SIBF

10/09/2026

SIBF members and participants from around the globe spent an incredible few days in Nashville for the 2026 SIBF Annual Summit!

Throughout the Summit, expert speakers challenged us to examine some of the most pressing issues shaping our world today, from shifting global power dynamics and political uncertainty to the economic and social forces influencing our future. These conversations encouraged us to think critically, consider new perspectives, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing leaders today.

Beyond the sessions, members reconnected with longtime friends, welcomed new faces, and strengthened relationships that extend across borders, industries, and generations.

A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, members, guests, and everyone who made this year’s Summit possible!

We’re excited to share more highlights and photos from our time together in Nashville in the days ahead!

South East Asia Leadership Academy Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance - CELA MELA Network

09/29/2026

What role does Middle Tennessee play in the space race? More than many of us realize.

Former Congressman Jim Cooper (TN, '23) recently joined fellow members for a fascinating discussion about the region's importance to U.S. space capabilities.

During his time in Congress, Jim worked across the aisle on the effort that ultimately led to the creation of the Space Force in 2019, the first new branch of the Armed Forces since 1947.

That experience gave him a unique perspective on Middle Tennessee's place within the broader space ecosystem and the critical assets that support national security and our allies.

The gathering offered a chance to see the region through a different lens and learn about an industry and infrastructure with implications far beyond its borders.

A special thank you to SIBF member Katelin Shea (TN, '26) for hosting us and making such an insightful conversation possible.

09/24/2026

09/23/2026

Leadership is not meant to be practiced alone.

The further you move into responsibility, the fewer opportunities you may have to step outside your daily demands, speak honestly with peers, and encounter perspectives shaped by different industries, cultures, and countries.

That is why NALA was created.

The North America Leadership Alliance (NALA) brings together a small group of leaders from Canada, Mexico, and the United States for five days in Atlanta. We learn together, challenge one another’s thinking, share our experiences, and build enduring relationships.

Leadership grows through openness, curiosity, meaningful conversation, and relationships grounded in trust.

If this sounds like the kind of community you have been looking for, we invite you to learn more: https://www.nalanetwork.org

09/14/2026

Globalization delivered lower costs, greater choice, and highly efficient supply chains. But recent disruptions have exposed the risks of optimizing for cost alone.

In a conversation with Harvard Business School Professor, W***y Shih, SIBF members explored why resilience must now be built into supply-chain strategy. While leaders remain committed to their long-term vision, the ability to diversify resources and respond quickly to tariffs, extreme weather, and geopolitical shifts will increasingly shape the more tactical, short-term decisions.

Engaging broadly and understanding diverse global perspectives are essential practices for navigating this complexity. By providing opportunities for learning and fostering cross-border dialogue, SIBF helps members gain the insight, relationships, and perspective they need to make better decisions in a rapidly changing world.

Special thanks to Bill Starnes (TX, '98) for moderating this exceptional and timely webinar.

09/09/2026

SIBF’s strength as a trusted network comes from the depth of experience, curiosity, and insight each member brings to the community.

Roundtables are short-term, dynamic, topic-focused discussion groups that bring together members and spouses to share experiences, explore challenges, and exchange innovative strategies. Whether you’re navigating market shifts, scaling operations globally, or exploring transformative technologies, SIBF Roundtables offer a trusted circle where you can find insights that go beyond surface-level conversations.

Whether you want to deepen your knowledge, contribute your perspective, or build relationships with members you might not otherwise meet, there is a place for you at the table.

09/07/2026

Something worth making room for in January 2027.

We’re bringing our Global Network together in Bali, welcoming friends from across the SEALA, CELA, MELA and SIBF networks.

We’re putting the finishing touches on the program and will share more soon.

For now - save the dates. Start planning.

We’ll see you in Bali. 💙

South East Asia Leadership Academy
Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance - CELA
MELA Network
SIBF

09/03/2026

A professional community is only as strong as our willingness to show up for it.

Membership opens the door. But it is through participation, joining the conversation, attending the program, sharing what we know, and remaining open to what others can teach us, that the real value of a network emerges.

When we show up consistently, familiar faces become trusted relationships. A presentation becomes a new way of thinking. A casual conversation becomes an unexpected opportunity. And a collection of accomplished individuals becomes a community invested in one another’s growth.

At SIBF, our programs create space for leaders to learn together, exchange ideas across industries and cultures, and develop the kind of relationships that can only be built when we accept the invitation.