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.