New Directions in Global Solutions: Talk Takeaways

Deirdre Mendez, Director, Center for Global Business at McCombs

There were some fantastic insights from the fourth and final presentation in the Global Shift Dialogues series. This one featured CGB Advisory Board members Linda Gerber of McCombs and Comcast VP Michael Soileau. Major points from this fascinating discussion included:

• Following a failure by governments and companies to look beyond current conditions and national borders to solve urgent problems, the pandemic has encouraged more global, holistic, and innovative thinking that will continue into the future.
• New types of web-based information, resources, and experiences (like library exhibits and performance art) introduced during the pandemic will continue to expand, enriching education and diverse types of inquiry.
• Nationalism, which had been rising globally, may diminish as citizens and consumers realize the implications of economic and physical isolation. Globalization may have a chance to develop in new ways.
• As governments and companies address issues related to cybersecurity and personal privacy, emerging solutions in particular locations will serve as examples others can adopt.
• Real estate and other tangible assets will be reimagined and repurposed due to pandemic-based changes in usage patterns and preferences.
• People who are effective in the post-pandemic world will appreciate diverse perspectives and contribute innovative ideas across subject categories. Diverse knowledge and experience will be more valuable than before.
• As corporate values become more important and transparent, job seekers will be able to choose employers based on their alignment with their personal values.