Rafael Molho – Get to know our VAB member

We would like to introduce our member Rafael Molho, who joins the VAB community from Greece. Rafael is an expert in the fields of international sourcing, procurement and trade development. He currently contributes as an advisory expert to UN/CEFACT working groups and participates in UNCTAD working groups and expert discussions in his personal capacity. He is also managing director at TradeCoup, a strategic sourcing, procurement and business matchmaking company. Rafael is passionate about helping organisations unlock strategic value through the right partnerships, intelligence sourcing and cross-border collaboration. He would welcome opportunities to serve at board or advisory board level in companies,  institutions or internationally-oriented organisations, particularly where strategy, governance and cross-border execution intersect.

Feel free to contact Rafael if you would like to know more about his professional journey and portfolio career ambitions. 

What inspired you to become a member of the Virtual Advisory Board community?

I was inspired to join the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) community because of its global orientation, its focus on board-level collaboration, and its structured approach to peer-driven growth. As the managing director of a business matchmaking and strategic sourcing firm, I constantly work across borders to connect decision-makers, optimise supply chains and foster high-value partnerships. Joining VAB offers a unique opportunity to exchange insights with fellow executives, explore advisory or board roles, and contribute meaningfully to organisations seeking international growth and operational excellence. I was particularly drawn to VAB’s intentional matching model, diverse industry representation and the ability to collaborate beyond just networking.

In what area do you feel board advisors can add the most value for Boards of Directors (BoDs) and executive teams?

Board advisors add the most value when they bring strategic clarity, market foresight and specialised operational insight that complements the core strengths of the executive team. In today’s environment, I believe their greatest impact lies in the following areas:

• Navigating international growth — identifying new markets, strategic partners and expansion risks;
• Optimising sourcing and supply chain decisions — especially in response to ESG mandates, cost pressures and geopolitical shifts;
• Enhancing external visibility and stakeholder alignment — particularly where credibility and trust are crucial for global positioning; and
• Challenging assumptions constructively — bringing an outside-in view that enables resilient, forward-looking governance.

Ultimately, effective board advisors help executive teams move faster and smarter, without compromising long-term value creation; particularly in contexts where regulatory complexity, cross-border exposure and multi-stakeholder coordination are central to decision-making.

What would be your dream company/organisation to work with as a board advisor/NED?

My dream board advisory or NED role would be with a global, mid-to-large company that is actively scaling across borders and prioritising supply chain innovation, sustainability and strategic partnerships. Ideally, it would be an organisation that values cross-cultural insight, smart matchmaking and long-term ecosystem thinking — where I can add tangible value through my global networks and sourcing expertise.

What book or podcast would you recommend to VAB members that might improve their skills in corporate governance, board advisory or boosting board-to-executive team communications?

Instead of one, I would recommend a trio that reflects strategic depth, ethical leadership and timeless wisdom:

Tim Cook Biography – for a real-world case study in modern governance, operational excellence and leading with values in one of the world’s most influential companies.

The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall – a powerful philosophical exploration of symbolic leadership, ethical frameworks, and institutional longevity.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu – a timeless guide on strategy, timing and influence. It is highly relevant for today’s boardrooms navigating uncertainty and competition. 

Each of these offers a unique lens for strategies on elevating board-level thinking and decision-making.