The Evolution Of The Expat - Part II
September 23, 2008
In our first series we discussed the need for Expatriates (Expats), why they are important, and the “recipe” for maximizing ROI. In this second installment, we will discuss how the Expat needs to manage, how they need to be managed, and how they change over time.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s Expats both successful and unsuccessful were characterized by a curious mindset. They didn’t keep anything inside for long, and because nature abhors a vacuum, they constantly needed to ingest something new, replenish themselves, multiply, augment. The Expat’s mind found it difficult to stop at one event or one country. Something always propelled them forward, drove them on without rest. Such people, while useful, even agreeable, to others, were, if truth be told, frequently unhappy-lonely in fact. Problems would arise because the Expat was on his/her own. They lost touch with the best practices of their home country, both professionally and personally. This caused two major problems, first the Expat was no longer effective at driving the HQ message across and the Expat no longer fit in back home. Read more… »
Run To The Revenue - Part I
May 27, 2008
It is difficult to hide from the news these days regarding the threats posed by Asia’s growing economies, specifically China, India and Vietnam (the CIV factor). The reactions of many Americans lie in a range of emotions from fear to panic, and even down right loathing. Regardless of where you are on this spectrum, it will not change the course of economic development. Let’s take a look at some facts and options. Read more… »
Strength Through Unity
May 20, 2008
China has long held a fascination for me. I have lived in China for 6 years, married into a Chinese family and built a network of local friends and associates. However, perhaps my greatest fascination is how it fares in the views of the outside world and how it embraces the challenges of progress. A Nation in development, often misunderstood and frequently criticized (rightly so in many cases), it has been a challenge and privilege to be part of China as it has faced up to external pressures. But, what about the internal pressures? How would it respond to a major issue with the spotlight of the world upon it? How would the country pull together when there is such a disparity between the “haves and have nots”? Read more… »
Audio: II-Asia Interview On NPR
March 13, 2008
Ravi Sastry, President of International Innovations, was recently interviewed on National Public Radio in his home state of South Carolina. Listen as he discusses the company, the business environment in Asia, the emergence of China and India, and the opportunity for US companies to improve their performance by taking greater advantage of Asia.
Video: Introduction To II-Asia
November 17, 2007
In our first video post, Ravi Sastry talks about his early experiences in Asia, the emergence of China and India as low-cost producers, and the opportunity for smaller companies to benefit from having an Asia presence.
Click on Ravi’s picture to play the video ….