Mela 12 Masterclass

Participants

Faleh Al Abri / Oman

Faleh Al Abri is the Executive Vice-Chairman of Dhofar Global, one of UAE’s leading suppliers of hygiene solutions with operations in Qatar and Oman too. Under his leadership, Dhofar Global has achieved substantial growth in terms of market share and client base, product range, human capital, and geographical expansion. He was a key contributor to the advancement of the company based on proactivity and innovation to always meet customer needs and provide cost-efficient and environment-friendly solutions without any compromise on quality and consistency of service.

Mr. Al Abri is a graduate of the Omani National CEO Program delivered by the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of Themar Group, the mother company of Dhofar Global, and leads its plans for diversification and investment in health and hygiene, innovation and technology, real estate, organic agriculture, and human development. 

Prior to joining Themar Group, Mr. Al Abri served as Senior Audit Executive and Administrator to the Management Team at Oman Mobile Telecommunication Company, one of the country’s leading companies in the field.

Mr. Al Abri holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Khaled Abu Ajwa / Jordan

Khaled is a full-time advocate of sustainability, impact & efficiency. Over the past 13 years, he has been profoundly involved in the fields of energy, investment promotion, youth empowerment, impact & social development in Jordan & MENA. Currently pursuing further his social development work & passion at Naua (naua.org) - a social giving platform - and its spinoff platform Nahno (nahno.org) - the national platform for volunteering and youth engagement. All activities on both platforms are aligned with the SDGs within a common framework of collective action to measure and showcase impact. Khaled holds a B.Eng in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, Canada (2007) & a Master’s Degree in e-Business Management from the University of Salento, Italy (2009).

Sereen Abu Maizar / Jordan

Sereen is a leader in the field of emotional intelligence (EQ) in Jordan. She first realized her strengths in this area while working in the banking sector. She had a talent for diffusing conflict and improving communication which led her to training & coaching others to do the same. Recognizing that managing relationships is a combination of knowledge, skills and attitude, Sereen sought further information and stepped into the world of emotional intelligence. As a Certified International Professional Trainer, Sereen has spent the past 11 years developing and conducting trainings for leaders in the private and non-profit sectors, as well as educational

institutions across the Middle East. In 2013, Sereen was certified as an Emotional

Intelligence Practitioner and in 2016, as an Emotional Intelligence Assessor, by Six

Seconds, a U.S.-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness of emotional intelligence. Her commitment and passion for the field paved the way for her

appointment as a Network Leader by Six Seconds in 2017. She has spoken at numerous events and conferences including at the World EQ Summits held in the U.A.E and India in 2017 and at Jordan’s 2017 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. In addition to the first EQ Summit in Jordan 2018.

Sereen holds a BA in Business Administration and MIS and has completed a higher

degree in Child Education. In 2020 Sereen pursued her Coaching certifications with 120+ hours of practice.

Mohannad Almonayyer / UAE

 

Mohannad is a Civil Engineer with a Master Degree in Economics and Finance. He is an experienced Capital Projects and Infrastructure consultant having worked for one of the top 4 Global Management Consultancy firms. He is currently a Director within Ankura’s Project Advisory practice in London and has over 9 years of experience providing financial and project advisory services to the private and public sectors. Mohannad specialises in project and programme advisory services. His experience includes PPPs, feasibility studies and reviews, commercial structuring, financial modelling, funding strategies, developing / running tender processes, governance reviews, commercial due diligence and value for money assessments. Moreover, Mohannad is PMP certified and has a strong background in project management. Mohannad’s experience span the UK and MENA region across several sectors including Education, Healthcare, Utilities, Telecommunication, Transport, Oil & Gas and Real Estate. 

Mohamed Al Yousuf / UAE

Mohamed Alyousuf, director or Alyousuf Auto Sports oversees development and execution of the company’s business strategies in order to attain the goals of the shareholders. He has proven his ability to enhance the operational efficiency, customer experience and profitability in the last 10 years of his working experience. Graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor of science in Civil engineering, Mohamed Alyousuf ventured into the world of marketing as Alyousuf Motors marketing manager and later Alyousuf group of companies marketing director, before his current position as Alyousuf Auto Sports director. 

Mohammed Al-Emadi / Qatar

 

Development has no age, in my opinion. As an individual, I always look for opportunities for self-development to implement the learning in life and the workplace. I have faith and believe in continuous improvement and education to remain up to date. I lead the venture capital and angel investment ecosystem development in my professional career through multiple initiatives that encourage and support the private sector to invest in private equity. I also lead the Fintech investment portfolio within QDB that aims to attract leading global fintechs to set up in Qatar. Before that, I worked in Royal Duch Shell and Qatar Gas in different roles across both organizations; in strategy, commercial evaluation, and finance. I have also served at the same time as a board member of a Qatari-listed company, Qatar German Medical Devices, and I chaired the audit committee in this company. In parallel to these activities, I chair my own manufacturing company that I founded in 2015.

Khaled Al Anani / Egypt

Khaled Al Anani is the Deputy chairman of Dakahlia Group and the CEO of Dakahlia Agricultural Development Co.  Khaled is a veteran of the agriculture and food industries, having spent more than 22 years working full time in the fields of poultry production, feed production, horticulture, nurseries and field crops, processed foods and agrochemicals. 

Khaled has established within Dakahlia Group the fields of agriculture, agricultural export (to more than 50 countries currently), food processing and agrochemicals trading, which today contribute more than 35% of the group’s bottom line as well as helped establish and upgrade many important disciplines and led culture change across many platforms. On a day to day basis Khaled manages Dakahlia Agricultural Development Company, is responsible for the organizational development and continuous improvement disciplines within the group, sits on the board of 6 of the group’s of companies and assists their managers 

Khaled is a civil engineer by education, a graduate of the American University in Cairo class of ’99. Khaled also devotes time for his involvement in Al Anani foundation, the family’s foundation that is involved in upgrading healthcare capacity of hospitals and establishing specialized treatment centers in Egypt’s remote regions, such as a breast cancer screening clinic and a center for communication disorders treatment for children.

Al Anood Alhadlaq / KSA

Bio expected soon.

Zyad Alhasan  / Palestine

Zyad Alhasan is the Managing Director for Milestones Training & Consulting. A senior professional with over 13 years solid experience in managing large-scale projects and programs in diversified fields including transformation projects design and execution; product and services launches, quality and business processes management, and Project management. 

Mr. Alhasan has achieved his bachelor degree in Computer System Engineering with minor in Business Administration from Birzeit University in 2008 and high diploma in Management of Technology & Innovation from Birzeit University – Center of Continuing Education in 2011.

Mr. Alhasan has achieved tremendous certificates recognized by international association and organization 

• Program Management Professional (PgMP) 

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

• Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

• Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) 

• Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) 

• Balanced Scorecard Professional (BSP)

• Key Performance Indicator Professional (KPIP) 

• PRINCE2 (Foundation & Practitioner) 

• Project Management in Development (PMD) 

• Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM)

• Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM) 

Saoud Al-Saadi / Qatar

Sharp 
and 
inspiring 
leader 
with
 12+ 
years
 of
 solid 
banking 
experience,
great 
business
 acumen 
and
 extensive 
client 
facing 
experience
 through 
a
senior
 level
 network.
 As 
an
 experienced
 Corporate 
Banker, 
I
 thrive 
in
challenging, 
high-pressure
 situations. 
I have 
been praised
 for
 my 
natural
leadership
 skills, 
my 
credibility 
with 
stakeholders,
 my 
efficiency, dedication
 and
 out-of-the 
box 
thinking. 
I 
am 
curious 
and 
enjoy 
wrapping
my 
head
 around 
complex
 issues. 
But
 most
 of 
all, 
I'm 
passionate 
about
building
 powerful 
relationships
 and 
building 
high-performing 
teams
 where
 everyone 
can 
reach 
their
 full
 potential.
.

Hamed Al Ghabshi / Oman

A results oriented leader experienced in managing numerous high-pressured executive roles in telecommunications business operations, including: network operations, quality control, contact centre and customer service. Proven track record in galvanising, developing and leading highly efficient teams and processes to ensure shareholder value by increasing margins for continued company profitability. Proven excellence in planning, organising, coordinating and controlling dynamic and complex operational environments.

Hamed is accountable for the management and maintenance of fixed network operations and delivery of all fixed services and solutions to safeguard fixed revenue growth for the company. Accountable for consistently meeting network performance objectives and customer service level agreements in relation to delivery and assurance of services per the regulatory authority requirements. Direct responsibility of cost management, including vendor management, to continually drive down operational expenditure to improve company profitability. End to end project management of all Enterprise solutions as well as delivery of key corporate strategic projects.

Mamoun AlKabbani / KSA

Mamoun Alkabbani, Saudi national, was born on 4th of March 1994 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He grew up in the city of Beirut, where he obtained his degree in Banking and Finance from the ‘Lebanese American University of Beirut’ in 2015. In 2016, he moved back to Saudi Arabia to kick start his professional career.

He started his professional career in 2016 when he joined ‘Ernst & Young’ in the department of ‘Transaction Real Estate Advisory Services’, where he was a consultant in the public and private sectors across the GCC region for two years. In 2018, he decided to continue his education and moved to Barcelona, Spain where he pursued and achieved his MSc in Marketing and Sales Management from ‘EAE Business School’.

In 2019 he was appointed as the ‘Marketing Manager’ of ‘UNITECH’, one of the leading Saudi companies empowering the MENA region’s construction industry over the past 40+ years. As a result of exceeding his targets it was clear to the top management that he was able to take on more responsibility, thus being promoted to the post of ‘Operations Manager’ in ‘UNITECH’ as well as ‘Advisor’ to the ‘IKK Glass Works Co.’ in 2021. His successful attempt at revitalizing UNITECH’s brand has given the ‘IKK Group Management’ the idea to challenge him by assigning him as the ‘Corporate Marketing Department Head’ at the start of 2022. His experience and exposure in consultancy combined with his ambitious and visionary character traits has allowed him to propel through the ranks over the past few years.

Saleh Alshuwaier / KSA

Multi-discipline professional with chemical engineering background, worked in different sectors including Petrochemicals, Manufacturing, Conferences, Exhibition and event Management. Currently, leading a team of consultants driving change in one of the largest ministries in KSA. Passionate and strong believer in technology and how it can transform businesses and societies.

Amena ElSaie / Egypt

Amena Elsaie is the co-founder and CEO of Helm; the pioneering social enterprise promoting the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. Driven by her passion for equality; she takes pride in leading Helm to stand at the forefront of the disability field. Awarded three times for global best practices by the Zero Project in the UN Headquarters in Vienna.

Amena is certified by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in “Improvement of Accessibility of Social Inclusion – Barrier Free Environment” in Japan. Helm Founders won 1st prize in the MIT Pan-arab business plan competition for “Entaleq” application in 2020.

Mohammed Gad / Egypt

 

 

Mohamed Saad Gad is an Egyptian, born and raised in the suburbs of Cairo and a passionate supporter of youth empowerment, Saad maintains active involvement in several community service organizations. 

Currently he serves on business advisory council of Enactus Kenya and is a director of Akili Africa Foundation that is a subsidiary of Giza Systems set up to work extensively with the youth in Africa. 

Mr. Saad holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Production Engineering from Akhbar El Youm Academy in Cairo and a Sales Management Diploma from the American University in Cairo and is currently finalizing his MBA from the University of Bradford. 

Saad held the position of  Regional General Manager (West, East and Central Africa) at Giza Systems Ltd since 2015 till 2022 , to start a new journey of managing the GCC region , his employment at Giza Systems started back in the year 2006 as sales engineer. 

Moosa Hadrami / Oman

We care about our environment, hence our motive is to make the earth greener, brighter and better place to live. We serve utilizing creative, innovative and environmentally friendly hygienic materials and chemicals. Thus, we provide professional cleaning services through Deep Cleaning Packages, Qualified Pest Control, Landscape & Waste management and Furniture Cleaning, International high class catering & Sterilization.

Hamdoon Harthi / Oman

Hamdoon Al-Harthi was born on February 2, 1982. He received the MBA from University of Bedfordshire in 2021 and High National Diploma in Internet & Computer Application in 2004. He have joined Omantel on August 2006 as call center agent, and during his period, he gradually moved to be as Workforce Optimization Specialist at the Contact Center in 2007. After that, he got promoted to be as Workforce Optimization Team Leader 2012, then as Performance Management Consumer Manager in 2018. Then he moved out of the consumer unit to join the Wholesale Unit in 2018 as Asia Carrier Services Manager. Which he wanted to gain new experience and exposure. In 2020 he moved to Corporate Unit based on a management request as there was a need for his experience to be added there for around 6 months. And since August 2020 up to date he is as Contact Center Senior Manager at consumer unit.
Hamdoon likes working in a highly competitive environment and he is totally committed to be ongoing beyond everything that a customer expects to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. He is a young focused professional leader, who relates well to people through a pragmatic and energetic approach to problem-solving and decision making. And finaly, Hamdoon has contributed in submission for Best Contact Centre Experience award organized by IQPC Dubai and won the award in 2017.

Tariq Joudeh / UAE
 
A professional Marketer and Business Development Manager with 21 years of experience and intensive market knowledge of GCC markets across different fields & sectors including Advertising, Marketing, Sales & Banking.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Faisal Kattan / KSA

Faisal holds a master’s degree in Arab Studies (Concentration: Political Economy and Economic Development) from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in Economics and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from the American University in Cairo. He currently works at the Ministry of Economy and Planning where he serves as the Assistant Deputy Minister for Labor Market Policies and Human Capital Development, the Assistant Deputy Minister for Sustainable Development Affairs, and Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Planning. Faisal works on a wide range of social and economic policies, such as social protection, poverty and inequality, population development, pensions, reproductive health and family planning, behavioral economics, human capital, immigration, labor market dynamic, non-communicable diseases, and youth development. He also serves on a number of boards, such as, Real Estate Development Fund, Human Resource Development Fund, General Organization for Social Insurance, and Family Affairs Council.

Previously, Faisal worked for the Brookings Institution, the OECD, the Gulf Research Center, Sawawi Ventures and the Queen Rania Foundation. He is also the Co-Founder of Flat6Labs Cairo, the Middle East’s first business accelerator, as well as the Co-Founder of Shamsina, a solar technology startup that targets marginalized communities in Egypt. 

Salim Koronful / Lebanon

Born and raised in Beirut attending the French secular school. Moved to Canada to pursue University studies before finding my way back to Lebanon to work in the family business. I find my purpose in leading business development, sales, networking, traveling, to ensure sustainability in a circular economy. Interested in arts and culture, sports, books, philosophy.

Sarah Mazhar / Egypt

Sarah Mazhar is AXA Egypt Chief Risk Officer and has over ten years’ experience in the same company (previously Commercial International Life (CIL)). Mazhar held various roles within the Actuarial team before moving to build the first Insurance Risk Management team in the Egyptian Market. Her experience includes part-time teaching at the American University in Cairo as well as short-term assignments in Legal and General in London and AXA Madrid International Hub (AMIH).

Academically, Mazhar holds a master’s degree in actuarial management from Bayes Business School (previously CASS) as well as being a Certified Corporate Director, a Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary and a qualified Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), becoming the first Egyptian female to acquire this qualification.

Mazhar is a member of the Sustainability Committee at the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), she has also been nominated as Chairman of the Sustainability Committee at the Insurance Federation of Egypt. In her spare time, Mazhar spends time out hiking, practicing yoga, camping, cycling, painting and exploring new places.

Nibrass Al Zawawi / KSA

 

Professional Executive, Technically resourceful, Consultant & Advisor with extensive experience in various multinational and international entities in construction and manufacturing. Had a mixture of duties including, commercial/Sales, managing programs & measuring performance of projects /initiatives. Over a 15 - year career experience, worked on complex and lengthy assignments across KSA and Arabian Gulf which helped me develop connections with highly successful personal in both private and government Sector. Currently, working as Corporate Specification & Technical Communication Head in Kabbani Construction Group (KCG) member of IKK with responsibilities to lead specification and client-relationship management for the whole group, I track new markets and emerging trends, recommend new products and services, proposes and develops new strategic partnerships, and guide long-term objectives to meet business needs and requirements. I have also worked on product development, investments and introduced new products to the market and became successful to the limit of exceeding sale of the previous products and became a new norm to the market.

Rula Qatami Abujaber / Jordan

Rula is the mother of 3 kids; a girl and a twin boy and girl .Her birth and parenting experience with her first born in Canada led her to work on a certification as a birth and postpartum doula through DONA (Doulas of North America) international, and she has been working with pregnant and birthing women since then.

Upon relocating back to Amman in June 2010, Rula has been providing birth and parenting courses to expecting families and Breastfeeding consultations to new mothers, as well as early childhood First Aid & CPR workshops for parents and preschool caretakers.

Since May 2011, she has been preparing and presenting a weekly pregnancy and early childhood segment as the parenting consultant for Roya TV in Jordan and she prepared  and presented a new show about motherhood and baby health on Alaan TV from Dubai. She is now preparing and presenting a weekly motherhood and parenting segment on Al Jazeerah TV. 

Her goal is to support  and guide expecting couples through pregnancy , Birth , and Beyond ,  by offering Childbirth education classes , prenatal exercises classes, First aid & CPR workshops , one to one breastfeeding and sleep training  consultations at Birth and Beyond Jordan.

Hala Radwan / KSA

Ms. Hala Radwan is an Associate Director of Special Projects at the Saudi Tourism Authority.  

She graduated from the American University of Sharjah with a double major in Marketing and Finance and a (MSc.) in Fashion, Design and Luxury Management from Grenoble Graduate School in France.

Previously, Hala was a Director at Pure Consulting, where she worked with several Saudi government entities including Ministry of Economy and Planning, The Literature, Publishing and Translation Authority at the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation and the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises. 

She also worked at LÓreal Middle East, Careem and Unilever applying her organizational and collaboration skills ensuring standards and communications are understood and implemented effectively towards strategic performance improvement. 

A few of her personal achievements include participating in Hijaz 100 Ultra Marathon, becoming a certified health and wellness coach, and learning French as a third language.

Mohamed Saeed / UAE

Graduated from California State University Fullerton in 2017, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a emphasis on Risk Management & Insurance. Post graduation, I worked in the Reinsurance industry for 2 years as an associate in the Power & Infrastructure Department. My role was to review lender driven project documents for Renewable Energy Projects in the MEA Region and arrange for the relevant insurances to meet the lenders’ requirements. After completing two years in the Reinsurance sector, I decided to join our family business (The HSA Group) to set-up a Renewable Energy company in Dubai.

Rajab Sarraj / Palestine

During his journey as a trainer, Mr. Alhasan has delivered many training programs and consulting services in KSA, UAE, Turkey, Lebanon, and Palestine.

With a clear visionary planning ability, Rajab has managed to create new successful models 

in Palestine and MENA Region  by connecting sports, families, sport technology , Sport education and business together in one convenient model.  His corporate experiences with regional and international multi-sector corporations, has allowed him to excel in his investment vision and apply a suitable working model that is built around market needs. Working and accelerating with reputable corporates’ management teams - including ooredoo, Mashtal Hotel, Yellow Pages, and British American Tobacco – has allowed Rajab to exhibit his abilities and contribute to more successes and achieve higher responsibilities and positions.

Lara Shawky / Egypt

Lara Shawky is Group Marketing Director at Giza Systems. She joined in 2010 as Internal and External Communications Manager, and then became Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager for the Group.

With over 19 years of experience, she has worked in a wide range of fields including communications, marketing, corporate social responsibility, grant administration, budgeting, development, consultancy, and education. Lara’s diverse multicultural experiences and her background have enabled her to gain insights into the various cultural and organizational dialogues affecting the various communities.

Lara holds a M.A. in Philosophy (focus on Ethics) from the University of South Carolina, U.S.A., and a B.A. in Business Administration with a double minor in Economics and Philosophy from the American University in Cairo, Egypt.

Through her work with Giza Systems, Lara has been able to work on various projects for the development and advancement of the communities to create shared value. She is also part of the Giza Systems Foundation Board.

Mohammad Sweidan / Oman

Enthusiastic professional holding a BSc degree in Computer Science, bringing 20+ years of pioneering experience in the field of Digital Transformation, IT Solutions, Learning Solutions, and Professional Services.

During my career, I was very lucky that I got empowered, yet, super proud to play a major role in transforming startups, mid-size organizations, and enterprises business units into record-breaking performance. I enjoy and do extremely well in translating companies’/customers’ visions to short/long term commercialization strategies with clear milestones and key performance indicators. 

I am deeply accomplished and assertively result driven, with a track record of learnings in driving high value revenue and profit gains, cost saving and improved organizational productivity and performance with consistent ability to build and lead teams in developing new profitable multimillion revenue streams and proven talents for building customer focused organizations, along with developing other leaders with an equal desire to excel and win. Personally, I am passionate about enabling people and organizations to achieve their objectives, and I am always striving to drive positive impact (at least drawing a smile on someone’s phase) that will hopefully will be remembered when my heart stops beating. 

Amena is certified by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in “Improvement of Accessibility of Social Inclusion – Barrier Free Environment” in Japan. Helm Founders won 1st prize in the MIT Pan-arab business plan competition for “Entaleq” application in 2020.

Amer Sayyed / Jordan

Amer is a digital transformation expert with over 18 years of international experience in the EdTech and educational sectors. Amer led the design and development of several award winning e-Education solutions that were implemented at hundreds of schools in several countries across the MENA region. He also served as a C-level executive and advisor for several EdTech companies to streamline their operation, expand their diversified customer bases, and enhance their product offerings to exceed market expectations. Currently, Amer serves as the Director of Continuous Improvement and Technology at Ahliyyah & Mutran School, a newly merged entity of two of the most prestigious and advanced schools in Jordan. Amer manages and supervises all aspects of the merger including documenting processes, determining improvement opportunities, and institutionalizing innovative practices through the smart adoption of technology and aligning collaborative team efforts. With his multi-talented team, Amer leads the consolidation of the operational & financial model of the school, renewing the brand identity and the design, as well as the development and construction of Ahliyyah & Mutran’s new and innovative campus. Amer received several awards including the prestigious Chevening Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies. Amer holds an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Business School, in addition to a certificate in corporate innovation from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Noora Shannak / Jordan

Noora Shannak is a consultant, Tech Expert, Startups Enthusiast (previously Co-founder & COO of ShopGo)

Noora is passionate about finding effective & innovative ways to optimize business operations. As an operations professional with over fifteen years’ combined experience in project management, tech solutions and ICT, utilizing best practices to manage support services in several startups, she worked with  various businesses from early startup days through to their growth and scaling stages. 

Noora launched her own startup in 2010 which lasted a few months, where she then began her journey with ShopGo as a staff member of the early founding team, facing many challenges and coming up with innovative solutions leading to the business' growth and sustainability. This journey was rewarded by her becoming ShopGo's Co-founder and COO in 2017. 

Recently, ShopGo has been acquired by Mawdoo3, a great business & personal achievement to its co-founders, allowing Noora both the opportunity & time to share her experience and success in her next career move.

Noora is a self driven & results oriented individual. She practices a customer-centric approach in service delivery and business operation. As a successful previous business owner, she believes in coaching & training effective teams to realize process & communication improvements within the workplace. 

Tahhannie Abdulmogith / KSA

Highly skilled Human Resources professional with strong HR experience and wide exposure. Focusing on improving HR strategies and services to support business goals through utilizing the best practices of HR policies and technologies. Result-driven with good understating of business function.

Facilitators

Thana’a Al-Khasawneh

Thana’a Al-Khasawneh is a regional transformative leader, well known for pioneering practicing leadership agility and efficiency in leading organizational and cultural change to achieve business growth. Thana’a is also a certified Facilitator with proven track record for contributing in laying solid grounds for a mentorship approach in MENA

Thana’a acts as the Executive Director for Jordan Business and Professional Women Association, focusing on gender inclusion to ensure increasing women participation in the economy. Thana’a is also a business consultant.

Thana’a is a Mela 11 graduate and has a diplomacy and foreign services higher studies diploma from the Institute of Diplomacy in Jordan and a Bachelor degree in Public Administration.

thenaa_khasawneh@hotmail.com / +962795537666

Heba Alayyan

Heba Alayyan is a certified project management specialist (PMP Certified) with 18+ years of experience leading Global, Regional and Local Technology & Digital Transformation Programs across different industries; mainly Retail, Public Sector, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas and Banking. In addition, Heba helps organisations setup PMOs and transforms organisations into shared services. Heba as well is a passionate designer and supports talented art and design through her platform.

Heba is a Mela 5 graduate.

/ +971588213088
 
 

 

Qais Baggili

 

Qais Baggili is the Co-founder and GM of MAANI SOLAR which specializes in solar renewable energy solutions and power plants. Qais is a member of the Jordanian Engineers Association and Board of Directors of MAANI VENTURES – a multidisciplinary industrial group - that is headquartered in Amman, Jordan and serves the MENA region. 

Qais enjoys team sports and is a former professional basketball player for the Jordanian National Youth team. Mela has had a tremendous positive impact on my professional and personal life and I feel it’s time for me to give back to the network and its offsprings. 

Qais believes his presence as a facilitator  - after having been active in the network for 7 years - serves as a testament to the newcomers of the viability of the program and its true purpose.

Qais is a Mela 6 graduate. 

qais@maani.com/ +962 79 5552 567

 

Ernst W Bruderer

Ernst W Bruderer, educated in Switzerland with a BA (in economics) from the University of St. Gall and with a JD from the University of Zurich, spent the first part of his career with Jacobs-Suchard AG, a Swiss multinational company, working as a member of the legal team as well later as part of the management team.

He worked for the group in Switzerland, USA and Italy in various management capacities. He then started his entrepreneurial life with farming operations in Tanzania, East Africa, real estate development (commercial) in the USA, car dealership and banking.

Mr. Bruderer is presently a Director Coastal States Bank as a founding member of this local community Bank. He is also the Chair of the Executive Committee of Synco Inc a commercial real estate developing company, in Charlotte, NC and serves as Chairman of Lowcountry Motors in Bluffton, SC. He is also an active member in the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) and participates in leadership academies in the Middle East (MELA) and CentralEurasia (CELA).

Mr. Bruderer was a Vistage International Chair, the world’s leading CEO organization with over 26,000 members and facilitates monthly meetings with a group of CEO’s from the Savannah/Hilton Head Area.

Ernst is a SIBF member. 

ernstbruderer@gmail.com / +1-843-290-1206

Bobby Henebry

Bobby Henebry founded HBCC, LLC, an Ethereum miner and advisor to startups in 2016. He is also a recognized global speaker on blockchain and cryptocurrencies. 

Bobby is currently serving as President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Elway Capital LLC, a prominent family office operation in Denver, CO. He has traveled to 55 countries, nearly all of them with his trusted travel guitar!

Bobby is a SIBF member. 

He has facilitated at 4 Mela and 2 CELA academies, and finds them deeply enriching experiences that allow him to help others. Bobby loves facilitation and mentoring because it continues to make a difference in the lives and careers of amazing people across our global network. 

BobbyHenebry@gmail.com / +1 770 596 4604 

Sandro Jejelava

Aleksandre Jejelava (Sandro) is the founder and acting manager of two training companies - Non-Profit Management Academy and FlowMaster ltd. 

Sandro was the deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, and Deputy CEO of TBC Bank (leading universal bank in the region) in charge of Information Systems and Human Resources. 

Sandro is an experienced trainer, speaker, coach, and consultant with expertise in Management, Leadership, Culture, Teamwork, Digital Business, Sales, and Customer Relationship Management. Sandro is also a TEDxTbilisi speaker (2014). 

Sandro is a CELA 9 (2012) graduate and Mela 11 facilitator. MS in Math and Computer Science, MBA, PMP, Certified international coach

sandro@jejelava.info / +995 599557523

Heba Korra

Heba Korra is a mechanical engineer graduate from the American University in Cairo class of 2009 and is a member of the Egyptian Business Association and Al Korra foundation board of trustees.

Korra is a shareholder & vice chairman of Consukorra Co. (KORRA).

Heba is a Mela 6 graduate. 

Heather Parillo

Heather Parillo has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Boston College. Heather Parillo, CEO of IFLY Integrated Leadership Development and member of  Unbeatable Mind, LLC, is a global facilitator, executive coach, and speaker. 

Heather was the 20th woman in history to complete the SEALFIT KOKORO™  crucible event which is considered the most powerful and challenging physical, mental and emotional training available to civilians in the world.

I had my first opportunity to facilitate in 2015 at NALA 3 and knew I had found my calling in life. 7 years and 7 academies later, I have successfully merged my passion & purpose into the work I do daily as a facilitator and corporate coach.

Heather is a SIBF member. 

heather.m.parillo@gmail.com 

Ayesha Shaukatullah

Ayesha Shaukatullah is the SEALA Network Manager and an Information technology professional with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) focused in Computer Science from CSU-East Bay (2005).

Ayesha is a SEALA 2 graduate and Alumni of Shakti Fellowship, Women in Leadership, San Diego State University (2018-2019) and a Personalysis Practitioner (certified Nov 2020). 

Ayesha strives to be in the service of others as our academy trains us. In this journey of serving others, we find immense peace.  

ayesha@sealanetwork.org

Ahmed Yehia

Ahmed Yehia the founder of “Eco Group,” a sustainable tourism investment business. Ahmed built his first Ecolodge in Aswan city, which got awarded the best sustainable tourism startup in the Middle East by the UNWTO (2019). 

Ahmed has a diversified career path from being an architect, working in computer science and being responsible for the marketing and strategies for Vodafone Egypt. 

It's a step for Mela members to run Mela Masterclass in the near future… from curriculum design, to speakers and facilitators. 

Ahmed is a Mela 7 graduate.

ahmed.yehia@econubia.com / +201001230755 

Admin

Rima’ AlKashef
 
Rima’ brings with her over 20 years of hands-on experience in Strategy Building, Marketing and Communications, as well as Business Development of different operations with major focus on FMCG. She has a broad experience in Brand Building, Mass Communications, One-to-One Marketing, Advertising and Media, Consumer Research and Pricing.
 
Reporting to the Chairman of the Board, Rima’ is tasked with leading Mela on a strategic level with the aim of securing its position as the preeminent business leadership community in the MENA region, and with continuously nurturing partnerships with organizations and individuals who share common values. She will be overseeing the team of management and volunteers to ensure taking Mela to the next level and taking the lead responsibility for the sustainability of Mela and the success of its ongoing leadership and professional development programs and events. Rima’ holds a Masters degree in Marketing from Huddersfield University – UK and a Bachelor’s Degree in French Literature from the University of Jordan.
 
Rima'  is a Mela 3 graduate.
Ruda Haddadin
 
Ruda brings on with her over 15 years of experience in communications, media planning, content creation and production, as well as events management for several cultural and art festivals in Jordan. She has training experience in content production and safety education as she is Protect Ed (Canadian Curriculum) certified instructor.
 
Ruda’s plan is to focus on raising the Mela brand awareness and positioning,
developing a relationship with offline media, planning online media presence and exposure on right platforms and coming up with relevant and engaging content to sustain connectivity and networking.
 
Communicate with all Mela chapters to reach out to the existing Mela community and attract new potential members, celebrate occasions, events and achievements, and show solidarity in difficult times.
 
Ruda is a Business Administration graduate from Yarmouk University in Jordan in 2005.
Maya-Nora Saaid
 
Maya-Nora Saaid is half Jordanian and half Iraqi who was born in the Netherlands. During university in Alabama, USA. Maya-Nora was the Resident Assistant of the Jones International House and got introduced to Mela through an International House friend who was also a SIBF member. He recommended that she volunteer after hearing Maya-Nora’s love and knowledge for the Middle East.
 
In 2014, Maya-Nora was interviewed for the volunteering position for Mela 6. Seven years later Maya-Nora is appointed as the Network Manager.
 
Maya-Nora studies culture and media at the University of Applied Philosophy, part time in Utrecht, Netherlands.
 
Maya-Nora is an Online Journalist and Social Media Producer at Middle East Eye, Maya-Nora creates short and easy to understand videos on the MENA region, explaining history, politics and culture. End of 2021 Maya-Nora managed to change Apple’s settings (Siri) in recognizing Palestine after going viral. Maya-Nora has also translated short documentaries about the MENA region for the Dutch Public Broadcaster (NPO).
Dina Dahabra

 

Dina Dahabra is a managing partner at NUR Lights, a concept lighting and design company based in the heart of Amman, Jordan. The company aims at bringing together a blend of international brands that focus on creating harmony with nature through the use of beautifully handmade designs merged with modern sustainable technology (LED). Dina is a graduate of Concordia University, where she received a degree in Political Science.

After graduation, Dina started her career with a leading telecom service provider; Info2Cell, where her role as a Senior Accounts Manager enabled her to explore a magnitude of cultures throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). She excelled at designing, and launching multiple projects for leading telecom operators in the MENA region.

After nine years in telecom world, she took a leap of faith and started her own non-profit initiative Ana Biddi. The ANA Biddi initiative was founded in 2014 with a focus on making the unprivileged kids dreams come true. The Intiative began when Dina volunteered at a children’s hospital in Montreal, Canada. As a citizen of the world, we can help others get through these challenges and contribute to bringing joy and happiness into their lives. This wake-up call served as a realization that there is always time to give back. The arabic term ‘ANA Biddi’ means ‘I want’, which is an expression constantly used by many.

Speakers

Rabih Baz

 

Rabih is a strategy & business consulting director with a demonstrated experience in Government and Public Sector. For the past 15 years, he supported a wide range of his clients on their transformational projects by focusing on strategy development & evaluation, business planning, market & economic research and analysis, data analytics, enterprise risk management, design thinking and risk-enabled strategic decision making. He is MELA 7 and assumed several roles in 4 various chapters since 2016: Lebanon, Qatar, KSA and UAE.

John Coyle

 

John is one of the world's leading experts in Design Thinking as well as an Olympic silver medalist, Stanford d.school grad, Kellogg MBA, NBC Sports analyst, Professor of Innovation, and award winning author. 

As a speaker and writer, John’s talent is weaving facts, examples and intellectual principles into engaging stories which bring his topics to life, and leave you with actionable ideas.

In his presentations, John shares real-life stories from his experiences of finding his own strengths and resilience as an Olympian, innovator and father. His metaphors and practical guidelines empower his audience to take extraordinary action to innovate their lives and careers to achieve breakthrough performance and create meaning in the process.

Bill Starnes

 

Mr. Starnes is retired but maintains an active role as a volunteer with the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) and its activities around the world.  Having joined SIBF in 1998, Mr. Starnes has served SIBF in a variety of ways, including Managing Director from 2001 to 2005, volunteer Curriculum Director and faculty member for SIBF’s Global Academies, and a past Chairman of the Board.

 

From 1984 to 2000, Mr. Starnes was with the Trammell Crow organization based in Dallas, Texas. He became a partner in 1989 and Co-Managing Partner in 1997 of Trammell Crow International, which developed, owned, managed and leased real estate in Europe, Latin America and Asia with assets totaling over $350 million at that time. Mr. Starnes was responsible for determining overall business strategy, opening new markets, entering into joint ventures, approving new investments, and selecting new partners as well as overseeing the overall administration of the business from its headquarters in Dallas. He has traveled extensively to Asia, Europe and Latin America, and oversaw the opening of new offices in Japan, China, the Netherlands and Hungary.

 

Mr. Starnes began his career in academics as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Williams College in Massachusetts. He also taught at Rice University and the University of Houston. After leaving academia, Mr. Starnes spent three years in general management for a small, family-owned wholesale distribution company before joining Trammell Crow. His personal interests include travel, reading and going to movies. Mr. Starnes lives in Dallas with Donna, his wife of 42 years. They have one son, Jon, and a granddaughter, Lexi.




Paulette Pidcock

Paulette Carnicelli Pidcock is a certified Executive Leadership Coach, global Facilitator, and speaker. She serves as Founder and 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 partners with her clients in their journey to being an authentic values-based leader with purpose, and vision – inspiring trust while working for change.

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 Baltimore Gas & Electric 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 Coach Federation. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Maryland. 

As a Member of the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) she has served as a Volunteer Leadership Facilitator in international transformational leadership programs in South East Asia, Central Eurasia, and the Middle East – as well as in the United States.

Throughout her professional career, Paulette has served in numerous leadership positions in industry and in professional organizations.

Paulette has lived her interest and passion for experiencing other cultures - through her travel to many regions of the world.  

Lela Machaidze

Lela Machaidze is a business consultant, public speaker, and coach. She specializes in program and project management, the development and validation of monitoring and control systems, and the creation of strategic and action plans. She has extensive experience assessing and developing capacity, capability, and training needs. She conducts adaptability quotient (AQ) assessments for individuals and organizations, as well as developing customized, tailored mentorship programs for AQ improvement. She initiated, co-founded, and serves as President of the Project Management Institute in Tbilisi, Georgia. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Business Relationship Management Professional (BRMP) and coach, she participated in several programs and managed projects throughout initiation and close-out. She has given speeches and led trainings for both the public and private sectors at the mid and executive levels.

Rob Ord

I am passionate about pushing the limits of human performance and that which we believe we are capable, and often look to the structure we find in myth to point the way. 

Before the advent of technology, or even the written word, it was the wrinkled face of experience and wisdom – cast in the flickering light and shadow of fire that carried the message from one generation to another.  Who we are and how we find meaning.  Stories, legends, and myths acted as guideposts to younger generations.  Individual and tribal experiences defined life and culture.  Tales of great adventures, victories and defeats, journeys to faraway places, and triumphant returns.

The enduring message:

  1. To live adventurously, serve a cause bigger than yourself.
  2. To bring value, seek mastery through deliberate daily practices.
  3. To stay sharp, accept challenges outside your comfort zone.

After leaving the military, having spent time among elite teams in the Naval Special Warfare and Special Operations communities, I found my calling in coaching and mentoring.  First as a Mentor to candidates entering the training pipeline that leads to becoming a SEAL, and then later as a specialist in Human Performance.

Along the way, working with Mark Divine, we developed what is one of the most difficult and transformative growth experiences available to civilians, SEALFIT’s KOKORO™.  This 50-hour crucible is a test of body, mind, and spirit, leading to breakthroughs in personal development and breakdowns in limiting beliefs.  Not designed to be a selection process that weeds out the weak, but a guided adventure along the Hero’s Journey. 

  1. If a worthy challenge is calling to you, stop resisting
  2. Align yourself with allies and mentors to assist you on your journey
  3. When you feel that you can go no more, believe that you can do 20X more, and persevere
  4. Learn the lessons challenges bring.  “The usefulness of the cup is its emptiness.” ~Bruce Lee
  5. Leave what is comfortable and cross over into a new world
  6. Show others the way

I believe that we all have a unique contribution to make to this planet and humanity.  It is for this reason that we must deny the common practice of living in a world of self-limitation and tap into the power of our Unbeatable Mind.

Michael Kouly

bio expected soon.

Contact

Got any questions?

Reach out by emailing us on info@mela.fadiharara.com or by calling Maya-Nora +201061691264.