access to leaders of industry from around the globe

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Laura Sanadiki

Director The Global Network

Laura Sanadiki brings extensive business experience and a strong academic background, holding a degree in Psychology and a certification in Counseling. She excels in providing comprehensive HR guidance and cultural insights to her clients. Laura has worked extensively across the Middle East, serving a diverse clientele including public and private sectors, government entities, and private family offices.

As the Global Business Director at The Global Network, Laura leverages her extensive network and years of experience to ensure seamless transitions for launch partners moving from the UK to the Middle East. Her commitment to smooth integration and exceptional service is a testament to her dedication and expertise.

Catherine Granger

Founder - The Global Network

Hailing from Scotland, seasoned entrepreneur Catherine Granger boasts nearly 25 years of international professional experience, having worked extensively across the UAE, UK, US, Southeast Asia, and Switzerland. Throughout her career, Catherine has established a stellar reputation for transformational change management, leveraging her expertise in AI, Agile, and Lean Six Sigma to drive large-scale projects across diverse cultural landscapes.

One of Catherine’s notable achievements includes her collaboration with the global head of AI and Data at BP (British Petroleum), where she contributed to the development of BP’s AI roadmap. This comprehensive plan integrated digital tools, cognitive technologies (such as speech and predictive text), and Machine Learning (ML) solutions, supporting BP’s strategy of achieving zero net carbon emissions.

Under her leadership, Trajan Consulting has partnered with multinational corporations such as Huawei, Amazon, Nestle, Aggreko, Microsoft, and JTI Digital, facilitating their Agile and AI transformations. Catherine’s extensive network of cross-industry contacts and her deep understanding of the Middle East business landscape are widely recognized.

Catherine was the first female to work in Nestle factories in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2009 and among the first women trained in the prestigious Toyota Factory in Japan on LEAN principles. Her trailblazing efforts in the MENA region earned Nestle the JIPM (Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance) award for TPM transformation in Nestle Syria. She also led the Nestle Continuous Excellence (NCE) program across MENA, saving Nestle hundreds of millions of dollars and enhancing its competitive advantage.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Catherine advises government entities and global think tanks, and is a member of a private Middle Eastern AI forum on innovation and technology. She is a sought-after global speaker at the Society of Petroleum Engineers and regularly mentors’ individuals from private families across the Middle East and Europe.
Catherine’s accomplishments have been featured on Sky Arabia, showcasing female entrepreneurs in Dubai alongside her daughters, who also own successful businesses. Her influence and impact in the business world are further highlighted in numerous other publications.

Hessam Mirgolbabaei

DEI Advisor – The Global Network

Dr. Hessam Mirgolbabaei is an accomplished PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Thermal Fluids. He is an expert in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), teaching fundamental courses in Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics. Dr. Mirgolbabaei leads the ‘GAIT+LDM’ research lab, focusing on CFD modeling of combustion flames, compact heat exchangers, and AI-based detection of water contamination and virus outbreaks.

With a robust engineering background and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the field, Dr. Mirgolbabaei is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals and the promotion of women and sexual minorities in STEM. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drives his efforts to create a more inclusive environment within the STEM community.

Dr. Mirgolbabaei is an Endowed Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, where he contributes to both academic and research advancements in his field. As the DEI Advisor at TGN, he is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. He advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and supports women and sexual minorities in STEM workplaces. His responsibilities include developing inclusive policies, creating supportive environments, and mentoring underrepresented groups.

Covering sectors including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with a particular focus on Mechanical Engineering and Thermal Fluids, Dr. Mirgolbabaei brings significant value to Trajan Consulting. His extensive experience in academia and research, combined with his advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion, enhances the organization’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

John Nolan

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Executive Advisor – The Global Network

John Nolan brings over 24 years of top-tier experience in senior leadership positions within some of the Middle East’s most esteemed companies. He leads the Excelsior Club, an exclusive, invite-only network of over 250 C-suite executives, CEOs, and business owners across the GCC. This elite group is a hub for high-level connections and business opportunities, serving as a vital platform for high-level connections and business opportunities.

Through his firm, JPN Advisory, John offers unparalleled advisory services, expertly guiding international companies in navigating and entering the GCC market. His deep understanding of the region, coupled with a robust network, positions him as an invaluable partner for businesses aiming to establish a successful presence in the UAE and beyond.

John’s long-standing collaboration with Catherine and his integral role in The Global Network team, based in the UAE, further underscore his reliability and expertise. His insights and connections make him the perfect advisor for companies looking to seamlessly enter and thrive in the Middle Eastern market.

Our story

Our vision

Founded in Geneva, The Global Network redefines the concept of private communities by moving beyond traditional rule books and divisions by gender and class. Our approach centers on freedom, independence, and happiness, with culture and curation at the heart of our community. We support our members in their endeavors, help them launch into new global communities, and facilitate mutual learning and enjoyment.

What we do

The Global Network offers unparalleled access to a global community of leaders and innovators. Our bespoke investment forum and innovative tech hub provide platforms for launching and growing businesses, sourcing investment, and supporting technological advancements. We create conditions for transformation, enabling our members to freely conduct all facets of their lives.

oUR MISSION

At The Global Network, we are dedicated to fostering a community of world builders, change-makers, visionaries, and leaders from various industries. Our mission is to promote collective performance powered by dynamic engagement and exchange. We aim to create an environment where our members can thrive and drive global transformation.

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What Our Client Says

Our member's experiences speak volumes about the value of The Global Network. Hear from our members as they share their stories of transformation and success within our community. Their testimonials highlight the impact of our support and the strength of our network.

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Catherine Granger whilst she took on the assignment as Agile Coach to Architectural Planning & Technology BP Leadership team. She provided empowering emotional and motivational support, especially during crucial decision-making phases and times of opportunities which helped them identify and eliminate limiting beliefs. Catherine had the most charming presence about her that even the shyest or quietest of people trusted her and felt that they could be clear and realistic of their vision – she is smart, professional and possesses the ability to bring the Agile Methodology alive. It has made such an impression on me that I have decided personally to pursue this path in my future career!
ExecutiveBP
Executive
I reached out to Catherine during one of our most high-profile internal projects, as I needed a skilled consultant to act as a project manager during my leave. My main reason for selecting Catherine was her understanding and dedication to our needs and requirements, as well as the ability to provide us with the right person for the job. Catherine immediately understood our requirements, and was able to quickly match us with a consultant who had the right competencies to oversee the project. I would like to thank Catherine for the service she provided to Dubizzle and the commitment to making the project a success. We are very satisfied and look forward to a long-term relationship.
Nahal JektaFinance Director, Dubizzle
Nahal Jekta
I commissioned Catherine and her team to deliver a significant piece of work for Damco Asia. They delivered on their objectives with a positive result. I would highly recommend Catherine and the team to other companies.
Thomas KnudsenCEO, Damco Asia
Thomas Knudsen
I have found Catherine to be competent, professional and trustworthy. I would continue to deal with her in her current or similar capacity should the need arise.
Jose OsleTeam Leader, Zadco
Jose Osle
Catherine is very professional, dedicated person, highly educated and skilled at helping an organization to achieve best results. Catherine is capable of process re-engineering and she brings plenty of passion and energy with her dedication. I have no hesitation in recommending Catherine to Companies that are in need to change and improve and are willing to use Lean and Six Sigma type methods to create that improvement.
Jani DemirovskiRegional Director, AF Compressors
Jani Demirovski
Thank you once again on behalf of myself and Yasvin for running the workshop so successfully. Your style, delivery and pitch were exactly what I was looking for so couldn’t have asked for more. Following the workshop, I am convinced that LEAN implementation at some terminals could be of major use to us, and we will continue to suggest this in our ongoing dialogues with the terminals on a number of matters and hope that we have an opportunity to work with you again in the future.
Craig GarbuttGroup Operations Manager
Craig Garbutt
Catherine and her team provided a true Global Reach in our aim of driving for success. It has offered a differentiated approach to our organizational and cultural challenges and has definitely made a huge positive impact on our strategy/roadmap. The in-depth knowledge and skills of Catherine and her consultants have also helped in securing buy-in from our people. Over and above a very efficient preparation and execution process, constant follow-up and feedback remain the strong points of this “Out of the Box” firm.
Yasvin Buckhoreelall Operations assistant Manager
Yasvin Buckhoreelall
I have worked with Catherine over the last 3 years in various projects. I have found Catherine and her team to be effective, deliver on time and the consultants are consummate professionals. I have no hesitation in recommending Catherine to any organization.
Scott Ewen Group FD, Global Process Systems
Scott Ewen