BLIS 2024 SPEAKERS

Aamir Chalisa, MBA, LUTCF

As the General Manager of the Oak Brook, IL branch of Futurity First Insurance Group (FFIG), Aamir leads a team of 50 agents, and his branch was a leading performer for FFIG in 2022. He currently serves as the International Advisory Council Chairman for GAMA Global, leveraging his 33 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. Known for his successful record of promoting diversity in corporate America, Aamir brings a wealth of expertise to share with the #BLISExperience audience.

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.

Amber Forte, #1 female wingsuiter in the world

Amber, a wingsuit athlete from Devon, UK, holds the world record for the fastest female in a wingsuit. Despite a serious injury in 2019, she made a remarkable comeback to her sport, now inspiring others with her story of resilience.

Asvin Chauhan, Master of Ceremony (MC)  

With 32 years of experience in life insurance, Asvin is a respected veteran in the industry. He holds 8 Court of the Table and 9 Top of the Table qualifications, showcasing his exceptional success. Asvin is an active volunteer for MDRT, currently leading the Business Strategy and Planning Task Force. He is also a dedicated supporter of the MDRT Charitable Foundation, recognized as a Diamond Knight Status and Inner Circle Member. Asvin is a Level 4 Qualified Financial Adviser and a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), sharing his knowledge as a speaker at MDRT events to inspire financial advisers worldwide.

Brian Heckert, A 34-year MDRT member, 22-year Court of the Table qualifier, and 15-year Top of the Table achiever

Brian, CLU, ChFC, AIF®, QPFC, has 39 years of industry experience. He held leadership roles, including 5 years on the MDRT Executive Committee and as the 2016 MDRT President. Brian authored “401(k)nowhow” and “A Study-Group Success Story.” Featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Business Wire, and ThinkAdvisor. Presented globally to audiences of up to 15,000 on various topics. Community advocate as past president of the Nashville Lions Club and local Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Nashville Community High School Board.

Christos Theofanous, An 8-year MDRT member, Insurance consultant

Christos is an accomplished insurance consultant with over 10 years of experience in the industry. An 8-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), Christos is recognized for his exceptional achievements and commitment to providing high-quality solutions to clients. His expertise spans across risk management, portfolio optimization, and client-centric consulting, making him a trusted advisor for both individuals and businesses.

Dinos Kyriakou, A previous Chairman of MDRT Europe Members and the Regional Chairman for the Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia areas.

Dinos is a prominent figure in the insurance sector, celebrated for his remarkable accomplishments. He was the top insurance agent at Eurolife Ltd from 1995 to 2005 and holds esteemed qualifications like LUTCF. With nearly 20 years in #MDRT, including 19 years as a COT, he has chaired various regional committees. A dynamic speaker, Dinos shares his insights on customer service and sales at global events and conducts training for major insurance firms. He is also dedicated to mentoring, guiding individuals and teams to excel in their careers.

Doros Lipertis, Member of MDRT - Top of the Table 

Holder of LUTCF and CFA titles, Doros began his career at Eurolife in Cyprus in 1992, earning the Diamond Plus Distinction Award. With 33 years in the industry, he has received numerous LIMRA awards and has been a member of the MDRT Top of the Table for 5 consecutive years since joining.

Passionate about continuous improvement, Doros actively engages in the insurance community, participating in charitable events and sharing his knowledge at conferences and seminars for young professionals. He has achieved the highest position as a Top Insurance Consultant in Cyprus, with a record annual production of 1.6 million euros.

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, A Lebanese-British leader in sustainable living, luxury hospitality, education, and veganism

Managing Director of St Raphael Resort and Marina in Cyprus, overseeing a 5-star hotel, marina, conference facilities, spa, and vegan restaurant. Farah’s academic journey includes a BA (Hons) in Classical Literature and Civilisation from the University of Birmingham, an MSc in Tourism Marketing from the University of Surrey, and a specialization in Plant-based Nutrition through eCornell and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. Her diverse expertise has made her a sought-after speaker at international conferences, where she shares insights on women’s empowerment, tourism, and the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.

Fred Belman, Financial services business expert

With over 28 years in the financial services business, he served as Zone 12 Chair for the MDRT Membership Communication Committee of the Middle East and Africa and is an 11-year MDRT Life member.

Fred’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry make him the ideal moderator to lead the insightful discussions at #BLISExperience.

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

Bringing over 20 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 Rutta, 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.

Kaplan Mobray, Master of Ceremony (MC) 

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.

Katerina Pavlidou, An insurance advisor specializing in wealth management through life and health insurance, MDRT member

With 5 years of experience in the industry and a strong background in accounting and finance, she has earned a reputation as a compassionate, professional, and powerful advocate for her clients’ financial well-being. As a proud member of the prestigious MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) for 4 years, including 2 years achieving Court of the Table status, Katerina has shared her insights at various insurance events, emphasizing the importance of protection and financial planning. She is passionate about helping clients secure their future and achieve their financial goals.

Khaled Younes, Regional EMEA Face-to-Face overseer

Khaled oversees Agency and Independent operations in EMEA, focusing on strategies for face-to-face executives and digital/AI solutions. Previously, he led Distribution and Strategic Projects at MetLife Egypt, driving business growth and insurance awareness. Khaled also inspires financial education through his podcast and coaching insurance leaders in Egypt.

Loucas Tsoukkas, Past president of the MDRT Cyprus Committee

Started as a professional insurance consultant in 1996, Loucas has been a proud Life Member of MDRT Cyprus. He served as the president of the MDRT Cyprus Committee from 2021 to 2023 and has participated in all MDRT seminars since 2009, presenting at several conferences both in Cyprus and internationally.

Naji 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.

Panos Leledakis, A pioneer in the insurance industry

Panos is a respected figure in the insurance industry, known for his expertise in digital transformation and new technologies. He has received numerous awards as an insurance consultant and manager, including being a member of MDRT Top of the Table since 1999. Panos has developed 2 innovative software solutions that have won 11 global InsurTech awards. An accomplished public speaker, he is recognized for his motivational speeches. He holds certifications from LUTCF, IRMA, BRMA, and recently completed a certification in “AI for Business” from the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, Panos is the president and CEO of IFAAcademy, an organization that trains insurable risk managers worldwide.

Pauline Sawaya, An Accredited Master Coach

Pauline is a seasoned Business Coach, Self-development Executive, and Neuroencoding Specialist with 30 years of experience in multinational organizations. She founded Swift Shift Coaching & Consultancy Ltd. and the Success Academy, offering life-changing programs for individuals and businesses. Known for her innovative approach, Pauline has guided executives and teams to reach their full potential through unique tools and techniques.

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

CEO of Hicks Global Services, Solomon is an internationally renowned speaker, career coach, and consultant with over 50 years of experience in the life insurance business. His name is synonymous with excellence in the industry. Despite his extensive career, Solomon shows no signs of slowing down, continuously adding exciting and inspiring chapters to his already remarkable life.

Steve Down,  CEO of Financially Fit

Steve is a visionary leader in the world of entrepreneurship, known for founding multi-million-dollar enterprises and promoting cause capitalism. He has authored 5 books on wealth and business, and is the driving force behind Financially Fit, Cause Vision, and The Goat Foundation, all aimed at creating positive impact and changing lives around the globe.

Stuart Shee, An experienced speaker and author

Stuart is an experienced speaker, having presented in over 60 cities across 16 countries on a variety of topics. His signature topic, mirroring the title of his book, is “Work of Heart,” which he has previously presented as “Hardware Vs Heartware” at the MDRT Annual Meeting and Global Conference. Another of Stuart’s popular topics is “Gift of Empathy,” focusing on how to quickly connect with people and encourage open dialogue. He also conducts workshops on the MARKSync@ Toolkit, a framework for building a profitable and sustainable financial services profession.

Tariq Khan, A Clinical Professor of Leadership and Marketing at New York University

Tariq is a sought-after global speaker on leadership, strategy, marketing, and diversity. With 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles at global Fortune companies, Tariq is an accomplished business leader based in New York. In 2010, Tariq founded a marketing consulting firm, Global Diversity Marketing, in New York. He also serves on the board of directors at major non-profit organizations in the US. Additionally, Tariq is a published author of the book “Leadership in Changing Times,” which is used at several universities and companies around the world.

Tony Gordon, MDRT President

Tony is a renowned figure in finance, leading a top UK firm for over 50 years. He has a rich history in the industry, speaking in 56 countries and achieving 46 years as a Top of the Table qualifier in MDRT. In 2001, he became the first non-North American MDRT President and is a bestselling author.

Veejay Madhavan, A distinguished business executive with over 26 years of experience in strategic management and people strategy.

Veejay, a thought leader in nurturing individual potential and cultivating future leaders, founded OulbyZ to empower Gen Z through innovative concepts like the Founders’ Mentality and Ikigai. Guiding C-suite leadership across ASEAN and the Middle East since October 2022, his work focuses on building empowered multi-generational teams with Generative AI. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree, Veejay's research explores the impact of Generative AI on Gen Z, earning him an Outstanding Leadership Award for contributions to Gen Z learning and education.

Yannis Stephanou, National director of BNI Cyprus, and Executive Director of Qcommerce Ltd.

Yannis serves as the National Director of BNI Cyprus, a key player in Business Network International, specializing in networking and referral marketing. With over 20 years in digital marketing and commerce, he is known for his innovative approach. Since 2014, he has been the Executive Director of Qmmerce Ltd, focusing on project management and IT solutions across various digital domains. His leadership has empowered many businesses to improve their online presence and ROI, recently incorporating AI into their strategies. Previously, at Laiki eBank, Yannis pioneered Cyprus’s first eProducts and eCards. He holds an MSc in International Banking and Financial Services and is a certified trainer with the Digital Marketing Institute, where he teaches digital marketing. Passionate about collaboration, he aims to foster meaningful connections for shared success.