Cole Grumbach

Consultant at Kearney | Strategic Foresight, International Affairs & Public Policy

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

Consultant in Kearney Foresight, where I advise on strategic intelligence, public policy, and national transformation initiatives across the GCC. My work focuses on helping governments and institutions navigate long-term challenges and opportunities at the intersection of international affairs and national competitiveness. Prior to joining Kearney, I was a U.S. Fulbright Scholar in the United Arab Emirates, where I conducted research on nation branding, state modernization, and strategic communications. My experience spans policy analysis, research, and stakeholder engagement across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. I hold a B.A., magna cum laude, from Colgate University in International Relations and Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies with an Arabic language concentration.

Experience

  • Kearney (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
    • Associate | Kearney Foresight
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

      Advising GCC government entities on their transformation priorities: • Conducting scenario planning and foresight exercises to assess the implications of geopolitical, economic, technological, and societal change. • Evaluating national transformation programs and policy initiatives to provide policy recommendations and inform senior-level decision-making and implementation. • Shaping strategic partnerships and cross-border collaboration initiatives aligned with national development objectives. • Developing thought leadership on national competitiveness, emerging technologies, and international cooperation. The National Transformations Institute, part of the Kearney Foresight network, helps senior government and business leaders anticipate and navigate long-term transformation through strategic foresight, policy design and analysis, and economic modeling.

    • Senior Business Analyst | National Transformations Institute
      Dec 2023 - May 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Business Analyst | National Transformations Institute
      Sep 2022 - Dec 2023 · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Centre Fellow at Centre for Cyber Economics
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    Centre Fellow at the Centre for Cyber Economics, a joint initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Global Cybersecurity Forum. I contribute to research and thought leadership on the intersection of technology, economic security, and public policy.

  • U.S. Fulbright Scholar 2021-2022, United Arab Emirates at U.S. Department of State
    Sep 2021 - Aug 2022 · 1 yr

    Examined UAE nation-branding strategies as a visiting scholar at the American University of Sharjah. Identified and provided UAE officials with best practices and strategies of crafting the UAE’s image to a global community of consumers, investors, and tourists.

  • Intern at U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC)
    May 2020 - Aug 2020 · 4 mos

    Coordinated virtual programming for district and state directors, members of Congress and global business partners. Conducted extensive research in order to author reports and briefs on education, public policy, and race for upcoming panel discussions and grant proposals. Pioneered a first of its kind global assembly of former parliamentarians from 36 countries to strengthen a network of likeminded organizations.

  • Media and Communications Unit Intern at International Commission of Jurists
    Feb 2020 - May 2020 · 4 mos

    Edited and published press releases for ICJ’s web page monitoring justice systems around the world to protect rule of law. Managed ICJ's social media platforms including the organization's Twitter account, actively engaging with over 26,000 followers. Led an overhaul of ICJ’s annual report, reimagining visual content while collaborating with a design firm.