BLIS EXPERTS & SPEAKERS

Aamir Chalisa, MBA, LUTCF

General Manager of Futurity First's top-performing Oak Brook branch (2024), leads 50 agents. With 32 years in insurance, he's a diversity champion, actively involved in GAMA Global, OPEN Chicago (Chairman), and OPEN Global (COO). A global speaker, he's addressed conferences on leadership and diversity across continents, sharing expertise in recruiting and development. Author of "Leadership Beyond Borders," he holds an MBA from Southern Illinois University. Based in Naperville, IL, with his family, he's a world traveler.

Abraham Zaarour, A wealth management business owner

Abraham has over 31 years of experience in business, sales, and management in the US and UAE. He worked as a financial advisor in California before moving to the UAE. In Dubai, he held roles at Standard Chartered Bank and MFC before founding his own wealth management business. Today, he provides training in sales, management, and technical skills.

Ana Daniela Morosanu, A Unit Manager Senior at Metropolitan Life

Founding member MDRT Center for Field Leadership. Member of community  Supercharge your Career (&Life) goal. 

Bonnie Godsman, President & CEO GAMA Global

Bonnie Godsman is currently serving as the President of Finseca, and CEO of GAMA Global where she made history as the first and youngest female President & CEO. Both Finseca and GAMA Global are committed to Financial Security for All. As the home of the top financial security professionals, the organization’s sole focus is on creating an environment that enables people to protect and enhance financial well-being — for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Simply put, financial security for all. With over 35,000 members worldwide, Finseca & GAMA represent and serve the entire financial security profession, regardless of role, marketplace, or experience. Finseca members provide life insurance and retirement planning solutions that protect the dreams and promote the prosperity of the

American people.  Bonnie brings a distinguished background in political affairs and finance. Her exceptional achievements were honored when she was named the 2018 Finance CEO of the Year by CEO Monthly Magazine. In her current role she sits as the Chief Revenue Officer for her $20 million-dollar organization.

Carmina Dragomir, CEO Metropolitan Life România, overseeing CZ, SK, HU, BU and UA

Carmina has an experience of 2 decades in financial services industry. Over the time, she held various management positions in Operations, Finance, Product, IT, Project Management and Risk Management. After 10 years of management positions in Operations, Carmina was nominated CEO of AVIVA Romania, where she was in charge with integrating the company operations with MetLife Romania.  In January 2014, Carmina Dragomir was nominated Deputy CEO and Head of Operations of

MetLife Italy while she continued to be a member of the Board of Directors of Metropolitan Life Romania. Back to Romania in October 2017, Carmina was nominated CEO of Metropolitan Life Romania. Starting with July 1 st 2021 Carmina Dragomir also started to oversee CZ, SK, HU, BU and UA at MetLife. Carmina Dragomir holds a Bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics from Bucharest University of Economic Studies. Carmina holds also a Fellow Life Management LOMA Institute certificate and Harvard certificate in Leadership.

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.

Dana Tanase, A fashion designer and TV moderator

For 21 years, a fashion designer with a vast experience in the field, participating in fairs and international events, designer of the royal house of Romania and for a time a TV moderator, Dana Tanase decided to join the financial protection industry for 3 years, wanting to impact the lives of those around her in a different way. The MDRT events helped her to see this industry from a different perspective and to want to bring as much value as possible to the Romanian market.

Eric Feng, Personal branding and social media marketing Expert

Eric is a seasoned financial services expert with a decade of experience in the industry, collaborating with 100+ insurance companies in 38 countries. Based in Singapore, he specializes in personal branding and social media marketing, influencing agents and leaders globally.

Eric debuted at the 2014 MDRT conference in Asia, receiving a standing ovation and launching his career. He has created training programs like “Known Loved Respected,” used by top insurance companies in Asia and the Middle East. Recognized as one of JCI’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Singapore, Eric is a Certified Speaking Professional with a million followers.

Farah Shammas, Managing Director of the St Raphael Resort and Marina in Limassol

Farah is a Lebanese-British advocate for sustainable living, merging luxury hospitality with education and veganism. As the Managing Director of the St Raphael Resort and Marina in Limassol, Cyprus, she manages a 272-room resort featuring a marina, conference facilities, and multiple dining options, including Cyprus’ first vegan hotel restaurant. With a BA in Classical Literature, an MSc in Tourism Marketing, and a Plant-based Nutrition certification from eCornell, she is a prominent speaker on women’s empowerment and sustainability. Farah also runs the “Cook Vegan” platform and founded “Farah’s Club,” promoting holistic health and community networking.

Jarmila Somolányiová, A financial advisor with 18 years of experience

Jarmila is a financial advisor with 18 years of experience, including 17 at PARTNERS GROUP SK in Slovakia and one in Zurich. She was named #1 VIP Consultant in 2023 and ranked in the top 10 for personal production in 2024. As a proud MDRT member (2022, 2023, 2025) and the first Slovak speaker at an MDRT event in Greece, she specializes in financial planning, investments, and insurance. Active in Slovakia's entrepreneurial community, Jarmila holds a degree in mathematics and applied economics and has attended global events like the MDRT Global Conference in Singapore. Residing in Bratislava, she enjoys outdoor activities and is a mother of two Belgian shepherds.

Irina Ungureanu, Inspiration, Performance, Leadership

Irina Ungureanu is a seasoned professional with 22 years at Metropolitan Life Romania, where she has excelled as an Agency Manager. Her drive for excellence has earned her MDRT membership for 3 years and 10 qualifications for EMEA. Beyond her career, she is a proud mother of two, who inspire her daily. Irina lives by the motto: "Do something today that your future self will thank you for."

Jade W. Dagher, Business and income strategist, CMC certified

Bringing over 23 years of experience, he specializes in aiding SMEs and family businesses in expanding sales, going global, navigating succession, franchising, and optimizing investments and wealth. As a Certified Management Consultant and member of the CMC-GI Institute, he has operated in the EMEA region, engaging with diverse nationalities. He founded Expand Strategies in 2002, focusing on banking, feasibility studies, and financial planning for startups and medium-sized businesses.

Jim Ruta, President of Advisorcraft Media

Jim began his career in the life insurance industry as a successful agent and executive manager, leading a large agency with over 250 agents. He now serves as the President of Advisorcraft Media, a coaching firm for life insurance agents. Jim is a sought-after speaker, author, and columnist in the insurance industry. He is also involved in mentoring programs and has a diverse range of hobbies and skills.

Joe Jordan,   A distinguished motivational speaker and behavioral finance expert

 Joe Jordan is the author of the acclaimed book, Living a Life of Significance, which has sold over 125,000 copies in five languages. He has addressed more than 400,000 financial professionals across 28 countries and was honored with the 2023 John Newton Russell Memorial Award, the insurance industry's highest accolade. Joe has held leadership roles at Paine Webber and MetLife, where he created retail products and launched a fee-based financial planning initiative. He co-founded the Insured Retirement Institute and has been recognized by Irish America magazine as one of the "Top 50 Irish Americans on Wall Street." Additionally, Joe is a Fordham Football Hall of Fame inductee and has played rugby for the New York Athletic Club for three decades.

Kaplan Mobray, An author and international speaker

Kaplan is a renowned business speaker and author of “The 10Ks of Personal Branding.” He graduated from Wharton School and has appeared in top global media outlets like CNN, FOX Business, and The Wall Street Journal. Kaplan delivers inspirational speeches at the Super Bowl and consults for multinational companies on performance, branding, innovation, and diversity.

Katarzyna Pilczuk, Founder and current president of the Polish Association of Recommended Insurance Advisors

As an MDRT member for 8 years, she was the first agent in her insurance company to reach this prestigious achievement. Her career in the insurance industry spans 12 years. For the past 4 years, Katarzyna has been integrating her sales role with the management and leadership of a team of advisors. She is the founder and current president of the Polish Association of Recommended Insurance Advisors. Katarzyna has authored two books on the subject of insurance sales. Moreover, she has contributed to various publications within the insurance industry.

Naji A. Haddad, BLIS Founder

A self-taught financial expert, dedicated to making a real difference in people’s lives. After studying economics and financial management, Naji started in banking before shifting to financial advisory. He developed his skills through coaching, training, and attending global events like the MDRT, then became an MDRT member, speaker, and now holds leadership roles in the organization. In parallel, Naji founded “Legacy Builders,” a consultancy firm aimed at helping people plan for the future.

Nakhle El Houssainy, CEO of Stars Agency

Nakhle's journey towards “Big Success” began with four years at Spinneys 1948 in the UAE, followed by ventures in export-import and a pub restaurant in Beirut, which was cut short by civil war. A turning point came when he met Hanna Khoury in Jordan, who guided him into the life insurance sector. With mentorship from Zaki Zahr, Nakhle flourished over 40 years, evolving from agent to agency manager. His Stars Agency has become Lebanon's leading agency, fostering new unit managers who have established their own agencies. Currently, Nakhle heads Agency Stars, maintaining its stronghold in the life insurance market throughout Lebanon and the EMEA region.

Nicos Stavrinides, An Executive Insurance Consultant​

Nicos is an Executive Insurance Consultant and knows the secrets to success and shares them, using practical and transferable ideas, to help others achieve their

objectives.

As an Insurance Advisor my aim is to build strong relationships with my clients which are based on trust, mutual respect, honestly and professionalism. Apart from this, I wish to assist all my clients to identify the risks that he, his family and./or business are exposed to and find the ways to safeguard against those risks to minimize financial and non financial consequences.

Nicos Mettouris, Country Chair of Cyprus, TOT MDRT Member

Nicos Mettouris  is 10 years MDRT Member ,1 year C.O.T and 3 years T.O.T Member . Started his career in 1992. Since 2015 created his own family insurance office located in Limassol -Cyprus. From 2023 to 2025 served as president of MDRT Cyprus Committee (Country Chair). He has attended several seminars in his professional career and holds the diplomas L.U.T.C.F ,C.F.A & FSS. He stands out for his passion, honestly  , demanding and self-made .

Ray Bassil, An accomplished shotgun shooter and former UNDP Youth and Gender Goodwill Ambassador

Ray, an accomplished trap shooter, has made a name for herself in the sports world. She is a trailblazer as the only Arab athlete to compete in 4 Olympic Games and has won numerous World Cup medals. Ray is not only a champion in her sport but also a dedicated advocate for social and environmental causes, embodying Lebanese values through her work.

Remus Ungureanu, An MDRT Field Leadership member

With over 24 years of experience at MetLife, Remus has progressed from agent to Senior Expert Agency Manager, focusing on training and development. He has established 4 new agencies and mentored over 1,500 agents.

Remus’s agency is one of the most awarded in Romania, prioritizing client needs and utilizing innovative sales strategies. As an MDRT Field Leadership member, he continuously enhances the agency’s sales force and expands new agencies.

Dr. Sanjay Tolani​, ​Inter-Generational Planner | Financial Structure Innovator | Philanthropist | Mentor To Over 100K Professionals

Dr. Tolani is a renowned expert in wealth planning, with a PhD in Finance and numerous qualifications. He has transformed financial products and authored 13 books. As a leading estate planning advisor, he has guided over 100,000 businesses globally. Dr. Tolani is the creator of The Tolani Flow™, a cutting-edge financial strategy for family offices. He actively supports philanthropic initiatives like the Pearl Foundation in China and the MDRT Foundation in the USA.

Solomon Hicks, CEO of Hicks Global Services

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. 

Steve Down, Cause capitalist and world cause leader

Steve Down is a cause capitalist and world cause leader who loves to create cause companies. As an entrepreneur, he has founded many multi-million-dollar companies. Steve is the author of five books including Financially Fit for Life; The Miracle of Wealth; The Idea

Economy; The Mountain, The Man, and The Compass; and The Wealth Compass. He has been a frequent keynote speaker in most major U.S. cities. He has been heard and viewed by millions as a guest on hundreds of talk radio and television stations, internationally. Steve founded the philosophy of cause capitalism. Cause Capitalism is the new capitalism—a kinder,

gentler, more compassionate form of capitalism; “

Steve is the visionary, founder, President, and CEO of Financially Fit. Financially Fit is the global leader in personal wealth education. Steve is the founder of Cause Vision and Causecoin (cause.vision). Causecoin is changing the way the world exchanges money. He is the Founder of The Goat Foundation. The Goat Foundation is giving hope by giving goats to families in a food crisis in Africa.