Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Three Things I Learned While Speaking in Moscow in February
The Russia Forum 2011- an amazing think tank of global economic minds mostly focuings on finding, if there is one, the "right way" to select investment opportunities from developed and/or developing countries. On the last day I was asked to speak about how the US was able to raise $303 billion in the height of the recession. It always comes down to knowing your culture (and unlike many other countries, US has a rich history in giving in in the 'worst of times") and AS important knowing what you need to hear and learn before you offer any advice.
So here is what I learned in my initial days of immersing myself in Moscow:
1. The only essential thing you need is good windshied wiper blades...there is so much snow, soot and ice ...your driver will go through a pair a week. and they can possibly double as ice skade blade savers! ;
2.When you enter churches/cathedrals it is a piece of cake...no worries about covering your shoulders or knees!;
3. It is a wonderful time to get married - this tops Central Park in the Spring or Vegas on any night...and yes while I am inside the Red Square and GUM (the picture indoors which is their largest dept store) there is a wedding everywhere you turn..including inside the Kremlin. The bride is still in a sleeveless white dress (but mink on her shoulders) and the bridesmaids are all in black and Uggs...go figure. Limos are lined up on every bridge...what a world
If you understand cultural obstacles and opportunities, then and only they, are you prepared to speak with confidence about what philanthropic avenues cetain cultures will embrace as a new path for social change.
So here is what I learned in my initial days of immersing myself in Moscow:
1. The only essential thing you need is good windshied wiper blades...there is so much snow, soot and ice ...your driver will go through a pair a week. and they can possibly double as ice skade blade savers! ;
2.When you enter churches/cathedrals it is a piece of cake...no worries about covering your shoulders or knees!;
3. It is a wonderful time to get married - this tops Central Park in the Spring or Vegas on any night...and yes while I am inside the Red Square and GUM (the picture indoors which is their largest dept store) there is a wedding everywhere you turn..including inside the Kremlin. The bride is still in a sleeveless white dress (but mink on her shoulders) and the bridesmaids are all in black and Uggs...go figure. Limos are lined up on every bridge...what a world
If you understand cultural obstacles and opportunities, then and only they, are you prepared to speak with confidence about what philanthropic avenues cetain cultures will embrace as a new path for social change.
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