Global Entrepreneurship Lab 2011-12

End of Week 3 – Synthesizing and Influencing

Last week, we focused on validating our findings and interviewing ground-level staff members. This week, we switched gears to socializing our findings with key influencers within the organization. From the charismatic HR division head to the more stolid head of the firm’s spare parts division, we have been shopping our recommendations around before our final presentation on Tuesday.

Thank you and Happy New Year

It was early evening on a Saturday in which we couldn’t avoid going to the office to work. We have had an encouraging meeting with the CEO and project team, however we really needed one of those brainstorming/ work planning session to make sure everything was in place for our final delivery four days later. After an afternoon of hard work coming up with a layout of what we were going to present Antonio said something that really caught my attention. He stared at one particular slide for a while and said: “wow, this is a great way to say exactly what they want to hear”.

Some background. Antonio is a pretty successful Venezuelan entrepreneur who have had very limited experience in corporate setting. Therefore his knowledge of the type of work that strategy consultants do is next to zero. I, on the other hand, have worked on consulting projects for a bit, and then have been a customer to various consultancies. So for me the phrase really struck a nerve. I am no stranger to the thought that consultants find estimates and develop elaborate, great-looking slides to conclude what executives already knew they needed to do. Don’t get me wrong, I do value some forms of strategic consultants and that is why I wanted our team to strive for more.

Touching dreams at Oruga! Our second week of project in Bogota

I would say this week was a meeting week! Our MIT mentor, Professor Caroline Flammer, was coming to Bogota to visit our client, Oruga Touching Dreams, and us. And afterwards, we met with Endeavor’s mentor to briefly update our project status. It was great to listen to their opinions since sometimes we might be dedicated to the details and not see other points of view. Their advices could provide us the different stimulus and idea.

 

Home Sweet Home

Just got back to Boston a few days ago and I'm already missing the warm sun, friendly smiles and gorgeous beaches of Rio. Ah well, it had to come to an end eventually.

All in all, GLAB was truly an amazing experience and definitely the highlight of my time here at Sloan. As I look back and reflect on what my team and I were able to accomplish, I feel pretty proud.

Wedding in Chennai

This weekend I got to see two of my favorite people get married in Chennai, India! 

Finally!

For the first two weeks we were in Singapore all we did was work and leave for the weekend, once to Bintan Island, Indonesia and once to Bali. Obviously both trips were great, relaxing and we returned to Singapore refreshed and ready to start the week but we were all anxious to explore Singapore a little bit. Well, this week and weekend we finally got a chance to explore Singapore.

When the ice is cracking… in Rio

The last week is starting. After a horrid weekend with lots of storms, we are ready to engage in the final round of this project. But as the time becomes dare to us, the cultural differences become more apparent, at work and around our team.

Merlions and Tigers and Bears! Oh my!

We spent the past weekend exploring Singapore, completing the essential bucket list items. Top of my list was a journey to Sentosa island, where we learned about the mythical Merlion - Singapore's mascot - and enjoyed views of Singapore from the top of the 10 story Merlion statue.

Beyond the Central (office)

We finally left our office, The Central, and made it out and about in Singapore this weekend! We enjoyed chili crab at Jumbo Seafood, drinks and dancing at Ku De Ta (on top of Marina Bay Sands), shopping on Orchard Road and at Bugis, amazing brunch amongst yachts at Pulau Keppel (a small island near Sentosa), exploring Sentosa Island, and the night safari at the zoo! We really packed a lot in! 

Chinese New Year & Good Spirits

Last week marked the Chinese New Year. Belated Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Since the Chinese population composes one of the main segments of the population, the Chinese New Year celebrations lasted for most of the week. Businesses shuttered their fronts, factories shut down, and businesses closed their doors. This meant we had the opportunity to use that time to explore the region, country, and its people.