Meet Our Partners

Solomon Hicks

CEO of Hicks Global Services

GOLD FOUNDING SPONSOR

Solomon Hicks is a renowned speaker, career coach, and consultant with over 55 years of experience in the life insurance sector. He founded Hicks Global Services, dedicated to helping families and ministries protect their legacies. A distinguished Prudential Financial agent for over 35 years, Sol has won the President’s Trophy Award seven times and the President’s Citation Award 21 times. He is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 38 years, with numerous top qualifications. Recently inducted into the Financial Hall of Fame, he also received the Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished author of three books, Sol is currently writing a new one. Married to Carol for 60 years, their love story is remarkable, having proposed on their first meeting. Sol mentors over 150 agents globally, emphasizing that success can be both achieved and shared.

Joe Jordan

Inspirational speaker and behavioral finance expert, is the author of the award-winning book Living a Life of Significance.

Joe Jordan, inspirational speaker and behavioral finance expert, is the author of the award-winning book Living a Life of Significance. The book has sold over 125,000 copies, is translated in five languages and was featured in Nick Murray's "The Advisor's Essential Library." He has given hundreds of presentations to over 400,000 financial professionals in 28 countries around the world. 

Joe is the recipient of the 2023 John Newton Russell Memorial Award. The award is the highest honor accorded by the insurance industry for outstanding services to the institution of life insurance. 

Formerly, Joe ran insurance sales at Paine Webber and more recently was a senior vice president at MetLife. He was responsible for retail product development and started their fee-based financial planning program

and behavioral finance department.

Brian Heckert

CLU, CHFC, AIF®, QPFC - FSM Wealth, Inc.

Brian Heckert is a seasoned financial professional with a career spanning over three decades, having founded Financial Solutions Midwest, LLC in 1985. As a Wealth Manager, he specializes in providing strategic financial advice to both individuals and businesses, focusing on retirement planning and business strategy. His leadership experience is underscored by his role as a past president of the Million Dollar Round Table, a prestigious association for financial professionals. Brian's commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous accolades, including seven Court of the Table and nine Top of the Table honors. He is also a published author, having written a guide on 401(k) plans to help others navigate complex retirement options. Based in Nashville, Illinois, he leads a small team dedicated to optimizing client financial outcomes. Brian's extensive experience and leadership in the financial sector position him as a trusted advisor in wealth management.

Tony Gordon

Chief Patron of BLIS Experience

Tony Gordon is one of the best known names in the world of financial services. 

In 2001 he became the first President of MDRT from outside North America – having had the unique distinction of having served both as Chairman of MDRT’s Top of the Table and as President of the UK’s insurance agents association. As a speaker, he has spoken in 56 countries. He is the author of the best selling book “It Can Only Get Better”, Tony’s route to sales success. This 55 year veteran of the financial services profession has been an MDRT member for 47 years and a Top of the Table member for 46 years. He was featured as one of the 12 outstanding life insurance sales people in the book commissioned by MDRT entitled “The Greatest Insurance Stories Ever Told”. Now retired, or as Tony prefers to say “rewired”, he focuses his time mentoring other advisers, speaking, looking after his other business interests and spoiling his five grandchildren.

Aamir Chalisa

Advisory Board Member

AAMIR CHALISA, MBA, LUTCF, MDRT- COT

Aamir Chalisa is a General Manager at the Oak Brook, IL branch of Futurity First Insurance Group(FFIG). He leads this branch with 50 agents; it was a leading Branch at Futurity in 2024. Aamir currently serves as a volunteer at GAMA Global. Aamir is the Chairman of OPEN Chicago and serves as COO for OPEN Global. With a successful record of accomplishment in growing diversity in corporate America, Aamir has 34

years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry.

Aamir also authored a book named “Leadership Beyond Borders” available on Amazon, where he wrote about discovering diversity and volunteerism across two continents.

Clayton Zammit

Advisory Board Member

Clayton J. Zammit is a business and technology consultant with over 20 years of experience in strategic business management, software, digital solutions, and digital transformation. He has worked with international companies such as ING Bank, Lloyd's Register, Fraser Eagle, and Morrisons Supermarkets. He has also held CEO positions at boutique technology firms specializing in web and mobile application development, digital marketing strategy, and technology consulting. His expertise is in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions, with a focus on data-driven decision-making. He has advised boards and C-level executives, providing strategic guidance for innovation and operational efficiency.

Cynthia Hicks

Advisory Board Member

Cynthia Hicks, A 9-time MDRT qualifier and 3-time Top of the Table honoree

Cynthia Hicks is a passionate advocate for empowering women to achieve boldness, independence, and financial freedom while creating lasting legacies for their families and communities. With nearly 30 years in the financial services sector, she has inspired many, especially in life insurance and finance, to take charge of their futures. As a Lifetime MDRT Qualifier and multiple-time honoree, Cynthia is also a member of the Management Council of the Financial Hall of Fame. She founded SH Generations and Hicks Global Institute to enhance her family's legacy and support others in building wealth. Known for her charisma and genuine connections, Cynthia is dedicated to helping others attain financial independence while leading a purposeful life. Outside of work, she cherishes her roles as a mother, daughter, and friend, bringing the same commitment to her personal life.

Georges Kazzi

Advisory Board Member

George M. El Kazzi is an accomplished finance professional with over 25 years of experience in academia, banking, and FinTech. He serves as Chairperson of the Accounting, Economics, and Finance departments at AUST, Lebanon, and has lectured at prestigious institutions like AUB. With a PhD in Business Administration, his expertise spans financial risk management, SME financing, and payment systems. He has contributed to key projects at Banque Du Liban, including Lebanon's National Payment Systems, and published research on banking performance and alternative financing. A certified trainer for IMA/CMA programs, he also holds multiple FinTech certification

Wajih Choueiry

Advisory Board Member

Wajih Choueiry is an expert in business development. He possesses a diverse skill set from years of experience in various fields, with a proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing high-impact business development projects. His entrepreneurial attitude has been integral to digital transformation initiatives within organizations.

Wajih's professional experience includes serving as Executive Director at Seven Investments Limited since March 2024 , and as Director-Life Insurance at Arabia Insurance Company since April 2022. He was Head of Life Sales at Bankers Assurance SAL from January 2019 to April 2022 and Senior Manager Business Development at MetLife Lebanon from 2009 to December 2018. He also owned LMI Lebanon for five years (2005-2010), where he sold training programs and provided executive coaching.

Walid Madi

Advisory Board Member

Walid Madi is a senior insurance executive with over 20 years of experience in life and health insurance, combining sales leadership, business development, and operational excellence across the Middle East. He currently serves as General Manager – Life Division at Bankers Assurance, where he leads end-to-end strategy execution across sales, underwriting, claims, and customer service. His role includes driving sales performance through field force development, coaching, and the implementation of targeted growth strategies. Earlier in his career, Walid held leadership positions at MetLife Gulf, including Deputy COO and Solutions Architect, where he managed large cross-functional teams and spearheaded regional initiatives in digital transformation, claims efficiency, and customer experience. He also contributed to business optimization efforts at MetLife Lebanon, aligning service delivery with evolving market demands. Walid’s expertise spans commercial strategy, team performance, and operational transformation, with a track record of aligning organizational goals with market-driven execution.

Yiannis Stephanou

Advisory Board Member

Yannis Stephanou is the National Director of BNI Cyprus (Business Network International), the world’s leading referral networking organization, building a dynamic and collaborative business community through structured networking and the Givers Gain Philosophy.   Yannis also leads digital transformation projects in banking, commerce, and marketing. With over 25 years of experience and a strong track record, including the launch of Cyprus’s first eBanking products and mobile app at Laiki eBank, he supports businesses grow through innovative and technology driven strategies. He holds a Master of Science in International Banking and Financial Services from the University of Reading and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Coventry University. He is a certified trainer of the Digital Marketing Institute and Cyprus HRDA.  Yannis is passionate about connecting people, creating value, and driving collective success through meaningful collaboration.

Nabil Sabbagh

Ambassador

L&D Manager - Zurich , AAS, BS, CMT, ACS | Elite Coach | Certified Massage Therapist | Kine’ and Chinese Concepts Practitioner | 28 years of Insurance experience with Metlife (22) and Continental Group (6)

A very hard worker who is always trying to get the job done and the right way. Always learning new technologies for the betterment of his career growth as well as utilizing his skills in the best possible way for achieving the companys goals. Excellent Communicator & Interpersonal Skills, Strong Analytical Approach, Quick Learner. Team Leader Ability - Organized And Detailed Oriented With Positive Attitude

Jarmila Somolányiová

Ambassador

With over 18 years of experience in financial advisory, she is a highly decorated wealth management expert specializing in strategic portfolio planning, cashflow management, and investments. Consistently recognized for her industry excellence, she ranked as the #1 VIP Consultant at PARTNERS GROUP SK in 2023 and is a multi-year member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). She has established herself as a trailblazing global presence, making history as the first Slovak speaker on premier international stages, including MDRT Greece, the BLIS platform, and The Financial Hall of Fame. Backed by a strong academic foundation in applied economics and currently pursuing both an MBA and an International Money Coach Certification, she combines deep analytical expertise with dynamic networking skills. An active leader in Slovakia’s top entrepreneurial forums and the Association of Business Women and Managers, she balances her thriving international career with a passion for world travel, extreme outdoor sports, and life as a proud mother in the scenic Carpathian vineyards of Vinosady.

Dimitra Lemousia

Ambassador

Dimitra Lemousia is the CEO of Elev8 Hub and a Business & Marketing Consultant with over 10 years of experience supporting business growth across Greece, Cyprus, and the Netherlands. She specializes in brand strategy, digital marketing, and business development, working with both startups and established companies to help them scale with clarity and long-term vision. Through her work, Dimitra actively contributes to building strong business ecosystems by connecting professionals, fostering strategic collaborations, and supporting sustainable growth. She also leads the CEO’s Blueprint framework, focusing on structured business development and strategic decision-making. She maintains an active presence in media and professional networks in Greece and Cyprus through articles, interviews, and participation in conferences, webinars, and podcasts. Dimitra is a member of the Fortune Greece Network and actively supports female entrepreneurship as a mentor at Women Do Business, while also working closely with the new generation of entrepreneurs.

Marta Tracz

Ambassador

As a Cyprus-based real estate investment specialist and trusted business partner, she provides secure, end-to-end property solutions for entrepreneurs, investors, and private buyers. Living and working locally, she leverages an extensive professional network to grant clients exclusive access to off-market properties—whether they are seeking a second home, a lucrative flip, or a passive-income rental asset. Her turnkey approach means she and her team manage every detail of the process, from initial budgeting and tailored market research to expert negotiation and final closing, ensuring a stress-free experience with zero hidden fees. Known for her uncompromising focus on security and dynamic problem-solving, she fiercely protects her clients' capital, building lifelong relationships by guiding them toward the safest and most profitable investment strategies in Cyprus.

Maria Economou

Ambassador

Maria Economou is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) in England and Wales and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC).

Maria has over 20 years of experience in audit, tax, and accounting for both international and local clients. Initially she spent 9 years with medium sized audit firm as an audit manager and the last 11 years she is a partner with an extensive knowledge serving a wide range of clients mainly small and medium-sized Cypriot enterprises operating in various sectors such as wholesale, retail, developing, construction, etc.

Member of BNI Cyprus - 

Panagiotis Sofokleous

Ambassador

Enable Insurance Professionals & Companies to thrive in the digital era · Podcast host @ Insurance Talks · Founder of Cyprus Insurance News & Insurance Media Lab · In the Insurance Industry since 2008. Insurance may not be the most glamorous industry, but it is one that has the power to truly make a difference in people's lives. As the owner of a news portal about insurance, he is dedicated to sharing his expertise and experience with a wider audience, and to spreading the message of how important insurance is in helping people live their best lives. He is passionate about helping insurance professionals succeed and thrive, and he believes that by working together and sharing knowledge, they can make a real difference in the world. 

Albena Ignatova

Ambassador

Experienced Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance and telecommunication industry. Skilled in sales management, team management, extremely result driven professional with creative mind. Master's degree in Economics from the University of National and World Economy. Current focus is in developing new talents in MDRT. 

Serving as a public voice for cyber security and risk management.

Director of Sales and Regional Structures at LEV INS AD, one of Bulgaria's leading insurance companies. She is an active advocate for cyber insurance and digital risk prevention. She frequently speaks at forums and in the media about the necessity of cyber protection for everyone—from large corporations to small enterprises, schools, and municipalities. In her role, she emphasizes education, prevention, and building active partnerships with regional structures to help businesses and communities mitigate the risks of data breaches and cyber extortion.

Laura Efthymiou

Ambassador Coordinator

Art Biophilic Designer | Creative Entrepreneur | Founder of Design with Moss With a background in Finance and an MBA in Business Administration

She blends strategic thinking with artistic expression to create sustainable, nature-inspired interiors. Born in Romania, her journey took her through eight years in Ireland before she settled in Cyprus—where she studied art and built a career in accounting before following her true passion: design rooted in biophilia. Today, as the founder of Design with Moss, she specializes in creating preserved moss art and natural installations that bring calm, elegance, and wellness into modern spaces. Her work bridges the gap between creativity and business—grounded in resilience, sustainability, and the belief that nature belongs indoors. 

Art Biophillic Designer - Owner of www.designwithmoss.com Author in a book called : Pozne din Copilaria mea( Romanian Language) Vol 22, 2024 Author in a book called : The Biggest Lie Women Belive , 2023