Jeff Jorge

With a diverse set of experiences, perspectives, and expertise, Jeff Jorge's versatility as a speaker, professional, and human being come together to build highly unique, relevant, and action-inspiring keynotes. He is known for delivering programs packed with poignant insights, inspiring ideas, and tangible tools that attendees can use instantly to be one step closer to achieving their professional and personal objectives in an increasingly global world.

Jeff Jorge's extraordinary background, non-linear life path, and ethno-cultural breadth have enabled him to develop a highly unique view of the business world and of life – in particular, of where opportunities exist. His extensive knowledge of international business, growth strategy, and the unique traits of start-ups and behemoth Fortune 500 organizations alike give his business- and life-related lectures, talks, and seminars rare insight and credibility.

As the Executive Partner of GDP | Global Development Partners, Jeff leads the global consultancy group that delivers breakthrough growth strategy formulation, execution, and turnkey international market entry support to companies in multiple industry sectors and foreign markets – with particular emphasis in the Americas and fast-growing emerging economies, such as Brazil. GDP’s proven globalization methodology enables companies to capture market growth – internationally and domestically – with reduced risks, improved outcomes, and shortened time-frames. With clients spanning an eclectic mix of established corporations and start-ups, along with deep mindfulness for social responsibility, Jeff and the GDP team help accelerate the growth of their clients by unlocking latent potential to capture sustainable market growth while benefiting people, planet, and profits.

A native of Brazil, Jeff learned early the value of adaptability and resilience in overcoming the plight associated with life in a third-world country. As challenges often unlock opportunities, the need to help family led Jeff to an early start to his career: at the age of 16, assisting an international trade company in South America. Along with such early career start came the intrinsic knowledge related to capturing market traction as products and companies reached such foreign markets. From consumer products to automotive components, from apparel to raw industrial materials: the patterns of success were evident, and a career dedicated to international market growth began.

The personal and professional lessons learned since helped propel Jeff to become one of the youngest employees to lead large-scale global ventures for two Fortune 500 companies. In multiple roles, Jeff was responsible for the launch and international market success of various business units that included medical devices, electronic modules, automotive systems, and specialty vehicle components – some of which have remained growth engines for over a decade. The experience gained and results delivered as part of increasingly complex international assignments where he led corporate strategy, new facility development, operations, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, marketing, and sales afford him a uniquely deep know-how of what it takes for successful international ventures to take flight.

Following his tenure with publicly-traded and closely-held businesses alike, Jeff launched GDP | Global Development Partners: the growth acceleration firm enabling companies to expand internationally in turnkey manner. In all, Jeff and the GDP team have helped companies reach double- and triple-digit annual growth rates and operational expansion into over 20 foreign markets – with special emphasis in the Americas and fast-growing emerging economies, such as Brazil.

An acclaimed speaker and best-selling author, Jeff is also the leading fundraiser for a number of non-profit entities and socially responsible causes in the U.S. as well as abroad. He is a featured columnist on The Huffington Post and has been profiled on multiple National Public Radio shows and other major news outlets. Jeff has received numerous accolades including the 50 Michigan Companies to Watch, Best of Sensors, and Frost & Sullivan's Product Leadership Award™. Additionally, he has been awarded the Young Alumni Achievement Award from Middle Tennessee State University.

Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Jeff earned his MBA from The University of Michigan, with Distinction. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Design Engineering from Middle Tennessee State University, Cum Laude, where he has recently been awarded the Young Alumni Achievement Award – the highest University honor conferred upon a single Alumnus annually, and an award shared with fellow recipients Al Gore and James Buchanan (1986 Nobel Prize – Economics).

Invited often to meet with legislators and policy-makers on global growth and international business affairs, Jeff is also a board member of Automation Alley’s International Business Advisory Council – one of the United States’ most preeminent international trade and economic development groups. He is also the Deputy Executive Director of The BRICS-PED Chamber in the United States (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa Chamber for Promotion and Economic Development).

A smitten husband, father and avid triathlete, Jeff became a United States Citizen in 2008.