Well, maybe not crying, but the mood in Paris at the recent Inner Circle there was pessimistic, wary, cautious. A brilliant group had lots to say about the challenges and possibilities around innovation, agreeing that it is essential to progress but tough to pull off in the current economic turmoil.
All of them lead major businesses and all say it is difficult to predict what will happen over this next year in Europe because of the economic slowdown. Heck, there are people who seriously think it’s possible the Euro will be abandoned.
So it's been a sharp contrast to talk with the Hong Kongers who will be taking part in our Inner Circle at TBWA's offices there on February 2. They are optimistic. Seriously optimistic. I haven't yet talked with all of them, but thus far, their comments about future growth for their companies is rosy. They are all looking to Mainland China as the mother lode of opportunity. Yes, they worry about privacy. Yes, they know China has issues that are unresolved regarding pollution, health care, unrest in the non-urban centers. Doesn't matter, though, in terms of slowing down the demand for autos, luxury handbags, tech services of all kinds.
It's the way people used to see America, as the place that will provide the market for the world's goods. Hmmm. Have tables already turned, and all this posturing among our presidential candidates beside the point?
Author of I is for Intercourse: The ABC's of Conversation, Susan Bird is the visionary behind Wf360, and a sought-after speaker around the world for her views on leadership, the strategic importance of conversation, entrepreneurship, and the role of women business leaders.
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