FD Global Connections, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: Trena Blair, CEO

Written answers to the questions

Hello, my name is Trena Blair CEO, FD Global Connections, based in Sydney, Australia. Since establishing my company in 2014, I have had the privilege of supporting Australian companies to prepare for and expand successfully into the USA. As a team of one, my client base is small but the outcomes are powerful.

Over many years, clients and colleagues have encouraged me to apply for a Stevie Award (and also write a book!). I have to say, the greatest joy has been reflecting on my clients' achievements as we have journeyed together in their quest to expand into the USA. I know all of my clients are cheering for my success as I submit my application for this Stevie Award.

Thank you for your consideration of my application. 

Wishing you success, however you define it.

Trena

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Trena is an accomplished global businesswoman, with 15+ year international executive career who effortlessly transverses corporate and entrepreneurial communities. Having grown up on dairy farm and lived and worked in Australia and the U.S., Trena’s down-to-earth manner allows people to genuinely connect and trust her. In 2014, Trena founded FD Global Connections to deliver unique programs for Australian organizations to access the U.S. market. With Trena’s exceptional network, she has partnered with Australian and U.S. government agencies, Small Businesses to ASX listed companies.

Trena has always advocated for women creating SheScalesGlobal^TM, a networking group for businesswomen, and the NYC Immersion Women’s Program, the first facilitated program for Australian leaders.

Trena is a thought leader in her field, creating new services that reflect the challenging times for her clients. Trena partnered with Mastercard to create “Effective Governance for FinTech” Programs, combining her company director and knowledge of financial services. Trena is converting her #1Amazon Book (Australia/US) into FD Global Academy^TM to share her knowledge and to positively improve the 30% success rate of companies expanding globally.  

Trena’s collaborative nature contributes to her clients' success. Her openness, curiosity, creativity, and knowledge are the gift that keeps on giving.

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• Mastercard “Effective Governance for FinTech” Program (2023)
  • Mastercard APAC engaged Trena to design a new program for their FinTechs scaling globally. Using her Company Director experience and global expansion knowledge, the seven-week program was hailed a success with glowing testimonials from all involved.
• SomnoMed’s Next Engagement: Multimillion-Dollar Expansion Into The Central America (2023):
  • An existing client, SomnoMed re-engaged Trena to develop a comprehensive research project from December 2022 for this ASX-listed MedTech company to identify a specific location to establish Central America-based mill manufacturing site. 
• PeopleBench supporting K-12 Teaches with Resilience 2022-2023
  • An Australian success story, they were receiving significant interest in their K-12 teacher resilience tracker and strategy builder from the USA. Trena was appointed North America Project Director to lead the development and implementation of their USA market entry.
• Strucket’s Strategic Approach To Their U.S. Launch to Reduce Landfill of Diapers:
  • An Australian success story, they were achieving a steady increase of sales from U.S. consumers via their website despite not having launched in the U.S. With supply chain challenges, the team required support and in 2022, FD Global undertook a comprehensive industry and market research study to develop their launch strategy.
• Boosting Female Founder Initiative (2021- Current):
  • Trena was appointed mentor for the Australian government’s initiative and to date has mentored eight female founders.
• Nasdaq Entrepreneur Centre USA (commenced 2021 - Current):

§  Trena’s unique skills as an international market expansion expert were recognised by her appointment as a global mentor.

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Trena is gifted in creating new and novel programs, identifying gaps and putting a creative lens on projects. She also has a uniquely strong and deep USA network created through genuine connections which she treats with reverence. These assets combine to give Trena a unique value proposition over competitors. 

• Award winning author; Decoding Global Growth; How successful companies scale internationally was published in February 2024, positioning Trena as a thought leader of global expansion
• Boosting Female Founder Initiative: Trena was appointed a mentor for the Australian government’s initiative and has since mentored twelve female founders. The contract is ongoing.
• Mastercard “Effective Governance for FinTech’ program: As a qualified Company Director, Trena was appointed to design, develop and facilitate a new governance program to shed light on avoiding the pitfalls and understanding fiduciary responsibilities for Fintech’s.
• Nasdaq Entrepreneur Centre USA: Trena is one of three Australian’s appointed as mentor and which recognised Trena’s expertise in global expansion. 
• SomnoMed (re-engaged): Trena’s unique network in Central America led to strong engagement and commitment from local government and business stakeholders in Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
• PeopleBench: Appointed Trena as their North America Project Director (from Sydney) to lead the development and implementation of their USA market entry to support K-12 teachers with resilience and wellbeing programs.
• Strucket: Trena uncovered a unique opportunity for a licensing partner via her network. This global company can provide significant market reach, and financial support, an opportunity Strucket would never have had access to otherwise.

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The attached Support Document 2024 provides comprehensive evidence to substantiate the claims made in this nomination. This document includes a variety of supporting materials that collectively illustrate Trena’s qualifications, achievements, and contributions to international trade and relations between Australia, and the United States.

The document includes testimonials from key clients and partners who have benefited from Trena’s advisory services. These testimonials highlight her role as a trusted business partner and her impact on their international growth and success.

The Support Document 2024 also contains copies of awards and recognitions received by Trena, affirming her exceptional contributions to global business expansion. This section further underscores her credibility and the high regard in which she is held within the industry.

Moreover, excerpts from her best-selling book, 'Decoding Global Growth: How successful companies scale internationally,' are included to provide insights into her thought leadership and expertise. These excerpts are complemented by media features from Forbes, Business Insider, and CEO Magazine, offering external validation of her influence and authority in the field.

Together, these materials in Support Document 2024 support the claims made in this nomination, offering clear and compelling evidence of the nominee's qualifications and achievements.

Thank you.