Our People

Sharif Banna MBE

President

Sharif Banna MBE is a scholar, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is President of Sycamore Foundation for Global Leadership based in London and Chairman of Blue Ocean — a global public diplomacy advisory firm which advises governments and world leaders on developing and leveraging strategic soft power.

Sharif is also the CEO of an award-winning media investment conglomerate producing some of the world’s most popular faith and value inspired content. He is listed in IsFin’s 500 most influential people who are pioneering the Islamic economy. In his academic capacity he has served as Board Member at an ethics research centre based at the Qatar Foundation and as a visiting lecturer at Oxford University. He is an author/editor of thirteen books. In the philanthropy sector, Sharif is chair of several international philanthropy organisations including One Family, a technology driven social impact incubator. He has previously served as Special Advisor at the House of Lords in the British Parliament and the Presidential Council of Libya. In recognition of his civic contribution he was given a royal award by the Queen of England.

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Joel Hayward

Dean

Professor Joel Hayward is a New Zealand-born British scholar and author who is the newly-appointed Dean of the Leadership Academy at Sycamore Foundation. He previously served as Professor of Strategic Thought at the Rabdan Academy in the UAE and has also taught at the National Defense College of the UAE.

He has held various academic leadership posts, including Director of the Institute for International and Civil Security and Chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, Head of Air Power Studies at King’s College London and Dean of the Royal Air Force College in the United Kingdom.

Professor Hayward has given strategic advice to political and military leaders in several countries and was tutor to His Royal Highness Prince William. In 2011, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and in 2012 he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. In 2016, he was named as the ‘Best Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences’ at the Middle East Education Leadership Awards. He is the author/editor of 17 books and major monographs and dozens of peer reviewed articles, mainly in the fields of strategic studies, military history, and the Islamic ethics of war and conflict.

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Saibatu Mansaray

Chief of Staff

Saibatu Mansaray stands as a trailblazer in military service, executive operations, and strategy development. She is a highly decorated retired U.S. Army oficer with over 26 years of exceptional service, during which she held groundbreaking roles that inspired many. Known for her exemplary leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to public health and humanitarian causes, she has made significant contributions across various roles, demonstrating a broad skill set and deep understanding of complex systems.

Through her work with international NGOs and local governments, she has driven impactful health and education initiatives. Saibatu is also a sought-after speaker on leadership, public health, and women’s empowerment. Her extensive background in crisis management, strategic planning, and humanitarian work defines her as a leader committed to making a global impact.

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