“Don’t they ever let you sleep?”
Co-Owner, Olive Retreat.
Ray has an MA in Cultural Anthropology from Brandeis University, and 30+ years experience in a mix of academics, entrepreneurship, and public and private sectors, including at the Fortune 50 level.
He has lived and worked in the USA, China, Lesotho, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Thailand, and has visited more than 50 countries for business, and a few others for pleasure.
While a communications adviser at the highest corporate level, he met and worked with Fortune 50 Chairmen and CEOs, Kings, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Ministers and global leaders from dozens of industries in dozens of companies. Shinzo Abe once said to him, "you're the innovator," Dr. Glenn Lowry, "you're the idea man," Dr. Dieter Zetsche, "you're fast," Arnold Schwarzenegger, "get some sleep," Michael Phelps, "thanks for the help," and Sir Martin Sorrell, “I am very grateful for your insights.”
One of his former employers, the Governor and Chairman of the Saudi Arbian General Investment Agency, and the Chairman and CEO of Al-Dabbagh Group, dedicated part of a chapter in his book to Ray’s unique value proposition, referring to him among other things, as “friendly, smart, and highly emotionally intelligent . . . a really creative person with original ideas.”
These traits made him the best choice for building one the most envied and durable networks in KSA. The kinds of relationships Ray helps form are built to last, because behind all he does lies a gift for communication, combined with considerable empathy. This makes him the best choice for helping people of all shapes and sizes achieve either their emotional, intellectual, spiritual or professional goals.
“You’re fast!”
“I get it. You’re the idea man.”
“A born meditator”
“That’s the best message I’ve ever gotten.”
Read his more institutional bio here.
“You are probably more like thirty years ahead of your time.”
He took this picture while on his way to Everest Base Camp. Once there, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) would intervene in his ultimate plans.
“You’re really good at this.”
“I want you to come work for me. Run my University. Please.”