The Global Beat - November 2024

Letter from the Chair
The Summit may have been several weeks ago, but I am still hearing great accolades and remembering the great times. From getting to see friends from around the world, to hearing thought provoking speakers, to fun times in the Minnesota Vikings stadium, it really was one of the best Summits ever – and yes I am biased but ask anyone who attended. Minneapolis provided great weather, amazing sunsets and warm hospitality. Our staff worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had a “So SIBF” experience.

My personal highlights:

• Tom Friedman’s remarks that we need to listen to learn and what we say when we listen shows respect.
• Jason Dorsey’s entertaining yet thought-provoking insights on generational differences and the reminder that parenting style has the most important impact on our offspring.
• Hearing from the designer of the original ALEXA - even if I only understood half of it
• Catching up on the rooftop and bar with my SIBF friends, and at a local restaurant with my international friend and NALA alumi (thanks Meade, Bill, Jane and Paulette for sponsoring the gathering).

Already looking forward to the Summit in Naples at the Ritz Carlton Beach hotel in September, 2025.
Since this will be my last Chair’s Letter I want to thank my incredible board and the outstanding staff who support not only the Board but also all of our members. You are Rock Stars! 


Our Board focus this year has been member engagement through networking and local programs supported through increased communication, digital enhancements and building our fund development efforts.

Since numbers are a passion, I thought I would summarize 2024 by the Numbers:

• New Members: 68
• Number of members who attended any local or national event: 261
• Number of members who attended an international event: 49
• Number of members who attended any virtual event: 236
• Percentage of Member Volunteers: 25%
• New Communications: 3 chair videos, 2 newsletters, and 2 digital town halls

Finally, thank you so much to Bob Blanchard and Tom Bartels for a fantastic year. It was my privilege to serve with such a thoughtful, active Troika. We could not have accomplished what we did without Nancy, Shannon, Ugi, Kathy and Blake, plus our new additions who stepped into staff roles when we needed them in critical roles – Neda and Frances. I am so grateful for each of you and our members who supported me throughout the year.

Best regards,

Cindy Jarboe

2024 SIBF Chair

Minneapolis Welcomes SIBF for Annual Summit
The 2024 SIBF Summit in Minneapolis brought over 200 members together from across the globe for an engaging, informative, and inspiring event. Attendees had the opportunity to connect, learn, and exchange ideas with some of the most prominent thinkers and business leaders of our time. 

Across the three-day summit, participants explored themes like technological disruption, economic shifts, and leadership dynamics, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global environment.

The summit officially opened with a captivating keynote from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman. Known for his sharp insights into globalization, technology, and world affairs, Friedman delivered a thought-provoking address on the "accelerations" shaping the world today. 

He described this moment in history as a "Promethean moment," when rapid advancements in technology, globalization, and climate change are disrupting traditional structures and demanding quick adaptation.

 Drawing from nearly five decades in journalism, Friedman blended humor with profound reflections on his career and the power of writing as a tool for learning, teaching, and connecting with others. He stressed that understanding is crucial to reducing fear and tension in today's world, highlighting the importance of listening as a vital tool for resolving conflicts and fostering effective solutions.


A powerful moment came when Friedman introduced the "mangrove" metaphor, symbolizing the resilience of institutions and communities during upheaval. Just as mangroves protect coastlines from storms, strong community structures—social, political, and economic—help anchor societies during rapid change. He urged SIBF members to strengthen these "mangroves" to build a more stable and sustainable future.

Following Friedman’s keynote, attendees focused on global economic trends with a compelling session led by Rana Foroohar, Global Business Columnist at the Financial Times and CNN’s Global Economic Analyst. Foroohar argued that the world is shifting from reliance on cheap capital, labor, and energy toward more resilient, localized economic structures. 

Her presentation, based on her upcoming book Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World, highlighted how climate change, technological innovations, and shifting geopolitical priorities are driving this transformation. Her analysis of supply chain sustainability and the rise of "localnomics" resonated with the audience, providing a glimpse into the future of business and economic policy.

 The second day opened with an energetic, insightful session led by Jason Dorsey, President of The Center for Generational Kinetics. Dorsey, a leading researcher on generational trends, discussed the distinct differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers in the workplace. He dispelled common myths about generational behavior and highlighted how Gen Z, in particular, is shaping the future of business with their tech-savvy approach and unique expectations for work-life balance. His session offered valuable insights for leaders on managing and motivating multigenerational teams in a post-COVID world.


A particularly insightful session featured Brian Sikes, President and CEO of Cargill, a Minnesota-based company. Sikes offered thoughtful reflections on his leadership journey at one of the world’s largest privately held companies. He shared his perspectives on the importance of innovation and sustainability, while also emphasizing the critical role that people and culture play in Cargill’s success. 

His local roots and global experience provided attendees with valuable insights on leading through complexity, focusing on customer-driven growth, and fostering a strong organizational culture.

The summit also featured a dynamic talk on the future of artificial intelligence from Igor Jablokov, CEO and Founder of Pryon, Inc. Jablokov, recognized as a pioneer in voice recognition technology, offered a fascinating look into the ethical challenges and opportunities posed by AI. He stressed the importance of innovation with integrity and outlined how AI can drive business success while maintaining consumer trust.

In addition to these enriching sessions, attendees had the opportunity to visit Cambria USA’s headquarters in Le Sueur, MN, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. The Davis family, longtime SIBF members and leaders of Cambria, showcased the company’s innovative manufacturing processes and commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement.


The summit culminated in a fun and spirited evening at the Minnesota Vikings’ U.S. Bank Stadium. Attendees sported their favorite NFL or college football gear, enjoyed a VIP stadium tour, and ended the night with dancing and celebration. The event was a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary summit, filled with learning, camaraderie, and inspiration.

As we reflect on the insights and connections made during the 2024 SIBF Summit, we look forward to carrying this momentum into next year’s event. We look forward to seeing you in Naples, Florida, in 2025!

Faces of SIBF: Daniel Tovar Nieto (TX, '23) Talks Entrepreneurship & Bringing SIBF to Latin America
Empowering Entrepreneurs - A Journey of Vision, Leadership, and Perseverance

Daniel Tovar Nieto is on a mission to expand the entrepreneurial mindset. The entrepreneur and academic with decades of experience, has studied, applied, and taught about the growth-oriented mindset. Born in Dallas and raised in Mexico, Tovar Nieto’s journey has taken him across the globe, shaping his understanding of entrepreneurship in a cross-cultural context. 

And his journey has brought him to SIBF, where he’s taking on a new venture: bringing SIBF to Latin America. 
“My passion has been entrepreneurship – the whole concept around creating businesses, growing businesses, but more than that, the mindset,” says Tovar Nieto. “When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to go into entrepreneurship. I really wanted to be able to study it. I wanted to be able to apply for it, and lucky enough, I was also able to teach it.”

His passion led him to study in France and Spain, earning a master’s degree and later a PhD with a focus on entrepreneurship. Over the years, he has founded multiple companies, primarily in Mexico and the U.S., and authored nine entrepreneurship courses still taught in Mexico today. His experience, he says, lies not only in creating companies but also in understanding and fostering the mindset behind entrepreneurial success.
“The beautiful thing about the mindset, the entrepreneurial mindset, is that you can apply it no matter where you are, what you're doing,” he says. It’s about asking, “what could we do differently?”

“Creativity comes into play and you're able to work and play with alternatives on how to solve whatever problem there could be in communications, could be in transportation, could be in how to feed more people more efficiently,” he said. “You can go anywhere and everywhere with this.” His own curiosity about the facets of entrepreneurship led him to research and apply his thesis on how to teach this mindset. “You don't have to be born with that entrepreneurial mindset. You can learn it,” said Tovar Nieto.


He emphasized that the entrepreneurial mindset is universal and not a privileged commodity. 
“It doesn't matter what you do, where you come from, it doesn't matter if you come from money. It doesn't matter if you went to the best schools. It doesn't matter if your IQ is 150 or 80. You can develop the mindset. So, my master’s thesis was about teaching university kids to learn about it, understand how to apply it, and then ideally do something about it,” he said.

When Tovar Nieto went into his PhD program, he was curious about sustainability. “Starting a company is not difficult,” he said. “People think it's really difficult, but it isn't. It's really simple. The problem is to grow it.” He, along with two colleagues, studied what was required or what were the causes of why such a small number of startups became medium-sized companies and obviously large corporations and why. What were the factors? Their conclusion: the founder. “What we discovered at the end is that the key factor was the founder of the company,” said Tovar Nieto. Some of the most important factors are the comfort zone. When somebody starts a company and is earning a good life and it's doing well, once they grow it, they lose control. Founders have to grow and establish a team. They will have to give up some of the responsibilities.

“And many, many entrepreneurs are not willing to do that,” he said. “They think it's a risk. They don't like other people making decisions. And that is the biggest reason why we have so many small companies and so few medium-sized and large corporations.”

He zoned in on three common traits of a successful entrepreneur:
1.     Vision: Being able to have a vision and being able to think about what could happen if a process or product is changed or created.
2.     Leadership: A founder has to be able to lead a team. Any successful company will have a good leader, which has that vision, and then is able to transmit this passion to others and then allows others to help
3.     Perseverance: Founders come across many obstacles and are prone to hearing more No’s than Yes’s. The ones who persevere come out on top.


His passion for entrepreneurship is now being channeled through his role in the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF). Tovar Nieto, who went through the SIBF North America Leadership Academy, has taken on the mission to expand the organization’s reach in Latin America. The SIBF’s mission resonates with him because of its commitment to building long-term relationships among leaders worldwide, fostering learning, and promoting cultural understanding. With a target of growing Latin American membership to 200 over the next five years, Tovar Nieto is dedicated to creating a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

“SIBF has a very clear mindset around building long lasting relationships,” said Tovar Nieto. “When you are in that room meeting people that have 40 years of experience above you, that have 20, that have 10 that just started whatever they are, it's a beautiful combination of people and experience across a spectrum, which makes it very interesting. You are looking at building long lasting relationships. That is the main goal to help people find like-minded people that will want to continue to learn.”


SIBF Members Recognized for Contributions
Each year, SIBF recognizes members for their contributions to the organization and their communities.  At the 2024 Summit, 5 members were celebrated for their impact.  From internal leadership and mentoring to entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors, these members exemplify the significance of the organization’s mission.

2024 Spirit of SIBF Award: Susan Simons (SC, ’23)
The Spirit of SIBF Award honors a member who has infused energy into the organization through exceptional effort, delivering remarkable results and setting new standards for all of us.  For more than three decades, Susan has been a part of our family, leaving an indelible mark on every aspect of SIBF.  Susan has a unique ability to bring out the best in everyone around her, inspiring not just fellow members but staff as well, who innovate and create alongside her.  Her influence is felt in every corner of SIBF.



Newcomer Award:  Daniel Tovar Nieto (TX, ’23)
The Newcomer Award recognizes a member from the previous year who has embraced SIBF with open arms, displaying early commitment and leadership. Each year, new members join with a wealth of ideas, high expectations, and a drive to contribute meaningfully to this global community. From the moment Daniel joined SIBF, he has shown a strong dedication not only to our community but also to its future. His contributions have been pivotal in expanding our reach, particularly through his recruitment efforts for the North American Leadership Alliance (NALA) in Mexico, which have been integral to its continued success.


Mentor Award:  Jack Bierley (FL, ‘87)
Every so often, we come across individuals whose influence is so subtle, so quiet, that you almost don’t realize the impact they’ve had until you pause and reflect on how far you’ve come. They’re not the ones in the spotlight or seeking attention, but they are the ones who have shaped the paths of so many in our organization, steering us with wisdom that lingers long after the conversation ends. Jack has been that guiding figure for countless members of our organization. He mentors not with fanfare, but through thoughtful conversations, a few words that, at first, seem casual—until they shift your perspective and spark a change in how you approach your business, your relationships, and even your life.

J. Carroll Rushing Recruitment Award:  Tom Thagard (AL, ‘17)
This award was created in 2021 to honor Carroll’s unwavering commitment to excellence in recruiting qualified international business leaders and ensuring the ongoing legacy and vitality of this organization. Tom has embraced these values but has taken them to new heights.  Through his leadership on the membership committee, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of our organization.  Tom always leads with a forward-thinking mindset that ensures the growth, sustainability, and strength of SIBF for years to come.



Allan J. McDonald Entrepreneur Award: Tanveer Patel (AL, ‘11)
This award recognizes members who embody extraordinary vision, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, much like the award’s namesake. Each year, we honor an individual who has reshaped industries and created new possibilities through determination and creativity. Tanveer has launched and sold multiple successful companies, each pushing the boundaries of what technology can do for business.  As co-founder and former CEO of a leading software development company, Tanveer saw opportunity in competition, spearheading a strategic merger that strengthened the company’s industry position. Their firm delivers exceptional software solutions, showcasing the power of innovation and strategic leadership. 


New Officers Announced for 2025
During the Annual Business Meeting at the Annual Summit in Minneapolis, the membership voted to approve the slate of SIBF officers for the 2025 Board of Directors.

The new officers include: Judy Powell (GA, ‘18) - Chair-elect, John Simmons (FL, ‘21) - Treasurer, and 
Joe Waring (SC, ‘21) - Secretary.


We are excited to have Judy, John, and Joe working with 2025 Chair Tom Bartels (AL, '16), to continue SIBF’s mission and enhance the member experience! 

Click here to congratulate them on their appointment.


Global Network News
Catch up on the latest from our global network! With fresh programs, cross-network events, and inspiring new faces, our community is buzzing with energy and connections across CELA, MELA, and SEALA. Explore these stories to see how you can engage with these impactful initiatives around the world.

CELA's 18th Leadership Academy will take place at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan in the second half of July 2025. The exact dates will be announced soon. The call for applications for facilitation will be shared in the coming weeks – CELA is looking forward to seeing many SIBF friends joining our Academy in this capacity and sharing their wisdom with the new recruits!  
On October 25, the first ever cross network webinar took place, focusing on the ever-evolving energy sector. The speakers included professionals from two sister networks - CELA and MELA. Professionals representing all energy-related fields — renewable, traditional, and emerging - discussed the latest developments and emerging trends of the industry. In the future, there will be more webinars on other industry topics relevant to CELA fellow activity areas. 



Join the CELA Istanbul Briefing on April 24-27 in Istanbul, Turkey. This three-day program will offer a unique opportunity to listen to the most interesting speakers, engage in high-level discussions and connect with professionals across diverse industries. CELA is also offering a Pre-Program for April 21-24 designed to explore Turkey’s vibrant history and culture. The event is open to all from SIBF, CELA, MELA, and SEALA, who are interested in leadership, regional development, and fostering professional ties across borders. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of Central Eurasia and the broader region!

In the beginning of 2025, CELA will introduce an online storytelling series in the format of PechaKucha. Each month, around 10 fellows from each country chapter takes over Zoom to share their stories with the other networks. The topics can be anything and previous stories have varied from winemaking to microbiome to growing potatoes! The presenters are limited to 20 slides and 7 minutes maximum. You can watch them on the CELA Youtube channel at this link.

The Mela 15 Masterclass will take place in Muscat, Oman, from April 10 to 20, 2025. Applications for membership and facilitation will launch soon. 

The Annual Mela Reunion will be separated from the Masterclass in 2025, and will be an independent event welcoming Mela members and global network members to a new program of learning, networking and culture towards the end of 2025 - dates to be announced soon. We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!

Mela was delighted to share the CELA Crossover event on October 25, the first cross-network webinar on the energy sector.

Mela welcomed Mohammed Al Tamami and Nahla El-Banhawy to the Mela Board of Directors this month. 
A member of the Mela 10 class, Mohammed is a dedicated and dynamic leader, his journey with Mela over the past four years has been marked by impactful collaborations on both the local and institutional levels. Mohammed is the co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Mamun, a Sharia-compliant alternative investment platform that empowers SMEs through crowd financing. Under his leadership, Mamun has grown to more than 4,000 investors across 10 countries, providing innovative and ethical investment solutions and transforming how businesses access capital while creating wealth for investors. 


A member of Mela since 2012, Nahla has served two terms as Mela Egypt Chapter President, volunteered as head of the Business Connect Committee through COVID, and served for many years on the recruitment committee for Mela Egypt, besides attending network events across Egypt and the global network. Working in the Middle East and Africa for 17 years, she has enabled digital transformation through technology providers like Microsoft and Esri, as well as leading companies and startups helping transform digital landscapes in the region. Her work included building non-conventional business and technology strategies to help achieve digital transformation practices for the Middle East and Africa - this work helped her expand her strategy experience of both sides of the business. She is passionate about building communities and cities the smart way, and community work through UNSDGs.

The South East Asia Leadership Academy (SEALA) is thrilled to announce that SEALA 11 Academy will be held on the enchanting island of Penang, Malaysia from 6 to 15 February 2025. Facilitating this transformational experience for rising leaders from across South East Asia will be a dynamic team of leading professionals from our global networks. We are honored to have these seasoned professionals on board as Facilitators, and we look forward to their wealth of knowledge, expertise, and generosity of spirit! 


 
A Glimpse into The World of SEALA
An excellent way to gain insight into the South East Asia Leadership Academy (SEALA) is to explore the SEALA Global Network Summit (GNS) that took place in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Under the powerful theme "R.I.S.E: Reflect, Inspire, Share, Embrace," the four-day event showcased The Power of the Networks at its finest.
The GNS was a multilayered, engaging experience where participants discovered new opportunities, connected with leaders across industries, engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and celebrated their shared successes. The power of SEALA's global network was evident, as the event offered a perfect blend of cultural immersion, business networking, and personal growth.
 

SEALA Welcomes Dan White (TX, ‘03) to the SEALA Board of Directors!
SEALA is delighted to welcome Dan White as a member of the Board of Directors. Dan's unwavering support and invaluable guidance have been integral to SEALA's growth since its inception. His strategic leadership, immense experience, and deep wisdom have inspired countless members and alumni, guiding them on their journeys of personal and professional development.  We are thrilled to have Dan as a part of our SEALA Board, and we look forward to the new heights we will reach with his strategic leadership and insights. 

Celebrate the Holidays with SIBF!
The SIBF National Holiday Party will be held on December 5, 2024, at the home of Susan and Tom O’Hanlan (SC, ’99) in Greenville, South Carolina. This festive gathering is complimentary for all SIBF members and their spouses/partners, so come and celebrate the season with friends and colleagues. Attire is cocktail casual, and please remember to register through the SIBF member portal. Our thanks to the O’Hanlans for generously hosting this special evening!

Hotel Options:

• Grand Bohemian Lodge – Conveniently located in downtown Greenville with a group rate available. Call 864.520.5300 with group name Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF).
• The Station by Compo Hotels – An eco-friendly boutique option just minutes from the O’Hanlans’ home.
  We look forward to celebrating together—don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to connect and toast to the holidays!

In addition to the National Holiday Party, we’re thrilled to announce a series of local celebrations happening across the country! Join fellow members in your area (or if you find yourself in an area outside your home city) for festive gatherings and toast to the season together.


Tennessee - November 20
Hosted by Pamela & Michael Carter (TN, ’24)
  
Alabama - December 8
Hosted by Carolanne and Johnny Roberts (AL, ‘02)
  
Florida - December 8
Hosted by Lyda & Carl Lindell (FL, ‘87)
  
Georgia - December 12
Hosted by Neda Barqawi & Khalid Hamied (GA, ‘15)
  
Texas - December 12
Hosted by Jay & Kirstin Binkley (TX, ‘14 and TX, ‘17)
  
Virginia/DC/Maryland - January 23
Hosted by Karen & Walt Moore (VA, ‘18)
 
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this newsletter! If you have feedback or want to connect with the SIBF office, please click here to send us a message.