Discover insights and grow with the guidance from our renowned subject matter experts
Rommel Sergio, PhD, PDB, DBA
Dr. Rommel is an esteemed consultant in organizational development, human resources, and education, with a footprint that extends across the United Arab Emirates and internationally. He is a pillar in his field with almost three decades of consulting experience in diverse sectors such as oil and gas, medical, educational, and manufacturing industries.
Dr. Rommel holds three doctorate degrees: a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management (with High-Level Distinction from the University of Liverpool, UK), a Doctor of Business Administration (with Highest Distinction from Pôle Paris Alternance, Paris, France); and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology (with Highest Distinction from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Philippines). Beyond his doctorate, he has completed Post-Doctoral studies in Management at Tulane University, USA. Dr. Rommel serves as the Graduate Studies Associate Dean at the School of Management, Canadian University Dubai, where he continues to shape the future of education and leadership.
His groundbreaking research into happiness, organizational and personal wellness, leadership, and mental health has led him to author the Amazon best-selling book “Management Cases: Thriving Organizations in the New Normal.” He has also recently published two more books: “Unbroken: Trials to Triumph, The Making of a Community Leader” and “Emerging Innovation: Business Transformation in the New Normal,” adding to his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Rommel Sergio, PhD, PDB, DBA
Atty. Richard Davies
Atty. Richard Davies
Atty. Richard is a distinguished and highly regarded legal professional rooted in English legal standards, as evidenced by his acquisition of a Master of Arts in Jurisprudence from the prominent Oxford University in the UK. His legal voyage was formally initiated with his admission to the English Bar in 1998, further solidifying his standing with qualification as a Solicitor in 2001.
Davies’s legal prowess extends beyond the UK’s borders, as he is also a licensed practitioner in the UAE, where he has established his presence for over 16 years. His legal practice is predominantly concentrated in the construction and engineering sectors. Here, Davies has skillfully represented a broad spectrum of clientele, including governmental bodies, property developers, commercial occupants, financial institutions, construction companies, and consultancy firms, adeptly navigating through both transactional and contentious legal matters.
As a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, a globally recognized law firm, Davies has achieved notable recognition. His professional excellence is acknowledged through listings as a leading expert in distinguished legal directories such as Legal 500, Chambers, and Who’s Who Legal. This acknowledgment highlights his profound expertise and contributions to the legal profession and reaffirms his position as a pivotal figure within the international legal community.
Coral Milburn-Curtis, PhD
Prof. Dr. Coral Milburn-Curtis stands out as an accomplished educational consultant and an academic figure with her role as an Associate Fellow at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, where her expertise in research methods guides graduate students. She holds a professorship at Pôle Paris Alternance and is the Director of Studies for their Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. Additionally, Dr. Milburn-Curtis is recognized for her contributions as a visiting professor at the GreMOG Laboratory in Paris. Her specialization in quantitative research methods is integral to her teaching and pivotal in her contributions to statistical analysis for Projects of National Importance and Focus (PINF). Dr. Milburn-Curtis’s work is characterized by a rigorous analytical approach, which is critical in her academic instruction and research endeavors. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in statistical analysis has made her a pivotal asset to research projects, allowing for precise and meaningful interpretations of complex data.
Coral Milburn-Curtis, PhD
Leo Obra, PhD, MCIPD, SPHR, MSHRM, HCS
Dr. Leo is a highly experienced HR Consultant with a Ph.D. from the University of Queensland, Australia. His expertise spans across corporate training, total rewards, and HR transformation. His academic prowess is further established by a Master’s Degree in Strategic Human Resource Management from the University of Wollongong.
A Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certified by the HRCI in the USA and a Chartered Member of the CIPD in the UK, his credentials are both diverse and significant. With over 18 years of hands-on experience in HR leadership roles within prestigious firms in the UAE, Dr. Leo has been instrumental in offering strategic advice and enhancing human capital capabilities to secure a competitive edge in the market. He has been at the helm of HR departments, managing teams of professionals, and has successfully orchestrated more than 30 change management HR programs across various countries. These programs have been pivotal in driving substantial improvements in workforce performance.
His career in the UAE has been marked by a series of HR leadership positions, where his strategic guidance has not only been sought after but has also led to significant organizational improvements. Dr. Leo’s rich professional journey is defined by his ability to lead diverse HR projects from the initial stages through to successful execution, showcasing his exceptional leadership and project management skills.
Leo Obra, PhD, MCIPD, SPHR, MSHRM, HCS
Melchor Oribiana, MSc
Melchor is a paragon of professional distinction with an impressive 20-year tenure in customer service, hospitality, and sales. He is currently spearheading the customer service team for a leading airline in the UAE. A Master’s graduate in Management from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, and armed with a Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Philippines, Melchor brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
His scholarly contributions further highlight his profound understanding of the service industry. Renowned for delivering transformative training in customer service excellence, leadership, and consumer behavior analysis, Melchor employs his vast experience to elevate service standards and foster positive team dynamics.
His consultancy prowess shines in enhancing customer experience strategies, boosting operational efficiency, and driving digital transformation. He provides pivotal strategic insights to businesses aspiring to scale, sharpen their market presence, and achieve sustainable growth. Melchor’s extensive background, combined with his academic achievements, render him a formidable asset in training and consulting realms, steering organizations to excel in performance and secure a robust competitive position.
Melchor Oribiana, MSc
Djonde Frega Antiado, EdD, LPT, CIQ, SEP
Dr. Djonde Frega Antiado stands at the forefront of educational and wellness consulting with a doctorate in educational management. Her distinguished career, spanning almost three decades, is marked by a commitment to instructional roles in higher education and engagement with a diverse student body. She boasts over a decade of experience in administrative roles, emphasizing student services.
For over ten years, Dr. Antiado has been imparting knowledge in the United Arab Emirates, significantly enhancing program effectiveness, maintaining high-quality standards, and adeptly managing accreditation and program assessments. Her scholarly contributions are noteworthy, including presentations at international conferences and co-authorship of papers on effective teaching, professional development, and talent management.
Dr. Antiado holds a Professional Teacher license (PRC), is a Certified Cultural Intelligence Quotient (CIQ) Facilitator, and is recognized as a Specialist in Educational Psychology, credentials that underscore her profound expertise and dedication to the field of education.
Djonde Frega Antiado, EdD, LPT, CIQ, SEP
Chris Calumberan
Chris Calumberan
Chris Calumberan is a celebrated commercial photographer and community leader based in Dubai since 2001. His career spans across roles from web design to operations management, working with prestigious brands like Nikon and Canon. Known for fostering community growth, Chris organizes exhibitions and workshops and has been recognized as one of the Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf.
Honored as Photographer of the Year in 2018 by The Filipino Times, he champions both environmental causes and social awareness through his work. His clientele includes illustrious names such as Adnoc and Audi Middle East, showcasing his ability to convey powerful brand messages through photography.
Educated in the Philippines and the UAE, Chris is a beacon of leadership in his field. As a speaker, he shares his journey of service and excellence, inspiring a new generation of professionals. Chris’s ethos is one of service — a guiding principle that resonates through his distinguished work and impactful community engagement.
Subject Matter Expert
Ben Lebig Jr., PhD, CMA, CICP, CPA, RFP
Ben Lebig Jr., PhD, CMA, CICP, CPA, RFP
Dr. Ben Dr. Ben Lebig Jr. is an acclaimed finance professional with over 25 years of experience across multiple sectors including manufacturing, banking, health insurance, IT, construction, and the oil & gas industries. He currently serves as the Value Chain Mid-Term Strategist for Chevron Corporation, overseeing its entire Downstream portfolio outside the US for its Manufacturing, Base Oil, Additives and Finished Lubricants Value Chain.
An alumnus of Manchester Business School Dubai, Dr. Lebig has an MBA from the University of Manchester’s Accelerated Finance Program and a Master’s in Management from the University of the Philippines. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from King’s College London, UK, focusing on Strategy and International Business in Management.
Dr. Lebig’s finance expertise is reinforced by a suite of certifications: he is a Certified Management Accountant (USA), a Certified International Credit Professional (USA), a Certified Public Accountant (PH), and a Registered Financial Planner (PH). His comprehensive experience encompasses audit, operational finance, compliance, credit exposure risk management, business planning, and value chain optimization.
Atty. Eugin Prakash Pathrose, PhD
Dr. Eugin is a registered attorney with the Bar Council of Delhi, India, which further diversifies his expertise, particularly at the intersection of finance and law. This unique combination of skills empowers him to adeptly handle complex regulatory challenges and provide comprehensive services to his clients.
His expertise also encompasses Oracle Financials Implementation, particularly in modules like General Ledger (GL), Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), and Fixed Assets (FA). His practical knowledge in these areas enables him to enhance financial operations and heighten organizational effectiveness.
Dr. Eugin’s contribution to the professional sector is robust, having equipped over 5,000 senior executives with actionable knowledge through targeted training sessions. His commitment extends to his research pursuits, which cover a vast array of subjects including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), fintech, and risk management, underlining his status as a vanguard in both academic and industry circles.
Dr. Eugin, with dual Ph.D. degrees from King’s College London and Banasthali University, stands out as a preeminent expert in finance and banking. His profound understanding of these fields is a result of an intense academic focus on these subjects.
Atty. Eugin Prakash Pathrose, PhD
Khristine Sumo, CIPD, NLP, PhD (cand)
Khristine Sumo is a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Senior Manager – HR at Dewan Architects and Engineers. In this role, she focuses on developing and delivering people management strategies that align with the company’s vision, values, and goals, enabling the growth and retention of exceptional talent in the architectural and engineering sectors. Khristine is currently in the process of completing her doctorate in business administration. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and is a certified CIPD HR professional. Beyond her work at Dewan, Khristine is an adjunct faculty/professor at FTSC in partnership with Bath Spa University and Pole Paris Alternance. She trains with a focus on strategic management, leadership, human capital, corporate governance, ethics, and risk management courses, leveraging her academic and professional expertise. Khristine holds a license as an Emotional Intelligence Trainer™ and Emotional Intelligence Master Coach™, alongside certifications in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), Leadership, and Executive Coaching, further enhancing her ability to foster personal and professional development. Khristine provides valuable consulting, advisory, and coaching to students, professionals, and companies globally.
Khristine Sumo, CIPD, NLP, PhD (cand)
Genaro Japos, PhD
Dr. Genaro is a prominent figure in the field of education and research, with a broad impact that spans the Asia Pacific region. As a consultant, trainer, and conference leader, he shares his deep knowledge and insights, fostering learning and innovation among professionals and academics. His expertise is recognized by the National Research Council of the Philippines, where he holds a distinguished membership.
In addition to his national contributions, Dr. Genaro plays a significant role on the international stage as a board member for the Philippines in the Asia Pacific Education Research Association, an organization based in Hong Kong that is pivotal in shaping educational research in the region. His commitment extends to Southeast Asia, where he serves as a training consultant at the New Generation Pedagogical Research Center, affiliated with the National Institute of Education in Cambodia. This role involves enhancing the pedagogical skills and methodologies of educators, contributing to the region’s educational advancement.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines has recognized his contributions to the fields of business and governance by awarding him a Professorial Chair, a testament to his scholarly impact and thought leadership. Dr. Genaro’s academic journey is marked by a rare and remarkable achievement: the completion of five doctoral degrees in various disciplines, a feat that highlights his dedication to lifelong learning and cross-disciplinary scholarship.
Genaro Japos, PhD
Sugar Espadera-Lumingkit
Sugar Espadera-Lumingkit
Sugar co-founded Transforma Asia Leadership & Management Consultancy to help individuals and organizations turn ideas into successful ventures. She is experienced in navigating the complexities of startups, from initial concept to scaling operations.
With over 15 years of experience in the field, she has partnered with leading corporations to design and implement innovative learning solutions that align with business objectives and foster a culture of continuous learning. Her expertise spans leadership development, executive coaching, talent management and development, change management, and organizational effectiveness.
She is a strategic and pragmatic Corporate – HR & OD Consultant with a demonstrated ability to streamline human resource processes and optimize workforce performance. She is known for providing insightful guidance on organizational culture and fostering a positive workplace environment.
Dedicated to aligning HR strategies with business objectives, promoting employee engagement, and enhancing overall organizational success. She is a versatile Corporate Consultant with a proven track record in optimizing business processes and strategy with various industries such as Retail, Manufacturing, Ports & Terminals, Logistics and Supply Chain, Construction, Hospitality, Food, Training Institutes, & Food & Beverage, and Tourism.
Keenan (Kenni) Crane, PhD
In her consulting practice, she leverages best practices to facilitate organizational change and leadership development, with a focus on achieving measurable results and aligning with business goals. Dr. Kenni’s expertise extends to delivering online and blended learning programs, conducting leadership assessments, and providing 360° feedback
Dr. Kenni’s professional experience is complemented by her role as an Education Consultant since 2000, where she aids family businesses in overcoming organizational challenges and supports doctoral research. Her commitment to lifelong learning and organizational excellence is evidenced by her extensive career as both a practitioner and an educator in the field.
Keenan (Kenni) Crane, PhD
Renato D. Jose, GPHR, CHRM, PhD (cand)
Renato D. Jose, GPHR, CHRM, PhD (cand)
Renato is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in the Human Resources field. He holds globally recognized certifications as a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and a Certified Human Resource Manager (CHRM) from the American Certification Institute (ACI). A licensed HR Practitioner, Renato has sharpened his skills with a diploma and master’s in Industrial Relations, and an Executive MBA from Moscow University-Synergy, Dubai. He is further enhancing his knowledge by pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology.
With a rich background in multinational companies across Asia and the Middle East, Renato has led as Head of Administration and Human Resources in various sectors including aviation, oil and gas, construction, and property development. His current role as Group Admin and HR Manager at Four N Property and its subsidiaries in the UAE demonstrates his capacity to oversee complex HR functions. As an ISO Management Representative and a certified ISO Lead Auditor, he upholds the highest standards in Quality and Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) practices.
Renato’s previous endeavors include managing Penta Global HR Consultancies in the UAE, directing the Filipino HR Practitioners in the UAE, and serving as Vice President of Region 3 for PMAP before his tenure in the Middle East. His membership in prominent associations such as the APA, SIOP, APS, HRCI, SHRM, and PAP underlines his commitment to staying at the forefront of HR innovation and practice.
Ettiene Paul Hoffman, PhD
Dr. Ettiene is a multifaceted Assistant Professor of Management at the Canadian University Dubai, boasting a rich background as a corporate executive and business management coach. With academic credentials that include a Bachelor’s in Business Management, a Master’s in Leadership, Innovation and Change, and a Ph.D. in Management, his expertise extends across the spectrum of leadership and management.
With a career spanning over thirty years, Dr. Ettiene is seasoned in steering multi-cultural teams and navigating international markets. His tenure in senior leadership roles, particularly within the luxury brand sector, underscores his proficiency in fostering dynamic, ethical, and inspirational work settings. He is a proponent of adaptable leadership methods that promote employee engagement, nurture talent, and bolster organizational vitality.
In academia, Dr. Ettiene’s scholarly pursuits delve into the root causes and repercussions of ineffective leadership within corporate structures. His scholarly contributions are informed by his vast reservoir of knowledge and experience in upper-level management roles worldwide, enhancing the academic landscape with practical, industry-shaped insights.
Ettiene Paul Hoffman, PhD
Sharon Castro-Jose, PMP.
Sharon Castro-Jose, PMP.
Sharon Castro is a seasoned System Business Executive Consultant with an impressive track record spanning over 20 years in the Information Technology sector. She has a notable history of successfully overseeing ERP implementations, ensuring the delivery and deployment of stable, high-performance, and cost-effective systems on schedule.
Her expertise extends to conducting Business Requirement Studies (Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash), Business Requirement Mapping (solution design), and presenting to-be processes at Conference Room Pilot (CRP) sessions. Sharon is proficient in conducting End User Training (EUT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Master Files Conversion, Live & Post-Implementation Support, and excels in Pre-Sales and Product Presentations to Clients.
Over the years, she has been a consultant for IT-based organizations, leveraging her skills in IT and later, HRIS projects, to manage various aspects of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) projects within organizations.
Charyn Tan
Charyn stands out as a highly promising quality assurance subject matter expert and trainer, underpinned by a robust 17-year tenure with one of the most esteemed airlines in the Middle East. Her impressive journey began with a solid educational background, having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the prestigious De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.
Charyn’s repertoire extends from in-depth training programs to overseeing intricate travel operations, and she has been instrumental in sculpting the pillars of quality assurance within her domain. Beyond her experience, Charyn’s accomplishment in obtaining certifications as an internal auditor for both ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015 further exemplifies her commitment to excellence. As a quality assurance guardian, Charyn has been pivotal in authoring comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and meticulous work instructions for staff in fast-paced contact centers.
Charyn is conversant with and actively governs adherence to stringent regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Health and safety protocols. As she steps into the training realm, her unique blend of skills and experience positions her as an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to elevate its quality assurance standards and practices.
