Robert A Williams, CEO of Scotiabank Central America and CGB Board Member outlines the importance of a global mindset while navigating cross-cultural nuances. In today’s globalized economy, a global mindset is not just an advantage but a necessity. One of the key competencies of this mindset is cultural understanding and adaptation. As an international finance executive, I’ve seen firsthand how managing diverse teams across different geographies enhances one’s ability to navigate cultural nuances and business norms. This skill is crucial for those aiming to develop an international career as ..read more

Dr. Deirdre Mendez, Director of the Center for Global Business, author, and intercultural expert, discusses the importance of having a global mindset to effectively communicate with diverse contacts. Personal experience taught me the importance of a debate-style of communication with French colleagues, who respect a confrontational style showcasing well-reasoned arguments. But openly expressing disagreement could be a disastrous strategy in Japan, where creating a sense of harmony and mutual agreement is the mark of sophisticated communication. Interacting with colleagues in France and Japan ..read more

With over 20 years of experience working across many borders, Gretel Perera, head of PR at Expedia and President of L500, has mastered the art of localizing campaigns for diverse markets, adapting messaging, and understanding local landscapes. Having a global mindset helps strengthen your marketing and PR expertise. I’ve been working in international PR for more than 20 years and I can personally attest to the fact that I am a stronger PR professional due to my ability to work across borders and recognize the need to localize campaigns to meet local market needs. The ability to adapt you ..read more

Written by, Kumar Singirikonda, Director Dev Ops, Toyota North America In today’s innovative and interconnected world, technical cooperation is becoming a critical factor in success and advancement. Access to the extensive global network of knowledge and resources presents businesses and individuals with unmatched opportunities. Two key factors highlight the importance of technology collaboration: having access to technologies created globally and being able to work with businesses creating bespoke products. Access to Technologies Developed Across the Globe: Being abreast of global b ..read more

The Global Career Launch: Making Impacts in Mexico program offers an unparalleled opportunity for undergraduate UT students to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Oaxaca, Mexico while promoting human rights and economic empowerment. The program’s core mission is to provide participants with hands-on experience working alongside local artisans and entrepreneurs, implementing business strategies to market their products and foster sustainable growth. Guided by McCombs faculty and MBA students, the program collaborates with the local organization Tejiendo Alianzas (Weaving Partnerships), d ..read more

With international tourism expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024, Dr. Michael Froehls shares his thoughts on the importance of a global mindset and global tourism as a powerful economic force. When we think about tourism, what first comes to mind is our own travel — upcoming summer vacations, our complaints about high air and hotel fares, and when and where to finally spend our dream vacations with our spouse. We might also notice the recovery in tourism numbers after the dry spell of the Covid years. But tourism is so much more than our own little universe. It is an economic f ..read more

Dr, Orlando Kelm, Associate Professor of Hispanic Linguistics, shares why learning and appreciating languages matters I recall a conversation from years ago when I was interviewing a Chinese engineer who worked for a German Multinational Company in Shanghai. The official language of communication at the firm was English. This engineer related a story about when he told his North American supervisor that he “wanted” a new computer. His supervisor’s response was that ‘we all want a new computer, but unfortunately, it would not be possible to get one.’ The problem was that the Chinese word ..read more

Cultivating a Global Mindset: The Vital Catalyst for Adaptability in a Globalized Business Landscape CGB Board Advisor and Founder/ CEO of MyWorkout.AI, Scott Finkelstein, discusses why a global mindset is key to adapting to the rapidly evolving global landscape. In today’s interconnected world, a global mindset is not just advantageous — it’s essential adapting to the rapidly evolving business landscape. Understanding the nuances of each country’s cultural norms, resources, and societal structures is paramount. In a global economy, communication is key, yet it’s not simply about language tra ..read more

Ana Villegas, CGB Board Advisor and Board Director for Latinitas shares her insights on the value of having a Global Mindset Ana Villegas, Board Director for Latinitas A Global Mindset expands and multiplies your power of innovation — building a diverse team that understands multiple cultures, backgrounds and experiences, enables you to activate the superpowers of each individual, and approach problems with a wider point of view that will lead an organization to leap forward. I spent +16 years of my career at Dell, and I still remember the huge impact of bringing marketing teams from ..read more

In honor of National Mentorship month, CGB Board Advisor, Scott Finkelstein traces much of his own career success back to the guidance he received early on from mentors. In this enlightening account, he explores the significant role mentors have played in shaping his professional journey and the invaluable impact mentorship can have on careers at any stage I have been blessed with mentors throughout my life, in my personal and professional endeavors. I admit, my biggest regret was that when I was a teenager, and through my 20s I did not realize who my mentors where. Consequently, I did n ..read more