Founder's Message
As the creator of Identity Branding Forum and Talents of Endearment, I wanted to build a non-conventional companies. To become unique, we started in 2007 with a different approach; we did not think out of the box, we threw the box away to focus on what no one else can offer. What makes us unique is our own science and the ability to lead and deliver change.
Quite a few doubted that we will make it; they did not expect us to be making continuous headway in both research and development and introduce a complete 360° ecosystem to revolutionize change, build sustainable disruptive brands, and streamline recruitments. From early on, we have always strived to do meaningful things that enrich our clients' world with the resources we have. We did a lot of things that seemed impossible at the time. Many of those impossible things have now become a hallmark for many businesses across the world. And we haven’t stopped there. We are still doing things other people think are impossible, which we are super excited about.
We have long believed that over time companies tend to get comfortable doing the same thing, just making incremental changes. But for us to stay ahead and sustainable, we had to stay uncomfortable to remain relevant; we had to focus on revolutionary ideas to drive the next big growth areas, lead change, and create contemporary trends for businesses and people to grow; people have been the center of all our activities and products development without fail; it's always been exciting for us to work with business communities and people across the world to enrich the future of youths around the world.
Don't worry, we will do remarkable things together, simply because it's our aspiration!
Abed Baidas, Founder
Founders
Abed Baidas - Founder
Samar Al Kayed, Co-Founder
Osman Sultan - Co-Founder
Founder of Identity Branding Forum and Talents of Endearment.
Dr. Baidas is a veteran international consultant, advisor and an expert authority speaker on branding, education, social and economic matters. He has also been a lead architect of global social economic initiatives since 1997. Dr. Baidas, pioneered the development and introdu
Founder of Identity Branding Forum and Talents of Endearment.
Dr. Baidas is a veteran international consultant, advisor and an expert authority speaker on branding, education, social and economic matters. He has also been a lead architect of global social economic initiatives since 1997. Dr. Baidas, pioneered the development and introduction of the first eLearning education system in the Arab world in 2002, based on proven academic standard approved by USA accreditation agencies. He also consulted several globally prominent institutions on the development of universities’ brands, learning strategies, and education and training plans. He is also a member of several prominent universities Advisory Boards around the world.
Osman Sultan - Co-Founder
Samar Al Kayed, Co-Founder
Osman Sultan - Co-Founder
He is the founding CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) since 2005 in the UAE, and the founding CEO of Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (Mobinil) in Egypt from 1998 to 2005. He is a visionary leader and a notable public speaker in the field. His vast knowledge and expertise in the field as early as the pre-inte
He is the founding CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) since 2005 in the UAE, and the founding CEO of Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (Mobinil) in Egypt from 1998 to 2005. He is a visionary leader and a notable public speaker in the field. His vast knowledge and expertise in the field as early as the pre-internet period, placed him as one of the pioneers in France, Europe, the USA, Japan and the entire MENA region.
Samar Al Kayed, Co-Founder
Samar Al Kayed, Co-Founder
Samir Ibrahim Abdul Hadi - Co-Founder
Secretary of the Board - Samar is a veteran lawyer and CPA with experience in social security and retirement funds.
Samir Ibrahim Abdul Hadi - Co-Founder
Samir Ibrahim Abdul Hadi - Co-Founder
Samir Ibrahim Abdul Hadi - Co-Founder
Founder and CEO of SamTech Middle East - He is a Technology Evangelist, an Entrepreneur, Patent Owner, Awards Winner, Active member in the business community and CSR Ambassador. Samir is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Jordanian Business Council and Former Chairman of the Palestinian Business Council and active member at the Sustainability Network by Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Farida Ajmal - Co-Founder
Samir Ibrahim Abdul Hadi - Co-Founder
Abdulla AlBanna - Co-Founder
Born and brought up in India and married into the Ajmal family who are known for their perfumes. She is a philanthropist - She has been a part of the of the CHF (Children’s Hope Foundation – Group for 18 years) where she, along with her team, raised funds to support disabled children and causes such as SNF center for development, Rashid P
Born and brought up in India and married into the Ajmal family who are known for their perfumes. She is a philanthropist - She has been a part of the of the CHF (Children’s Hope Foundation – Group for 18 years) where she, along with her team, raised funds to support disabled children and causes such as SNF center for development, Rashid Pediatric, Al Noor, Manzil, Red Crescent. She has also been sponsoring the education of children in poor neighborhoods of Bangalore, India.
Abdulla AlBanna - Co-Founder
Samir Ibrahim Abdul Hadi - Co-Founder
Abdulla AlBanna - Co-Founder
Has over 15 years in combining finance, business development and HR strategies to successfully implement HR transformation projects across diverse businesses in the U.A.E. and GCC.
Board of Directors
Abed Baidas - Executive Chairman & CEO
Abed Baidas - Executive Chairman & CEO
Abed Baidas - Executive Chairman & CEO
Founder of Identity Branding Forum and Talents of Endearment.
Dr. Baidas is a veteran international consultant, advisor and an expert authority speaker on branding, education, social and economic matters. He has also been a lead architect of global social economic initiatives since 1997. Dr. Baidas, pioneered the development and introdu
Founder of Identity Branding Forum and Talents of Endearment.
Dr. Baidas is a veteran international consultant, advisor and an expert authority speaker on branding, education, social and economic matters. He has also been a lead architect of global social economic initiatives since 1997. Dr. Baidas, pioneered the development and introduction of the first eLearning education system in the Arab world in 2002, based on proven academic standard approved by USA accreditation agencies. He also consulted several globally prominent institutions on the development of universities’ brands, learning strategies, and education and training plans. He is also a member of several prominent universities Advisory Boards around the world.
Osman Sultan - Non-Executive Chairman
Abed Baidas - Executive Chairman & CEO
Abed Baidas - Executive Chairman & CEO
He is the founding CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) since 2005 in the UAE, and the founding CEO of Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (Mobinil) in Egypt from 1998 to 2005. He is a visionary leader and a notable public speaker in the field. His vast knowledge and expertise in the field as early as the pre-inte
He is the founding CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) since 2005 in the UAE, and the founding CEO of Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (Mobinil) in Egypt from 1998 to 2005. He is a visionary leader and a notable public speaker in the field. His vast knowledge and expertise in the field as early as the pre-internet period, placed him as one of the pioneers in France, Europe, the USA, Japan and the entire MENA region.
Skandan Mahalingam ("Ramesh"), Member
Abed Baidas - Executive Chairman & CEO
Skandan Mahalingam ("Ramesh"), Member
Founder & Managing Director of Ideal Capital Management Consultants, Dubai
Ramesh, as he is popularly known, is a
Chartered Accountant with a long and illustrious career of forty years in finance, working with MNCs, family offices and banks where he held C-suite and Board-level positions. His advisory firm, Ideal Capital Management Consult
Founder & Managing Director of Ideal Capital Management Consultants, Dubai
Ramesh, as he is popularly known, is a
Chartered Accountant with a long and illustrious career of forty years in finance, working with MNCs, family offices and banks where he held C-suite and Board-level positions. His advisory firm, Ideal Capital Management Consultants, specializes in strategy, corporate finance, M&A and ESG.
A long-term resident of Dubai, Ramesh is deeply integrated into the local business community. His proactive engagement in industry forums and professional networks underscores his role as a thought leader and mentor. His strategic acumen and commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment continue to positively impact the businesses he advises and the broader community.
Ramesh is the recipient of the Excellence in Finance Award conferred by ICAI’s Abu Dhabi Chapter and the Toastmasters International’s global public-speaking award.
Ramesh, as he is popularly known, is a Chartered Accountant with a long and illustrious career of forty years in finance, working with MNCs, family offices and banks where he held C-suite and Board-level positions. His advisory firm, Ideal Capital Management Consultants, specializes in strategy, corporate finance, M&A and ESG.
Ramesh has been a committed member of IBPC since 2007. He has significantly contributed to the governance of IBPC by serving as Election Officer for the past several years and serving on the Audit Committee as well as the Membership Review Committee.
His community service includes roles as an assessor for Dubai Chambers’ MRM award for a decade, serving on the managing committees of the ICAI chapters in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, and delivering guest lectures at renowned institutions like Zayed University, Canadian University of Dubai, IIM Kozhikode, SP Jain Institute, and Eucléa Business School. During EXPO 2020 in Dubai, at the request of the Consul-General of India, he trained nearly 700 startup entrepreneurs on effective pitching techniques, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing future business leaders. He also founded ICAT in Dubai and Bahrain Toastmasters in Manama, promoting professional development and public speaking
A long-term resident of Dubai, Ramesh is deeply integrated into the local business community. His proactive engagement in industry forums and professional networks underscores his role as a thought leader and mentor. His strategic acumen and commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment continue to positively impact the businesses he advises and the broader community.
Ramesh is the recipient of the Excellence in Finance Award conferred by ICAI’s Abu Dhabi Chapter and the Toastmasters International’s global public-speaking award.
Certification Board
Prof. Christopher Abraham, Chairman
Prof. Christopher Abraham, Chairman
Prof. Christopher Abraham, Chairman
With over 32 years of rich academic experience, Prof. Abraham is the CEO & Head of Campus (Dubai) and Senior Vice President – Institutional Development at S P Jain School of Global Management. He was awarded the World's Greatest CEO at the Fourth Edition of World's Greatest Brands & Leaders Asia & GCC 2017-18. He has been a visiting Profe
With over 32 years of rich academic experience, Prof. Abraham is the CEO & Head of Campus (Dubai) and Senior Vice President – Institutional Development at S P Jain School of Global Management. He was awarded the World's Greatest CEO at the Fourth Edition of World's Greatest Brands & Leaders Asia & GCC 2017-18. He has been a visiting Professor at many leading universities in Australia, the USA, Canada, Singapore, and the UK. His areas of expertise are Strategy, Innovation, Future Studies, Neuroscience of Decision Making, Positive Organizational Behavior, Design Thinking, and the Science of Happiness.
Prof. Nabil EL KADHI, Member
Prof. Christopher Abraham, Chairman
Prof. Christopher Abraham, Chairman
Professor Nabil EL KADHI is the former President & CEO of Khawarizmi International College (KIC) and holding group. He has almost 30 years of experience in the academe, and more than 15 years of experience in the management of higher education institutions with an exposure to European and Middle East and North Africa academic systems. He
Professor Nabil EL KADHI is the former President & CEO of Khawarizmi International College (KIC) and holding group. He has almost 30 years of experience in the academe, and more than 15 years of experience in the management of higher education institutions with an exposure to European and Middle East and North Africa academic systems. He started his professional career in the early 90s; assumed positions ranging from Project Manager and Department Head to Lab Director, Master Programs Director, Dean, Provost, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Vice Chancellor and President where he remarkably contributed to institutional excellence, and several applied research and industrial projects related mainly to Data and Cloud Security and Privacy, Smart Cities and Internet of Things, Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, Secure Payment, Smart Card Use and various Cloud - based applications.
EL KADHI is today a recognized Futurist in both education and innovation side. He was selected among the 50 most Impactful International Leaders in Smart Cities and Smart Applications. He is also the Managing Director and Partner at Innovative Solution and Management Consultancy, President/ Vice-President of various think-tank and associations such as Smart Cities Council, Future University and the Tunisian Association of Future Foresight.
EL KADHI notably contributed to the design and revision of various curricula for both graduate and post-graduate levels in France, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Tunisia and UAE. Since 2006, he focused his professional activities on Institutional Strategies, Research, Program/ Curricula Development and Review, and Quality Assurance in Education. His experience encompasses leadership, administration, management, program design and development, quality assurance management, national and international accreditation, staff development, teaching, and assessment.
EL KADHI is also one of the external reviewers of the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA), and National Center for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He has been actively involved as an External Reviewer and/or Consultant in other international universities, such as Indonesia, Bahrain and Iraq.
With 11 years of experience in GCC, EL KADHI mastered the academic particularities of the region as well as the cultural aspects impacting the higher education arena in the Gulf Region. From 2015 to mid-2019, EL KADHI as a Vice Chancellor of the University of Buraimi-Oman, has led the institution during its rebranding and internationalization processes; which allowed the institution to jump from a non-ranked university to 35th (2017) then 16th (2018) out of 55 local ranked universities and colleges. EL KADHI built a strong governance by developing and implementing several academic and administrative policies and procedures; and succeeded program accreditation for the General Foundation Program. The university improved to a great extent its academic environment and moved miles ahead toward internationalization, with several agreements with reputable institutions from UK and Europe.
From 2012 to 2015, EL KADHI as Dean of the College of Computing Sciences, then later as Provost at AMA International University - Bahrain, mastered the international accreditation process as he successfully led the full ABET accreditation of the Computer Science as well as Engineering curricula at AMA. Such was part of a well designed and implemented strategy to deliver academic excellence locally cross the university. The College of Business also secured European Council Business Education (ECBE) accreditation for the offered Bachelor degrees. In addition, EL KADHI succeeded to lead the University to its first positive local program and institutional accreditation as well as the redesign of existing academic programs and the introduction of new innovative curricula and teaching methodologies.
From 2008-2012, as Department Head at AHLIA University Bahrain, and in addition to his remarkable contribution to the success of various Quality Assurance visits, EL KADHI forged links with ISG – College of Business Paris and EPITECH – Engineering Higher Institution Paris to kick-off the first effective students exchange program between France and Bahrain (private sector). The program was a success story starting with 6 international student exchange to reach more than 120 students in less than 3 years. EL KADHI assured also the success of the department programs by merging professional certification and academic degrees in an innovative student-centered approach.
From 2000-2008, EL KADHI contributed to the exceptional development and outstanding expansion of EPITECH-Paris. EPITECH is a Computer Science and Information Security Higher Education Institution belonging to IONIS Groupe. IONIS is one among the largest and most reputed group providing higher education in IT, CS, Business, Multimedia, biotechnology and Aeronautic in Paris, France. EL KADHI assumed the role of Founder and Director of the LERIA research lab with various successful research transfer projects. EL KADHI initiated the design and delivery of 03 professional master degree programs tailored to the market need between 2004-2008 in Business Intelligence, E-payment and Risk analysis
EL KADHI has a PhD in Computer Science and Information Technology, which he earned from FST- Tunisia (for academic requirements) and France (for research requirements) at the INRIA Lab as part of a European Project on Verified Internet Protocol. He has more than 60 international publications indexed by ACM, IEEE, DBLP and others. He is also a reviewer in various international scientific journals and conferences such as International Conference on Security and Management, Super-computing Journal, MDPI, ICICT-IACSIT, IKE Conferences and International Conference of Network and System Security (NSS), as well as a keynote speaker or chair in numerous international conferences. His research expertise includes Quality Assurance in Higher Education, Instruction, Assessment, Smart Cities Security and Privacy Aspects, Internet and Information System Security, and Cloud Security and Cryptology. EL KADHI supervised successfully 3 PhD students and more than 30 Master level students in addition to bachelor degree students. EL KADHI has master degree in Optimization and Information Management from ISG- Tunis and earned the presidential award for his bachelor degree in Management Information System.
EL KADHI is distinguished in developing leading ideas and forming new academic directions based on an analysis of institutional statistics and institutional image; and forging partnerships and collaborations that pave way for exchange programs. EL KADHI is also an entrepreneur and innovator as he contributed to the establishment of various consultancy companies such as KnK Partner in France.
Prof. Assem Al-Hajj, Member
Prof. Christopher Abraham, Chairman
Prof. Assem Al-Hajj, Member
Dr. Assem Al-Hajj is the former Khawarizmi Holding Company CEO, and former Khawarizmi International College President, an experienced international leader with 28-year career spanning the UK, Africa and the MENA region. A Civil Engineering graduate from the Beirut Arab University, Lebanon, and Master and PhD degrees in Construction Manage
Dr. Assem Al-Hajj is the former Khawarizmi Holding Company CEO, and former Khawarizmi International College President, an experienced international leader with 28-year career spanning the UK, Africa and the MENA region. A Civil Engineering graduate from the Beirut Arab University, Lebanon, and Master and PhD degrees in Construction Management and Economics from UK. He was the VP for Academic Affairs and Development at Applied Science University in Bahrain (2015-2018). Prior to that he established the School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai Campus and was the Academic Head for nine years (2006-2015). Dr Al-Hajj, also worked at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and Nigeria. He is an experienced trainer for engineers and executives particularly in the Construction and Oil and Gas industries. He is A Senior Fellow of HEA (UK), a Fellow of CIOB, and AIQS. In 2012-14, Dr. Al-Hajj was selected by The FM Middle East magazine as one of the 50 most influential professionals in the Facilities Management Industry in the Middle East. Winner of MBM Research and Teaching Award at AIQS’ 2013 Infinite Value Awards, Australia. He is the author and co-author of more than 100 research publications.
Regional Directors & ِAdvisory Board Members
Prof. Youssef Sadik, Morocco Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Mohammed Ali Qaryouti - Jordan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Mohammed Ali Qaryouti - Jordan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Youssef Sadik is Professor of Sociology at the Faculty of Law, Economic and Social Sciences Agdal, Mohammed V University in Rabat.
Sadik is expert and coordinator in the Global Knowledge Index and Arab Reading Index in the BIN RACHED Al Makhtoum Foundation in Dubai (MBRF).
He is also a Research Associate at several universities and internat
Youssef Sadik is Professor of Sociology at the Faculty of Law, Economic and Social Sciences Agdal, Mohammed V University in Rabat.
Sadik is expert and coordinator in the Global Knowledge Index and Arab Reading Index in the BIN RACHED Al Makhtoum Foundation in Dubai (MBRF).
He is also a Research Associate at several universities and international research centers, including Sorbonne University, Paris Dauphine University, CNAM Paris, ESIEE School, Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada, and the University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada.
Sadik served as an expert in the Moroccan Parliament and a consultant for USAID, the World Bank, International Labour Organization, ESCWA, UNDP and UNESCO. He also served as an Adviser to Morocco’s Prime Minister.
His latest publications include Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development: South-North perspectives (University of Paris, 2021), Economic and Social Resistance in the South (Rabat, 2020), and Youth Employability Contradictions (Paris, 2018).
Mohammed Ali Qaryouti - Jordan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Mohammed Ali Qaryouti - Jordan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Mohammed Ali Qaryouti - Jordan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Mohammed is Accomplished performance-driven Expert Banker with 29 years of multifaceted experience gained within the banking industry. Demonstrates strong leadership, business planning, strategy and associated implementation of initiatives to support growth.
Adept at developing long-term strategic goals while balancing short-term objective
Mohammed is Accomplished performance-driven Expert Banker with 29 years of multifaceted experience gained within the banking industry. Demonstrates strong leadership, business planning, strategy and associated implementation of initiatives to support growth.
Adept at developing long-term strategic goals while balancing short-term objectives, with the ability to analyze market changes and adjust business strategy to capture and maximize opportunities. Possesses invaluable cross functional expertise spearheading strategic growth, managing process excellence, overseeing due diligence as well as implementing exceptional customer service standards and introducing new banking products.
Innovative and adaptable embrace high levels of professional values and integrity with excellent knowledge of processes, procedures and controls. Proven leadership, people management and motivational skills, while prioritizing work and achieving optimal results in demanding markets.
Expertise in business & banking leadership & management within commercial and all sectors of the banking industry, Proven ability in the leasing and brokerage sector , Strong knowledge of banking products and services , Expertise in business development initiatives ,Excellent business strategy proven ability to meet and exceed objectives Exemplifies personal drive and integrity, Strong leadership and people management capabilities, Focuses on both short and long term objectives, Confident to take initiative to implement and manage processes and procedures, Excellent communication skills and relationship building.
As a Banking, Business & Investment Advisory Professional for several institutions, Mohammed Have the capacity & experience to provide a high level of professional advisory in different field related to the business owners & stakeholders in related to their existing, potential business & investment such as not limited:
Structure Finance, Structure debt, Borrowing option, IPO's option, Project finance, Trade finance,
Investment opportunities, Raising Funds, Hedge Fund option, Equity placement, Business Models, Market share expansion, Merger & Acquisition, Venture Capital.
To reach to a strong national economy with an impact reflected on the citizen and society, Moh’d is a co-founder, board of director & treasurer for the Jordan Economic Forum JEF established 2019 as an independent and impartial non-profit organization registered under the umbrella of the Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation.
Rabia Omar Hassan, Pakistan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Mohammed Ali Qaryouti - Jordan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Rabia Omar Hassan, Pakistan Regional Director & Advisory Board Members
Rabia is a highly experienced and seasoned banker with almost three decades of experience in the financial industry with various multinational and leading national banks. Rabia is now operating her own private equity facilitation and consultancy firm in Pakistan. She is also a skilled trainer in subjects related to the banking industry and gender equality in the work place.
Board of Advisors
Gautam Sen Gupta - Member
Gautam Sen Gupta - Member
Gautam Sen Gupta - Member
Over 40 years industry experience. Corporate experience with the Tata Administrative Services; experienced hotelier and senior marketing professional with focus in the tourism and hospitality sector; business consultant focusing on the Middle East and India territories; entrepreneur in the skills education sector, and Past President of TiE Dubai chapter.
Sultan Al Hajji - Member
Gautam Sen Gupta - Member
Gautam Sen Gupta - Member
Ex TOTAL senior Executive. Currently President of Alliance Francaise Abu Dhabi, Board President for UAE University, College of Science Advisory Board, VP of Board for Manzil People with determination center, Chairman for Al Yasat Private School, Toastmaster Basharia club Founder. He is a leadership and management coach and consultant.
Dr. Mustafa Saasa - Member
Gautam Sen Gupta - Member
Dr. Mustafa Saasa - Member
Prominent Indian Business Magnate, Social philanthropist, a Renowned Corporate Speaker, Mentor, Mind-set & Leadership Coach. He is Chairman & Managing Director of Raj Group of Companies of Dubai – UAE and Sarrahraj Enterprise Pvt Ltd in India.
Ravi Anand - Member
Kyriakos Kofinas - Member
Dr. Mustafa Saasa - Member
Seasoned business leader & coach with 35 years of industry experience & a track record in successfully operationalizing strategy & vision for business units, building teams, driving organizational culture, localization, growing operating profit, driving productivity in services, leading business development to deliver top & bottom line financials.
Kyriakos Kofinas - Member
Kyriakos Kofinas - Member
Kyriakos Kofinas - Member
Regional CEO, Board Members and Executive Coach. He is high Growth achieving Leader with substantial experience leading Teams across five Industries and formulating and executing commercial and digital transformation strategies for long-term growth & business turnaround across emerging markets. Opened more than 100 Retail Stores, and coac
Regional CEO, Board Members and Executive Coach. He is high Growth achieving Leader with substantial experience leading Teams across five Industries and formulating and executing commercial and digital transformation strategies for long-term growth & business turnaround across emerging markets. Opened more than 100 Retail Stores, and coached more than 70 B2B Partners across Emerging markets. Developed a Distributor Management Process to grow Distributor Partners by 2digit. Board Member in more than 10 Subsidiaries and in Strategic partners the last 10 years, in IMEA, APAC, SEE.