Issmat Al-Akhali heads Blacksheep Projects as chief dealmaker and principal consultant. He works with a global network of highly qualified consultants, advisors and service providers to deliver sophisticated research and business strategies to Blacksheep's clients.

Prior to launching Blacksheep, Issmat worked on global education, marketing, economic and social development initiatives in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He is the former Acting CEO and head of international business development of Nova Scotia’s education and training sector association, EduNova. He is also a former founder and co-founder of several other businesses and a multinational NGO that delivered UN-sponsored human rights programs in the Middle East. He has advised entrepreneurs and activists in Canada and the Middle East, assisted in developing a counter-terrorism report for UK think tank Chatham House, and is an Associate Producer of Perfume War, an award winning documentary about an unlikely weapon in the fight for world peace.

Issmat is a graduate of the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University, and a designated Project Management Professional (PMP®). He contributes to several boards and public initiatives in Nova Scotia, and his expertise is often called upon for various export development panels. As a Historica Canada volunteer, Issmat is frequently invited by schools in Nova Scotia to speak to children about diversity, immigration, human rights and multiculturalism.