Navigating the Cultural Business Labyrinth: Insights from Los Angeles, Switzerland, and East Africa
Amne Suedi
Africa's Pickiest Investment Adviser - Unlocking Investment Opportunities Across Switzerland, Africa and the World. Facilitating Partnerships. Multicultural Investment and Legal Adviser. Strategic Adviser to Startups.
I just came back from 3 weeks of travel where I was in Switzerland and Los Angeles. It was my first time back in Los Angeles after over 10 years and the first time I was going for business. I was pleasantly surprised by my trip and very much enjoyed meeting so many people from diverse background. My trip made me realise that the global business arena is a tapestry woven from the diverse threads of cultural norms, practices, and values. Each nation contributes a unique color and texture, shaping the way business is conducted within its borders. My recent journey to the vibrant city of Los Angeles—a place renowned for its innovation and dynamic business environment made me reflect on this experience, juxtaposed with my familiarity with the business cultures of Switzerland and Tanzania, provided a vivid contrast. Understanding these differences is crucial for international entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to navigate the complex global market successfully.
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The Pulse of Los Angeles: Innovation and Flexibility
?Los Angeles is a melting pot of ideas, where creativity meets commerce. The city's business culture thrives on innovation, with a significant emphasis placed on new technologies and start-up ventures. It's a place where risk-taking is celebrated, and failure is viewed not as a setback but as a step towards future success. This mindset encourages a level of flexibility and adaptability that is less prevalent in more traditional business settings.
?Equally, networking plays a vital role in the Los Angeles business environment. The informal yet strategic connections forged over coffee or at industry events can often be just as crucial as formal partnerships. The laid-back demeanor belies a highly competitive market, where standing out requires both excellent performance and astute self-promotion.
?I was invited to the Oscar Gala Party organised by the billionaire businesswoman Daphna Zima at her beautiful estate known as the original Warner Brothers Studio Mansion. I met all sorts of people from Michael Jackson;s former manager who is an entertainment entrepreneur, the author of Corporate Match Maker, Martin Rowinski who is also a serial entrepreneur and immigrant from Poland to name a few. I found it amazing how each one took a genuine interest in me and my story but almost immediately would think of how our mutual networks and experience could benefit one another and how we could do business together. Each person was straight to the point and open minded to collaboration which I found very refreshing.
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The Swiss Precision: Quality, Reliability and Meticulousness
?Switzerland, by contrast, presents a world where precision, reliability, and quality stand at the forefront of business operations. The Swiss business culture is characterized by a deep-rooted respect for punctuality, privacy, and meticulousness. Decisions tend to be the result of thorough analysis and careful consideration, reflecting a preference for stability and long-term planning over the fast-paced, high-risk environment favored in Los Angeles. While business can be concluded after many months in Switzerland, it could be just a? matter of a few hours or days in Los Angeles. ?
?In Switzerland, trust is built through consistent delivery of high-quality work and adherence to commitments. Networking is more reserved, with relationships often built and maintained within more formal settings. This conservative approach ensures a stable and predictable business environment, where risk is managed with calculated precision.
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?The Community Centric Approach of East Africa
East Africa provides a starkly different picture, where business is often conducted within a framework of social and community relationships. While there are nuances between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – countries which I have had the pleasure of doing business in – for purposes of this article I will put them together and speak of the commonalities.
In nations such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, business culture leans towards who you know and if you are known. Most of the time people will try and place you somewhere and in some circle that is known to them. If you are unknown, it can be difficult for people to trust you. This is why sometimes conducting due diligence on business partners can present challenges since there is a culture of “protecting one another” in the community and therefore no one will ever speak badly of another even if there are bad things to say. Decisions are frequently made through consensus, reflecting the value placed on unity and community input.
?Respect for hierarchy and age plays a significant role in East African business culture, with elders and those in authority positions accorded great deference. Business meetings may start with lengthy greetings and personal inquiries, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building over immediate transactions. Despite these formalities, the business environment in East Africa is known for its resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit, thriving amidst challenges.
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Bridging the Gaps: Universal Lessons for International Business
?Navigating these diverse business cultures requires a set of skills that transcends borders. For any entrepreneur or professional doing business, but more specifically when venturing into these territories, one must cultivate cultural awareness and sensitivity. Recognizing and respecting these differences is the key to forging strong, productive business relationships.
?Therefore, the ability to adjust your business practices and communication style in accordance with local customs is invaluable. Equally, establishing strong business relationships takes time, particularly in cultures that value personal connections and consensus and regardless of the cultural context, clear and respectful communication can bridge many divides. Taking the time to understand and be understood is crucial. Being an attentive observer of local customs and business practices can provide insights that are vital for successful engagement.
?The contrasts between the business cultures of Los Angeles, Switzerland, and East Africa highlight the varied landscapes international businesses must navigate. However, these differences also represent opportunities for learning and growth. I love to embrace the unique aspects of each culture and we, as entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals can expand their global footprint with confidence and respect for the diverse world in which we operate. Global business success no longer relies solely on what you do but also on how you ?do it—by respecting and adapting to the rich tapestry of global business cultures.
For more information, DM me or send me an email at [email protected]
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8 个月Culture is very important when doing business across seas
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8 个月Hi Amne Suedi, your insights on the nuances of business culture across different continents are enlightening. Looking forward to more of your travel reflections and insights in your newsletters. Have a fantastic weekend! ?? ??
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8 个月"Culture is the vibrant tapestry woven from the shared beliefs, traditions, and values that shape our identities and communities."Amne Suedi
Entrepreneurial Scientist in Food and Wellness | Championing Healthier Eating Habits with 1,000+ Edible Plants | Author and Educator of the Path to Nobel series for STEM for Youth
8 个月Great insights on business culture across continents! Looking forward to reading your newsletter. Amne Suedi #GlobalBusiness
I turn Founders & CEOs into business Storytellers getting them on the world's biggest stages | 100's of success stories Globally | Executive Coach | Speaker | Author | Facilitator | Coin Carrier
8 个月Fantastic insights, thank you for sharing Amne Suedi!