SIBF is a global network of four networks (CELA, MELA, SEALA and SIBF), presenting excellent opportunities for members to expand their businesses and social impact through global connections and collaborations. For me, the SIBF network of networks reframes my perception of global happenings – from democracy in action in India’s elections, to open-market transformations in Uzbekistan. Here’s a quick recap on the exciting developments underway in the SIBF global family.
SIBF’s Leadership Academy will welcome their newest class to Dallas, Texas, November 10-15, 2019, for Session 1, and then to Atlanta, February 16-20, 2020, for Session 2. Executive Director Nancy Haselden, Andrea Bednar (TX, ’12) and Bill Starnes (TX, ’98) are developing an on-boarding segment for Session 2 to help new direct path and Academy members better understand and connect with SIBF. To date, the membership committee has approved eight Academy candidates. I encourage you to reach out to Grace Upshaw with candidates for the Leadership Academy Class of 2020 (target is 30 members). This is a top-rated program and is sure to fill quickly, so encourage candidates to act now.
Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance (CELA) is gearing up to host the Global Network Summit, June 8-18, 2019, which will include the first Advanced Executive Leadership Retreat for members from all the affiliated networks. The program, commencing in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, will include peer-to-peer, experiential learning as well as visits to historic venues along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan. What an exciting time to visit this region of the world! We are pleased to share that the Global Network Summit is sold out!
South East Asia Leadership Academy (SEALA) also saw record attendance at SEALA 6 in Hanoi, Vietnam with 34 new members joining the network and 47 members/guests attending the SEALA reunion. SEALA 7 is scheduled for January 8-19, 2020 in Ambalantota, Sri Lanka with the last two days of the Academy overlapping with the SEALA Reunion, January 17-20. I would be remiss not to mention that our thoughts remain with those impacted by recent events in Sri Lanka.
MELA celebrated ten years of leadership development with their MELA 10 Masterclass, welcoming 36 new members to the network. Held in conjunction with MELA 10, MELA hosted the largest reunion to-date with 60 affiliate members attending. MELA also hosted its first Town Hall meeting with the Board and MELA members to discuss future initiatives around sustainability and impact, and launched the Chairman’s Awards program. Congratulations to Bill Starnes who received the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Commitment; his faculty involvement spans 33 academies and 13 years as curriculum developer for the leadership academies.
I am excited about all the positive momentum, the high level of member participation (so far, all major programs have sold out this year!) and the progress we are making on all our 2019 strategic initiatives. I look forward to connecting with you at an SIBF event this summer and the Annual Summit in Maine, October 17-20! Registration is open so sign up today!
Warm regards,
Mark Kaiser
T: 404.665.5201
M: 404.694.2664
E: mark@markkaiser.com