REF Global Executive Forum

Leaders Powered by Collective Intelligence

Our Global Executive Forum offers a unique experience unlike any other you may have experienced before

We're a global community of top business leaders cultivating an advisory edge within a global ecosystem, driven by collective intelligence.
Our purpose is to accelerate your personal, professional, and business growth.

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What is the Global Executive Forum format?

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Virtual Sessions
Multiple Modes
Flexible Scheduling

Benefits of joining a REF Global Executive Forums:

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Our Global Executive (GE) Forums provide a place unlike any other you may have experienced before, providing you with the unique REF Forum experience to enhance your personal, professional, and business growth.

Gain cutting-edge insights tailored to the complex professional and personal challenges of international executives.
Build trusted and lasting relationships in a confidential, non-competitive environment.
Become a more effective and impactful leader.
Join a network of over 2,200 business leaders with whom you can share best practices and access opportunities globally.

At REF, members have access to the wisdom that emerges from the Collective Intelligence of leaders with exceptional backgrounds.

REF Global Executive Forum Events

See what the latest local and digital events are happening near you and stay connected with liked minded leaders.

Events

Expert Insights

Women Leading with Purpose

27 Feb 2025

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Forums evolve from Peer Advisory Boards into Circles of Trust

Meet our Team in REF Global Executive Forum

Philip Guarino

Global Executive Forum Leader - CEO, Board Director, Board Advisor, Entrepreneur

About

Global Executive Forum Leader - CEO, Board Director, Board Advisor, Entrepreneur

Philip Guarino

Global Executive Forum

pguarino@ref.global

About

Global executives face unique challenges working internationally, often having to navigate very different business contexts with complex dynamics.

I’m delighted to be spearheading REF’s Global Executive Forum, REF's transformative/market-leading experience to the needs of international executives.

Lead a Forum

A Forum for Global Executives

REF’s Global Executive Forum allows executives to gain cutting-edge insights, build trusted and lasting relationships, and become more effective and impactful leaders in a flexible, virtual format.

Members become part of a global community of over 2,200 top leaders in over 20 countries, expanding rapidly with REF’s highly differentiated model and approach based on collective intelligence.

Global Executives

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When you join REF’s Global Executive forum you become a part of a global ecosystem of leaders powered by collective intelligence.

Requirements:

Corporate Senior Executives:
- Divisional Leaders/Country Managers
- Expatriates
- CEOs of mid-market corporations
Entrepreneurs of scale-ups with international responsibilities across multiple geographies.
Executives traveling extensively, in expatriate careers, or internationally mobile.
Complex challenges in business and in life, professionally and personally.

Qualifying company criteria:

SMB: $5M-$30M in revenue.
Corporate: $30M-$300M in revenue.
Entrepreneurs of scale-ups: $50M – $100M in revenue.

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+2,200 MEMBERS

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REF Global is an International Organization of peer advisory boards for top-tier Business Leaders.

Ideal for:

Executives traveling extensively, in expatriate careers, or internationally mobile.
Complex challenges in business and in life, professionally and personally.

Global Community:

NORTH AMERICA - 799 members
CENTRAL AMERICA - 135 members
SOUTH AMERICA - 1192 members
EUROPE - 87 members

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REF's Impact

“I’m delighted to be spearheading REF’s Global Executive Forum, REF's transformative/market-leading experience to the needs of international executives.”

Philip Guarino
Global Executive Forum Leader - CEO, Board Director, Board Advisor, Entrepreneur

Global Executive Forum
“I have really enjoyed being a part of my forum group. In particular I have appreciated being able to share on a deep level about business topics as well as personal life.”

Sean Rassi
Member
“I love REF’s more time and money-efficient half-day model compared to a full-day model. The meeting format is also very flexible and focused on member needs”

Brad Lee
Partner & Forum Leader

San Diego
“Being part of REF has given me access to a community with the most amazing group of leaders and executives across the world.”

Mari Kurtz
President of Cal Pal Sheet Metal, Inc.

Orange County
“I found a group of individuals who were going through similar situations and can provide valuable insight to help me navigate my biggest business challenges.”

Hiram Houghton
President of LaunchIT Corp.
“REF is committed to providing peer forum experiences for CFOs to tap into each other’s collective intelligence, in navigating the era of Artificial Intelligence.”

Mike Richardson
Partner & Forum Leader

Temecula/Murrieta
“When we share time truly listening to one another and our challenges, we are often able to hear beyond the surface issue and help each other go deeper”

Tomi Cardin
Member
“Our business is on pace to double revenue this year, and be more profitable than ever before. I thank everyone in my Forum Group for being a big part of my success”

Jeff Horst
CEO of RocketBarn & REF Member - Ontario, Canada
“To join a Forum Group was a no-brainer for me. I surround myself with successful people who can give me advice on crucial business decisions, and cheer me on.”

Ron Petersen
President of Summertime Farms
“Having the opportunity to share my wrestles, my story, and my vulnerabilities with other business leaders has been a great value add to me as a business owner.”

Adam Grubb
Owner & CEO of Jerry's Homes