The solo around the world yacht race and other sailing related items.
Porto and Portugal
A month ago Darlene received a call asking if I was interested in doing a keynote in Portugal. Portugal has been one of our favorite countries in Europe, so obviously I was most interested. The invitation was to speak at EGP, the MBA business school of the University of Porto.
The challenge EGP was grappling with was the internationalization of not only the school, but Portugal as well. They wanted a speaker that could address the spirit of change, seeking the theme, navigating in changing seas. They wanted someone who could address global issues, embracing their history of the past as Navigators and explorers on the voyages of discovery, and someone who could give them a road map of leadership.
Hence Darlene and I were on a plane to Porto. My life story paralleled what EGP was trying to achieve. The MBA program had produced some of Portugal’s finest leaders including Belmiro de Azevedo, the head of Sonae, Portugal’s largest corporation. Our briefing came from Professor Daniel Bessa, the Dean of the school of business and the former Minister of Finance for the country. In our discussions he learned that I was an entrepreneur and wanted me to address this in the journey along with the attitudes of success. His order book for the expectations for my keynote was extensive. Following my keynote would be a panel discussion with some of the brightest brains of the country to discuss the integration of my themes. This was most exciting.
Prof. Daniel Bessa, myself and Angelo Pauperio, CEO of Sanae
In Porto was a tremendous team to support our endeavors. Five or six television stations showed up as I was speaking, four newspaper reporters, one magazine and one radio network covered my comments. Not only did I tell my story, but in the customizing of the keynote I warned the Portuguese not to follow the American / Ango-Saxon work culture, instead to embrace their past history and pace that is much more relaxed and taking time off to reflect. I challenged the country to find ways of reducing the bureaucracy that so many leaders are frustrated by, and to prepare for more turbulent waters as the US mortgage crises plays out. In the US we will face higher inflation due to the monetary policies that are being implemented by the Federal Reserve Bank that will continue to sacrifice the US dollar currency which keeps reaching new all time lows against the Euro.
The response was spectacular, particularly during the discussion period. Belmiro accepted an award on behalf of his son, Pedro, and in his acceptance remarks, congratulated me on my accomplishments.