Meade Sutterfield is an angel and private equity investor in emerging healthcare and process management SaaS with 37 investments over 30 years. He currently serves on the boards for two venture funds and three companies in which he is an investor.

From 1985-1993 he was concurrently a founder and President of PowerFone Inc and Johnson Communications Corporation, both US regional mobile radio carriers that were merged into the roll-up that created nationwide Nextel Communications. In 1984 he was CEO of AllianceWall, and 1980-1984 was in several positions at Kimberly Clark leading to VP & GM of the Industrial Service Division. Meade launched his career at Scientific-Atlanta with 8 jobs leading to general management in Europe and North America from 1974-1980.

Meade received his BEE from Georgia Tech in 1972 and his MBA from Harvard in 1974, both with honors. He attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship. Meade is a past Chair of the Alumni Association of the Georgia Institute of Technology. He currently serves on the Institute's Foundation Board, the Advisory Boards for the Electrical Engineering School and the Flashpoint at Georgia Tech Incubator. He was also President of the Harvard Business School (Alumni) Club of Atlanta in 1985. He is the Chair of the Sandy Springs Arts Foundation, which supports public schools and grassroots arts within the city.

He is a past Chair of the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) and a Past Chair of the Global Network Foundation (GNF) of SIBF. In 2002, he was one of the founders of the Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance (CELA) and has participated in all 16 (soon to be 17) academies and attended almost every reunion, resulting in travel to every country in the region. He was also extensively involved in the founding of the related Middle East Leadership Academy (MELA) and the Southeast Asia Leadership Academy (SEALA) and has served many times facilitator.

He is married to Susan. They have four married children and ten grandchildren ranging from 3-19 years. Meade is passionate about his family, tennis and helping people recognize and develop their talent to better themselves and others.

Susan Sutterfield has 20 years of experience as a hospital nurse, focusing on physical rehabilitation and pulmonary medicine. She has a BS in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her last job was as a nurse for an international research study (TEDDY) involving diabetes in children.

She is an active member of a local women’s philanthropic organization, which raises money through its grant program to support community nonprofits.

Susan’s other main interests are international travel, history, and politics. She also enjoys cooking and has studied Spanish for several years, intending to become fluent someday. She has traveled throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Through the Central Eurasia Leadership Academy (CELA), she has participated in every CELA leadership program and most of the reunions and, as a result, has visited all but one of the CELA member countries.

She and her husband, Meade, have four adult married children and are the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren, ages 19 to 3.

Hikmat Abdurahmanov co-founded TEAM University and HMPARTNERS and serves as the Country Director for GEN Uzbekistan. His career spans various aspects of entrepreneurship, business education, leadership, and management, fueled by a passion for driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Hikmat holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in International Economics, both earned with excellence, from the University of World Economy & Diplomacy (UWED). His academic journey further led him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a second Master's in International Business from the University of St Andrews. This comprehensive educational background has allowed Hikmat to calibrate his expertise in the business world, launching companies across diverse sectors such as leasing, foreign trade, and services to SMEs.

Hikmat's ventures include HMPARTNERS, an umbrella organization encompassing GroundZero coworking spaces, CLG Leasing/CLGAuto leasing companies, and MediTech medical equipment. He is also a certified Independent Director and a prestigious Skolkovo business school graduate.

Hikmat's international exposure has significantly influenced his business approach. Having lived in the UK, US, China, and Singapore and having visited over 50 countries, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is also a fellow of numerous global leadership programs, further solidifying his international business acumen.

His most recent venture, TEAM University, is the first entrepreneurship university in Uzbekistan. The institution runs Bachelor programs in Digital Innovation, International Business, and Creative Industries in partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU). TEAM University is an emerging international academic institution, home to approximately 300 students aspiring to launch their businesses and startups. Its faculty and staff, selected based on their robust academic and practical backgrounds, hail from around the world, embodying Hikmat's vision of fostering global mindsets and entrepreneurial skill sets.

Aleksandre Sandro Jejelava, also known as Sandro, is an accomplished top manager with a career spanning 25 years across the public and private sectors. A member of CELA since 2012 and a facilitator for CELA, MELA, and NALA networks since 2020, he has a significant record of leadership and service in various influential roles.

His managerial career includes notable positions such as the Deputy CEO and Board member of UGT, Georgia's leading IT company, and TBC Bank, a foremost universal bank in the country. Sandro's influence also extends to the political sphere, where he served as the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Vice-Prime Minister of Georgia, and a member of the Georgian Government. As an entrepreneur, he founded and leads two training companies, Management Academy and Flowmaster, recognized as premier executive education providers in Georgia.

Sandro's impressive academic portfolio complements his managerial prowess. He holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from Tbilisi State University, a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in General Management from the European School of Management, and a Master of Project Management from George Washington University. Further enhancing his credentials, he is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and an International Certified Coach from the Erickson International Coaching Institute.

Beyond his executive roles, Sandro is also an esteemed educator. He has been an invited professor at leading higher education institutions in Georgia, including the Free University of Tbilisi, Caucasus University, and the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. His expertise lies in leading management and leadership executive courses for management teams of leading Georgian companies.

On a personal note, Sandro, at 50, enjoys a fulfilling family life. He is happily married, and a proud father of four children ages 29 to 2. He also cherishes his role as a grandfather to his three-year-old grandchild. Aleksandre Sandro Jejelava continues to be influential in his field and community through his professional accomplishments, educational endeavors, and personal life.

Jarkyn Samanchina has 20 years of working experience in wildlife conservation. She has led the work of a British conservation NGO, Fauna & Flora in Kyrgyzstan on a wide range of projects, including the protection of endangered species, such as snow leopard and its prey base, saker falcon, Menzbier's marmot, steppe tortoise, wild apples, pears and tulips, etc., through surveys, capacity building of protected area and forestry staff, development of management plans, community support and awareness work, and prevention of illegal wildlife trade in wider Central Asia region.

Jarkyn holds a BA degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University (USA), an MS degree in International Relations from Middle East Technical University (Turkiye), a Master's degree in International Cooperation and Development from Pavia University (Italy), and a PhD degree in Political Science from Bishkek Humanities University (Kyrgyzstan).

Jarkyn also has teaching experience at the International University of Kyrgyzstan and the American University in Central Asia in Bishkek, where she taught courses on American Society, Research Methods, Critical Thinking, Introduction to Political Science, Basics of Ecology and International Environmental Protection, and Environment, Sustainability, and Development in Central Asia. She actively participates in educational, charity, and art projects.

Steven Raab is the Chairman of The InSource Group which provides a variety of Information Technology services and highly qualified Information Technology professionals to its commercial clients on a contract basis. The Insource Group was a three-time qualifier in the SMU Cox Business School of Business Dallas 100, has received numerous other awards, and previously was recognized as one of Texas’ fastest growing Women-Owned Businesses.

Mr. Raab began his technical career at IBM, where he held various line and staff management positions in sales and vertical industry markets over a period of 17 years. He also has been the founder and President of his own custom home building company, Executive Vice President of Real Estate and Real Estate Lending for Champion Savings & Loan, and EVP of Real Time Financial Systems, Inc.

He is the past President and member of the board of The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture, past Board Chair and Board member of Social Venture Partners Dallas, board member of Social Venture Partners International. Steven served as a facilitator at MELA, CELA and SEALA programs.

Steven is keenly interested in geopolitics, international security, and foreign affairs and in that pursuit, he is a member of The Tower Center Forum at SMU, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Ft. Worth and Dallas Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Raab is a Fox Hunter and is also interested in social innovation, travel, hand and shot gun sports (particularly skeet/sporting clays) and reading.

Steven is currently pursuing a Bachelors inf International Relations and Political Science at Southern Methodist University.

Susan Simons’ primary business focus is creating and facilitating leadership development programming. Through her company, Persimmon Portfolio, Ms Simons commits to diverse projects where she translates theory into experiential tools and environments to support personal growth and change. The tool focused projects have been more direct in their support of growth such as the development of small group behavior change program for a health and wellness company, content and layout editing for 6 books on leadership, and creating and delivering masterclass programming for a multi-country HR conference. Her current interest is in leaders of early-stage complex science and technology companies. Her obsession is how to reliably have people (including herself) experience and then operate from an “empty cup” or place of non-knowing.

Ms Simons is equally intrigued by projects that allow her to play with how to use objects and spaces to trigger associated values and intentions. One such project was the adaptive reuse design of a former elementary school into an office and event space. Ms Simons leveraged specific American Schoolhouse architectural features that communicate democratic ideals, community, growth and learning into a financially successful and award winning office space community.

Her pro bono work has her travel the globe raising the bar of facilitation for emerging corporate leaders for Leadership Development Academies associated with the Society of International Business Fellows. Since 2011, she has participated in delivering seventeen such immersive programs in four regions- Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Eurasia and North America. As much as Susan loves facilitating the participants, she is fascinated by the challenge of preparing the volunteer Facilitators who are seasoned business leaders. The recurring question is how to help these accomplished volunteers move into the state of suspending their own “knowing” and ego in order to engage with the participants as equal learners.

Ms. Simons began her career creating Internet business and marketing strategies for mid-size companies. She was then co-founder/CEO of Clinetic, a pioneering electronic medical record company. She served in government as an elected member of the Charleston County School Board. Susan has consulted with and served on the boards of numerous nonprofits including Lowcountry Aids Services and the Charleston Children’s Museum. Ms. Simons received her BA from Brown University and her MA from The Fletcher School, Tufts University. She resides in Charleston, SC with her husband, John Hagerty, while their three children are scattered around the globe.

Ashok Mittal, an experienced mentor and management advisor, specializes in guiding second-generation entrepreneurs and numerous family-owned businesses. His vast experience is rooted in his successful past as the co-founder and managing director of two manufacturing companies, giving him practical insights that he employs in his advisory role.

In addition to mentoring, Ashok is a certified facilitator for Personalysis, a personality assessment tool. His work involves providing assessment and coaching services to build high-performing teams, manage change and transitions, and aid personal development for many clients.

Ashok's dedication extends beyond the business realm; he also participates actively in the non-profit sector. He founded and serves as a trustee in two NGOs committed to early childhood education, reflecting his commitment to social development. He also takes pride in being one of the founding board members of SEALA.

Ashok received his Bachelor's in Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences in Pilani, India. His interests are not limited to his professional endeavors; he is an avid traveler, a keen scuba diver exploring various global destinations, and a hobbyist photographer. These activities, coupled with his professional commitments, paint a picture of a diverse, driven, and passionate individual dedicated to both personal growth and the growth of others.

Ginny Jackson is Vice-President and significant shareholder of Statement Systems, Inc., an 18-year-old company in Dallas, Texas. SSI specializes in performing highly complex data parsing/processing and printing/distribution of complex, highly-personalized variable communications for clients such as Federal Express, JPMorgan Chase, Dell and many other Fortune 1000 companies.

Ginny is active in the SMU Tower Center Forum, World Affairs Council, CELA (Central Eurasia Leadership Academy), the Society of International Business Fellows, Dallas Social Venture Partners, Dallas Women in Philanthropy and is on the Board of the Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas. She graduated from Occidental College in Pasadena, CA, with a B.A. in Languages.

Ginny’s hobbies include cooking (as much as possible, as often as possible, for as many people as possible), reading and all sorts of sports and outdoor activities. She enjoys attending a wide range of arts and cultural events, especially dance and literary events. Ginny and her husband, Steven Raab, share their home with their three Golden Retrievers – Hudson, Cooper and Bo – and two cats.

Al Shanfari has a wealth of experience working in leadership roles in marketing and communications across Oman and the wider region. His professional experience includes progressing through various management positions during his eight-year tenure in Ooredoo Oman, including Director of Business Marketing. Most recently, he held the role of General Manager of Marketing Communication and Performance at Omantel.

Al Shanfari successfully completed Oman’s National CEO Program in 2017, which prepared Oman’s brightest talent to compete in the global marketplace with an aim to build the next generation of Omani leaders. Bringing the leadership skills and experience he gained from the CEO program, Al Shanfari aims to promote Oman and OCEC as a hub for regional and international conferences and exhibitions, as well as a venue for live events and showcasing the natural beauty and rich culture of Oman.

Al Shanfari holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Hull and a double Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Computer Management and Information Systems, as well as Business Administration and International Business. He has further completed additional leadership and management courses from the London Business School and the IMD Business School.

Archil Jakobia is the managing partner of TEAMBOAT, a company he founded in 2018 that specializes in team-building and team development within the B2B sector. Under his leadership, TEAMBOAT has captured a remarkable 68% market share. Archil's role involves overseeing key projects from needs assessment to program design and facilitation, ensuring that the company meets the diverse needs of its clients.

Archil's journey began with a degree in system engineering from the Georgian Technical University (GTU) in 1998. He started his career in the banking sector, gaining valuable experience in various sales roles. In 2001, he transitioned to the tourism and active recreation sector, where he became deeply involved in promoting and developing water sports. He founded an organization and three federations dedicated to whitewater sports, significantly influencing the water tourism landscape in his region.

In 2008, Archil founded Georgia's first consulting company specializing in outsourced sales services. Through this venture, he successfully executed numerous consulting projects, helping organizations refine their retail and corporate sales strategies. Archil's diverse background and entrepreneurial spirit have driven his success in various industries, culminating in his current leadership role at TEAMBOAT.

Jan Bowler spent 30 years as a Human Resources practitioner in the U.S. — ten years at the executive level in small private and public companies and twenty as a solo consultant to entrepreneurs. She has designed and delivered management and leadership training in Poland, trained Peace Corps volunteers in Ukraine, and facilitated executive teams who were defining or shifting their strategies.

Jan retired from HR in 2007, then spent eight years as first, Operations Manager, then President of her late husband’s financial research business before selling it in 2015.

She attended CELA 11 as a guest and facilitated at CELA 12 and 13. An avid traveler, she hopes to visit all the countries in the region. So far, she has been to Georgia and Mongolia with plans for Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in 2019. When not travelling, she resides in beautiful, mountainous Durango, CO where she hikes, bikes, volunteers for non-profits and plays Scrabble with friends

Bobby Henebry, CFA in CEO of Henebry Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Consulting, LLC, which mines crypto and consults for blockchain startups. Previously, he worked for 11 years at SeaBridge Investment Advisors, eventually becoming a partner. SeaBridge advised wealthy individuals, family offices, and foundations on global allocations among stocks, private equities, and hedge funds. He helped raise over $200M of new assets for the firm.

Previously, he was also employed at Georgia Tech’s Office of Technology Licensing, which managed all intellectual property developed on campus. In addition, he was on a team of entrepreneurs that won the 2006 GT Business Plan Competition, and subsequently he placed third in a national elevator pitch competition.

Bobby earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (2003) and an MBA focusing in entrepreneurship (2006), both from Georgia Tech. He is a CFA Charterholder, a graduate of both the Landmark Forum and Advanced Course, a graduate of the SIBF Leadership Academy, and has served as a facilitator at MELA 8, 9, and CELA 13.

In his free time, his passion is music (writing, recording, and performing)! He traveled extensively within the U.S. (45 states) and abroad (45 countries).

Clark Plexico brings years of practical experience to the field of global leadership. He has served as an educator, entrepreneur, state senator, corporate executive, consultant, country director, and non-profit CEO. In addition, he has worked and lived in Europe, the Middle East, and Central and Southeast Asia for almost twenty years.

Mr. Plexico is currently based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In addition to being a speaker for international forums and organizational retreats, he offers coaching, facilitating and training in three overlapping strategies for successful leadership: Leadership Development, Cross Cultural Communications and Negotiations, and Public Policy Advocacy and Governance.

Mr. Plexico’s work has the goal of enabling individuals to become more effective leaders locally and globally, and to enable organizations to create environments where such leaders can flourish to the benefit of the individual, organization and society.

He also writes guest columns for newspapers from the perspective of an American living and traveling abroad. Clark’s hobbies are traveling, writing, photography, hiking and kayaking.

Mr. Plexico is an original facilitator and founder of CELA. This marks the 15th time that he has served as facilitator or faculty member for the various academies in the network.

Over the past 20 years, Bill Starnes has been instrumental in developing and delivering leadership programs. He has played multiple roles, including program designer, faculty coordinator, and faculty member for the intensive 10-day leadership programs for the CELA, Mela, and SEALA networks. More than 1000 leaders have attended these programs under his guidance. Furthermore, he contributes as a member of the faculty and advisor to participants and alumni of the Global CEO Academy program, a 100-day transformation journey for top executives.

Shifting his focus to leadership development in 2001, Bill served as the Managing Director for the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) until 2005 and continued to lead their New Member Programs until 2010. He served as the SIBF Chairman in 2013 and currently sits on the boards of the SIBF, SEALA, and Mela networks.

Prior to joining SIBF, Bill was involved in real estate investments as Co-Managing Partner for Trammell Crow International, traveling extensively in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He began his academic career teaching economics at Williams College and Rice University. He currently lives in Dallas, Texas.

With his diverse professional background, Bill continually dedicates his career to facilitating growth and fostering potential in others.

Paulette Carnicelli Pidcock is a certified executive leadership coach and Founding President of Pidcock Coaching Partners, LLC. Drawing on her decades as a successful corporate lobbyist and leader in Washington, DC, Paulette has created her coaching business to make a difference in the lives of her clients. She brings extensive, real-life experiences and expertise to her strategies, skills, and knowledge of what contributes to effective and transformational leadership.

Paulette spent her corporate career as a government relations executive for three multi-billion dollar energy and utility holding companies (PPL Corporation, PG&E Corporation and BGE Company), where her leadership skills, policy expertise and relationship prowess earned her respect within her corporations, industry associations, professional organizations and on Capitol Hill.

Paulette earned her Leadership Coaching Certificate from Georgetown University and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ACC). She holds an MA degree from the University of Maryland and a BS degree from California University of Pennsylvania.

Paulette has created and facilitated leadership programs for mid- level career professionals – in Washington. As a Member of the SIBF she has served as a Volunteer Leadership Facilitator SEALA (2015-2018), CELA (2015-2017), MELA (2018) – and US (2014-2017). Paulette serves on the SIBF Board.

Salma Al-Shuhail is an INSEAD certified Executive leadership coach, and leadership consultant since 2017. Currently, working as business development consultant in the coffee business on expanding across different regions. Salma is involved in co-designing leadership executive programs for C-suite and summer leadership programs for youth. Most of her time is in coaching executives and youth as part of these programs.

Prior to that, Salma worked as Chief Delivery Officer at the Jordan Media Institute on facilitating the transformation process for 19 months. Before that, she worked as a consultant on leadership programs for Jordan’s youth as part of the IDG (Inspirational Development Group, UK) team for developing youth programs in the region and developed curriculum for leadership programs for grade 9-12.

From 2001-2017, Salma has spent 16 years in the Royal Office of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan at The Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan. Her last post was in The Office of the Chief of The Royal Hashemite Court as an assistant to the Chief on different files.

Salma obtained a B.Sc with a double major in Political Science & Economics with a minor in Political Philosophy from Boston College, Massachusetts. Her Master’s degree was in Conflict Resolution (with a focus on the role of leadership in negotiations) from the Diplomatic Institute of Jordan in 2002.

Salma was appointed as MELA Board member for her contribution to the network since MELA 2 in 2011. She started facilitating in 2016.

Michael Kouly is a distinguished international speaker and influential thought leader known for his captivating talks at international conferences, corporate retreats, universities, and national strategy conferences across numerous countries. With a focus on thought-provoking insights, inspiring leadership concepts, and actionable strategies, Michael has been recognized with prestigious awards and honours, including Time Magazine and Reuters and participation in esteemed panels like the Abu Dhabi President's Government Excellent Awards and Dubai Government Leadership Awards.

Michael's impact extends beyond the stage, as he has developed globally acclaimed executive programs, such as the Global CEO Academy (GCA), Cambridge Institute for Global Leadership, and Kouly Institute. These programs have empowered thousands of top corporate and government officials, equipping them with cutting-edge insights and skills for navigating today's dynamic business landscape.

As a strategic advisor, Michael Kouly has provided invaluable guidance and counsel to top-level executives and state leaders, contributing to the success and growth of various organizations. His unique approach and transformative strategies have fostered cultures of excellence and innovation, shaping the future of leadership on a global scale.

Michael Kouly stands as a highly respected keynote speaker and thought leader, acknowledged for his thought-provoking contributions to the business and leadership communities. Through his acclaimed executive programs and strategic guidance, he continues to make a substantial impact, empowering leaders and organizations to thrive in an ever-changing world. Michael studies at Harvard, Princeton, UCL, AUB, Maastricht and Michigan universities. He is the author of 15 books, including two Amazon best-sellers. Michael can be reached at teammichaelkouly@michaelkouly.com

Dr. Sergey Tantushyan is a Strategy and Business Communications professor in the MBA, BAB, and MSM programs at the American University of Armenia, and also served as Director of Open Education Programs at AUA. Formerly a Deputy CEO at IDeA Foundation, he brings 15 years of management consulting experience in strategic planning, project implementation, and strategy advice, spanning New York, Yerevan, and Moscow. Sergey's diverse background includes roles at the Central Bank of Armenia, consultant at the OSCE office in Yerevan, and management positions in investment and consulting companies in Russia. His expertise extends to heading the Strategy Development Division of AmeriaBank in Yerevan and being an international Education Consultant for the ADB. In 2017 he became a Skolkovo Moscow Business School diploma holder, in 2017 a CELA fellow, and further CELA Faculty.

Sergey holds an MBA from Brandeis International Business School, an MSc in Economics from Yerevan State, an MCLS from AUA, and a Doctorate in Finance and Economics from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. As a 2006 Fulbright Fellow, he studied Strategic Development and Global Economy at Dickinson College, PA, and participated in the Eurasia Executive Leadership Program at the University of Cambridge in 2008. Notably, he became a Sauvé Scholar and Academic trainee at McGill University in 2009. Sergey's corporate training engagements encompass a vast array of organizations worldwide, including Caritas Georgia and Armenia, USAID projects in Armenia, and various ministries and state agencies of Armenia, among many others.

Rashad Bayramov is an international business trainer and coach. He has delivered his training programs and personal coaching sessions on effective communication in Azerbaijan, Turkey, the United States, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Qatar, Jordan, India, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

He is the author of two books on effective communication: “Trust Your Words: 10 Ways to Conquer Your Audience” (2016), the first book on the topic of public speaking published in Azerbaijan, and “Frankly Speaking: Nine Ways to Influence People” (2023).

In his career spanning more than 20 years he was press officer, business journalist, chief editor, government relations manager, and regional transformation leader. For many years, he was the energy giant BP’s spokesperson for audiences ranging from new recruits to heads of government.

Rashad Bayramov is currently Advisor to the Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

He has a master’s degree in communication and marketing from Rochester Institute of Technology (US), and a master’s degree in philology from Azerbaijan University of Languages.

Rashad Bayramov is married and has two sons.