About International SPHERES

International Spheres delivers specialized education for private, public, and defense sectors, equipping them with creative problem-solving skills essential for thriving in today’s fast-paced world. From our office in Fayetteville, NC, we provide in-person workshops and online classrooms focused on human-centered design principles.
Our vision is to empower problem solvers to dive deep into challenges, turning insights into actionable solutions.

Who NEEDS Innovation?

In a world of constant change, strategic innovation is the key to staying competitive and creating meaningful impact. Corporations rely on it to disrupt industries, non-profits to grow and engage supporters, and universities to lead research and modernize education. Military organizations use innovation to stay ahead of evolving threats, while churches use it to connect with younger generations and expand their community reach.
Our strategic innovation approach enables organizations to cultivate a culture where leaders solve challenges with creative solutions that enhance both organizational and community results. U.S. Army Special Operations Command and Fayetteville State University rely on us to help their leaders adopt human-centered design and innovation, saving time and driving impactful change.

A BRIEF hisTORY 

International Spheres traces its roots to the groundbreaking work by Sam Hayes Jr at the Naval Postgraduate School, where their co-authored thesis, Civil Affairs 2025: The Strategic Design of Civil Affairs with Ken Nguyen, earned high acclaim.
Between 2015 and 2023, Sam was called upon to spearhead several strategic design projects for JFK Special Warfare Center and School, US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, 1st Special Forces Command, and NATO, working with high-level commanders across the military.
In 2023, Sam co-authored Strategy by Divine Design, providing global Christian leaders with tools to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.
Today, International Spheres stands as a premier provider of curriculum that equips problem solvers with the innovative skills needed to create impactful solutions.

Get STARTED.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Problem Solvers + Creative Solutions + Aligned Strategies = Strategic Innovation

Problem Solvers + Creative Solutions + Aligned Strategies = Strategic Innovation

SAMUEL

HAYES JR.

Founder of International Spheres

Sam Hayes Jr’s passion lies in helping problem solvers break through obstacles by understanding complex challenges and creating innovative solutions for strategic impact. 
Known as a strategic designer, he brings his expertise to developing leaders as an entrepreneur, scholar, minister, and soldier.
In 2020, he established International Spheres, a company dedicated to nurturing creative and innovative problem solvers through human-centered design. 
In 2024, Sam furthered this mission by launching The Strategic Design Lab, providing education and certification in strategic innovation for problem solvers.
Sam co-authored Strategy by Divine Design, a book aimed at helping global Christian leaders innovate with their faith at the forefront. His podcast, Just Innovating, equips problem solvers with the tools to think more creatively in today’s complex landscape.
Before his entrepreneurial journey, Sam served as a Civil Affairs officer in Special Operations. He holds a PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University and will complete a doctorate in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2025. Sam brings extensive international experience and limited French proficiency, while managing his time between church, family, business, and friends with his wife Andrea and their three children.

Problem Solvers + Creative Solutions + Aligned Strategies = Strategic Innovation

Problem Solvers + Creative Solutions + Aligned Strategies = Strategic Innovation

Get in touch.

Helping you develop creative solutions aligned with your strategic goals.