Manara Global Founders Robin Gordon Farleigh and Teri O’Donnell

Manara Global was founded by Teri O’Donnell and Robin Gordon-Farleigh.

“The power of our partnership is the convergent and creative thinking we bring to a problem –we start from different places, but always end with a plan with the same unified focal point and the results are stronger for it”

Teri and Robin’s far-reaching world view is not just a result of their professional experiences. Both have been proud to call a number of places around the world home.

Robin was born in Zimbabwe, grew up in the US and Wales, moved away to work in London and then went on to live in the Middle East.

Teri was born and raised in New Zealand, before relocating to London, then New York, and then onto the UAE.

Seekers of the new and unexplored, this adventurous spirit and ambition for change converges in both their personal and professional lives. Establishing Manara Global in the UAE seemed the natural place to bring their future ambitions to life. The UAE is a beacon for ambition, positive change and far-sighted thinking, filled with a sense of purpose and deeply held values.

Manara Global seeks to be an equally far-sighted beacon of positive change for the world.

 

Teri is acknowledged as a leading reputation management specialist with over twenty years’ global experience.

Teri has advised a diverse range of clients across the full spectrum of purpose-led marketing and communications – insight and planning, executive positioning and training, narrative development and messaging, brand identity and architecture, culture and values consultancy, communications strategy and infrastructure development.

Previously, as partner at Freuds London, Teri counselled founders and boards belonging to some of the world's biggest and most established businesses and brands – both public and private, across a range of industries; professional services, oil and gas, technology, energy, food and beverage, health and well-being. 

With a passion for creativity and a fervent curiosity, Teri likes to take a problem apart and explore it from every angle to ensure the best creative solution is put forward. The ‘human’ centric approach adopted by Teri ensures that it is always at the core of Teri’s solution, and Teri is continually seeking ways to help people become better humans – hence her extensive work in cause and purpose related programs with a number of NGO’s, Foundations, with a particular focus on Women’s equality and empowerment.

The power of leadership is equally as fascinating to Teri. Having had the good fortune to work with leaders who have had the ambition and commitment to make a positive difference on the world around us, Teri has successfully partnered with some of the world’s leading CEOs, founders, High Net Worth Individuals and Family Offices in personal reputation building.

With a career spanning the globe from New Zealand to London, to the Middle East via the USA, Teri’s broad worldview, optimism and dedication is the key to her ability to always expand the possibilities for her clients, and deliver beyond their expectations.

Most recently Teri has been Managing director in the Middle East for a global communications company, working on business and government clients. Teri is a member of the Middle East Public Relations Association strategy board and is a committed professional mentor.

Manara Global Founder Teri O"Donnell Dubai
Manara Global Founder Robin Gordon Farleigh PR Agency UAE

Robin is recognised internationally as a leading specialist and expert in government strategic communications, media strategy and public diplomacy (soft power) communications.

Robin has advised international governments at a senior level across the Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Europe on government strategic communications, and spent over six years working for the UK Prime Minister’s Office as a senior communications strategist, during which time he advised two UK Prime Ministers (Rt Hon David Cameron and Rt Hon Theresa May).

Passionate about working with clients to deliver communications that make a real impact, drive innovation and improvements in professional standards in communications, Robin partners with clients to help solve their problems through strategically delivering practical and innovative communication responses to complex issues that attract significant media and public interest.

Robin brings a wealth of rich experience gained from over 23 years of working in the UK Government performing a variety of roles, including advising ministers, working in operational management and advising on strategic communications for the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Health.

Since moving to the Middle East, Robin has been a trusted strategic partner to corporate, government and Royal clients in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia advising on communications strategy and delivery.

An impressive public speaker who has delivered presentations focused on government strategic communications at events around the world, Robin is a regular media commentator appearing across a range of media outlets including the BBC and The Times.

Our values, born out of our own families, form how we treat, respect and value humans reflecting the Manara Global culture. We always act with purpose, honesty and integrity; we thrive on being brave but doing the right thing.

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WE ARE STRAIGHT-TALKING & HONEST

We maintain clarity and honesty in all our communications. We value a direct approach, are not afraid to offer differing viewpoints and prioritise the best interests of our clients and stakeholders.

 
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WE ARE SMART & HUMBLE

We recognise our strengths and the expertise of others. We ensure that the most capable individuals are involved in every project, fostering a collaborative environment that leverages collective strengths to meet client needs.

 
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WE ARE BRAVE & BOLD

We understand that each client faces unique challenges. Our approach is to creatively push boundaries and innovate to find the best solutions, embracing bravery and boldness in our strategic thinking.

 
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WE ARE ENERGISING & EMPATHETIC

We are driven by a sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the challenges we tackle daily. Our empathy guides our interactions, ensuring we remain connected to the needs and perspectives of our clients and colleagues.