBF participants and for their decades of commitment to this program, as well as to Mallie and Stewart Dansby (AL, ’95) for their generous support through the Distinguished Speaker Series.

SIBF WEBINAR ARCHIVES

Expanding Knowledge Through SIBF’s Global Virtual Programs
SIBF continues to deliver a robust slate of virtual programming designed to keep members informed, inspired, and connected wherever they are in the world. Through both local and global webinars, members engage directly with business luminaries, geopolitical experts, and thought leaders on topics that span from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to the war in Ukraine and other global developments shaping our time. Among these offerings, the Cambridge Virtual Series is another exceptional program, featuring professors and academic experts from the renowned SIBF Cambridge Young Adults Program. These sessions offer research-driven insights that help members navigate today’s complex business and geopolitical landscape with clarity and confidence. Now, members can explore the full library of past webinars directly on the SIBF website! Click below to view all SIBF webinars and browse the archives:

VIEW THE WEBINAR ARCHIVES

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

• CELA Academy 19 - July 13-22, 2026 - Astana, Kazakhstan

• Cambridge Young Adults Summer Program: Money & Responsibility - July 19-25, 2026

• SIBF Annual Summit - October 4-7, 2026 - Nashville, Tennessee

• Mela Masterclass 16 - November 5-15, 2026 - Tunis, Tunisia

• SAVE THE DATE - National Holiday Party - December 10, 2026 - Sea Island, Georgia

• LIMITED AVAILABILITY - Panama Briefing - February 10-14, 2027

• SOLD OUT - Sojourn Zambia - February 21-26, 2027

• SOLD OUT - FIC Japan May 16-25, 2027

• 2027 Global Network Summit hosted by CELA - October 10-14, 2027 - Kakheti Region of Georgia

• LIMITED AVAILABILITY - FIC Japan - November 7-16, 2027

Click here to see programs in your area and the full calendar of SIBF programs

FACES OF THE GLOBAL NETWORK

Build What Doesn't Yet Exist: Leadership and the Power of Involvement
Rick Walker | Class of 2006 | Alpharetta, Georgia - click here to view his profile

For nearly twenty years, Rick Walker has been one of SIBF's most engaged and respected members, a leader whose career spans engineering, patent law, mergers and acquisitions, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing. But what defines Rick most is not simply the breadth of his résumé. It is his instinct to build companies, relationships, organizations, and opportunities where none existed before, an instinct that has shaped every chapter of his professional life. He began as an engineer with Ford Motor Company before pursuing patent law. "I wanted to be a lawyer using technology," he said. That vision led him to one of Detroit's leading patent law firms, where he worked on major litigation for national companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Black & Decker. Eventually, one of those client relationships led him into corporate leadership as general counsel for a publicly traded manufacturing company.

Over the next fourteen years, Rick helped guide the company through extraordinary growth; during one six-year period, the business expanded from roughly $100 million to nearly $1 billion in revenue through strategic acquisitions and diversification. For Rick, though, successful mergers and acquisitions were never only about numbers. "You have to understand finance, legal strategy, and people," he explained. "You have to be part psychologist." That people-first philosophy is central to his approach to leadership. "I just love working with people," he said. "People are fantastic." Rather than pursuing aggressive takeovers, Rick focused on relationships, trust, and shared vision. "We wanted leaders we respected," he said. "We weren't interested in destroying companies. We wanted to help them grow."

That same entrepreneurial mindset eventually led to one of the defining moments of his career: the founding of the Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association, better known as GAMA. Years ago, while attending a Southern Automotive Conference, Rick noticed representatives from Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, but none from Georgia. "So I literally got up and left the meeting," he laughed. He walked into the lobby, reserved the organization's name online, and began building what would become one of Georgia's most influential automotive industry associations. Today, GAMA connects manufacturers, suppliers, innovators, and policymakers across the state and has become a major voice in the Southeast's automotive industry. But in the beginning, Rick largely funded the effort himself. "I was buying cocktails for a hundred people and organizing events," he joked. "That's what startups look like sometimes." Over time, the organization grew into a powerful industry platform, one that even helped facilitate early connections between Rivian and the State of Georgia.


Rick credits much of his entrepreneurial energy and leadership growth to SIBF, which he joined in 2006. He quickly became deeply involved, serving as membership chair and in other leadership roles, participating in international programs, and helping to strengthen the organization's community. When asked what advice he gives to new members, he offers a phrase that has become legendary among longtime SIBF members: "ROI doesn't mean Return on Investment. It means Return on Involvement." For Rick, the value of SIBF comes from stepping into conversations, relationships, and experiences that would otherwise remain out of reach. "It's exposure to thought leaders and ideas you can't get anywhere else," he said.

That curiosity extends far beyond manufacturing and business. While studying engineering, he took courses in Eastern religions and psychology, an unusual path at the time, but one that rounded out his views on business and leadership, alongside longtime interests in music, mathematics, philosophy, and religion. "Music and math go hand in hand," he said. "Mathematics is pervasive." Even today, Rick remains energized by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, his work in intellectual property law, and the future of manufacturing. "The train has already left the station with AI," he said. "We better get used to it." His aim in all of it is captured in his own words: "I hope I've made the world a better place based on what I've done, and helped others advance in their lives and careers." Across law, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership, Rick Walker has spent decades building meaningful things for the people and industries around him. And perhaps that is what makes his story so compelling: where others saw an empty chair at a conference table, he saw an opportunity to create something that did not yet exist.

The Art of Seeing People: Leadership Through Human Connection
Manolo Páez | Class of 2024 | Barranquilla, Colombia - click here to view his profile

What shaped you? is a question that many leaders might never think to ask, but Manolo Páez does. The instinct to understand the person before the business sits at the heart of his work with the Global Good Fund, where he serves as COO and helps support social entrepreneurs across more than 70 countries. While many accelerators focus primarily on business models and growth strategies, Manolo made a different bet years ago: invest first in the leader behind the company. "If you make the leader better," he says, "they can make a greater impact in the company. And then the company can make a greater impact in the community." That approach has already helped reach more than 15 million people worldwide, and now Manolo and his team are preparing to take it further. Their goal over the next four years is to grow that number to 100 million through a technology-driven platform that can extend leadership development and support to thousands more entrepreneurs around the world.

Manolo joined SIBF, introduced by his business partner and Global Good Fund CEO, Carrie Rich (MD, '23), at a time when the organization was navigating one of the most complex periods in its history. Its consulting arm was spinning off into a separate for-profit company, and at nearly the same time came the opportunity to merge with and acquire another impact consulting firm operating across Brazil, Kenya, and India. Multiple legal systems had to be navigated, leadership teams aligned, and different visions and cultures reconciled. It was, in short, exactly the kind of moment that tests whether a community is real or simply a collection of professional contacts. During that season, the relationships Manolo had built through SIBF became an unexpected source of strength; the encouragement, candor, and willingness of others to show up for the human parts of the journey, not just the professional ones, helped carry him through a period of significant change. The consulting business didn't just survive the transition. It doubled last year and is on track to double again this year.

Manolo readily admits, with characteristic honesty, that he came to SIBF as a skeptic. Leadership development was already his profession, and he wasn't sure what a community could offer that he hadn't already encountered through his own work. But the real power of the global network, he discovered, is not found in transactions, introductions, or business opportunities alone. It is found in the openness of its members and their willingness to be vulnerable with one another. "Since joining SIBF, I've become more willing to share who we are and what we're building," he says. "And that openness created more opportunities for us."


When he reflects on what makes SIBF work, Manolo rarely reaches for the language of business. What stands out most to him is something more fundamental: the relationships. Throughout his career, meaningful connections have often proven just as important as professional expertise. "I don't think people join for business," he says. "Business happens, yes. But at the end, it's more about the human component. People who really care about humanity, leadership development, and creating a ripple effect in others." Ask Manolo what he would tell someone new to the community, and his answer comes quickly: "You're not just meeting a person. You're meeting a story." There is a specific failure mode he has watched play out in professional circles, one he has worked to unlearn in himself. People stop at the surface: the title, the company, the accomplishments. It is efficient, but it is also a missed opportunity. Real connection, he believes, comes from understanding what shaped someone: their background, their passions, and the experiences that influenced how they see the world. Those details rarely appear on a résumé, yet they reveal the most powerful things about a person.

His advice for new members is equally straightforward: "Go all in for at least two years. Attend the gatherings. Travel when you can. Give relationships time to develop rather than looking for an immediate return on investment." And, he adds with a laugh, "Have fun!" It sounds simple, but Manolo takes this principle seriously; the joy is evident in the way he talks about the people he has met, the conversations he looks forward to, and the community he has come to genuinely love. Leadership, Manolo believes, is never just about what someone builds. It is about the story behind the person doing the building: the experiences that shaped them, the values that guide them, and the impact they create when others take the time to truly see them. For Manolo, the lasting change comes when we realize that we are not just meeting a person but encountering a story.

SIBF INITIATIVES

North America Leadership Alliance (NALA)
The NALA Academy will return April 11-16, 2027, at the Epicurean Hotel in Midtown Atlanta, for a five-day immersive experience designed for leaders from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Through candid conversation, shared challenges, and cross-border collaboration, participants develop deep personal and professional connections while expanding their strategic networks across industries and sectors.
 

NALA helps identify and engage the next generation of globally minded leaders who are eager to grow within our network. Graduates of the program are invited to join SIBF following completion of the academy.
 
Applicants for membership should meet the following criteria:

• Ideally fall within the age range of 30-50
• Must be willing to commit to an “all in” mentality for the entire duration of the NALA program
• Currently or formerly in a leadership position in a company with international business responsibility, or an organization that is international in scope or increasing its international presence
• Character and integrity must be beyond question
• Interested in taking part in a global network
• Are comfortable conversing and learning in English
  
  

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE



SIBF Roundtables - High Level Conversations That Move Leaders Forward
Roundtables are a new member-led initiative designed to bring our network together for focused, short-term online discussion groups. Each Roundtable centers on a specific topic and is moderated by a knowledgeable member who guides the conversation and encourages candid, peer-driven dialogue. These sessions are designed for SIBF members who want to explore timely issues, exchange real-world insights, and challenge their thinking in a trusted, small-group setting.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ACTIVE ROUNDTABLES

We’re planning new Roundtables for the future, and we’d love to hear your ideas. Roundtables can be either professional or personal, if there’s something you’re passionate about or you’d like to explore with others, let us know. We’re also looking for members interested in moderating a roundtable. Your insights and leadership will help shape the conversations that follow. Click below to suggest a topic or volunteer to moderate.

ROUNDTABLE SUGGESTION FORM

NOMINATE A PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBER

One of the most important ways members contribute to the future of SIBF is by introducing exceptional leaders to our community. As an invitation-only organization, we rely on recommendations from current members to identify individuals who will both benefit from and contribute to the strength of our global network.

We are currently accepting nominations for both the SIBF Direct Path and the North America Leadership Alliance (NALA) Path. Whether you know a seasoned executive with significant international leadership experience or a rising leader with strong global potential, we encourage you to consider nominating them.

If someone comes to mind who demonstrates leadership, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning, we invite you to submit a nomination. The process takes just a few minutes and helps us better understand each prospective member's background and potential fit within the SIBF community.

Nominate a prospective member today and help shape the next generation of SIBF leaders.

NOMINATE

CALL FOR SPEAKER AND TOPIC SUGGESTIONS 

SIBF programs often begin with ideas shared by our members. As a globally connected community, we are uniquely positioned to surface compelling voices, timely perspectives, and leaders whose insights can enrich and expand our dialogue.

As we plan upcoming programs, we invite members to recommend speakers and topics for consideration across all SIBF formats, including virtual sessions, regional gatherings, and signature events. We welcome thoughtful, engaging voices who can contribute meaningfully to a broad range of audiences.

If you have recently heard a speaker who stayed with you, know an expert with a relevant perspective, or have a topic that would spark meaningful discussion among members, we encourage you to share your recommendation. Member input helps ensure SIBF programming continues to reflect the curiosity, leadership, and global outlook that define our community.

Suggest a speaker or topic today and help bring important voices and ideas to future SIBF programs.

CONTACT US

GLOBAL NETWORK NEWS

The Global Network embodies a timeless mission: to develop capable, connected, and compassionate leaders who make a lasting impact on their organizations, communities, and the world. Through immersive academies, lifelong relationships, and shared values, this global family shows that when leaders unite across cultures and industries, they do more than shape economies, they help shape the future. View updates and stories from across the Global Network below:

CELA 19: Cohort Selected
The recruitment season wrapped up the way the good ones do. Country teams organized offline info sessions in Yerevan, Tbilisi, Dushanbe, Baku, Bishkek, Tashkent, Ulaanbaatar, Astana, and Almaty, Afghanistan held an online session, a targeted social media campaign ran across the region, and individual fellows did what no campaign can replicate, they made personal calls, sent messages, and sat across from someone they believed in. Over 200 people attended the info sessions, and more than 120 applied. Country teams then conducted interviews, built their candidate lists, and defended their choices to the CELA Board, which reviewed and approved the final cohort. Around 40 fellows were selected, representing all ten member countries. The facilitator team is in place alongside them, and the Academy opens in Astana this July.

GNS 2027: Mark Your Calendars
CELA turns 25 in 2027, and the Global Network Summit in Kakheti, Georgia, October 10-14, is how the network intends to mark the occasion. The venue is Tsinandali Estate, a Radisson Collection Hotel built around the 19th-century country house of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, army general, poet, and one of the central figures of Georgian cultural and political life. The estate sits in the heart of Georgia's wine country, a two-hour drive from Tbilisi, surrounded by vineyards that have been producing wine since antiquity, and October happens to be Rtveli, the grape harvest season. The timing is not accidental.

The program runs across five days and includes keynote sessions, a winery visit with traditional wine tasting, cultural excursions to the monasteries, and the hilltop town of Sighnaghi overlooking the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus range. Those wishing to extend their stay can join a post-GNS program in Tbilisi from October 14-16, and CELA's chapters in Azerbaijan and Armenia are ready to welcome participants who want to extend their journey further into the region. Friends from SIBF, Mela, and SEALA are all warmly invited. Registration opens soon on the SIBF website. A quarter century of CELA is worth the trip.

Recent CELA Webinars
In January, Rashid Ivaev (Kazakhstan, CELA 13), General Manager for EMEA at Nebius, gave a sharp and wide-ranging talk on the state of the GenAI industry, covering the major players, the competitive dynamics, where the current bottlenecks are, and the geopolitical contest between the US, Russia, and China for AI dominance. He also took on the bigger question of whether generative AI is shaping up to be the next industrial revolution, or something rather more complicated than that framing suggests.

In April, CELA hosted Ozodkhon Davlatshoev (Tajikistan, CELA 9), CEO of TCELL, Tajikistan's largest mobile and broadband operator, for a conversation that moved comfortably between the practical and the philosophical. The session covered what high-stakes decision-making actually looks like inside a large infrastructure company, how digital transformation reshapes leadership on the ground, and his QuanPerfect Leadership framework, which approaches decisions by reasoning from a completed future rather than from the uncertainty of the present moment. A genuinely good hour, and the recording is available.

Mela Welcomes New 2026 Board Cohort
This month, Mela welcomed six new members into its Board of Directors - six distinguished leaders who bring a wealth of experience from across the telecommunications, investment, healthcare, logistics, and education sectors.
Joining the Board as Mela Network Representatives are Mr. Moataz Azar M13 from Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of Thaka Jordan; and Mr. Issa Al Ismaili M9 from Oman, Executive Director of LITT Invest. They are joined by Ms. Debra Hays, Chief Executive Officer of Concert IDC, as SIBF representative on the Mela Board; and Ms. Dina Galal, Communications, Corporate & Government Affairs Advisor from Egypt; Dr. Nesrin El-Khatib, CEO and Consultant Pediatrician at Elite Medical Center from Qatar; and Dr. Waddah Al Hashmi, Senior Director – Logistics and Marine Assurance at Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) from the UAE. These appointments reflect Mela’s continued commitment to strengthening regional representation and industry leadership. We look forward to the valuable contributions the new Board members will bring to the organization and its leadership impact.

Mela Masterclass and Reunion
Given recent regional developments, and to prioritize the safety of our participants, speakers, and partners, we've relocated the Masterclass from Bahrain to Tunisia. It's now set for the first week of November 2026, alongside the Mela Reunion. Tunisia offers an inspiring setting and warm hospitality well suited to the depth of exchange and leadership dialogue the Masterclass is known for. We remain committed to delivering an exceptional program for leaders from across the region and beyond. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you to Tunisia this November.

2026 Mela Masterclass & Reunion
November 5-15, 2026
Tunisia

SEALA Connect Nepal 2026
As part of SEALA's continued commitment to regional engagement, growth and outreach, planning is underway for SEALA Connect Nepal, taking place in Kathmandu from 17–20 September 2026. The programme is being designed to introduce SEALA to a select group of leaders in Nepal while strengthening relationships among participating members. With our first participant from Nepal joining SEALA 12, we are excited to build on this momentum, and introduce SEALA to new leaders in Nepal, and begin establishing a presence in the country. SEALA Connect Nepal will offer participants the opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of Kathmandu, while connecting with fellow members and exploring opportunities for future engagement and collaboration. We invite members and friends of the network to save the dates and join us as we continue building connections across the region. Open to Members of CELA, Mela, SIBF and SEALA. Details and registration information will be announced soon. We look forward to welcoming you to Nepal!

 
SEALA Bali Reunion 2027
SEALA is delighted to announce the SEALA Bali Reunion in January 2027! Members of CELA, MELA, SIBF and SEALA are warmly invited to join us for four days of connection, conversation and culture in one of the world's most beautiful destinations. Set against the stunning backdrop of Bali's coastline, the Reunion will bring together friends and colleagues from across our global network to reconnect, forge new friendships, and experience the warmth and hospitality of Indonesia. Mark your calendars: SEALA Bali Reunion: 23–27 January 2027.

Highlights will include:
• Cultural immersion experiences
• Iconic Balinese landmarks and traditions
• Global conversations and networking
• Wellness and relaxation
• Time to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones

Details and registration information will be announced soon. We look forward to welcoming you to Bali!

SEALA Board of Directors 2026
We are currently in the process of selecting SEALA's next Board of Directors, with interviews and conversations underway with an impressive group of applicants from across the SEALA network. The Board plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction and growth of SEALA: strengthening regional engagement, and helping advance new initiatives across the member community. It is encouraging to see the enthusiasm, experience and commitment demonstrated by this year's applicants. We look forward to welcoming the new Board in the coming months.

SUPPORTERS SPOTLIGHT

We are deeply grateful to the generous sponsors, supporters, and donors who help make SIBF’s mission possible. Your contributions strengthen our ability to offer high-impact learning experiences and build global connectivity through exceptional programming. Thank you for your commitment as we continue to grow our reach and impact across regions and generations.

Click Here to View All SIBF/GNF Donors

Corporate Sponsors

Alabama Power Company
BakerHostetler
The Bristol Company
Concert IDC
Concorde Companies
FS Gutt Consulting LLC
GenAI Healthcare
KBG Technologies
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
PNC Private Bank
Sealevel Systems

Click here to contact us about becoming a corporate sponsor.

Thank You for Supporting Annual Giving!
We are grateful to every member who has contributed to this year’s Annual Giving campaign so far. Your generosity helps bridge the gap between membership dues and providing high level educational programming, allowing SIBF to continue delivering high-impact programs and services that help our members connect, engage, and grow.

View the 2026 Annual Giving Donors

If you haven’t had a chance to contribute, we invite you to make a gift to Annual Giving 2026 here:

Give Now

Thank you for being an essential part of the SIBF community!
 
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