gustavson school of business Magazine spring/summer 2013

World Ready MGB program reaches new heights

DEYA celebrates a milestone Notes from Afghanistan Lili Xu talks MGB

PM40065475 Contents Features Business Savvy MGB grad Lili Xu’s successes, from finance in 14 Hong Kong to pageant runways in Alberta. The Year of Living Daringly Master of Business Program wins prestigious 18 national honour. 13 A Canadian MBA in Afghanistan UVic grad Toni Bri Edmonds develops a pay 22 system for the Afghan National Army. Spotlights 9 Seizing Opportunities BCom graduate George Fu parlays his way to success. 11 Reinventing the Workspace 14 Joanne Macdonald goes global from her home office. 12 Making Business Magic Brandt Louie named 10th DEYA recipient. 13 Thought Leaders DEYA recognizes those making a difference. 17 The Right Fit BCom grad Kendall Barber finds startup success . 24 On the Case BCom students compete in the RBC Internal Case Competition. 25 View From the Podium Zac White’s take on the RBC Internal Case Competition. 29 Making the Grade Greenshifters place second with prize-fetching business idea. Departments 5 Message from the Dean The depth and breadth of Gustavson School of Business. 6 Biz Bites 30 new Advisory Boards and Gustavson is re-accredited. 10 Giving Back Goldcorp Inc. makes a generous donation. 21 Faculty Research Dr. Wade Danis researches foreign multinationals. 26 Class Notes Fresh starts, promotions and new enterprises. 30 The World Looks Different Youth and the future of emerging markets in Bangalore. 31 View from Exchange BCom Laura Cowin captures laundry day in India.

On the cover: Lili Xu Photo by J.A. Rueda Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 3 GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF Business Alumni Magazine | University of Victoria Message from the Dean spring/summer 2013 Witnessing the depth and breadth

Business Class is published biannually for: Peter B. Gustavson School of Business of our organization University of Victoria 3800 Finnerty Road Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada In a few short weeks it will be one year since

Phone: 250-721-6630 I began my term as Dean of Gustavson. Over the past Website: www.uvic.ca/gustavson year, I have had the pleasure of meeting with alumni, students, the business community and academic partners. EDITOR Krista Boehnert Managing EDITOR Natalie Bruckner-Menchelli As someone who saw the strengths of the school as a ART DIRECTOR Scott Laurie professor, it is even more energizing as Dean to see the assistant EDITOR Day Helesic depth and breadth of our organization, and to receive Contributors Sue Bengtson, Krista Boehnert, the positive feedback as I share our story with the Brad Buie, Sam Coll, Toni Bri Edmonds, Rachel Goldsworthy, Daniel McCombe, Angelica Pass, Shannon Perdigao, larger community. With the growth of the school and Greg Pratt, Nicole Rutherford, Isha Thompson, Zac White, the increasing complexity of our operations, we remain Shari Wierenga Editorial Board Dale Beckman, Krista Boehnert, committed to delivering the excellence in service and Moira Dann, Pat Elemans, Gwen Page programs that our stakeholders have become accustomed production/studio manager Kristina Borys to receiving. I am very happy to share some of our recent assistant studio manager Mandy Lau achievements with you. director of PRODUCTION Kim McLane production coordinator Laura Dochtermann We were recently re-accredited by the European ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Allison Griffioen, Foundation for Management Development for meeting Chris Sherwood the EQUIS standards. While we were very pleased to be re-accredited, we were doubly Electronic imaging Debbie Lynn Craig, Mandy Lau, Laura Michaels proud that we were awarded a five-year re-accreditation. Gustavson has been EQUIS accredited since 2006; however, this year marks the first time we have received a five- For advertising please contact Rebecca Legge at 604-299-7311 or [email protected] year, rather than a three-year, accreditation term. This is a wonderful honour for us as there are 142 business schools worldwide that are EQUIS accredited, but only 63 that have a five-year accreditation; now we count amongst them! Our Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation (CSSI) received a $500,000 donation from Vancouver-based resource firm Goldcorp Inc. The donation will support the efforts of the centre to advance both academic research and classroom curricula in

Canada Wide Media Limited the areas of social responsibility and sustainability. The generous funding provided 4th Floor, 4180 Lougheed Highway, by Goldcorp will allow us to continue and grow. We are very thankful for their support. Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6A7 Phone: 604-299-7311 The Gustavson International Advisory Board met for the first time early this year. Fax: 604-299-9188 Helmed by executive-in-residence Matt Hall, the board is composed of a dynamic Email: [email protected] group of business people from around the world. They are key advisers to the School, Chairman & CEO Peter Legge, o.b.c., lld (hon.) who will assist us in achieving our strategic goals by offering their insights and President Gary Davies senior Vice President/Editorial expertise on projects we are pursuing. & Custom Publishing Kathleen Freimond This edition of Business Class also marks a first—the first time we have had a Master Vice President finance Farnaz Riahi Vice President sales Karen Hounjet of Global Business (MGB) graduate on the cover, Lili Xu (page 14). The MGB program Vice President speciality sales Rebecca Legge at the Sardul S. Gill Graduate School is continuing to grow and flourish, and in this issue we give you a snapshot of the program. From the story of its inception (page 18) Business Class is the alumni publication of the University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business. Your comments are welcome. to chatting with current students (page 19) to learning about how you can hire MGB Please write to us: University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 www.uvic.ca/gustavson Tel: 250-721-6630 interns (page 8), you’ll become better acquainted with our award-winning program. Fax: 250 721-6613 It has been a wonderful first year, and I look forward to celebrating many more Business Class magazine is published biannually by Canada Wide Media Limited for the Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria. milestones in the days to come. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The world looks different from here.

Phone: 604-299-7311. Fax: 604-299-9188. Mail: 4th Floor, 4180 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby, BC V5C 6A7. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No.40065475.

Dr. Saul Klein Dean & Lansdowne Professor of International Business [email protected]

Photo: Nik West Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 5 biz bites biz bites

Front Row: Sue Bengtson (Gustavson), Jeffrey Harris, MBA ‘95 (USA), Sage Baker (Canada), Mark Colgate (Gustavson), Allan Gilchrist (Canada), Bjorn Moller (Canada), Blair Hagkull (Canada), Pat Elemans (Gustavson), Kenzie Kwong (Hong Kong)

Back Row: Ali Dastmalchian (Gustavson), Matt Hall, Chair (Canada), Peter Kibiuk (Canada), Fred Speckeen (Canada), A. R. Elangovan (Gustavson), Saul Klein (Gustavson)

Not pictured: John Jarvis (U.K.), Mansour Javidan (USA), Narasimhan (Nara) Narayanan (Singapore), Jawahar Vadivelu (India)

You talked, We listened UVic Honours This past winter we conducted our first ever readership survey. Thank you to readers who participated! We’ve tried Elangovan to incorporate some of your feedback in this issue, including more stories about UVic has appointed Dr. A. R. (Elango) Elangovan, as a students and longer articles, and we plan to University of Victoria Distinguished Professor—the highest address more of your ideas in our fall issue. academic honour UVic can bestow on a faculty member. International Advisory Board The designation was created to highlight the remarkable But in order to respond to the one achievement by a faculty member in both teaching and comment almost every respondent had, scholarly research. we need your help! The majority of you Fellow faculty member and student comments are taken read Business Class for the Class Notes Members Unveiled into consideration when assessing the teaching abilities of section at the back of the magazine. This distinguished professors. Research must be recognized in the is where you get quick updates on what By Sue Bengtson international academic community as being of exceptionally is happening in the lives of your former high calibre. classmates. Are they getting married? In February the inaugural meeting of the Peter B. Gustavson combined experience and expertise will be invaluable as the “Elango fits this description Starting a family? Have they landed that School of Business’ International Advisory Board (IAB) school navigates the challenges ahead. perfectly,” says Dean Saul dream job? was held in Victoria. In order to serve the needs of the Klein. “This latest accolade Business School more closely, the original Board of Advisers BC: How did you become involved with the school? is a wonderful tribute to the Please consider helping us to build this was disbanded and two separate, but complementary MH: My father, Robin Hall (president and CEO of Bristol extraordinary contributions section by sending us your life updates: Advisory Boards were created—the International Advisory Myers) was on the original Board of Advisers in the 1990s he has made to UVic.” • Bio/Update: 150 words max. Board (IAB), with an international focus, and the Gustavson and he introduced me to Ali Dastmalchian. I was running the Elango will receive • High Res. Digital image: 300 dpi or Associates, with a provincial and local focus. The role of the Western Canada division of Nestlé in Calgary and we took on the honour at the fall 1MB or higher (optional) IAB will be to help Gustavson achieve the goal of raising the some UVic business co-op students. My involvement grew after convocation in November • Fall Deadline: Sept. 1 school’s international profile. moving back to Vancouver and meeting with Pat Elemans and 2013, and will give a lecture • Send to: [email protected] Matthew Hall is the chair of the IAB and is joined by 13 other Ali in 2010. highlighting his research board members from six different countries. Allan Gilchrist, as as part of the University’s A surprising result from the survey was chair of the Gustavson Associates, represents the group on the BC: Why did you agree to chair the IAB? Distinguished Lecture Series. that many of you weren’t interested IAB. Prior to joining Gustavson as an executive-in-residence, MH: The school has amazing potential and I like the fact that He will also participate in reading the magazine on your Hall was managing director and CEO of the food, coffee and it is rooted in future trends—entrepreneurship, sustainability with fellow distinguished smartphones or tablets. Do you agree? beverages division of Nestlé UK and remains an associate and international business. It offers leading-edge teaching professors on an advisory Tweet @GustavsonUVic or email businfo@ with GoodBrand, an international sustainability and social combined with an emphasis on experiential learning that council, where he will offer uvic.ca and let us know. We’re currently responsibility consultancy firm focused on creating shared prepares the graduates to be “world ready” from the get-go. advice to the university on assessing our paper and digital options for value for the food and beverage industry. Hall recently sat My international business experience combined with my ways in which teaching future issues. down with us to chat about his role on the new board. strong understanding of the Canadian market is ideal in and research can be further ervices; i S tock ervices helping the school reach its potential. I’m a French speaker integrated and enriched. Congrats to Elizabeth, BCom ’99, winner

BC: How did the first meeting go? who has worked in Switzerland, the USA and U.K., as well as S hoto UVic has bestowed this honour on only 12 faculty members of our survey response prize of a $200 hoto S hoto ic P ic P MH: Very well. This is a great group of business professionals across many of the Canadian provinces. since the creation of the designation in 2002. Recipients are gift certificate to a retailer of her choice. and they were well prepared. They asked really searching I like to make an impact and I live and breathe to make things chosen by the VP Academic Provost, the VP Research and a hoto: UV hoto: UV hotos:

P questions and shared the enthusiasm for the school. The happen. I want to help bring the school to the position it deserves. P faculty member who has already been bestowed the title.

6 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 7 biz bites spotlight

based on endorsement by EQUIS or AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Accreditation We Did It! by EQUIS is vital to arranging agreements with international partners, particularly in Europe. Gustavson awarded Gustavson was first accredited by EQUIS in 2006. Additionally, the school was accredited by AACSB Seizing Opportunities EQUIS re-accreditation International in 2010 and has been an active participant in the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management BCom graduate George Fu parlays his way to success By Shari Wierenga and Shannon Perdigao Education (PRME) standards since 2009. A five year re-accreditation is significant as only 142 By Krista Boehnert Gustavson School of Business has once again received business schools in 39 countries have EQUIS accreditation worldwide recognition. The school is proud to have been (10 in Canada), and only 45 per cent of these have five-year George Fu is one exam away from one-day recruitment session in Calgary, specialist for Hydro One, Fu was the awarded a five-year re-accreditation by the European accreditations. Less than one per cent of business schools finishing his BCom degree. He’s excited where he was asked to present a business first reader of all contracts coming in to Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) through its in the world are accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB—and about this milestone and his enthusiasm case analysis. While Fu’s diligent Hydro One. “The first couple of weeks European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). Gustavson School is proud to be one of them. is contagious. interview preparation was all it took to it was really hard. Even in Chinese I The EQUIS process involves a rigorous self-assessment and An international student from secure his first post-grad job, it was the wouldn’t necessarily know what all the peer review visit from academics and business professionals Guangzhou, China, Fu is taking part in last step in a series of challenges he set jargon meant, but it’s in English. So I around the globe. Over 75 Gustavson faculty members, staff, the school’s dual degree program. He for himself to pursue his dream. studied, summarized all the terms and students, alumni and community representatives directly began his academic career at his home In an effort to push outside his own memorized them.” participated in the process over the past year. university of Sun Yat Sen where he comfort zone, Fu also joined the JDC While at Mark’s Work Wearhouse Accreditation is highly regarded in the business school studied for two years before moving to West 2012 team. The annual business managing a supply chain database, Fu world. “We are delighted to have received a five-year EQUIS Victoria to complete his degrees. case competition offered Fu the chance compiled and analyzed data. This gave re-accreditation,” says Gustavson Dean, Dr. Saul Klein. “It to compete against business him the chance to practise his strategic provides strong external recognition for the great work that students across the country. thinking. Fu says that he thrives on a we do at the Gustavson School. It also firmly positions us Fu was the only international balance of analysis and communication. among the top business schools in the world.” student on Gustavson’s “You can be a really good presenter EQUIS principles focus on internationalization and roster to participate with the but without knowing anything about corporate connection, while maintaining high ideals for international business team. business, it’s useless,” Fu explains. “Being program quality and research output. Accreditation is Fu encourages his fellow purely analytical is also useless because essential for enhancing our reputation. Students and international students to you can’t elaborate on your findings. prospective faculty members are selecting Gustavson capitalize on all the opportunities You have to get a thorough business made available to them. “Don’t be understanding and then take the internal shy. Be more active, get involved knowledge and understanding you know George Fu and take yourself outside of your you have, and communicate it to others.” comfort zone.” Fu is looking forward to starting As with many international students, Fu’s two co-op work terms helped to his career and reflects on his time at there was the language barrier issue. further enhance his skills. Spending Gustavson. “Two years ago I was a Oh the places MGBs go! “People have different personalities eight months at Toronto’s Hydro One, the Chinese student who knew nothing in their second language. The second largest electricity provider in Ontario, about Canada or Western culture; my language kills it to some extent, you can’t and four months at Calgary’s Mark’s English wasn’t good. Gustavson was a MGB STUDENTS GO GLOBAL Hire an MGB Intern show your full personality, because you Work Wearhouse apparel company, steep learning curve, but the university Do you have a defined project of eight to 16 weeks? can’t explain yourself. It’s a challenge gave him the chance to try out different gives you the resources and the room to of our interns did their internships in Europe (Germany, 29% Does your company strive to connect the world and work in the that you have to deal with,” he explains. potential jobs to see what might be a progress. I still have a long journey to go, Austria, U.K. and the Netherlands) regions of Europe, Asia and North America? As a student in China, Fu co-founded good fit. Although both were supply in terms of my personal goals for working 29% of our interns completed their internships in Asia (Hong Are you looking for an intern who can bring a global perspective, the Toastmasters speaking club at his chain positions, they couldn’t have been in international business, but UVic Kong, China and Qatar) language skills and significantly contribute to your business? university. “I practised a lot, but language more different. As a commercial contract helped me a lot on the way.” BC was still a barrier. And then I came here of our interns completed their internships in North Ready to “test drive” a possible future employee with an internship 42% and practised for two years. It definitely America (Canada and USA) at the end of their program? helped me with the job interview Fast Facts ➔ Dual Degree Programs By the Numbers 63% of interns were offered permanent positions after All interns complete a comprehensive, award-winning internship process,” he adds. And the interview 2007: Dual degree agreements begin 2+2: Students study for 2 years at their home institution and 2 years at UVic completion of the program preparation course, take language courses (Mandarin, German, process has gone well for Fu. Even before 76: Number of students that have participated in the program since it started French) and are fully prepared to work in a multicultural, global he’s inked that last exam, he’s secured a 5 dual degree university partners: University of International Business and Economics sample internship companies: u financial analyst position with Shell in environment in the fields of international marketing, global strategy, (Beijing), Beijing University (Beijing), Lingnan (University) College (Guangzhou), International 1. Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong logistics, supply chain management, financial management, global Calgary where he will be starting in July. eorge F eorge Business School (Zhuhai) and East China Normal University (Shanghai). 2. Vantage Communications – San Francisco leadership and consulting. Fu couldn’t be more happy and is thankful that UVic gave him such a Our longstanding relationship with our partner institutions helps make our school a 3. Optimum Media Direction (OMD) – London truly international experience. Our students travel to these institutions on exchange, and 4. Adidas – Germany If you would like to hire an intern, contact Marguerite Casey-Wolnicki, varied skill set. The interview with Shell we welcome our partner schools’ students into our UVic classrooms for a multicultural hoto courtesyhoto G 5. Prime Lands Real Estate Development LLC – Qatar Internship Coordinator at [email protected], 250.853.3202 BC P was a multi-step process including a learning environment.

8 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 9 giving back spotlight

Game Changer Donation Reinventing the Workspace Breakdown Goldcorp Inc. makes a generous The funds from Goldcorp Joanne Macdonald goes global from her home office will be used to: donation to the Centre for Social by Nicole Rutherford ››Fund faculty research directed and Sustainable Innovation at improving sustainability and Joanne Macdonald balances many corporate social responsibility; diverse roles. She is a worldwide ››Support costs of visiting experts by Angelica Pass marketing manager for IBM, a mother of (business and academic) to two, a half-marathon runner, a parent- conduct lectures for students On February 19, 2013, Vancouver-based to become agents of change and role council co-chair and the author of a blog on sustainability and corporate gold producer Goldcorp Inc. announced models for adopting sustainable and on multi-tasking through motherhood. social responsibility; its donation of $500,000 to support responsible approaches to business, Macdonald is a UVic graduate, having ››Bring in visiting scholars the Centre for Social and Sustainable including minimizing impact on the earned a bachelor of arts degree in and post-doctoral fellows to Innovation (CSSI) housed within the global environment, transparent and geography and environmental studies in support curriculum and Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. consultative decision-making and 1992, and her masters of business from research development in the “Goldcorp is committed to making a responsible stakeholder relations. the Gustavson School of Business in 1999. areas of sustainability and positive difference in the communities The Goldcorp donation will allow the She has worked in sales and marketing corporate social responsibility; where we are located,” says Chuck CSSI, which has already launched several for environmental monitoring ››Support teaching seminars and Jeannes, president and CEO of Goldcorp. research and education initiatives with technology company AXYS Technologies research in sustainability and “Our investment in the CSSI aligns with a small annual budget, to significantly and in marketing and public relations corporate responsibility; our commitment to operate sustainably, increase activities and opportunities for ACD Systems, a Victoria-based digital ››Support research and knowledge imaging software company. Macdonald Joanne Macdonald says working from mobilization of the best practices home has reinvented the workspace. was then hired as manager of marketing in sustainability and corporate and communications for PureEdge responsibility; Systems where she managed public employee commute and office buildings. brand—an aggregation of its mobile ››Support faculty and students relations, analyst relations and a wide This trend has reinvented the workspace capabilities across the company. to participate in networks of range of marketing deliverables until the and the idea of the working mom. “People In tandem with this fast-paced career, organizations and individuals company was acquired by IBM in 2005. have preconceived notions about moms Macdonald also plays a very active role sharing similar goals and “Victoria is quite a hive of technology, working from home,” says Macdonald. in the lives of her two young daughters interests, such as conferences and there are a lot of small- to medium- “People think that you’re just working off and is co-chair of the school’s parent and student research summits. sized companies here,” says Macdonald, of the kitchen counter.” But Macdonald’s council. In addition, Macdonald recently “but it was quite a transition going from days are packed, often starting at 5 a.m. in launched a new blog, themomcape.com, one of the smaller companies to one of her home office to accommodate meetings to cultivate a sense of community scholarship,” says Dr. Saul Klein, dean the biggest companies in the world.” in Eastern time zones and consisting of as between mothers: working, not working, of the Gustavson School of Business. Macdonald took on a role among many as 20 back-to-back conference calls single or otherwise. “There can be The funds will support the more than 400,000 other employees at a day. “Some days I have to plan ahead some competition between mothers, Helping develop the field of social and sustainable innovation: (left to right) implementation of the school’s IBM and eight years later manages a and bring some snacks down with me unfortunately,” Macdonald admits, “but David Turpin, Brent Bergeron, Monika Winn, Chuck Jeannes and Saul Klein. commitment to sustainability and social global marketing team that is focused because I won’t have time to dash upstairs for me it seems there’s a big opportunity responsibility through the education of on promoting IBM’s mobile offerings, to eat,” she laughs. “I don’t have time to go to support each other.” act responsibly and grow educational for both students and faculty. Providing its students, as well as deepen support for leading peers from all over the U.S., watch Oprah!” She hopes that the website will be a opportunities for young people. We are funding for two years to support research in this area. Furthermore, the Europe, India and Brazil. Macdonald While these teleconferences are highly platform for moms to offer tips and stories, pleased that the Gustavson School is the operations and work of the CSSI, number of employee hours spent in the and her team are responsible for product productive, Macdonald admits that as well as be a space where mothers can integrating social responsibility and this gift will contribute to research review and improvement of the school’s marketing and go-to-market functions certain projects require face-to-face gain a sense of self-acceptance with the sustainability into academic content and scholarship programs with the internal operations will increase. that see the team delivering content to interactions. She travels three or four “mom cape” they wear. and research agendas, and believe goal of developing best business and “We’re grateful that Goldcorp saw the large corporate events around the world. times a year to accommodate this. Most “‘Super-mom’ is a common term, but it’s ongoing strides in this growing field will organizational practices in sustainability potential in the research capabilities of Macdonald is also one of 128,000 other recently Macdonald travelled to the counter to what I want to get across. No continue to yield encouraging results.” and corporate social responsibility. CSSI,” says UVic president David Turpin. IBM employees who follow the growing Mobile World Congress 2013 conference mom is more super than another mom. Founded in 2011, the CSSI helps “This donation is important support for “The centre and the Gustavson School trend of working from a home office— in Barcelona to run a half-day session Here I am challenging moms to own their

ervices establish the School of Business as an the centre, which has already helped us of Business are helping today’s students something that has developed over the on the importance of building a mobile cape, whatever it may look like, and feel educational and academic leader in the examine our own practices and connected and tomorrow’s business leaders learn years to accommodate the geographical strategy. Her team also ran a series of strong and be proud of it,” says Macdonald. hoto S hoto

ic P developing field of social and sustainable Gustavson students, faculty and staff—as to think in new ways about addressing distance between international teams, as hands-on demonstrations highlighting Macdonald invites multi-tasking moms icole R utherford innovation. The centre’s activities assist well as the entire UVic campus—with complex problems in the changing world well as to shrink companies’ ecological IBM’s newest mobile technology, and out there to join the conversation on her hoto: UV hoto: N hoto:

P students and the wider community sustainable business expertise and of business.” BC P footprints by limiting the need for the unveiled the new IBM MobileFirst blog themomcape.com. BC

10 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 11 spotlight spotlight

DEYA 2013 recipient Brandt C. Louie, O.B.C., LL.D, F.C.A. Thought Leaders DEYA recognizes those making a entrepreneurial spirit are catalysts that drive the ongoing success of the H.Y. difference in the business community Louie group of companies. He has a passionate belief in customer service, By Angelica Pass fairness in all employee and vendor- partner relationships, and actively The Distinguished Entrepreneur of encourages creativity and innovation. the Year (DEYA) award was established Under his leadership, the group of in 2004 to honour inspirational companies has grown and become more entrepreneurs who have made a significant diverse, and now includes the charter impact on the global community through airline LAS and Sonora Resort, a Relais their business leadership. and Chateau award-winning resort and In 2003, Ali Dastmalchian, then dean conference centre. of the School of Business, was looking The H.Y. Louie group of companies for a way to increase the profile of the is also a leader in corporate and civic school in the community. sustainability, reflecting Louie’s core He teamed up with faculty board Making value of serving his industry, his members David Schneider and Peter community and his country. London Gustavson to organize the first DEYA. Drugs retail chain, for example, is an They selected Jeff Mallett, former industry leader in diverting recyclables president and COO of Yahoo!, as the Business from landfills. Offering in-store inaugural recipient for his inspirational recycling to customers, in addition to leadership with the company. its company recycling program, the Mallett was one of the founding Magic company diverts 18,000 kilograms of management team members and helped At the annual Distinguished plastic on a monthly basis. In lead the fledging company to become an Entrepreneur Gala, award 2011, over 218,000 kilograms international sensation. Yahoo’s search recipients are treated to an of plastic was diverted from engine fundamentally changed the way evening of celebrating their Brandt Louie named 10th Distinguished landfills. In addition to this, people use the Internet. achievements. Drawing four million kilograms of paper Since its inception, DEYA has come to inspiration from the honourees, Entrepreneur of the Year recipient the venue was decorated to waste is recycled annually by the be recognized as the leading business reflect the interests and successes company and by December 2015 event on Vancouver Island. The of the recipients. (Above) Gala Brandt Louie, chairman and CEO of adhering to core values,” says Peter B. all stores will have a 95 per cent waste DEYA gala celebrates entrepreneurial decor for Thrifty Foods co-founder H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd. and chairman of Gustavson, founder and chair of the diversion rate in order to operate as achievement and motivates and inspires Alex Campbell Sr.; (below) Mitel the board of London Drugs, was named DEYA committee. sustainably and responsibly as possible. business leaders of today and tomorrow. chair and Wesley Clover chair and founder, Sir Terence Matthews’ the Gustavson School of Business “No other company in Canada has Louie leads an active life of service DEYA is held annually at the Victoria Gala decor and DEYA award. Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year reached the age of 100 and remains in in addition to his work with H.Y. Louie Conference Centre. The event has now for 2013. the hands of the same family. Brandt and London Drugs. He is a director, grown to include approximately 600 Louie grew up in Vancouver in an has succeeded in carrying on the Royal Bank of Canada; chair, Grosvenor guests. 2013 marks the tenth anniversary entrepreneurial family that is still family tradition,” says Dr. Saul Klein, Americas; national trustee, Brain of the DEYA event. influenced by his grandfather, Hok dean of the business school. “Brandt is Canada; director, Food Marketing This year’s recipient is Brandt Louie, Yat Louie. In 1972, Louie started his an excellent role model—his family’s Institute; director, Gairdner Foundation; chairman and CEO of HY Louie Ltd. career with H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd. under business has succeeded for three director, Duke Heart Center; member, Previous recipients include Jeff Mallett the guidance of his father, Tong Louie, generations and is moving to the fourth Board of Visitors, Duke University (2004), David Ritchie of Ritchie Bros. and rose through the company ranks [generation], something few family Medical Center, and member of the Auctioneers (2005), Gwyn Morgan before being named president in 1987. businesses do successfully.” Dean’s Council, John F. Kennedy School of EnCana Corp. (2006), David Black He became chairman and CEO of London Louie earned his Bachelor of Commerce of Government. of Black Press Group Ltd. (2007), Drugs in 1998. degree from the University of British Louie’s vision and entrepreneurial Clive Beddoe of WestJet Airlines Ltd.

“Brandt Louie has carried on the Columbia in 1966 and his designation accomplishments have had an enormous ervices (2008), Terence Matthews of Wesley entrepreneurial spirit of his father and as a chartered accountant in 1969. He impact on British Columbia and Western Clover (2009), Alex Campbell Sr. of hoto S hoto

grandfather. He believes in treating was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Canada. The Gustavson School of Business ic P Thrifty Foods (2010), JR Shaw of Shaw employees like family, providing Chartered Accountants of B.C. in 1997. is proud to honour him as our tenth Communications (2011) and Chip Wilson hoto courtesyhoto Brandt Louie U V hoto:

P exceptional customer service and Louie’s business philosophy and Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year. BC P of lululemon athletica (2012). BC

12 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Standing Tall: Lili Xu eyes a future in the fashion industry after her term as Miss Calgary Business is complete. Savvy From finance in Hong Kong to pageant runways in Alberta, Master of Global Business graduate Lili Xu does it all

By Greg Pratt

he most interesting thing about MGB ’12 grad and CMA candidate Lili Xu isn’t that she sold items on a Moscow-bound train when she was four; it’s not that she has business experience in Mexico, Lithuania, the Ukraine, Russia, Poland, China, Estonia and Sweden; it’s not even that she’s a Miss Universe Canada contestant. TThe most interesting thing about Xu is that she has a certificate in elephant training! “I learned how to ride an elephant, how to wash it and how to come down the trunk,” laughs Xu, when we meet over coffee during a visit to Victoria. “It was just fun. I love animals so, for me, that was a cool thing to do.” This breezy, laid-back attitude sums up what Xu is like in person, but don’t let it fool you—she’s all business when it’s time to get serious. This is a trait she learned early on, when she was selling random goods—especially video games—on the train to Russia. “It was quite an interesting journey,” says Xu, who recently moved to Calgary from Hong Kong. “At the time there was, and maybe there still is, a train from Beijing to Moscow. It takes seven days, so we’d go there, load up with stuff, and on the way to Moscow, we’d be selling it. There was still communism [in Russia] then, and there really was a scarcity of goods so it was easy. At every stop, we’d be selling through the windows. Now it’s the opposite: people try to sell to you at the station.” Xu and her family first moved to Estonia, and then to Lithuania where they opened up shops selling goods from China. This mixture of globe-trotting and entrepreneurship set the tone for where she would end up today. “It was a business world at home,” says Xu. “During dinner conversations we’d be talking about issues at the retail stores. During the holidays I’d go with my mom on her purchasing trips, to meetings, to markets to find goods. It was interesting. It was definitely different.” A . Rueda J. Photo:

Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 15 spotlight

When asked if she feels that she missed out as a child (while The MGB program combines study with practical, hands-on other kids were off playing, she was working in her parents’ learning in a way that worked well for Xu. “It’s not as research- store), she answers diplomatically. “I think there are two sides based as many programs are, and the fact that you travel around to it,” she explains. “If my friends wanted to hang out with me, the world with your class, that’s a really amazing experience,” they worked for our stores. So it was still okay, we could still she says. “I think we went to 13 countries in nine months.” The Right Fit hang out and it would benefit my parents too.” And it goes both ways: UVic thinks Xu was the perfect fit for When Xu was five, she translated Russian for her mother. By the program. “Lili epitomizes the ideal graduate from our MGB the time she was a teenager, she had management experience program,” says Saul Klein, dean and lansdowne professor of BCom grad Kendall Barber finds startup success with under her belt. “I remember when I was 12 we’d go on ships international business at the Gustavson School of Business. Poppy Barley, a made-to-measure boot design company around Estonia and spread the word about the wholesale “She brings a truly global mindset and it was a pleasure to centre in Tallinn. That was my introduction to marketing. I have her in the classroom. She is insightful, self-assured and by Isha Thompson was doing marketing from 14, and I was doing purchasing all articulate, and has great interpersonal skills.” by myself when I was 17 for more than 30 stores in Europe. After finishing her coursework at UVic, Xu took an internship Once, a friend of mine was working in a store so I knew exactly at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and was Think of a great idea, turn it into a she has kept in touch with since later offered a job as assistant finance and operations manager. business and spend your days passionately graduating. Many of these colleagues As if all this weren’t enough to keep her busy, then there are serving that idea—it’s a task on any have been valuable resources while the beauty pageants. So far, Xu has competed in Miss Asia 2012 entrepreneur’s bucket list. Kendall Barber’s getting Poppy Barley off the ground. Lili was crowned Miss Calgary 2013 where she placed in the top six in Hong Kong, in the top 10 (BCom ’05) boot design company, Poppy Kendall is glad to have chosen the UVic and will represent in Greater China, and 10th in the world finals. Most recently Barley (poppybarley.com), is undoubtedly program—smaller class sizes allowed the city at charity and a product of this vision. However, it is only her to form these lasting relationships fundraising events. after recounting the story of how she came with her classmates. “I went to school “ I love the program. It was to design handcrafted footwear, that this wide-eyed fashionista suddenly morphs Getting one the best year of my life. ” into a seasoned executive, reminding us of step ahead with the difference between those who simply bespoke boots. draft bucket lists, and others who stomp she was crowned Miss Calgary 2013, and this spring, she will on said bucket to hoist their way to the top. compete in Miss Universe Canada. Far from being a way to Kendall Barber is in the latter category. Founders Justine and Kendall Barber. unwind, she finds this new hobby a lot of work. “The pageant The light bulb moment came shortly schedule is crazy,” she says with a laugh. “I thought it was after Kendall’s younger sister Justine going to be easy just walking down the stage, but, no, it’s a lot Barber travelled to Bali last February. such as using an eco-friendly tannery of training and practice for each event.” When a local shoe store associate and monitoring where the materials Xu adds that as Miss Calgary she hopes to represent the casually asked if she wanted to be came from. Environmental concerns have future of Calgary to the world. “I believe that I can speak on measured for a custom pair of boots always been important to the sisters, as behalf of multinational, hard-working, nature-loving and when in-store sizes didn’t fit, she was has maintaining a close connection with friendly Calgarians, and contribute to our generation.” As Miss in awe. Justine returned to Alberta and suppliers and employees in León. This is Calgary, she plans to devote her time to fundraising work for shared her experience with Kendall, what pushes them to make frequent trips SOS Children’s Villages and Mercy Ships charities, as well as and they began to investigate whether south, instead of relying only on email speaking engagements at local schools. custom-made footwear was something and Skype. When asked if her business background comes in handy Canadian shoppers might appreciate. Named after poppy seeds and what was selling well in that store and what was not selling during pageants, Xu says that it depends on where the event is After combing through survey results barleycorns, the original elements used to Handmade by well in another store. Just by bringing [items] from one store to being held. “In Asia, the amount that having a masters and a and focus group data, Kendall and make made-to-measure footwear, Poppy skilled crafts people. another, because of the different markets, we doubled the sales business background adds to the whole package is not as great, Justine found that over 60 per cent Barley launched in November 2012. With of that store.” but I think in Canada they value brains, wisdom and answers, of women struggle to find boots that prices starting from $450, the company Xu’s next stop was Canada, which brought her one step so I think it’ll come into play.” fit properly. They also learned that a strives to supply handmade boots that closer to UVic. First, however, she completed a bachelor of Xu says that being in pageants is something new and large number of shoe manufacturers fit perfectly and are built to last, while business administration at the University of New Brunswick challenging for her, which is partly why she likes it so much. that supply the U.S. are based in León, providing exceptional customer service. (majoring in economics and concentrated in finance), studied “It’s definitely a different experience. I really love it because it Mexico. The sisters decided it was Poppy Barley has been open for with some amazing people who have international business at the Norwegian School of Economics puts me on the edge of my confidence level, and then you get time for some first-hand research. “We less than a year and Kendall says the gone on to be incredibly successful and business administration in Bergen, then landed a summer comfortable with that. You feel how you are growing.” ultimately made the decision to buy experience has been a whirlwind. That entrepreneurs,” she says. internship in Washington, D.C. “It was just a great experience, And what is next for this multi-tasking grad? Xu plans to start plane tickets, go there and figure it said, she is reluctant to take credit for the Judging from the enthusiasm of Poppy because Washington is so different from anywhere else, so her own online business selling fashion apparel. She already out,” says Kendall. “We were two girls company’s initial success. “I think that Barley fans, avid followers on social political, very professional,” she says. has a great team in Hong Kong working on the project. from Canada with an idea, looking for sometimes the founders of companies media platforms and the decision to After a quick stop in Calgary where she worked in finance “It brings together a lot of things for me—my fashion sense, a partner who believed in us enough to get too much credit. I feel like there have expand the product line in the upcoming and accounting for a year at a digital signage company, she the pageants and the business experience,” she says about commit to making some samples.” been so many people that have made months, it is safe to say that Kendall enrolled at the Sardul S. Gill Graduate School and started the this foray into entrepreneurship. “It’ll be my own business, Kendall and Justine eventually formed Poppy Barley what it is today.” can now count herself as a successful Master of Global Business (MGB) program in 2011. “I love the something I’m really passionate about.” When will she be up a relationship with a manufacturer Some of Kendall’s biggest supporters entrepreneur—one who will keep

Photo: S asha Raimova Photo: program,” she says. “It was the best year of my life.” and running? “After the pageants,” she laughs. bc courtesyPhotos Kendall Barber willing to work with their requirements, have been fellow UVic business alumni checking off items on her bucket list. bc

16 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 17 The exquisite architecture of Taiwan. First-hand Experiences from MGB Students The Year of Aleasha Forbes Path One University of Victoria, Canada National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan Johannes Kepler University, Austria

What has been the biggest culture shock? Living Daringly The biggest culture shock was definitely in Taiwan. One of the biggest differences was the assault of new smells—most specifically stinky tofu at the night markets and the food-to-go Award-winning Master of Global Business program at any convenience store! What were the differences and similarities — one year, three countries and a global internship between your three study schools? expected to feel the culture shock like a bolt of lightning, Our three study schools are vastly different in almost every but it didn’t even amount to a spark. By Brad Buie way. The biggest similarity is that all the universities are full of students who are usually interested in how you ended up there What are you most homesick for? he Master of Global Business program at the Sardul John Oldale, MGB associate director, adds that the cohort and what you are doing next. Just my family. I miss being able to hug my parents and my S. Gill Graduate School received the Outstanding “is where the magic happens.” For nine months of the year, a little sister, especially when one of us is having a bad day. I Program Award from the Canadian Bureau for cohort composed of UVic, Asian and European students lives What has been your biggest challenge? really miss being able to go on walks with my mom, as that International Education (CBIE) for its innovative and studies together, making them mutually dependent on Learning Mandarin! It’s a really difficult language, and one is the best time to get advice. I also miss playing catch with Tcurriculum design. CIBE represents 200 Canadian educational each other. Camaraderie naturally evolves, which is evident where you have to try and completely erase your usual tones. my dad and wish he could have helped me practise for my institutions dedicated to international education. The when the teams deliver the final presentation. One word, when said with a certain tone, can mean something Taiwanese slow pitch career. And finally, I really miss my prestigious award represents peer recognition of our creativity One of the secrets of success is the strong relationships that are completely different when said in a different tone. It can get sister, who is also my best friend. and this high-quality graduate program. forged with the other schools. Running a program like this and really confusing! The MGB program is now in its third year and the MGB ensuring quality requires a lot more than signing a memorandum Anything else you’d like to add about your curriculum offers students a full-immersion, cross-cultural of understanding. It takes cooperation, seamless coordination How did you find your language classes? MGB experience? experience. UVic students—including both Canadian and fee- and faculty and staff who are culturally equipped. Fortunately, I guess I already let you know how difficult I think Mandarin This program has allowed me to have some of the greatest paying international students—study and work in up to four the Gustavson School of Business has is! But seriously, it’s so hard. Just when I think I have it right, as moments of my life. It will always have a huge place in countries over the course of a year: three months in Canada; built a strong foundation, both in terms soon as I try and say it to the Taiwanese I end up messing up a my heart! three months at the partner school in Asia (National Sun of partnerships and people. word and then I don’t make any sense at all. Yat-sen University in Taiwan or Sungkyunkwan University in Applications are up for Korea); three months at the partner school in Europe (Rouen the program’s fourth Have your goals changed? Jack Dashwood Business School in France or Johannes Kepler University in intake—a testimony With the world rapidly changing, I didn’t really want to give Path Two Austria); and, finally, three months at an internship in any to its popularity. myself extremely high expectations. My original hope was University of Victoria, Canada country in the world other than the student’s home country. “Growing demand for that I would be able to work for a global company. This hasn’t Rouen Business School, France Students learn the particular business context of each program entry and our MGB associate changed. Once I finish the program I will have the necessary Sungkyunkwan University, Korea director John Oldale region while progressing through modules on Global Business students’ success show is proud to receive credentials to ensure I can obtain a position I want. Fundamentals, Global Business Opportunities, Global Business us we’re on the right the CBIE Outstanding What has been the biggest culture shock? in Action and the Global Business Experience. At the same track,” says Program Award. What is your favourite moment so far? The speed at which things are conducted in France. You have time students undertake a language course in German, Dr. Ng. BC I am grateful for being accepted into this program. It has to keep your cool and hope that something is done or delivered Mandarin or French, plus a course on global leadership and changed my life for the better. I really enjoyed getting to before it’s too late! It certainly appears as if having things prepared cultural intelligence. At the end of the 12 months, students know Vancouver and Vancouver Island. I miss going to the ahead of time was frowned upon at our French university! have accumulated a vast set of skills that can be used in the night markets in Taiwan and the food. I wish I could go back corporate world. to Hong Kong and experience the hustle and bustle of a true What were the differences and similarities Dr. Ignace Ng, MGB program director and one of its international business city. I loved arriving in Austria. I’ve had between your three study schools? architects, says that the idea of the program was to create way too many amazing memories—I just wish I could live them UVic was very much the standard affair that Canadian

something that goes beyond teaching the fundamentals of orbes all again! students have come to expect—regular classes in two- to global business. “We created a program where visiting and three-hour chunks spaced evenly throughout the week and host students are interdependent, cultural skills are practiced What have you learned about yourself? taught by full-time professors. Rouen Business School seems eacock and language skills are valued. The program provides students I am terrible at karaoke! There’s nothing like the realization to prefer putting an entire 10-credit course into three days of with the opportunity to apply what is taught over the course of that your shower voice is a lie. On a serious note, I found lecturing by a guest instructor—the feeling was much more hoto: Brianhoto: L courtesyhoto A leasha F

P the program,” explains Dr. Ng. P that I am much more adaptable than I first thought. I like seminars rather than classes.

18 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 19 faculty research

What has been your biggest challenge? Have your goals changed? The most valuable lesson for me was to accept the things that I always wanted to have a “people facing” role in business cannot be changed—doing the best in the framework that you and this program has increased my enthusiasm for this. are placed in is the best way to face the challenges of learning Professor Ignace Ng has been working with us in international in another country. You aren’t going to upend an entire culture negotiations which I am finding extremely interesting as it An Anthropologist in Disguise to fit your own needs—you need to fit into that culture. combines both business and psychology. Research champion Dr. Wade Danis investigates the How did you find your language classes? What is your favourite moment so far? I am studying French, which, as a native English speaker, has Introducing my fellow MGB classmates to Seoul. I lived in business practices of foreign multinational startups been rewarding. The vocabulary comes easy, but the grammar Seoul from 2010 to 2012 and it’s such a different way of living. can be tricky at times. It was nice to be able to practise French I love seeing their reactions to the new foods, the noises, the by Sam Coll in the outside world whilst studying in Rouen. neon lights. Dr. Wade Danis is on a mission. For to understand those Jack Dashwood (far right) stands outside a 600-year-old exam plaza What have you learned about yourself? years, the Gustavson associate professor markets becomes urgent.” in South Korea with fellow classmates. I’ve learned that nobody’s assumptions are perfect and every of international business has been As more research is situation can be perceived in a different way. leading research in international conducted, opportunities business practices, exciting both for Western firms emerge, What are you most homesick for? business people and social scientists. likely facilitated by the Nothing at all! Seoul has a large foreign district that has just “I don’t necessarily see myself as concept of competitive about everything you could imagine—just last night we were just a business person,” says Danis. advantage. “Strategy is eating hot wings while watching hockey in the Canadian pub! “Sometimes I feel more like an all about establishing and anthropologist in disguise.” maintaining competitive Anything else you’d like to add about your Danis’s research explores emerging advantage,” says Danis. MGB experience? economies in countries like China, “Some firms are taking The program definitely isn’t for everyone. If you have the Russia and India. These economies notice of the success kind of personality that thrives under pressure, this program exist in the areas where politics and of emerging market definitely brings out the better person in you. BC economics meet, and must be analyzed entrepreneurs. Often they on both a social and economic level. even end up partnering “Entrepreneurs are one of the driving with firms and institutions Dr. Wade Danis forces of any economy, and we’re seeing in those markets.” entrepreneurship spring up in most of Danis is encouraged by the emerging economies worldwide,” he the resources and attitudes of Gustavson. transitional economies will respond MGB Creates Heroes says. “But where the term ‘entrepreneur’ He is committed to ensuring that to the ever-shifting demands of Jack began communicating through Google Translate. means something positive in a Western departments communicate with each international business, it is certain that The nurses were typing in their questions and it was then context, it might have a negative other. “In my role as research champion dedicated leaders like Dr. Wade Danis by Faisal ABDUL Hadi translated into English. This was such a relief. The nurses were connotation in a place like Russia, where I’m always looking to encourage more will be there to examine the results. BC Path Two able to get all the information they needed. it might be associated with corruption.” cross-disciplinary work with other University of Victoria, Canada Shortly after, I saw the specialist and we used the Emerging markets are shaped by what departments in the university.” Rouen Business School, France same method of Danis calls an “institutional context,” Danis notes that UVic’s surrounding Gustavson Leader Sungkyunkwan University, Korea communication. Jack which influences the different values resources are also a boon to his research. in Excellence Faisal Abdul Hadi stayed with me in the (far left) and fellow and practices used by organizations “I think there are others out there— The Gustavson Leader in Excellence An incident happened to me while we were in Rouen, France. hospital; he didn’t students outside the BC around the world. When it comes to in anthropology, political science, designation recognizes the highest I was living with five MGB students and one morning I awoke leave my side. This Legislature in Victoria. employee satisfaction, for example, sociology—who are doing similar research performer among faculty with a chest pain and had to call the ambulance. The pain demonstrates the level managers in California would have work in a non-business context. I think members for a given year. Starting was so severe that I had to wake up Jack Dashwood, who I of friendship people very different techniques than there are lots of opportunities for in 2012, with the inaugural recipient now call “my hero.” Jack tried calling an ambulance but the can develop during the their counterparts in Fujian, China. collaboration, and I see UVic moving Wade Danis, the School will name one emergency services thought it was a prank call, as they didn’t MGB program. Understanding contextual differences is more and more in that direction.” Gustavson Leader per year for a three- speak English. He tried calling our fellow MGB students who The experience was essential to understanding what drives Danis’s research is driven by the year cycle. As such, at any given time, were French, but they also thought it was a prank call. unforgettable. If I hadn’t markets in native economies. knowledge that he is contributing to there will be three Gustavson Leaders Eventually, the ambulance came. That’s when the fun made such good friends “Most of what we know about a global economy, where people in in the School.

aisal A bdul Hadi started! The paramedics needed information, but I couldn’t I wouldn’t be here to tell management and entrepreneurship is developing nations are afforded the same The award includes an annual speak or think in French. my story. based on developed market economies,” opportunities as entrepreneurs in more stipend and a one-course teaching After 25 minutes we were in the emergency room and The MGB program is he says. “In the past, the majority of developed countries. reduction for each of the three years they

surrounded by five nurses who were trying to find out more. a tough program that ervices multinational enterprises were based “By focusing on people as potential carry the title. The Gustavson Leader in We reached a point where we were communicating with you go through with in America, Japan or the Netherlands. entrepreneurs, we’re looking at a Excellence recognition is one of the ways hoto S hoto

sign language. At that moment I remember feeling like I was amazing people. This ic P As we see more multinationals and powerful way to lift them out of the faculty celebrates, supports and going to die, but I had to laugh at the situation and thought, makes it challenging, international entrepreneurs emerging poverty,” he says. While it may not retains its academic scholars. hotos courtesy Jack Dashwood, F courtesyhotos Jack Dashwood, UV hoto:

P “What have I got myself into with this MGB program?” yet exceptional. BC P from the developing markets, the need be possible to predict how markets in

20 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 21 One of the most important skills I learned at UVic was what I refer to as “seeing the clock pieces.” If a problem or a complex situation is the clock, then it is important to see how the pieces work within the clock, and consider their relationship to one another. Using this skill I built a pay oversight program that consisted of three levels. The first level determined if senior-level financial managers within the ANA were all on the same A Canadian page. The second level was an integrated verification system involving an extensive examination of records on file for a single unit. These records were then compared with the financial information on the hard-copy pay lists. The third level Afghanistan’s raw countryside. MBA in was a detailed verification that involved developing the ANA financial team’s capabilities to conduct single verifications. Fortunately, my program yielded many successes. An audit cell was established with hopes that the Afghan National Afghanistan Police would incorporate some of the program details. Cross- coalition relationships drastically improved. Senior leaders also recognized various pay trends in terms of how much money was attributed to paying for incentives, and the costs of an individual Afghan soldier. These successes, however, paled in comparison to the UVic grad Toni Bri Edmonds (MBA ’11) program’s strongest quality, its agility. Although the framework spends eight-and-a-half months in itself didn’t yet have performance measures, it was an organic guideline that could be used by different stakeholders to suit Afghanistan developing a pay system their needs. The most important lesson I learned in Afghanistan came for the Afghan National Army from building the audit program. I discovered that building agility into a program was often beneficial and appreciated. By Toni Bri Edmonds The people I worked with enjoyed contributing ideas and, as a result, became invested in the program. While in Afghanistan I also learned about the culture of the country. When I commanded my first convoy through the city of ravelling from Gagetown, New Brunswick to became a complicated dimension to my work—the traditional Kabul, I was obsessed with the amount of garbage I saw in the Kabul, Afghanistan is something I’ll never forget. understanding was that money was paid “in hand,” not streets. It almost seemed like Kabul had once been the garbage Every detail is ingrained in my memory, from my last delivered electronically to a bank account. dump of the Middle East. However, as I continued to travel snowy steps in Canada to my first steps in the sand in My second task was to facilitate communications between the through the city and spent time with both civilian and military Afghanistan.T I spent eight-and-a-half months in Kabul working ANA and the New Kabul Bank in regards to banking services for Afghans, I saw past the garbage to discover Afghanistan’s rich with a multinational military organization called NATO the army. I continuously dealt with questions from ANA soldiers Toni Bri Edmonds in full uniform. cultural traditions and the qualities of its people. Training Mission Afghanistan (NTM-A)/Combined Security who had not been paid. In many cases, the bank had either run In Kabul I recognized the importance of relationships. I once Training Mission Afghanistan (CSTC-A), in the finance unit out of cash, or the cash run was stuck due to security problems. Toni Bri Edmonds reflects watched a large, intimidating and armed Afghan policeman CJ8. In layman’s terms, I worked in the pay department of the It was a diverse and fascinating job, involving not only on her time in Kabul. leave his post to embrace an elderly gentlemen walking down Afghan National Army (ANA). military ANA members, but also the civilian sector Afghans the street. I realized that when people have nothing and share There are common misconceptions in Afghanistan about in Kabul who worked for the New Kabul Bank, as well as everything, it is relationships that have the most value. This how Afghan soldiers are paid. Many coalition personnel, and Afghans from the Ministry of Finance. During my first month was even more evident in children. Also in Kabul I watched a sometimes even the ANA themselves, believe that there is an in the country, for example, I coordinated the move of two group of boys between the ages of eight and 12 play in a dusty individual (me) who rides around Afghanistan on a donkey ATM machines from Kabul to Kandahar in support of banking parking lot. So happy and animated, they fascinated me—it with a bag of cash! In actual fact, 97 to 98 per cent of ANA operations. Despite the arduous task, the ensuing good was a long time before I realized what they were playing with soldiers are now paid via electronic funds transfer (EFT). relations with the New Kabul Bank employees made it well was an old toilet seat cover. The pay is processed electronically and transferred from the worth the effort. Undoubtedly, life in Afghanistan can be a struggle; things government’s corporate account to a personal bank account. My third task was to implement a control system within the can get pretty bad. However, when I immersed myself in my

dmonds While in Afghanistan, my first task was to help the ANA electronic funds transfer process, and to ensure that questions surroundings I saw more than struggle—there were also improve its pay system, specifically its resolution process. were answered about whether the ANA soldiers were being successes, business and otherwise. If there are successes oni Bri E T This involved implementing the electronic pay system paid correctly. The layers were many, including potential in Afghanistan, there can be successes anywhere in the (previously everything was done by hand for 195,000 soldiers) corruption, trust issues and the challenging Afghan financial world. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to build and encouraging communications between different regions infrastructure. And did I mention that everyone spoke Dari? something positive in Kabul. It is an experience I’ll keep with hotos courtesyhotos

P and central command. The Afghan definition for “paid” With only my interpreter to guide me, it was a daunting task. me forever. BC

22 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 23 spotlight spotlight View From the Podium On the Case BCom student takes on the RBC Internal Case Competition BCom students compete for By Zac White (Top, from left) Case bragging rights in the RBC Competition judges Tom Internal Case Competition Siemens, Vivien Corwin and The competition is stronger, the judges Saul Klein; (below, far left) more intimidating, and there is prize winning team members By Krista Boehnert Wenbo Tao, Michael Wilson, money on the line. The RBC Case Tom Siemens (judge), Sharla Competition finals are upon us. We are Godmaire and Rhyse Harnden. put in a room for three hours, assigned to analyze a business case and put forward a set of recommendations. After reading the case our group creates a list From left: Steven Atkinson, Zac of relevant facts. Then we bring forward White, Bin (Ryan) Gao, Lauren Minogue and Nicole Stauft. our ideas and formulate a strategy addressing the key issues. Two of us focus on the qualitative analysis, looking As we enter the auditorium the at the implications of each possible audience is already clapping, and I see decision on the marketing and human family and friends in the crowd. When I resources aspects of the business, while have supporters here it makes it easier to two others work on the financials and present and helps me focus. Our team’s operations management, tackling the first presenter opens effortlessly—the quantitative analysis. panic only minutes ago seems forgotten. The progress of each team member is She concludes her presentation and checked regularly and adjustments to introduces me. I turn my gaze from strategy are made when new information the speaker to the judges and begin. arises. By combining the qualitative and I try to recall everything I learned in Every Friday for three months the halls who will grill them on their choices and each of the four cohorts are whittled Corwin and Tom Siemens, vice- quantitative analysis we come up with three hours and artfully contain my of the Business and Economics building determine whether their team advances down over the weeks of competition until president of commercial banking for our best solution. I can feel the nervous recommendations into a three-minute are packed with nervous BCom students. to the next round. There’s a lot at stake. four finalist teams emerge to compete for RBC Royal Bank. By the final round, energy in the room, but it is eased by the speech. The overhead slides help jog my In the crowded hallway you can hear the You can understand why the halls the winning title in front of an audience if anyone was feeling nervous, it trust between group members. memory, but I’m careful not to read off students mumbling their presentations are abuzz with nervous energy. Did I of friends, family, classmates, faculty and certainly didn’t show. The teams had Unity in this competition is critical. the slides. I address the room instead. under their breath and nervously glancing mention this happens every Friday for of course, the judges. come a long way since week one. We know each other’s strengths and The time flashes by and I pass it to my at their watches, wishing time would just three months? As the key organizer of the competition “Over the past 10 years, I am weaknesses and use them to accomplish teammate for the financials. My section hurry up so they could face the judging 2013 marks the 10th year that RBC has for the past decade, Dr. Rebecca Grant consistently amazed at the calibre the team’s goals. Unfortunately, no one complete, my body relaxes and I begin to panel and get it over with already. What generously sponsored the School’s business knows the RBC Internal Case Competition of the teams,” said Siemens to the in the group remembers to bring a watch, focus on the next task at hand. brings them here week after week? The case competition. RBC not only provides has a way of getting under students’ skin. finalists before handing out the and as we grind out overhead slides, the Question period begins—seven RBC Internal Case Competition. monetary support to run the competition “In the first round, when they don’t know prizes. “You don’t have a lot of time effects of the coffee start to wear thin. I minutes of questions from judges who For the past three hours, the student and awards cash prizes to the finalists, but what to expect, they’re more nervous than to analyze the case, determine your look out the window and see a clock—we are hungry to test our knowledge. We teams have been sequestered in a room many RBC staff also volunteer their time to excited,” she says. “But after they face strategy and make a convincing are closing in on three hours. I find myself answer the questions smoothly and without their cell phones (gasp!), laptops sit on the judging panels. Having members the judges for the first time and have that argument to the judges. But you do reinvigorated by nervous energy. I can hear do not waiver in our strategy. Then or other technology. All they have at of the business community participate in adrenaline rush of a job well done, they it, time and again. You should all be slight panic in each member’s voice. There suddenly the timekeeper announces that their disposal is their collective brain the process gives students the valuable begin to get really invested in the process. very proud of your efforts.” is more to cover and not enough time. the question period has come to a close. power, overhead slides to outline their experience of presenting to, and receiving They want to win.” Cohort three, team 40, comprising With 10 minutes left we do a run The team breathes a collective sigh of presentation visuals, and a business case feedback from, people who are actively There is much more to it than winning, Sharla Godmaire, Rhyse Harnden, through of our material. The rehearsal relief and we look at each other feeling to problem solve. How will they help the working in private industry. though. “The case competition gives Wenbo Tao and Michael Wilson sounds unpolished, and we adjust slides good about our performance. business owner? What are the potential The structure of the case competition our students a chance to practise their emerged victorious this year, with with only seconds to spare. A knock on I loosen my tie and smile. The only solutions? What will they recommend differs from other business schools in presentation and analytics skills as ervices each member receiving $200 for the door interrupts our speech and time is thing left is to get the results. It’s difficult

as the right course of action? Whatever that every third-year Gustavson BCom part of a case analysis,” Grant told the S hoto their efforts. The remaining finalists up. My mind is in limbo, so I try to relax not to think about the teams we’re they decide will be presented to a panel student participates in the tournament— audience at this year’s finals. The final ic P each received $100. In such a tough before going on stage. It helps to realize competing against, but I know we had a of judges comprising professors and at other institutions only a select few are four teams eloquently presented to three competition, however, bragging rights that other teams are in the same situation. solid presentation, and a real chance hotos: UV hotos: members of the business community, chosen to compete. Fourteen teams from judges: Dean Saul Klein, Dr. Vivien P are enjoyed by all participants. BC I try to take on a confident mindset. of winning. BC

24 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 25 class notes

2011 2007 provides performance improvement advisory services to business owners and Class Notes Felix Chen, BCom, is working as a Jean Nairon, MBA, joined Vancouver executives with the objective of improving marketing coordinator at Health-Newton LLP startup company, bazinga!, in 2012 as their revenues, profitability, productivity and Fresh starts, promotions and new enterprises based in San Francisco, California. VP of Customer Success. He is overseeing teamwork. thinkspaceperformance.com, the implementation and customer support @BonaVistas 2010 functions. bazinga! is a revolutionary 2013 provides a risk rating communications tool for condo owners allowing 2003 and recommendation 2012 Nav Bassi, MBA, and Jas Bassi welcomed them to connect with neighbours, manage Wyle Baoween, MBA, based on his analysis. their first child, son Jaikar, on January 1, requests to building staff and allow easy access Jeremy Walden, BCom, recently returned is working in Vancouver Among other things, Navjot Singh Boparai, MBA, is working 2013—Victoria and to building information. mybazinga.com to Victoria and joined the law firm of Cox, at Seaspan ULC as EDC provides for Cenovus Energy in Calgary as the BX Vancouver Island’s Taylor Barristers & Solicitors, where he project manager, financing and insurance Centre of Excellence analyst in their Business first baby of the 2005 practices in business Project Resource products to facilitate Excellence department. New Year! Jaikar law, real estate and Centre. He worked Canadian exports. Tim Boehm, BCom was born at 5:35 Janet Bonaguro, MBA, started a new wills and estates. at Seaspan as a Connor Edwards, BCom, recently relocated a.m., weighing Vancouver-based business coaching and Walden was also co-op student and Yana Hempler, BCom, will run 495 km to Toronto to pursue a new opportunity as 3348 grams, and advisory firm recently appointed was awarded Co-op in May—from Port Hardy to Victoria—to a management consultant at IBM’s Strategy measuring 51 called ThinkSpace to the board of Student of the Year for raise money for the BC SPCA, Recreation and Transformation practice. centimetres in Performance in the College of Business in 2012. Wyle Baoween, MBA Integration Victoria and the Mustard Seed height. His parents Jaikar Bassi 2012. ThinkSpace Pharmacists of food bank. Hempler Lei Ge, BCom, is a client portfolio analyst at adore the new addition to their family and delivers Brian Tracy’s British Columbia. Ramin Bayat, MBA, accepted a position as is combining Scotiabank in Calgary. love watching Jaikar grow and explore the FocalPoint Coaching The College is the Jeremy Walden, BCom program coordinator, Indirect Supply Chain, her passion for world around him. Program, conducts regulatory body for CHC Helicopter in Richmond, B.C. running with her Elaine Li, BCom, is working as an HR analyst behavioural pharmacy in the province and is responsible commitment to help at Shell in Calgary. Phil Knudtson, MBA, started working and work-style for registering pharmacists and licensing Tim Boehm, BCom, is part of the two-year charities. You can with Atlassian in September 2012 as a assessments and Janet Bonaguro, MBA pharmacies throughout B.C. Undergraduate Rotational Program at Export follow her progress Murphy Tang, BCom, accepted a position consultant. Atlassian develops collaborative Development Canada (EDC) in Ottawa. As a and support her as a business analyst at Mark’s Work tools for software development teams. risk analyst, he evaluates the creditworthiness cause on her fitness Wearhouse in Calgary. She began in the He helps provide strategic direction and of foreign buyers of Canadian goods, and website: ybfat.com. Yana Hempler, BCom summer of 2012. measurements for the support department. Reaching New Heights

2009 The highest achievement for Jeff Gaulin (MBA ‘02) this year was not his recent promotion to vice-president at Tervita Corporation, but his climb to the summit Scott Sancton, MBA, is a solutions analyst of Mount Kilimanjaro—the tallest free-standing mountain the world. Aquaculture Awareness costs, and is generally considered the most painful aspect of with Master Merchant Systems (mmspos. “Ever since I read Ernest Hemingway’s short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro, it production,” says Roulston. com) in his hometown of Halifax, Nova was a life goal of mine to climb that mountain,” Gaulin says. “It’s incredible to Ashley Roulston, BCom ‘10, has paired her passion for Industrial Plankton’s bioreactor spun out of research on Scotia. Master Merchant Systems is a global think I’ve already made it to the top and back the planet and her savvy business acumen with Industrial closed-loop waste recycling systems. The bioreactor reduces retail solutions company recognized as without so much as a blister.” Plankton Inc., (formerly Reef Safe Fish Inc.), which is dedicated the cost shellfish farmers are currently facing, and increases a premier retail management systems/ Gaulin trained for three months and grew a to improving the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. the biosecurity of farming operations, resulting in less disease point of sale software provider for the Hemingway-like beard for his first-ever trek to Industrial Plankton is the brainchild of Ashley Roulston and and mortality in the shellfish. “We first started thinking about telecommunications industry and is Africa. He is a marathoner and outdoorsman her brother Robert Roulston, BENG ’11. The business develops this when growing algae for breeding aquarium fish,” Roulston represented globally in over 40 markets. but had never made it to the summit of any innovative technology explains. “We realized that algae production in aquaculture ervices Sancton’s work includes consulting with mountain before. His training in the Canadian

to provide cost-effective is a billion dollar market and what we were developing was S hoto market-leading mobile carriers and strategic Rockies had never taken him above 10,000 feet, solutions for the clearly better than what was currently available, so we jumped ic P partners to identify requirements and but the summit of Kilimanjaro is almost twice aquaculture sector. The straight into the market.” gaps. He also provides integrative solutions that height, at 19,341 feet (5,895 metres). siblings have recently It has taken a lot of research and dedication to refine the in order to deploy a best-in-class retail “By day two at the Shira Plateau I had climbed finished development bioreactor technology. Developing the product has required management system. Often conducting higher than I had ever been in my life, so it was of their first product, a Roulston and her team to challenge themselves, employ workshops with key stakeholders on site, all uncharted territory for me,” Gaulin says. ana Hempler portrait); U V bioreactor that produces creative solutions and assume trailblazing roles in the Y this position has taken him to the U.S., the Gaulin did not suffer from altitude sickness. algae for shellfish industry. Her pride in creating something that is good for U.K., Chile, El Salvador and the Republic of He climbed the Machame Route alone with a Uhuru Peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

hatcheries. In March business, humanity and the environment is apparent. “We are G rafix ( oto Georgia over the past year. guide and porters, not as part of a group. 2013 the company hit still raising investment funds, but now that we’ve had our first Sancton is currently enjoying life on “It was a great solitary journey for me, to mark what I’ve achieved to date in my a major milestone with sales, we couldn’t be more excited about the future,” she says. the East Coast and is looking forward to his life and to prepare for what still lies ahead.” its first sale. “Algae “Being part of the chain that provides food for people feels upcoming marriage to Chrissy Bajcar on It has been a year of heights for Gaulin, who previously served in two vice- production accounts for good. Our patents have applications in biotechnology as well May 19, 2013. He is also looking forward president roles at TransAlta Corporation. At Tervita, he leads the marketing, 40 per cent of shellfish as in biofuels, so the future is looking really good for Industrial to returning to the West Coast on his communications, stakeholder and government affairs department for one of North hotos courtesyhotos A lumni; IMS F

hatcheries’ operating Plankton Inc.” P honeymoon later this year. America’s top environmental solutions companies.

26 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013Robert and Ashley Roulston Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 27 class notes spotlight Hats Off To Alumni Who Made A Difference

To commemorate UVic’s 50th anniversary, the UVic Alumni Association has honoured 50 alumni who have contributed to the Lesley Patten, BCom ’96 strength of UVic due to their involvement with their alma mater. Patten was one of the founders of the Making the Grade Recognition was awarded to four Gustavson graduates and Business Alumni Chapter in Victoria. one donor. “Determining the list was not an easy task,” says She regularly holds talks with BCom The Gustavson Greenshifters place second UVic chancellor Murray Farmer. “There are many alumni who and MBA students about their career in Canada with prize-fetching business idea are deserving of this recognition.” UVic Alumni Association planning and goals, as well as possible president, Peter Tanner, BA ’91, adds, “The alumni have helped networking opportunities. She has been a By Rachel Goldsworthy UVic become internationally recognized for excellence and dedicated UVic alumni association board innovation. They are inspiring examples of the difference we member since 2008 and currently chairs can make to the life of our university.” the Communications Committee. BCom students Vinson Chen, AJ Qin, The Greenshifters’ Jennifer Sallows and Rebecca Staynor, concept tackled business, Lance Abercrombie, BCom ’94 Tim Price, VC ’59, BA ’64 (English) otherwise known as the Gustavson sustainability and social Abercrombie has been a member of the Price is an ardent supporter of UVic and Greenshifters, have enjoyed a record responsibility in one Gustavson School of Business board enjoys interacting with students. He is a return on investment from a one-day elegant, simple plan. of advisers and executive council for strong supporter of the Gustavson School school exercise in 2012. In less than six Marginalized workers many years. Lance has contributed to of Business—offering support both months, the assignment transformed into a in China would collect the school’s branding, program reviews, financially, through entrepreneurship viable business idea, a prize of $15,000 and used chopsticks from accreditations, and been a part of the scholarships and awards in his name, and face time with six top Canadian CEOs. restaurants, improving planning for building and program by donating his time at events. In 2004 he At the beginning of the school year, China’s unemployment expansions. Lance has also served on the was the keynote speaker at the Commerce Gustavson third-year core students problem, and divert school’s DEYA planning committee. Students’ Society banquet. complete the MIIISsion Impossible up to 45-billion pairs assignment, an exercise building of chopsticks from the Cathy Whitehead McIntyre, MBA ’98 Mike Sider, BCom ’08 on Gustavson’s pillars: Innovative, landfill. The chopsticks During her seven years on the UVic The formation and success of the UVic International, Integrative and would then be processed Alumni Association board of directors, Young Alumni program is largely due Sustainable/Socially Responsible. into oriented strand Chop chop: Innovation with sustainability. Cathy brought with her a great deal of to Sider’s role in defining its strategic Placed in groups of four or five (with board for upmarket wisdom and experience. She is currently direction and branding. He helped create one international or exchange student furniture, to be sold in a member of the UVic Senate and mentors and plan many of the group’s events. per group), the exercise starts with the global marketplace. coordinated presentation—it was Gustavson students. UVic has benefited After moving to Vancouver Sider remains four hours to brainstorm and hone Walmart Canada’s selection committee fantastic.” The Greenshifters would go from Whitehead McIntyre’s business and involved with alumni activities through innovative, sustainable or socially loved the plan, so on February 26, 2013, on to win second place—and $15,000. community service expertise. the Vancouver Alumni Branch. responsible business ideas for the international team member’s home country. The concepts are then By the Numbers 2002 1999 1997 presented to academic, community and 45 billion = pairs of disposable wooden chopsticks sent to landfill in China every year business judges. 100 = acres of trees felled every day to produce those chopsticks Shannon Ward (nee Gallaugher), BCom, Catherine Dorazio, BCom, received the Isobel Mackenzie, MBA, and CEO of Beacon “MIIISsion Impossible was one of the 16-25 million = number of trees felled each year to make chopsticks was promoted to director, Recreation & Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 Community Services, was named by BIV best experiences I’ve had in university $100,000 = start-up costs for the Greenshifters’ idea Commercial Business Development at award in 2012. and MacKay CEO Forums as B.C.’s 2012 CEO thus far,” says Staynor. “It threw us into $2.6 million = projected annual revenue Burnaby-based Mustang Survival. She has of the Year in recognition of the growth a challenge that we couldn’t prepare for been with Mustang Survival for over six that Beacon Community Services has with people we didn’t know, and we truly ourtesy A lumni years now. experienced during her 17-year tenure. BC had to work as a team.” Sallows adds. “As the Greenshifters travelled to the Toronto The real prize, however, was the hotos C hotos

P soon as we completed the challenge we finals where, with four other teams, they opportunity itself. “It was the most knew we had an idea that could really presented their ideas to a who’s who in amazing experience in my life,” says transform into something great.” Canadian business. Qin. “For an undergraduate student Help me help you. Let’s bring business to Victoria. So when professor Monika Winn told Chen championed the concept to the it might be a once-in-a-lifetime COM 362 classes about Walmart Canada’s judges. “Our idea is not only exciting opportunity. I learned a lot of new green Green Student Challenge, it seemed and unique because we’re transforming ideas, but also it was a great chance to natural for the Greenshifters to sign up old chopsticks into furniture,” he said, network with top CEOs.” with their MIIISion Impossible business “we’re also creating value throughout Chen concludes, “I wanted to let idea. From 150 groups and individuals the supply chain while benefitting people know that even a small and

ervices across the country, Walmart long-listed multiple stakeholders.” simple idea such as ours can have an the Greenshifters along with 19 other Shelley Broader, president and CEO extraordinary impact on the world. I SHARE IDEAS STAY CONNECTED BE INSPIRED S hoto

ic P teams, all of whom were asked to of Walmart Canada, expressed her hope our idea is an inspiration to look submit more detailed, eight-page appreciation to the Gustavson crew. more closely at our actions and the

720 Douglas Street 1.866.572.1151 or 250.361.1017 VictoriaConference.com U V hoto:

P business summaries. “I thought you did a wonderful, well- world around us.” BC

28 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 29 the world looks different view from exchange

Laura Cowin (bcom)

Welcome to Bangalore Supporting youth and the future of emerging markets

by Daniel McCombe, BCom 2010, MGB 2011

Curry for sale in a Bangalore market.

I’ll be the first to admit, I was a sucker business and the contracts are known to notoriously price-conscious needs of for the allure of emerging markets. run 20-plus years! the average Indian, you have it made. Anyone in my commerce program or any When asking a customer to make such After living in India for almost a year, of my MGB cohorts of 2011/2012 would a substantial commitment, any success I wouldn’t say I have a work-life balance. tell you they’ve seen me carrying around you have boils down to one thing . . . Nothing in this chaotic and culturally- books and articles that contain phrases relationships. Indian people believe that rich subcontinent seems to balance as in the title like “bottom of the pyramid,” informal relations are the underlying it is a predominantly Hindu culture­­— “the next billion” and “BRIC countries.” element to all prosperous business whatever isn’t balanced in this life can It should be no surprise that when given dealings. In the end, it is as much about be balanced in the next. Nevertheless, the opportunity to start the next chapter how you communicate as it is about what the little free time I do have is spent of my career in India it was a no-brainer. you communicate. I learned some hard- passionately involved in the “enLIGHT” In August 2012, off I went. and-fast rules through my own successes Corporate Citizenship Project I founded Welcome to Bangalore, a city of nearly and failures; here are a few: six months ago. nine-million inhabitants, the who’s who 1. There is an organization chart for Along with EADS employees of multinational technology companies a reason: Indian people are very worldwide, we will be constructing an and most importantly, endless responsive to hierarchy and expect Integrated Energy Centre (IEC) in one opportunity. I can’t say that India was their superior to come to them with of Bangalore’s urban slums. The centre what I expected because I simply had concrete demands on what, how and will provide portable LED lights to over no expectations. My first week was a when something should be done. 150 households and host education bit of sensory overload: the noises were 2. Save face: There is simply nothing programming for the most disadvantaged somehow noisier; the smells smellier; the more important than saving face youth. With luck, we’ll be supporting colours more colourful; and the tastes in Indian business circles. This these young Indians through their tastier (and spicier!). translates into an overall risk aversion, greatest challenge—gaining literacy Nevertheless, I jumped right into my which means convincing a partner or and graduating from the public school job with EADS, owners of well-known customer to join you in taking a well- system. After all, if the optimistic commercial aviation giant Airbus. I calculated risk. economic scenarios in the countless was employed to work as the corporate 3. Go big or go home: While doing emerging market books I read are to controller and assigned to support EADS’s business in India is notoriously slow, come true for India, youth education will fledgling business in India’s defence it is also unimaginably lucrative if you be the key driver. Laundry Day sector—no easy task. We submit bids have all your ducks in a row. There For more details on the enLIGHT project Laura took this photo in India during starting at $50 million and range into are 1.2-billion mouths to feed, eyes to visit enlight2013.wordpress.com. For a a break from her classes at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. the multi-billions! On average, it takes catch and tastes to exploit. If you can deeper look into my life in India stop by hoto: i S tock hoto:

P three years to successfully develop new offer a product or service that fits the my blog: freelunching.wordpress.com. BC

30 University of Victoria | spring/summer 2013 Business Class | PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 31