Meet our team of experts
Our Legal and Banking team is comprised of specialists educated in three continents who have worked, taught and advised startups, SMEs, financial institutions and enterprises around the globe. Together they have devised a broad range of training programs that address the particular legal and regulatory needs of financial, legal or professional service firms in such fields as E-Commerce, SaaS, Entertainment, FMCG, Retail and Manufacturing.
Our core strength is our team and the diversity of their experience and knowledge.
Bushra Asif
Co-Founder, Legal Consultant & Trainer
As an experienced teacher and legal professional for the past two decades, Bushra has successfully taught and mastered a wide array of subjects, including – Company Law, Contract Law, Tort, Common Law, IP, Legal English, Business and Inter-personal communication skills, Managing Activities to Achieve Results, Soft Skills, Contract drafting and Negotiation. She has taught in various countries, as Malaysia, Pakistan, Dubai and now Bahrain.
Bushra has two first class bachelor’s degrees, one in Economics and Statistics and one in Law. She completed her Masters in International Business Law from the University of London with distinction.
As an astute legal professional she approaches legal problems with expertise and practicality. Bushra has years of experience both as a practising commercial lawyer and as an established law teacher and legal trainer. She has worked extensively with corporates, start-ups and individuals within diverse sectors providing legal guidance and training. She excels in commercial and contract law.
Marjorie Sudrow, J.D.
Co- Founder, Legal Consultant & Trainer
Marjorie, is a University lecturer and an experienced international commercial transactions and start-up lawyer. She specializes in International Business Law with a focus on technology startups. After graduating from St. John’s School of Law in New York, she got her first taste of Tech and IP law negotiating contracts for Hewlett Packard in the late 90’s during the ‘technology boom’. Marjorie moved to Paris where she headed Stellatek Solutions negotiating complex deals for technology and manufacturing companies. She worked on numerous joint ventures between EU and USA companies with Middle East and North Africa (MENA) partners.
In Paris she began her teaching career, as an adjunct professor at ESLCA’s MBA program for several years. She taught International Business Law and launched ESLCA’s first Entrepreneurship course program. Marjorie relocated to Frankfurt, Germany where she designed and taught courses on International Business Law, Start-up Law, Comparative Contracts and European Law & Integration for International Business and LLM programs at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.
Marjorie currently advises Tech, Fashion, Entertainment and E-Commerce startups from her base in Paris, France, and Barcelona, Spain. She is a frequent speaker at Sandboxes, Incubators various throughout the EU, MENA and Africa.
Dr. Philippe Moutot
Banking and Finance Consultant & Trainer
As a highly experienced emeritus Senior Economist and Principal advisor of directors of the European Central Bank, Philippe is a well known specialist on monetary unions, monetary policy, multi-lateral banking negotiations and digital currencies. He was one of the principal negotiators of the Maastricht Treaty sections that initiated and implemented the process for the creation of the Euro currency and the European Central Bank.
The forecasting of current outlooks to direct policy-making for central banks derived from years of experience, knowledge and deep research. He recently has been concentrating on the risks and benefits of digital currencies and climate change, to identify new policies and assess possible risks for Central banks and the banking sector in general.
Dr. Moira Sullivan
head of Film & Media
Moira holds a Ph.D. in Cinema Studies from Stockholm University and has extensive teaching experience at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Her education includes cinema studies and filmmaking at San Francisco State University, with postgraduate studies at Stockholm University. She offers courses in narrative and documentary film, and is a respected lecturer and film critic for FIPRESCI and the Alliance for Women Film Journalists (AWFJ). Her teaching focuses on film production, technical choices, and the business of filmmaking, particularly for women.
Val Kuklowsky
Post Production Sound Supervisor
After a successful professional career with over 130 feature film credits to his name as a Picture Editor, as well as a Post Production Sound Supervisor. His credits range from documentary
films, Television shows to high end feature films, including Independence Day and Academy
Award winner for best sound – U571.
In the past ten years, Val Kuklowsky turned his attention to examining the creative decisions
made during the course of his career and developed an extensive lecture series dissecting the thoughts and analyses behind creative decision making.
Having a foot in both Hollywood and in Europe, Val is very much invested in the current state of
the changing media around the world. His interests lie in further helping students and
professionals navigate the complexity of today’s world in film both logistically and creatively.
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING PROGRAMS
"Built in New York. Ready for Anywhere"
Ret. Detective, Sergeant Pete Panuccio
LEAD TRAINER, HOMICIDE and INVESTIGATIONS
A 39-year veteran of the NYPD, Pete is a recipient of the prestigious Medal of Valor for his heroic service during the 9/11 attacks at the Twin Towers. His career has spanned some of the most high-profile and intricate cases in New York City history, cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s foremost experts in homicide investigations.
Known for his candid, no-nonsense approach and sharp-witted NYC cop style, Pete captivates audiences with his practical advice, street-smart insights, and compelling case stories. He is a sought-after speaker who excels at breaking down complex investigative techniques into actionable strategies that attendees can apply to their own work.
Ret. Sergeant Michael Patrick Dowd
Instructor: Counter-Terrorism & Intelligence
Michael Patrick Dowd is a nationally recognized expert in intelligence operations and counterterrorism strategy. With over 30 years of law enforcement service, including as a supervisor on the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force, Dowd has led major domestic and international investigations spanning New York, Europe, Canada, and Africa.
Eric Friedman
Moderator: Law Enforcement Programs
Eric is a dynamic force in conflict resolution and de-escalation, armed with over 35 years of hands-on business experience and a deep expertise in negotiation dynamics. Eric transforms high-pressure situations into opportunities for constructive dialogue, helping opposing sides find common ground even in the most challenging disputes.
Certified by the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators (NJAPM) as a divorce mediator and family, Eric brings a proven track record in turning contentious issues into mutually beneficial agreements. His unique blend of legal, psychological, and procedural insights makes him exceptionally qualified to moderate sensitive discussions—ranging from delicate internal conflicts to critical topics like sexual assault investigations.
Captain Steven Green (Retired NYPD)
Commanding Officer of the Detective Bureau’s Special Victims Division
Steven’s distinguished NYPD career culminated in his role as “CO” (Commanding
Officer) of the famed Detective Bureau’s Special Victims Division, Zone One in New York City’s Manhattan and the Bronx. For five years, he managed teams responsible for investigating over 1,500 cases annually, including child
abuse, adult sex crimes, high-profile celebrity cases, stranger rapes, and
college sexual assaults. Under his leadership, Zone One exemplified
investigative best practices and fostered strong collaboration with district
attorneys to ensure proper case adjudication.
Earlier in his career, Steven held command positions in Narcotics,
Evidence Collection, and Rapid-Response Units, providing him with a
broad operational perspective. He also served as the Executive Officer of
Manhattan’s 24th Precinct, where he oversaw crime reduction strategies and community
engagement initiatives.
