Today I write in an emergent fashion, a recent lecturer suggested that this can often lead to the best ideas. If not, complaints to Babson marketing faculty…

The last two weeks have been full of the sort of twists and turns that our Babson experience so consistently delivers. Our trip to New York on the 9^th and 10^th gave me the opportunity to meet some of the generous people who are supporting the Saltire Foundation and help at a fundraiser to support its future work, the next day we attended the Global Scots conference where we met some fascinating Scots doing some impressive things out in the world and some lovely Texan Global Scots who are keen to offer myself, Mark and Dave a warm welcome on our arrival to the lone star state in January.  Special thanks to Sandy and Julie at the foundation for all of their organisation.

Return to Babson has been full on with a mix of sales classes, leadership work and globalization and innovation food for thought. I’ve especially enjoyed the recent focus on marketing which goes well beyond the traditional textbook approach and is quite simply mind-blowing. A particular highlight was the visit of our patron Mark Beaumont who inspired with his tales of ambition, endurance and indomitable spirit, but my favourite moment yet was seeing the Saltire group deliver our presentations on Fri for our management consultancy projects. I enjoyed seeing all the guys I have been working with shine and deliver such a high quality of work to outside companies.  A particular hats off must go to the ‘Sifos’ team who had me hooked on a 30 min presentation about circuit boards – they even managed to make it sexy. My group presented for a custom bra manufacturer, I hope we kept people hooked! 

I for one feel like I have had a total gear change since my arrival. The teaching invested in me has given me the tools and the confidence to lead effectively. This, combined with my experience pre Saltire and my desire to grow and lead Scottish companies on the global stage has made it an exciting journey which I’m certain will extend well beyond the programme.

Tomorrow our leadership training continues. We have been asked to assemble at Babson early morning armed with waterproofs.  Whatever the next twist will be nobody knows but if the past few weeks are anything to go by I’m sure it will be great!  Provided it’s not a Lord of the Flies style exercise I’ll keep you updated on what it entails.