Stacie is the Founder of the Open Mindset Project and on a mission to help more Americans develop a global mindset. She is a thought leader, entrepreneur, and award-winning author on how to succeed in the global marketplace. She is the host of the Global Careers Podcast and the creator of the Women in Global Careers Roundtable, and has written six books on the intersection of globalization and careers. Stacie transitioned from a corporate career that took her around the world creating successful marketing strategies and communication campaigns for some of the biggest global brands. She has served as coach, counselor, and strategist to CEOs, politicians, senior executives, and students. Stacie has conducted thousands of interviews with global thinkers, and she shares this wisdom and her vast network with audiences, clients, and students through her keynote speaking, engagements, facilitation, and now the Open Mindset Project. Stacie lives outside of Boston with her husband and loves to cook all kinds of cuisines, curl up with a great book, and explore the world with him and her adventurous daughters.  

“Global thinking is essential–not optional–for 21st century careers. Your ability to work globally and cross-culturally, in person or virtually, will have a profound impact on your career, for better or worse."

Arsheya is a business executive with over twenty years of management experience. She is recognized for scaling operations, leading high-performing global teams, and her deep international business acumen. She has led divisions for a range of Fortune 100 and private companies in sales, operations, business development, and public affairs functions in the travel, edtech, and waste management sectors. She has spent most of her life overseas and has worked in the UK, Egypt, and China, where she spent over a decade. Arsheya is an enthusiastic adventurer and traveler, and an active community volunteer. She resides with her family in Massachusetts.

“My first international assignment changed the trajectory of my career. It expanded my network, sharpened my ability to earn trust, and showed me how leadership transcends borders. The lessons I learned working across cultures have been just as valuable here in the US—shaping how I lead, connect, and create opportunities.”

Liesl has built a career out of connecting people, ideas, and opportunities across the globe — and having fun along the way. As Dean of the George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, Dr. Riddle leads programs that prepare future leaders in cybersecurity, politics, homeland security, and beyond. She once lived in Turkey, researching the country’s textile and apparel industry, and later helped design and launch the first executive MBA program in North Africa. She has also partnered with the World Bank, the United Nations, and governments worldwide to develop innovative ways to engage diaspora communities in fueling economic development. A professor of international business, one of Liesl’s favorite professional adventures has been leading study abroad programs, encouraging students to see the world not just as a map, but as a living classroom filled with lessons in culture, resilience, and creativity. At home, she and her husband raised two children with a global focus, thanks to wonderful au pairs from Brazil, Germany, and Mexico. Together they instilled in their family a love of different cultures and languages — values that mirror Liesl’s professional passions.

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Christine’s career has been shaped by a global vision and deep dedication to language and culture. She spent 50 years at Concordia Language Villages--an internationally renowned language and cultural immersion program in northern Minnesota--impacting generations of learners. For 30 of those years, she served as executive director, where she led the organization in its mission to "inspire courageous global citizens" through immersive instruction in 15 languages. Her senior management and fundraising responsibilities took her around the globe, establishing partnerships with other not-for-profit organizations and encouraging investments in immersion pedagogy in world-class facilities. Christine lives in Minnesota, is multi-lingual in four languages, and is an avid traveler.

"Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture allow you to build bridges of understanding and empathy with those around you with ease and comfortability…whether they live halfway around the world or across the street."

Stephanie built her career in purchasing and supply chain at Fortune 500 companies, rising to executive leadership through her ability to lead with both empathy and impact. She drove transformational change while proving that leadership can be powerful, kind, and profitable. Over the course of her career, she supported the development of hundreds of leaders across multiple continents, and designed global strategies that placed culture at the center of a company's success. In 2021, Stephanie founded Agora Leadership to advance her passion for cultivating more human-centric leaders worldwide. For the past 11 years, Stephanie has called Paris home, immersing herself in its culture, community, and fresh air. She draws her greatest energy from her family and passion for travel.

“Having an open mind and heart is enhanced when you step out into the world to experience connection. It has been my fuel for life and for my career. Curiosity and Integrity have been the main ingredients to cultivate relationships that are invaluable to me” 

The Open Mindset Project logo reflects intelligence, adaptability, and connection through the image of an octopus—one of nature’s most remarkable problem-solvers. Set within a bold circle, its arms encircle the globe, symbolizing the many ways our Global Gurus support students and extend opportunities outward. Just as the octopus adapts to its environment, Open Mindset Project encourages resilience, readiness, and curiosity in the face of challenges. The logo’s flowing form evokes openness and inclusivity, underscoring our belief that knowledge should be shared generously, not reserved for a privileged few. With its balance of strength and warmth, the identity invites students into a global network where career-readiness begins with an open mindset and grows into purposeful, connected action.

Betty is a management consultant and recent college graduate with a background in finance and marketing. She currently works at Mastercard, where she advises clients on the intersection of data and customer loyalty and experience, to help build deeper relationships between brands and customers. Her role has allowed her to work across industries and geographies for a range of Fortune 500 companies, and with a focus on travel/hospitality, retail, and sports. She looks forward to continuing to globalize her career. Betty is an avid traveler and pilates enthusiast. She resides in Boston, Massachusetts. 

“Every time I leave the US, I’m reminded of how big the world is and how much more is out there—people to connect with and learn from, new ideas to absorb, different ways of approaching work and life. This has helped me broaden my thinking and approach problems from alternative sides to end up in a stronger place.”

Ben is an equity trader and research analyst for a Boston-based investment advisory firm. He has strong expertise in identifying strategic and financial patterns within the economic structure of Fortune 500 companies. He looks forward to drawing on this experience to effectively manage budgets at Open Mindset Project and supporting the growth and impact of the organization. Ben lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

“As a relative latecomer to international immersion, I found that engaging with global cultures honed my adaptability and perspective, unlocking professional opportunities and new collaborative networks. This exposure invigorated my personal interests and opened new pathways to global connections and enduring pursuits.”