To:​ Professor Voigt, Dean Callahan, and GLP Leaders

From:​ Bengy Mitchell, Timon Sun, Yongyu Tang

Subject:​ Are you ready to be a global leader? Here are five questions to consider.

WHO does trade and globalization benefit?

Answered simply, trade and globalization benefit everyone. During our second semester in GLP,
Dean Callahan presented about the steady growth of international trade, but also testified to
America’s relatively minor role in it despite the dominance many of us believe the U.S. has
today (the U.S. accounts for less than 10% of global trade). Callahan also touched on the
Flywheel Effect which has allowed for cheaper, more efficient communication and transport,
benefitting all countries involved.

WHAT are the frameworks for global thinking?

When looking at trade and development, it is important that we understand and appreciate all the
dots that connect our complex, globalized world. Using the CAGE (Cultural, Administration,
Geographical, and Economical) Framework, we can examine the “distance” in global markets
and evaluate foreign opportunities. The WBMH (Why, Bring/Build, Meet, and How) Framework
allows us to gather data necessary to develop a strategy to focus our resources and make
corporate decisions. Lastly, using the AAA (Arbitrage, Aggregation, and Adaptation)
Framework helps us create sustainable, global advantages. With these three proven frameworks
for global thinking, we will be able to connect the global dots.

WHEN multiple cultures are in play, what do you do?

The ELC activity clearly showed the immense influence that culture has on our perceptions and
actions; after only an hour of acting out a certain culture, only ​three​ out of around 80 students
said they would willingly switch to the other culture. In global business, an aspiring business
leader will inevitably come into contact with diverse cultures, and must learn to not judge, but
rather understand the differences of each culture. By consciously making an effort to see from
different cultures’ perspective, a business leader will decrease the chances of feeling confused
and wary of others, and will instead find it easier to connect with a diverse range of people.

WHERE have we traveled and HOW can we use our diverse perspectives to our
advantage?
During the “How global are you?” exercise, our class found that together, we were drastically
more global than any one person. By utilizing and embracing our diversity and different
backgrounds, we are able to make smarter decisions and foster growth. Essentially, each one of
us is able to bring unique perspectives to the “table,” allowing the group to solve problems from
multiple angles as well as broadening each individual’s worldview and ways of thinking.

WHY should we do business with others?

Similar to the jigsaw game we did in class, metaphorically, others may have the pieces we need
to complete our puzzle. Literally, the knowledge we gain from interacting with others can help
us solve the problems and the “big puzzles” we face on our own, and vice versa. Doing business
with others through the use of clear communication not only strengthens relations but gives us
invaluable information we wouldn't have otherwise had.
WHO does trade and globalization benefit?
● Dean Callahan on why trade and globalization is important?
● Creates economic opportunities
● Economic growth around the world
● Professor Clay Dube’s talk -- China is important to global trade
WHAT are the frameworks for global thinking?
● CAGE, WBMH, the three As
● Focus resources
● Strategic thinking → allows us to know where to focus resources and make corporate
decisions
● Why, Bring/Build, Meet, How → create a list
WHEN multiple cultures are in play, what do you do?
● ELC cross-country culture learning experience
● Visiting other countries with an open mindset -- not judging, but rather understanding
WHY should we do business with others?
● The jigsaw puzzle game
● Working together
● Leaders must communicate
● Only can accomplish the big picture when we worked together and shared “pieces of the
global puzzle”
WHERE has everyone travel and HOW can we use our diverse perspectives to our
advantage?
● How global are we? Exercise
● Individually, we were (for the most part) not very global
● Together, as a class, we were very global
● Learn from each other