GlobalScot Connect Event Success

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The GlobalScot Connect took place on 10th November, and was attended by a delegation of ambitious Scottish companies on a learning journey to the United States. Led by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International (SDI), the mission had been developed to help Scottish companies to strengthen and improve their leadership skills, and provided a unique opportunity for the companies to meet some of the US's most successful business leaders and hear first-hand how successful leadership can make or break a business.

The companies met representatives from Ralph Lauren, Bloomberg and IBM as well as hearing how good leadership is essential in crisis management from James Trainor, special agent in charge of the Intelligence Division at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

At the GlobalScot Connect Event in New York, the companies made valuable connections and accessed additional advice, mentoring and support from some of the network's US members. Keynote speakers Andy Mooney of Walt Disney and Russell Morris of The Conference Board addressed an audience of Scottish companies, GlobalScots and invited guests. The day's programme also included a number of one to one sessions between GlobalScots and Scottish companies, GlobalScot Masterclasses and a networking dinner on Wednesday evening.

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, had this to say about the week's events:

"Scotland needs business leaders who have high aspirations, who are unafraid to take risks and who can inspire and motivate their people to succeed.

It is leaders like this who will seek a better way of doing something, a better product or service and proactively go after opportunities in new markets, so developing leadership skills is a key element of how we help Scottish companies to grow and internationalise.

As such, we are working with our colleagues at Scottish Development International to establish a culture of leadership in our businesses, and this learning journey aims to connect some of Scotland's most promising companies with some of the world's most successful business leaders.

This is an unrivalled opportunity for Scottish companies seeking to develop a more international perspective to make those invaluable, face-to-face connections with US business leaders and GlobalScots. The connections that will be made during this learning journey have the potential not only to generate new international business for Scottish companies, but to really accelerate Scotland's economic growth."