Sunday July 26th
It seemed as though this land of Peru wanted to keep me there. A two hour delay in flight from Cusco and a one hour delay in pick up by Condor Travel at the Lima Airport transformed my 12 hour day of leisure in Lima to a run to "get it done" in 5 hours or less type of agenda. Once again, I return to the well learned mantra from this trip ..."flexibility"!!! I arrived at the hotel, Casa Andina Lima San Antonio at around 4pm and needed to depart at 8:30pm to head to the airport for the international flight. I am still glad that I booked a hotel for the day as for one of the few times in Lima's history...it actually rained, I mean really rained. The kind that I was glad to have what seemed to be the only umbrella in the area rain!
I hired a taxi from the hotel to take me to the Inka market for final tokens of alpacca wool for family and friends. Then, I savored my final taste of Peruvian cuisine at Tanta's, a restaurant in walking distance from the hotel. My friendly taxi driver returned for my return trip to the airport and charged only 50 soles (about $17 US dollars) versus the $39 US dollars charged by the pre-booked arrangements. I still believe as a single female, it is best to have pre-arranged taxis for entry into the city.
The flights and transfers to the USA were very pleasant. Many conversations with co-passengers and little rest. I had the opportunity to catch up on some reading as the hours of the night passed by. I found it interesting that my spanish immersion had taken soo well that I found it challenging to remember to speak English at the various custom and airport sites. Spanish was a natural!
After an overnight flight and stop in Miami, I returned safely to Chicago O'Hare and felt the great difference of the environment immediately. The rush, the sharp edged attitudes, the faces portraying a life of different choices on how people see the world....a reminder to appreciate the values of both worlds and how each contributes to my being a more conscientious and compassionate contributor to this world landscape.
I am excited about the results of this exploratory research and feel confident that there is considerable food for thought to develop into more formal research initiatives and knowledge about the Peruvian entrepreneurial career decision, motivations and training. I conclude this
experience with profound gratitude and anticipation of digging further into the mystery of this rich land of Peru!
Saturday July 25th
It is 6pm and black dark. I am sitting at a candle lit dinner of salad and squash soup at Poqen Kanchay Center after experiencing a sauna of euclyptus steam bath prepared by the manager of the Center. Fireworks are exploding in the air every few minutes as it is the beginning of Independence Day celebrations here in Cusco. Dogs are barking wildly at the loud sounds and the voices of the crowds are reaching over the walls of the center. This quiet town has turned into a Las Vegas. Bands are marching in the streets and playing music. I thought I was too tired to walk the streets but as soon as I see the workers rushing toward the gates to witness the band passing the Center, I run from my table to join them. What a site of musicians and festively dressed women and men parading down the street playing the traditional music. I return to my table to complete my meal.
My peaceful time is interrupted by the reality of preparing for my departure tomorrow. I had just learned this evening that Condor Travel had not completed my arrangements for my day in Lima as I do not leave until Monday morning at 12:30am. So, I must coordinate with their 24 hour service to complete the transaction. I also have to complete my payment for services here and pack.
However, before I move into that logistic madness...I take a time to reflect on this tremendous experience. It seemsl like a life time ago when I drove frantically from Bloomington to Chicago and rushed to the airport to start this journey. The sea of people that I have met, entrepreneurial experiences, cultural journies, self discoveries have been rich and full. For one second, I struggled to remember what day it was and really stretched to recall the list of tasks that face me when I return to the USA. I am grateful for this moment to view the world differently and explore future research streams of interest and real potential. I too have been motivated to do more with the gifts that I have as I see these people pushing out of adversity to build opportunity and using creativity at a level of brilliance of spirit that we all can learn from. The enthusiasm I have experienced from each person is remarkable and the gratitude. I spoke to Oliver who serves the food about his three year experience working here and the sense of pride and gratitude that he expressed was soo authentic that it brought tears to my eyes.
I will look forward to a return to the academic environment and the opportunity to delve deeper into these areas of interest.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Land of the Unexpected
Friday July 25th
The day ended with a final meeting with my host as he is headed to Lima on Saturday to review the production of a book on a newly discovered archeological site that he is publishing in the fall. I had been very fortunate that he had sponsored a private escort for me during my time in Cusco to teach me spanish, conversing almost exclusively in the language, explaining the culture and facilitating my interviews with other businesses. Being the only guest at the Center surrounded by workers has been an irreplaceable experience in true immersion into the culture. After a long time of reflection in front of the fire place, I ended the day at 8pm... seems to vary from early nights to no nights on this experience.
Saturday July 26th
My plans for the day were to take it easy on my last day in Cusco. I have had a rich, full and diverse experience covering business, cultural and personal growth areas. But after breakfast, I looked out into the courtyard and there was an elder gentlemen dressed in very traditional ancient Quechua clothing with the colorful beaded hat, full wool cape. I was informed that this curandero (Spanish for ´curer´) had come from a far away rural part of Cusco in a village at the foot of a mountain. He had a strong reputation among the land for healing and was the only medical person in that village. We take being able to access doctors, hospitals and medical care for granted sometimes in the USA. This man with the kind eyes and soft disposition had come to Poqen Kanchay to work with a few people. I was asked to join them. Can you believe this opportunity? And, my spanish actually was decent enough to be alone in the room with this gentlemen for 45 minutes alone and hold a conversation while waiting for the others...later I learned he didn´t speak Spanish but spoke Quechua, the native language. Some kind of way...we understood each other and enjoyed the company. Jose was his name. He was here to do a ¨despachio¨which is like a prayer cloth. It is a process of building a blessing in a large piece of paper which will later be burned with prayer in the mountains on sacred ground for these people. I watched as Jose unwrapped dozens of small envelopes of paper that contained colorful candies, llama fat, many flowers, cotton, leaves, and other symbolic items that represented love, home, family, wishes, health and other blessings. We were all asked to say our prayers for life and they were directed to this circle. He worked gently with constant prayer as he moved through building this circle of items piled systematically on each other. At the end, Jose neatly tied up the bundle with string into a square package. I had been giving him expressions of gratitude throughout the morning of water, raisins, my gift rattles but at the end, he allowed me to take a photo and say one of my traditional prayers with him. He seemed to really enjoy the effort and reached into his bag and gifted me a beautiful purse from his village.
When I thought the day couldn´t get any better, my language coach and other host advised that he wanted to take me into town. This is the beginning of the Independence Day holiday for Peru and there were cultural celebrations everywhere. We watched a variety of cultural dancers from the north, south and central Cusco in their varied colored outfits and customs. Celebrations of various schools who train chefs and bartenders had set up for demonstrations. The people from the markets were active. I am hosting an ëlder honoring ceremony for my Mother and my Aunt when I return which is an ancient tradition amond women of many indigenous cultures. I found the perfect beaded hat and cloth which are traditionally used to symbolize the Queen for cultures. They will be one of a kind in this personal celebration. I am pleased. We walked in parts of Cusco that I had never been and likely would not have ventured myself but what a flavor for the people. The town has come to a new level of excitement. We stopped by the spanish language school that I was intending to spend the week in. How could I ever replace my rich and diverse experience with this private language coach Pepe. Sitting in a class room all day just could not come close. However, Pepe works with the language school and has a fantastic idea of working with USA students to teach spanish for hours during the day in the school followed by an immersion into the community and sites speaking only spanish. I will share this idea and the contacts with both CIBER and the Center for Latin and Caribbean Studies when I return.
Finally returning to the Poqen Kanchay before dark, I say my final goodbyes to my coach and new friend, Pepe. It looks like I will not be able to accept the invitation to meet with the Women´s entrepreneur association here in Cusco who is the partner with the Lima headquarters. Just ran out of time...definitely will plan to next time. Hope to have a quiet evening and get some reading done but who knows...afterall, this is ¨The Land of the Unexpected!¨
The day ended with a final meeting with my host as he is headed to Lima on Saturday to review the production of a book on a newly discovered archeological site that he is publishing in the fall. I had been very fortunate that he had sponsored a private escort for me during my time in Cusco to teach me spanish, conversing almost exclusively in the language, explaining the culture and facilitating my interviews with other businesses. Being the only guest at the Center surrounded by workers has been an irreplaceable experience in true immersion into the culture. After a long time of reflection in front of the fire place, I ended the day at 8pm... seems to vary from early nights to no nights on this experience.
Saturday July 26th
My plans for the day were to take it easy on my last day in Cusco. I have had a rich, full and diverse experience covering business, cultural and personal growth areas. But after breakfast, I looked out into the courtyard and there was an elder gentlemen dressed in very traditional ancient Quechua clothing with the colorful beaded hat, full wool cape. I was informed that this curandero (Spanish for ´curer´) had come from a far away rural part of Cusco in a village at the foot of a mountain. He had a strong reputation among the land for healing and was the only medical person in that village. We take being able to access doctors, hospitals and medical care for granted sometimes in the USA. This man with the kind eyes and soft disposition had come to Poqen Kanchay to work with a few people. I was asked to join them. Can you believe this opportunity? And, my spanish actually was decent enough to be alone in the room with this gentlemen for 45 minutes alone and hold a conversation while waiting for the others...later I learned he didn´t speak Spanish but spoke Quechua, the native language. Some kind of way...we understood each other and enjoyed the company. Jose was his name. He was here to do a ¨despachio¨which is like a prayer cloth. It is a process of building a blessing in a large piece of paper which will later be burned with prayer in the mountains on sacred ground for these people. I watched as Jose unwrapped dozens of small envelopes of paper that contained colorful candies, llama fat, many flowers, cotton, leaves, and other symbolic items that represented love, home, family, wishes, health and other blessings. We were all asked to say our prayers for life and they were directed to this circle. He worked gently with constant prayer as he moved through building this circle of items piled systematically on each other. At the end, Jose neatly tied up the bundle with string into a square package. I had been giving him expressions of gratitude throughout the morning of water, raisins, my gift rattles but at the end, he allowed me to take a photo and say one of my traditional prayers with him. He seemed to really enjoy the effort and reached into his bag and gifted me a beautiful purse from his village.
When I thought the day couldn´t get any better, my language coach and other host advised that he wanted to take me into town. This is the beginning of the Independence Day holiday for Peru and there were cultural celebrations everywhere. We watched a variety of cultural dancers from the north, south and central Cusco in their varied colored outfits and customs. Celebrations of various schools who train chefs and bartenders had set up for demonstrations. The people from the markets were active. I am hosting an ëlder honoring ceremony for my Mother and my Aunt when I return which is an ancient tradition amond women of many indigenous cultures. I found the perfect beaded hat and cloth which are traditionally used to symbolize the Queen for cultures. They will be one of a kind in this personal celebration. I am pleased. We walked in parts of Cusco that I had never been and likely would not have ventured myself but what a flavor for the people. The town has come to a new level of excitement. We stopped by the spanish language school that I was intending to spend the week in. How could I ever replace my rich and diverse experience with this private language coach Pepe. Sitting in a class room all day just could not come close. However, Pepe works with the language school and has a fantastic idea of working with USA students to teach spanish for hours during the day in the school followed by an immersion into the community and sites speaking only spanish. I will share this idea and the contacts with both CIBER and the Center for Latin and Caribbean Studies when I return.
Finally returning to the Poqen Kanchay before dark, I say my final goodbyes to my coach and new friend, Pepe. It looks like I will not be able to accept the invitation to meet with the Women´s entrepreneur association here in Cusco who is the partner with the Lima headquarters. Just ran out of time...definitely will plan to next time. Hope to have a quiet evening and get some reading done but who knows...afterall, this is ¨The Land of the Unexpected!¨
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Rich Cultural Immersion
First I want to extend a tremendous gratitude to both CIBER International and the Center for Latin and Caribbean Studies for support of this exploratory research trip. Returning to Peru with this specific agenda and lense has been invaluable for my future work and a very expanding experience.
Wednesday July 23
Remember that I have mentioned my greatest lessons on this trip are ¨flexibility¨, ¨patience¨and ¨trust¨! As soon as I completed my last blog and walked back to the Poqen Kanchay Center, I was greeted by the host who informed me that the best way for a spanish immersion was not sitting in a class room. He had arranged an intense experience for me the next several days traveling through dozens of rural areas, meeting with families and entrepreneurs, visiting the sacred sites and cultural areas but with the ¨real¨--not tourist version of the areas AND....IT WOULD ALL ONLY BE IN SPANISH! So, talk about learning on the job.
Every destination was a couple of hours drive away on mostly undeveloped roads. Some of the highlights include: Traveled to many sacred lands of Saqsayhuaman (known by tourist as a fortress but contains much richer hypothesis for its origin by the locals as like Egypt pyramids, the stones are tons and not native of the land or the capabilities of the original people; Tamobonachay (inn cave and the land of water flowing where they do not know the source);Qengo ( the land of three worlds); and Pukapukara (the red fort). Learning about this heritage and hearing it in spanish was indeed a rich immersion into the culture.
We returned to Cusco for a delicious lunch of traditional noodles and pizza baked in an igloo like oven fired by logs. Immediately upon returning to Poqen Kanchay, I received a phone call from one of the San Ignacio de Loyola (in Lima) entrepreneurial contest winners. He had received a call from them advising that I was in town and he wanted to come and meet me. What a blessing...he has a very interesting business of alpacca pet clothing that he marketed in New York. So we arranged to meet on Thursday at the Center (a gorgeous place to meet indeed).
After these final meetings, I am confident that I will have enough exploratory information to return to Bloomington and put together a plan for formal research. I have been searching for evidence of the Base of the Pyramid framework and relationships between multinational companies and entrepreneurs, however, I have not located a specific case yet. Working through the government is challenging here as there are ministries and red tape for each industry.
I am now the only remaining guest at Poqen Kanchay Healing Center. It has been an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with the various workers and their families. I have been working with the spanish-english language cards (thank you Siri Terjensen) and shared them with the workers to expand their english language skills.
Thursday July 24
After breakfast today, I was greeted by my host and informed that I would be riding with them. I feel so honored that this busy and important man is taking the time to ensure that I meet my goals here. It is indeed, a representation of the hospitality and open hearted-ness of this rich culture of people! Where we are going--I don´t know but apparently it was to view some land he owned and to check in with the workers. We stopped in town and picked up a woman waiting on the corner with several baskets. I later learned that they were to pick up organic eggs on the farm. We visited an approximately 10 acre farm land of Dr. Paredes, the master entrepreneur. His many businesses support about 30 families across Cusco and Lima. He says he does it to help the people...not for the money. This is indeed a theme that I hear almost from each entrepreneur. This land was the source of an abundance of organic fruits and vegetables (mangos, carrots, apples, olives, flowers and eggs) that will be sold in market; dozens of ginnea pigs (goal is 5000) which are a profitable export business here in Peru; gigantic trout approximately 24 inches (larger than market size) which can feed about 10 people and be marketed to upper end restaurants for raw fish dishes; and eventually the land will be the place of a healing center or workers support center.
Rushed back--I do mean rushed as I witnessed the jeep register 100 miles-hour as we descended these mountain curves. After all, they were rushing for me as I had set up a 3pm meeting with the owner of the pet clothing company. We arrived in a fashionably on time 4pm (I am still getting use to this concept) but the entrepreneur was waiting patiently. He immediately shared that he had actually been to Bloomington Indiana to help his Ohio based uncle pick up some equipment and he loved it. Another example of synchronicity! Very openly, the young man shared his life story, his passion with creativity as he has six business concepts--all very interesting, his experience with the pet line and challenges with renewing his visa to promote in the USA. Like all the other people I have met, I have found that my own past marketing and small business experience allows me to provide some useful ideas and information to them. After a delightful and informative conversation about his motivations, photos for my fall entrepreneurship class, and natural tea, we departed. He has committed to participate in a follow up meeting when I am approved to conduct a more thorough and formal research process. Once again, I hear this passion for entrepreneurship for the greater cause and ¨helping the people¨.
The evening ended with an unexpected invitation to observe another traditional healing ceremony for a local young man. The last ceremony was 5 hours but this one lasted from about 8:30pm and I know I was dismissed about 5:00 am when I noted one of the revered healers had left the room. I must admit that despite this being my sixth trip to this beautiful land of Peru, this is indeed the most intimate and diverse experience that will enrich both my professional and personal life.
Friday July 25th
My first goal is to find another internet site which is more modern in town. I do find it and spend about 3.5 hours catching up on emails, blogs etc. I suspect that they are looking for me back at the Center. I really want to take it easy today and hopefully get some reading done for the Academy of Management interactive session that I will be facilitating on ¨Transitional Economies¨. I did just receive an email in spanish from the President of the Women´s Entrepreneur Association who wants me to contact her Cusco representative and meet with her as she would be managing an future research interests in Cusco. So...that will be a must do but hopefully on Saturday. There is also a rare animal habitat that houses the local mystical bird, the condor and many other wild animals. The tourist site was recently started by an entrepreneur award winner and funded by San Ignacio de Loyola. It would be great to do that but it is near Pisac...quite a ways from here. But who knows what the remaining 48 hours will bring.
I´ll return now to Poqen Kanchay and find out!!!
Wednesday July 23
Remember that I have mentioned my greatest lessons on this trip are ¨flexibility¨, ¨patience¨and ¨trust¨! As soon as I completed my last blog and walked back to the Poqen Kanchay Center, I was greeted by the host who informed me that the best way for a spanish immersion was not sitting in a class room. He had arranged an intense experience for me the next several days traveling through dozens of rural areas, meeting with families and entrepreneurs, visiting the sacred sites and cultural areas but with the ¨real¨--not tourist version of the areas AND....IT WOULD ALL ONLY BE IN SPANISH! So, talk about learning on the job.
Every destination was a couple of hours drive away on mostly undeveloped roads. Some of the highlights include: Traveled to many sacred lands of Saqsayhuaman (known by tourist as a fortress but contains much richer hypothesis for its origin by the locals as like Egypt pyramids, the stones are tons and not native of the land or the capabilities of the original people; Tamobonachay (inn cave and the land of water flowing where they do not know the source);Qengo ( the land of three worlds); and Pukapukara (the red fort). Learning about this heritage and hearing it in spanish was indeed a rich immersion into the culture.
We returned to Cusco for a delicious lunch of traditional noodles and pizza baked in an igloo like oven fired by logs. Immediately upon returning to Poqen Kanchay, I received a phone call from one of the San Ignacio de Loyola (in Lima) entrepreneurial contest winners. He had received a call from them advising that I was in town and he wanted to come and meet me. What a blessing...he has a very interesting business of alpacca pet clothing that he marketed in New York. So we arranged to meet on Thursday at the Center (a gorgeous place to meet indeed).
After these final meetings, I am confident that I will have enough exploratory information to return to Bloomington and put together a plan for formal research. I have been searching for evidence of the Base of the Pyramid framework and relationships between multinational companies and entrepreneurs, however, I have not located a specific case yet. Working through the government is challenging here as there are ministries and red tape for each industry.
I am now the only remaining guest at Poqen Kanchay Healing Center. It has been an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with the various workers and their families. I have been working with the spanish-english language cards (thank you Siri Terjensen) and shared them with the workers to expand their english language skills.
Thursday July 24
After breakfast today, I was greeted by my host and informed that I would be riding with them. I feel so honored that this busy and important man is taking the time to ensure that I meet my goals here. It is indeed, a representation of the hospitality and open hearted-ness of this rich culture of people! Where we are going--I don´t know but apparently it was to view some land he owned and to check in with the workers. We stopped in town and picked up a woman waiting on the corner with several baskets. I later learned that they were to pick up organic eggs on the farm. We visited an approximately 10 acre farm land of Dr. Paredes, the master entrepreneur. His many businesses support about 30 families across Cusco and Lima. He says he does it to help the people...not for the money. This is indeed a theme that I hear almost from each entrepreneur. This land was the source of an abundance of organic fruits and vegetables (mangos, carrots, apples, olives, flowers and eggs) that will be sold in market; dozens of ginnea pigs (goal is 5000) which are a profitable export business here in Peru; gigantic trout approximately 24 inches (larger than market size) which can feed about 10 people and be marketed to upper end restaurants for raw fish dishes; and eventually the land will be the place of a healing center or workers support center.
Rushed back--I do mean rushed as I witnessed the jeep register 100 miles-hour as we descended these mountain curves. After all, they were rushing for me as I had set up a 3pm meeting with the owner of the pet clothing company. We arrived in a fashionably on time 4pm (I am still getting use to this concept) but the entrepreneur was waiting patiently. He immediately shared that he had actually been to Bloomington Indiana to help his Ohio based uncle pick up some equipment and he loved it. Another example of synchronicity! Very openly, the young man shared his life story, his passion with creativity as he has six business concepts--all very interesting, his experience with the pet line and challenges with renewing his visa to promote in the USA. Like all the other people I have met, I have found that my own past marketing and small business experience allows me to provide some useful ideas and information to them. After a delightful and informative conversation about his motivations, photos for my fall entrepreneurship class, and natural tea, we departed. He has committed to participate in a follow up meeting when I am approved to conduct a more thorough and formal research process. Once again, I hear this passion for entrepreneurship for the greater cause and ¨helping the people¨.
The evening ended with an unexpected invitation to observe another traditional healing ceremony for a local young man. The last ceremony was 5 hours but this one lasted from about 8:30pm and I know I was dismissed about 5:00 am when I noted one of the revered healers had left the room. I must admit that despite this being my sixth trip to this beautiful land of Peru, this is indeed the most intimate and diverse experience that will enrich both my professional and personal life.
Friday July 25th
My first goal is to find another internet site which is more modern in town. I do find it and spend about 3.5 hours catching up on emails, blogs etc. I suspect that they are looking for me back at the Center. I really want to take it easy today and hopefully get some reading done for the Academy of Management interactive session that I will be facilitating on ¨Transitional Economies¨. I did just receive an email in spanish from the President of the Women´s Entrepreneur Association who wants me to contact her Cusco representative and meet with her as she would be managing an future research interests in Cusco. So...that will be a must do but hopefully on Saturday. There is also a rare animal habitat that houses the local mystical bird, the condor and many other wild animals. The tourist site was recently started by an entrepreneur award winner and funded by San Ignacio de Loyola. It would be great to do that but it is near Pisac...quite a ways from here. But who knows what the remaining 48 hours will bring.
I´ll return now to Poqen Kanchay and find out!!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
CUSCO...Another World
Days have gone by since I have been able to gain access to an internet. As ¨flexibility¨is the name of the game here...I found that I had to revise my Cusco arrangements from a residential situation to accommodations at Poqen Kanchay Foundation Healing Center. It an original home of one of the oldest families in Cusco. It is a beautiful excluded center with 15 bedrooms (accommodates 38 people), a gorgeous peaceful garden and 17th century original artwork that has been in the family for decades. As the coincidences of the world run large, the only other guest at the center is an acquaintance of mine from Chicago who is also deeply engaged in understanding the Peruvian culture and works closely with the owner, anthropologist Dr. Theo Paredes. It is a mix of both worlds, the activity of a bustling little town outside with vendors on each corner dressed in native clothing...to the cars, buses and trucks moving here and there. Then, you turn into this area on the long wall with a large brown wooden door, the door opens and iron gates spring open when pulled by the local workers. There, you find yourself in a paradise of flowers and a beautiful ancient looking hacienda.
Immediately, I was greeted by the coordinator who insisted that the regime is a cup of tea in the garden, followed by a light lunch and many hours of sleep to adjust the body to the altitude of 11,000 ft above sea level. To my surprise I slept for many hours and even missed the host the first day.
This Center is actually an entrepreneurial venture in tourism. It is the location for many groups from around the world that come to Peru to understand or participate in Andean traditional tours and ceremonies. The Center employs from 5 to 10 workers with a series of crews for various services including construction, landscaping, working with the Alpacca animals which are on site, and providing other cleaning and cooking services for guests. Each morning I see families coming in to provide services for the Center. Poqen Kanchay is also committed to preserving the culture and Dr. Paredes leads many archeological digs and fights to preserve sites of history.
On Tuesday, we participated in a view of the many towns in Cusco while visiting both a Buddhist Monk center and a rare archeological site of pre-Inka history (the Wira people) that has recently been discussed by Dr. Paredes and is in the process of being preserved. There is a new retreat center being constructed across the way from the site and we checked in on the developments with the construction crew.
That evening, I had the opportunity to observe a very rare ceremony of healing and cleansing implemented by two people well reknown for their work with ancient traditions that North America calls shamanism. It was an amazing experience as I witnessed the use of rattles, and clearing instruments, and ancient songs. It appears that the healers could detect what was wrong with the person while viewing them in the dark. They explained that they see energy or light and can see where there are blockages or disease. It was an amazing experience and my timing was perfect!
Internet is not available at the Center. I must walk blocks in town to find a little store front internet station. It houses 7 very old computers with Word 1997 software. It takes 3 minutes almost to open an email but we are making the best of it. It is crowded with people printing resumes and designing logos for their various small informal businesses. This too is a town of entrepreneurs. Very different from the modernized commercial and residential areas of downtown Lima, Cusco is very much like a small southern city in the south part of the USA...very rural in nature. People are very friendly. Yesterday we were land locked as there was a two day transportation strike. It gave me a chance for rest. I did walk to the internet station and witnessed a brigade of police men galloping fiercely on horses down the cement paved streets. Since there were no cars, it was a sight to behold. I did not want to take pictures for concern of safety as they apparently were headed to handle the protestors down the street who had aggrevated the transportation strike.
On Wednesday, all is back to normal. I wanted to send this blog before heading back to the Center to determine what the day will hold. In speaking with Dr. Paredes, I learn that planning is definitely not preferred here. I have emailed the university in Lima to try to coordinate with a couple of their entrepreneurs who live in Cusco. We will see what the day holds!
Immediately, I was greeted by the coordinator who insisted that the regime is a cup of tea in the garden, followed by a light lunch and many hours of sleep to adjust the body to the altitude of 11,000 ft above sea level. To my surprise I slept for many hours and even missed the host the first day.
This Center is actually an entrepreneurial venture in tourism. It is the location for many groups from around the world that come to Peru to understand or participate in Andean traditional tours and ceremonies. The Center employs from 5 to 10 workers with a series of crews for various services including construction, landscaping, working with the Alpacca animals which are on site, and providing other cleaning and cooking services for guests. Each morning I see families coming in to provide services for the Center. Poqen Kanchay is also committed to preserving the culture and Dr. Paredes leads many archeological digs and fights to preserve sites of history.
On Tuesday, we participated in a view of the many towns in Cusco while visiting both a Buddhist Monk center and a rare archeological site of pre-Inka history (the Wira people) that has recently been discussed by Dr. Paredes and is in the process of being preserved. There is a new retreat center being constructed across the way from the site and we checked in on the developments with the construction crew.
That evening, I had the opportunity to observe a very rare ceremony of healing and cleansing implemented by two people well reknown for their work with ancient traditions that North America calls shamanism. It was an amazing experience as I witnessed the use of rattles, and clearing instruments, and ancient songs. It appears that the healers could detect what was wrong with the person while viewing them in the dark. They explained that they see energy or light and can see where there are blockages or disease. It was an amazing experience and my timing was perfect!
Internet is not available at the Center. I must walk blocks in town to find a little store front internet station. It houses 7 very old computers with Word 1997 software. It takes 3 minutes almost to open an email but we are making the best of it. It is crowded with people printing resumes and designing logos for their various small informal businesses. This too is a town of entrepreneurs. Very different from the modernized commercial and residential areas of downtown Lima, Cusco is very much like a small southern city in the south part of the USA...very rural in nature. People are very friendly. Yesterday we were land locked as there was a two day transportation strike. It gave me a chance for rest. I did walk to the internet station and witnessed a brigade of police men galloping fiercely on horses down the cement paved streets. Since there were no cars, it was a sight to behold. I did not want to take pictures for concern of safety as they apparently were headed to handle the protestors down the street who had aggrevated the transportation strike.
On Wednesday, all is back to normal. I wanted to send this blog before heading back to the Center to determine what the day will hold. In speaking with Dr. Paredes, I learn that planning is definitely not preferred here. I have emailed the university in Lima to try to coordinate with a couple of their entrepreneurs who live in Cusco. We will see what the day holds!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
GLOBASE Scores Another Win
On Saturday evening, I accepted an invitation to meet the family and friends of the American Chamber of Commerce at a private dinner in the home of her parents. A beautiful home in a gated community, I was mesmerized by the integration of the environment into the home landscape. Outdoor large plants were naturally the center of areas of the living quarters. The exquisite wood furniture was custom made as exhibited by the tall regal chairs designed by a local craftsman featuring each of the family members' personal crest. I had been anxious at the hotel as the dinner was at 8pm and the Saturday night demand had resulted in taxi delays. Once entering the car, I realized I was at a disadvantage as the driver spoke rapidly about something very important but I wasn't sure what it was. At any rate, looking at his gas tank flashing "empty", I figured that is what he was saying. After a couple of detours in getting to my destination in another suburban part of Lima-about 40 minutes away--I joined this delightful group of eight for dinner. I know they told me about Peruvian time but as I was concerned I had held up the group from starting, I rushed into the home at almost 9pm, only to find I was the first to arrive and dinner still being prepared. Wow, it is true that "time is not time here".
So, I enjoyed the company as people started to arrive. An evening of spanish immersion gave me confidence that I can, once again, be in a setting comfortably and pick up enough words and gestures to be fully present. What I surprisingly learned at that gathering was new aspects of contribution that were made during our GLOBASE trip to Peru as AMCHAM had assisted me with research lead information. Maryori spoke to her guests about the GLOBASE experience and how it was her internet search for women related entrepreneur associations for my research assistance that lead her to the President of the Women Entrepreneur Association (our meeting earlier today). As this organization consists of almost 70 women entrepreneurs committed to social good, we have directly impacted their welfare through a new alliance with AMCHAM who will be involved with capacity building projects. Since GLOBASE's departure, AMCHAM has been engaged with both this organization and the San Ignacio de Loyola University(USIL), who was my entrepreneurship training research lead that I introduced to her. AMCHAM shared that the Dean of Regents University (USIL's partner in training; based in Virginia Beach, VA) had contacted her and referenced my meetings with them and the research interests. (Note: I have never met the Dean as my contact is the Chair of the Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship department; however, I'm glad to witness the power of global networking) As a result of that call, Regents is proposing to establish an executive training program of AMCHAM's client's senior officers (likely exporter's club group). The proposal is to have them attend the university in the USA for an intensive week or so of training in managerial skills and English for capacity building. Wow...I had no idea.
So, thanks to the GLOBASE initiative and these specific research inquiries, many people and organizations have been impacted that would otherwise not be present. I am confident that future relationships with Kelley School of Business also have the opportunity to build into a win-win collaborative initiative. Now, that is measurable global impact!
The other hot topic was the successful Women's Association first conference held on June 30th. They had over 250 women and the rooms were filled to capacity. The exciting news was that there had been a strike of transportation workers during their conference which could have effected the logistics. Well, they actually had 470 women registered for the event which far exceeded their expectations. The day of worshops and networking motivated soo many women young and elder. For me...a great potential future source of research contacts! (smile) This discussion led to a dinner guest sharing her experiences as an exporter of guinea pigs...yes, guinea pigs. Apparently, there is a huge USA market for the luxury meats. The stories of her start up, operations and challenges let me know that innovation lies everywhere in this beautiful country of Peru.
Once again, I returned to the hotel after 5 hours committed to this experience--tired but filled with much information, ideas for research, contacts and better understanding about the culture. One last point of interest to me, when we discussed my plans for Cusco and my host family of Dr. Paredes, the Father of Maryori shared that he had gone to high school with Dr. Paredes and I saw that the 'one degree of separation law' worked again where everyone, everywhere in the world is really connected in some way. Another experience well worth the trip! I look forward to moving into the different landscape of the rural areas and local people of Cusco and surrounding areas.
So, I enjoyed the company as people started to arrive. An evening of spanish immersion gave me confidence that I can, once again, be in a setting comfortably and pick up enough words and gestures to be fully present. What I surprisingly learned at that gathering was new aspects of contribution that were made during our GLOBASE trip to Peru as AMCHAM had assisted me with research lead information. Maryori spoke to her guests about the GLOBASE experience and how it was her internet search for women related entrepreneur associations for my research assistance that lead her to the President of the Women Entrepreneur Association (our meeting earlier today). As this organization consists of almost 70 women entrepreneurs committed to social good, we have directly impacted their welfare through a new alliance with AMCHAM who will be involved with capacity building projects. Since GLOBASE's departure, AMCHAM has been engaged with both this organization and the San Ignacio de Loyola University(USIL), who was my entrepreneurship training research lead that I introduced to her. AMCHAM shared that the Dean of Regents University (USIL's partner in training; based in Virginia Beach, VA) had contacted her and referenced my meetings with them and the research interests. (Note: I have never met the Dean as my contact is the Chair of the Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship department; however, I'm glad to witness the power of global networking) As a result of that call, Regents is proposing to establish an executive training program of AMCHAM's client's senior officers (likely exporter's club group). The proposal is to have them attend the university in the USA for an intensive week or so of training in managerial skills and English for capacity building. Wow...I had no idea.
So, thanks to the GLOBASE initiative and these specific research inquiries, many people and organizations have been impacted that would otherwise not be present. I am confident that future relationships with Kelley School of Business also have the opportunity to build into a win-win collaborative initiative. Now, that is measurable global impact!
The other hot topic was the successful Women's Association first conference held on June 30th. They had over 250 women and the rooms were filled to capacity. The exciting news was that there had been a strike of transportation workers during their conference which could have effected the logistics. Well, they actually had 470 women registered for the event which far exceeded their expectations. The day of worshops and networking motivated soo many women young and elder. For me...a great potential future source of research contacts! (smile) This discussion led to a dinner guest sharing her experiences as an exporter of guinea pigs...yes, guinea pigs. Apparently, there is a huge USA market for the luxury meats. The stories of her start up, operations and challenges let me know that innovation lies everywhere in this beautiful country of Peru.
Once again, I returned to the hotel after 5 hours committed to this experience--tired but filled with much information, ideas for research, contacts and better understanding about the culture. One last point of interest to me, when we discussed my plans for Cusco and my host family of Dr. Paredes, the Father of Maryori shared that he had gone to high school with Dr. Paredes and I saw that the 'one degree of separation law' worked again where everyone, everywhere in the world is really connected in some way. Another experience well worth the trip! I look forward to moving into the different landscape of the rural areas and local people of Cusco and surrounding areas.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Diving into the Peruvian World of Entrepreneurship
Talk about diving deeper in the Peruvian world of entrepreneurship, the day started with my accepting an invitation by the Dean of San Ignacio de Loyola University to join him in a case presentation by MBA student entrepreneurs. I showed up extra early (which is rare for them) but my normal 45 minute ride only took 20 minutes due to the lack of traffic on Saturday. Who knew? It gave me the opportunity to spend quality time with two unexpected sources of information.
1) One of the Directors shared the university's strategic plan to start a World Trade Center of Peru with sponsors. The plans are impressive with the goal of rallying Peruvian businesses to maximize the new trade agreements with the USA, China as well as the APEC.
2) The Dean arranged for an informal conversation with an entrepreneurship student (translated by the Dean). This student's lap top computer business has been in operation for 4 years despite his original move to Lima from a poor rural area with only 200 soles (Peruvian dollars or about 65 US dollars to his name). Now he has 10 people working for him, 30% are family members. He shared his motivations, what keeps him moving and his commitment to social responsibility...which is a recurring theme here. However, one of the most intriguing stories from this student involved his overcoming a personal challenge influencing his business decision. His Mother had been pronounced with cancer and only 3 months to live. Familiar with the Peruvian rural jungle plants and traditional ways of medicine and ceremony, this student had prepared a beverage that when taken by the Mother extended her life by 10years. I was fascinated by this story and quickly considered him a resource! The student chose to enter into the lap top business versus going into alternative medicine to preserve the reverence of the process and the culture. This exploratory conversation has given me food for thought in my entrepeneurial/OB research direction.
With over 50 students and about 6 faculty and administration members present, the spanish-only lectures covered the topics of the economic conditions of Peru, the importance of entrepreneurship. I was pleased to be able to basically keep up with the presentation even though I still am an amateur at speaking the language in a business setting. These presentations were the precursor to the actual student team presentations. Unfortunately, I was not able to remain for the entire program. A video tape of the presentations will be sent to me. However, I had another engagement to get to. I had been invited by the President of the Women Entrepreneur Association for an early lunch (my second meeting with her but it is like we are old friends). Prior to my departure and much to my surprise, the Dean invited me to the front of the room and introduced me to all the students. He presented me with a gift and asked me to make a speech. I rallied to the occassion with inspiring comments about their tremendous future in entrepreneurship. I look forward to a continued relationship with USIL. A great morning!
AMCHAM picked me up and we went to central Lima to join Renee, the President and Erika, a member of the coordinating team of the organization and consultant to women businesses. I had a chance to see a retail mall for about 20 minutes prior to heading to town. It was equivalent to the quality and offerings of a USA site. At lunch, I shared my research thoughts, some women oriented entrepreneurship research, and resources that I had discovered while conducting various meetings in Peru. AMCHAM shared their work and identified opportunities for collaboration. I am pleased to say that AMCHAM actually met this resource as a result of helping me to set up meetings during my trip in March. The networking has turned into a win-win-win situation.
After another Latin tradition of a 4 hour lunch filled with a phenomenal exchange of minds, hearts, missions & food, I left the table with a commitment from the organization to provide the solution to my "how do I conduct research in Peru?" question. They will mobilize and work with me when the time is right to ensure that my questionnaire is appropriate and customized to the country; will coordinate focus groups across rural and urban geography; will work with their network to secure completion of the questionnaires. We will negotiate for my contribution for this service once I have a better idea of the product and secured IUB necessary approvals. However, I feel that this is an outstanding accomplishment and long term relationship. They have now adopted me as they refer to me as "their PhD researcher amiga" and I believe that they are as excited about my future as I am.
I finally return to the hotel, exhausted but enthusiastic. I have been invited to a local resident's home for dinner with about 10 Peruvians. I am excited about the experience. Tomorrow I leave for a more rural experience in Cusco. And, I must prepare for the change to a 15,000 altitude. As this is winter time in Peru, it has meant cooler in Lima (wearing a light coat and staying foggy) but warmer in Cusco. As I said flexibility is mandatory here. My living arrangements may be different than planned and my list of people to meet has grown. So, we will take it one day at a time!
1) One of the Directors shared the university's strategic plan to start a World Trade Center of Peru with sponsors. The plans are impressive with the goal of rallying Peruvian businesses to maximize the new trade agreements with the USA, China as well as the APEC.
2) The Dean arranged for an informal conversation with an entrepreneurship student (translated by the Dean). This student's lap top computer business has been in operation for 4 years despite his original move to Lima from a poor rural area with only 200 soles (Peruvian dollars or about 65 US dollars to his name). Now he has 10 people working for him, 30% are family members. He shared his motivations, what keeps him moving and his commitment to social responsibility...which is a recurring theme here. However, one of the most intriguing stories from this student involved his overcoming a personal challenge influencing his business decision. His Mother had been pronounced with cancer and only 3 months to live. Familiar with the Peruvian rural jungle plants and traditional ways of medicine and ceremony, this student had prepared a beverage that when taken by the Mother extended her life by 10years. I was fascinated by this story and quickly considered him a resource! The student chose to enter into the lap top business versus going into alternative medicine to preserve the reverence of the process and the culture. This exploratory conversation has given me food for thought in my entrepeneurial/OB research direction.
With over 50 students and about 6 faculty and administration members present, the spanish-only lectures covered the topics of the economic conditions of Peru, the importance of entrepreneurship. I was pleased to be able to basically keep up with the presentation even though I still am an amateur at speaking the language in a business setting. These presentations were the precursor to the actual student team presentations. Unfortunately, I was not able to remain for the entire program. A video tape of the presentations will be sent to me. However, I had another engagement to get to. I had been invited by the President of the Women Entrepreneur Association for an early lunch (my second meeting with her but it is like we are old friends). Prior to my departure and much to my surprise, the Dean invited me to the front of the room and introduced me to all the students. He presented me with a gift and asked me to make a speech. I rallied to the occassion with inspiring comments about their tremendous future in entrepreneurship. I look forward to a continued relationship with USIL. A great morning!
AMCHAM picked me up and we went to central Lima to join Renee, the President and Erika, a member of the coordinating team of the organization and consultant to women businesses. I had a chance to see a retail mall for about 20 minutes prior to heading to town. It was equivalent to the quality and offerings of a USA site. At lunch, I shared my research thoughts, some women oriented entrepreneurship research, and resources that I had discovered while conducting various meetings in Peru. AMCHAM shared their work and identified opportunities for collaboration. I am pleased to say that AMCHAM actually met this resource as a result of helping me to set up meetings during my trip in March. The networking has turned into a win-win-win situation.
After another Latin tradition of a 4 hour lunch filled with a phenomenal exchange of minds, hearts, missions & food, I left the table with a commitment from the organization to provide the solution to my "how do I conduct research in Peru?" question. They will mobilize and work with me when the time is right to ensure that my questionnaire is appropriate and customized to the country; will coordinate focus groups across rural and urban geography; will work with their network to secure completion of the questionnaires. We will negotiate for my contribution for this service once I have a better idea of the product and secured IUB necessary approvals. However, I feel that this is an outstanding accomplishment and long term relationship. They have now adopted me as they refer to me as "their PhD researcher amiga" and I believe that they are as excited about my future as I am.
I finally return to the hotel, exhausted but enthusiastic. I have been invited to a local resident's home for dinner with about 10 Peruvians. I am excited about the experience. Tomorrow I leave for a more rural experience in Cusco. And, I must prepare for the change to a 15,000 altitude. As this is winter time in Peru, it has meant cooler in Lima (wearing a light coat and staying foggy) but warmer in Cusco. As I said flexibility is mandatory here. My living arrangements may be different than planned and my list of people to meet has grown. So, we will take it one day at a time!
Culture & Diversity Upfront and Personal
There is one thing for sure in this cultural experience...flexibility is the key to existence. Yesterday (Friday) evolved totally different than planned but it was rich! One targeted meeting didn't happen but several experiences were exchanged for it.
I recall my new friends at USIL university laughing at me yesterday as I walked in with my back pack and purple umbrella in tote. Of course, the skies had been soo dark all day that I just knew it was getting ready to open up rain. I was firmly reminded that it "never rains in Lima!" So, I put the umbrella away. And for the rest of the day, I was sprinkled with what they call "mist" and "not rain". That is fine for some but it definitely creates a bad hair day! With all my planned meetings, I had to find a solution. Entrepreneurs always recognize "opportunity". When there are lemons, turn them into lemonade-- I used this "unique opportunity" as a cultural exchange. Let me preface this story by sharing that of the hundreds of people that I have seen in Lima, I am the only African American or even African culture person that I have seen...and I have traveled some miles in this town! So, seeking hair care was...let's say, an adventure. Oh, yes--the lesson for the moment: make sure that all your electrical equipment is coded to the electric current of the country you are in or "bring a converter". I left my converter at home in my rush so I had checked with the management who assured me that all was well with all my equipment. Wrong...I almost had a Michael Jackson moment as my curling iron burst into a melt down. Luckily, with minor damage. Therefore, this detour in adventure was necessary.
The urban city of Lima is the capital of Peru bursting with commerce, traffic and retail. I did return to a place I had visited on my last trip to Peru in March for other services. (highly recommend: Oxygen) After actually having the opportunity to educate four stylists as each did their part to "have the curious experience with me", I left there restored to presentation readiness and actually felt that I helped this small women's business to "build capacity" as now they truly can market to a diverse population. This is definitely a unique experience.
Ok, back to business--the wonder of the day was the meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) representatives Maryori and Renato who had been soo helpful with the GLOBASE trip in March. I have kept in regular touch with Maryori and she remains a helpful resource in Lima. Our conversation spanned a myriad of subjects from entrepreneurship, global trade agreements in Peru and the benefits to the economy, GLOBASE II in Peru, personal growth and family, spirituality of the Andean people and, of course, my research. I listened attentively as AMCHAM explained that they tried to secure feedback from the five GLOBASE clients 5 times with no response. (note: GLOBASE or Global business and social entrepreneurship is a new Kelley School course focused on providing MBA students with a "hands on" international experience resulting in consulting support for entrepreneurs in developing countries and particularly engaged with an aspect of social entrepreneurship; March 2009 the 20 students traveled to Peru to consult with 5 entrepreneurs focused on exporting to the USA; I accompanied them throughout the journey from in-class to in-country with focus on my own research agenda as well)
The clients were very pleased but there is notedly a cultural bias about questionnaires. And, in terms of planning for spring 2010, AMCHAM reports that it may be too far away for the entrepreneurs to commit. This concern about commitment was also expressed as AMCHAM discussed the retailer tradeshow/trade mission in New York City that they will participate in with members in the next months. The challenge is to finalize the organizations who will travel with them in advance. We had a dynamic conversation about trade show strategies as I had a lifetime in marketing and knowing how to position products. The ideas flowed as the night passed.
Two things I learned for sure with this night--1)for my research, I must find an alternate strategy for information gathering as the traditional survey research method is unlikely the optimum strategy; 2) As I teach my students, Latin countries are very relationship-oriented and our 4.5 hour dinner is a traditional part of conducting business and getting things done! Sitting on the edge of the ocean front in quality conversation with positive and well informed Peruvians and new friends is a win-win situation!
I recall my new friends at USIL university laughing at me yesterday as I walked in with my back pack and purple umbrella in tote. Of course, the skies had been soo dark all day that I just knew it was getting ready to open up rain. I was firmly reminded that it "never rains in Lima!" So, I put the umbrella away. And for the rest of the day, I was sprinkled with what they call "mist" and "not rain". That is fine for some but it definitely creates a bad hair day! With all my planned meetings, I had to find a solution. Entrepreneurs always recognize "opportunity". When there are lemons, turn them into lemonade-- I used this "unique opportunity" as a cultural exchange. Let me preface this story by sharing that of the hundreds of people that I have seen in Lima, I am the only African American or even African culture person that I have seen...and I have traveled some miles in this town! So, seeking hair care was...let's say, an adventure. Oh, yes--the lesson for the moment: make sure that all your electrical equipment is coded to the electric current of the country you are in or "bring a converter". I left my converter at home in my rush so I had checked with the management who assured me that all was well with all my equipment. Wrong...I almost had a Michael Jackson moment as my curling iron burst into a melt down. Luckily, with minor damage. Therefore, this detour in adventure was necessary.
The urban city of Lima is the capital of Peru bursting with commerce, traffic and retail. I did return to a place I had visited on my last trip to Peru in March for other services. (highly recommend: Oxygen) After actually having the opportunity to educate four stylists as each did their part to "have the curious experience with me", I left there restored to presentation readiness and actually felt that I helped this small women's business to "build capacity" as now they truly can market to a diverse population. This is definitely a unique experience.
Ok, back to business--the wonder of the day was the meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) representatives Maryori and Renato who had been soo helpful with the GLOBASE trip in March. I have kept in regular touch with Maryori and she remains a helpful resource in Lima. Our conversation spanned a myriad of subjects from entrepreneurship, global trade agreements in Peru and the benefits to the economy, GLOBASE II in Peru, personal growth and family, spirituality of the Andean people and, of course, my research. I listened attentively as AMCHAM explained that they tried to secure feedback from the five GLOBASE clients 5 times with no response. (note: GLOBASE or Global business and social entrepreneurship is a new Kelley School course focused on providing MBA students with a "hands on" international experience resulting in consulting support for entrepreneurs in developing countries and particularly engaged with an aspect of social entrepreneurship; March 2009 the 20 students traveled to Peru to consult with 5 entrepreneurs focused on exporting to the USA; I accompanied them throughout the journey from in-class to in-country with focus on my own research agenda as well)
The clients were very pleased but there is notedly a cultural bias about questionnaires. And, in terms of planning for spring 2010, AMCHAM reports that it may be too far away for the entrepreneurs to commit. This concern about commitment was also expressed as AMCHAM discussed the retailer tradeshow/trade mission in New York City that they will participate in with members in the next months. The challenge is to finalize the organizations who will travel with them in advance. We had a dynamic conversation about trade show strategies as I had a lifetime in marketing and knowing how to position products. The ideas flowed as the night passed.
Two things I learned for sure with this night--1)for my research, I must find an alternate strategy for information gathering as the traditional survey research method is unlikely the optimum strategy; 2) As I teach my students, Latin countries are very relationship-oriented and our 4.5 hour dinner is a traditional part of conducting business and getting things done! Sitting on the edge of the ocean front in quality conversation with positive and well informed Peruvians and new friends is a win-win situation!
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