Journeywoman, an online resource for traveling women, has a great piece this month on being a woman in Japan.  Its author, a Brit who moved to Tokyo in 2001, provides helpful information on being a woman in this often misunderstood culture.  Check it out here:
http://www.journeywoman.com/gfc/20ThingsWomenShouldKnowAboutTokyo.htm

Enjoy!

Best Countries for Business

Forbes Magazine has published its annual Best Countries for Business ranking. For the second straight year Denmark has taken the No.1 spot.

Best Countries for Business:
1. Denmark
2. USA
3. Canada
4. Singapore
5. New Zealand
6. United Kingdom
7. Sweden
8. Australia
9. Hong Kong
10. Norway

Forbes analyzed business climates in each of 127 national economies, focusing on degrees of trade freedom, monetary freedom like the right to participate in free and fair elections, or freedom of expression and organization.

The Criteria

• Trade Freedom
• Monetary Freedom
• Property Rights
• Innovation
• Technology
• Red Tape
• Investor Protection
• Corruption
• Personal Freedom
• Tax Burden
• Market Performance

Interest piece on integrated leadership vis-a-vis gender issues. Ginny makes some interesting points about the importance of a balanced masculine/feminine 

Success On Your Own Terms Newsletter Volume #56 March 2009 Revisiting Gender Issues: Integrated Leadership March is Women's History month so I feel compelled to write about women in this newsletter, while emphasizing once again that the best leader is one who is integrated and balanced, drawing from both the masculine and the feminine. Last year I wrote about gender differences in the brain and last month I spoke on Neuroleadership at the New England Human Resources Association's (NEHRA) Conference Series. Here are a couple of nuggets about the brain and our biology that are critical for us to understand. I'm presenting them again here to ground the rest of this article: Women have more estrogen hormones (which some researchers call "the social harmonizing hormone") than men and 30 percent more serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that provides a sense of calm and controls aggressive impulses. Women are also more influenced by oxytocin, another hormone that drives a desire for connection. Studies show that women, more than men, tend to seek equity and an even playing field. Research also indicates that women reduce stress by coming together and talking through their issues with others; rather than "fight or flight," they "flock." Men have 10 to 100 times more testosterone than women. Testosterone is a fast-acting, aggressive hormone. The higher the level of testosterone a man has, the more desire he has to win the game and gain power through personal strength, whether it's physical or intellectual. The greater the level of testosterone, the less interest there is in social relationships or social consequences beyond winning. Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD, a noted psychiatrist who has written extensively on women and an activist for the UN 5th World Conference on Women, recently wrote a powerful newsletter article "Oxytocin Antidote," which eloquently captured some of the ideas that I talk about in my neuroleadership workshops. I don't usually quote someone else so extensively in my newsletter, but I thought her message was so on point that I wanted to make sure you had the opportunity to read it. She describes what happens when we operate without balance between the masculine and the feminine. Here is a portion of her article: "What we think of as masculine and feminine qualities are innate human qualities that when allowed to develop in men and women result in psychologically whole people. In patriarchal societies where men rule through their ability to dominate other men, men fear being humiliated. Dominator values emerge early in boyhood, suppressing tender-heartedness. To have empathy becomes a handicap. "Under stress, men and women respond differently. Women such as those that ended the conflict in Liberia, who are in a risky situation together, bond with each other as women do through talking about the situation, sharing ideas and feelings. Physiologically, there is an increase in oxytocin - the maternal or bonding hormone that reduces stress, increases trust, and is enhanced by estrogen. Men respond to stress with an increase in adrenaline that is enhanced by testosterone. "Ongoing civil wars and conflicts, like gang wars in the neighborhood, are usually led by men who seek power and control, who are driven by fear of humiliation or fantasies of retaliation. The fate of the neighborhood or the world is then in the hands of psychologically adolescent, high adrenaline-testosterone men, who avoid any identification with weakness and aren't able to feel compassion. "The oxytocin antidote to this is the power of women who come together to keep the children safe, who can draw upon "enough is enough" mother-bear energy and work for peace when men do not see anyway out of the conflict. ... The Secretary-Generals of the United Nations, current and past, have been men with well-developed masculine and feminine qualities as have all leaders with wisdom, compassion, maturity and moral authority. "That more oxytocin and less testosterone could have prevented the global financial crisis - attributed to risk-taking, competitive bankers and security traders - was seriously discussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The speculation was that the problem on Wall Street wasn't sub-prime mortgages but elevated testosterone, and that if the firm had been Lehman Brothers and Sisters, instead of Lehman Brothers, this would be a different story." Both estrogen and testosterone are beneficial and necessary. Hormones are only one variable in a host of variables that influence behavior. It is the interplay of nature and nurture that shapes who we are, but we must continue to examine and understand how all these variables work together in order to achieve better leadership performance, better business results, and a better, more fulfilling life for all of us. Moreover, we must continue to support the advancement of women to the highest levels of leadership within organizations and a key way to do that is to change the system so that it rewards feminine values of equity, collaboration and connection. For more information on Dr. Bolen go to www.jeanbolen.com. For more information on the 5th Women's World Conference go to www.5wcw.org. Copyright © 2009 Ginny O'Brien All Rights When you forward the newsletter to your friends and colleagues, please keep it intact with copyright and contact information. You can be added or removed from the list at any time by using the links at the end of this message. THANKS! Ginny O'Brien, MS, PCC To order Coaching Yourself to Leadership contact www.amazon.com or www.hrdpress.com Or contact me directly at ginny@columbiaconsult.com Coaching Yourself To Leadership (HRDPress, 2006) IBSN# 0-87425-869-3 $19.95 More About Our Services Visit ColumbiaConsult.com Join our mailing list! email: ginny@columbiaconsult.com phone: 781-631-9765 web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102507455104&e=001oUibbpgOtfG--REOc1Dui2X4Bc-I8qC0TtrTXUyElKSoSk0tSGmGHzsrtnyWWMHV-bJ1jBxB8Bk8mMHZvmWP9f5LkAkpziZvPXx7okC68_4sXgy77A9ZSw==

It's being called the ultimate outsourcing: Americans looking for jobs overseas. With IBM's recent announcement of Project Match -- in which the company actively encourages employees to take their pink slips and apply for jobs in China, India and Brazil -- more companies are sure to follow suit. 
    Some people are outraged. Some are scared. Others who understand the value are supportive. To be sure, today's current economic climate is a serious force to be reckoned with. But rather than curse the storm clouds overhead, American workers would be well-advised to see this challenging moment as an opportunity to reap the rewards that others have for decades: By looking beyond their own borders to gain valuable experience overseas. 
    Make no mistake about it: American intellectual capital is still considered some of the best in the world, which is why IBM and other companies are willing to incur the expense of sending their people overseas. Those that accept will be rewarded with more than just a roof over their head and a weekly paycheck. The extraordinary personal and professional growth that takes place when living in a foreign culture can be cashed in on future career opportunities -- like when the U.S. economy rebounds and companies need employees who can operate effectively in the international marketplace. When that happy day finally comes, those who have proven that they know how to work across cultures will be prized commodities. 
    And working abroad does not only mean working for American companies. There are hundreds of large, foreign companies that offer tremendous opportunities. This role reversal may seem scary, but it reflects the future of global commerce. Now is not the time to be afraid of the global marketplace but to embrace it. 
    Yet picking up and moving yourself and your family to a strange new land is a daunting proposition. Americans must be able to adapt to succeed and, with a bit of caution and a lot of research, many will take the deep dive. 
    And yes, you can do it even if you're married -- I was -- and have children. And trust me, you'll be doing your children a favor: by the time they enter the workforce, a global mindset will be expected. 
    Last but certainly not least, living overseas can be fun, interesting and exciting.
    So if your employer offers you the opportunity to work abroad, be it as part of a promotion or an "or else" proposition, think twice before you say "no." Not only might it be the best offer you're going to get -- it's probably a whole lot better an offer than you think it is. And who knows? It just might be the best career move you ever made.

Originally appeared on Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacie-nevadomski-berdan/ultimate-outsourcing-amer_b_168559.html

The Expert: Stacie Nevadomski Berdan, international careers expert and co-author of Get Ahead By Going Abroad: A Woman’s Guide to Fast-Track Career Success (HarperCollins, 2007). 

The Issue: Employers are drawn to the curiosity—and “the ability to enjoy risk”—that compel college students to study abroad.

In a recent article you wrote about employers’ views of study abroad, you said the following: “What do companies value most in the study abroad experience? Interestingly, they are attracted to evidence of curiosity within global-minded applicants.”  What do you mean? 
In the research I conducted for Get Ahead By Going Abroad, several traits emerged as  critical to successfully working across cultures. Curiosity and openmindedness rank in the top five among professionals who have lived and worked overseas, and among companies that employ and appreciate these internationalists. Curious, open-minded individuals enjoy the overseas experience for its breadth of newness and for the sheer joy of operating in an environment that is outside their comfort zone. Dealing with differences in culture as well as in infrastructure—be it while taking classes in a second language or figuring out local transportation—requires the ability to enjoy risk and the spirit of adventure. The world economy is in flux but one thing is certain: Globalization is here to stay. Companies recognize that they need workers who not only understand international business but can also operate successfully— thrive, really—in cross-cultural situations.

How can college students who have studied abroad best market that experience to prospective employers?
Students should be able to explain to potential employers their purpose in choosing the country they selected, demonstrate what they learned, and describe how they can apply their experiences to a position. In addition, where a student studies increasingly matters to companies. Branching out beyond the typical Western European countries and into China, Brazil, Russia, or India signals an enhanced awareness of growing global economies—and a link to the places most companies are expanding. Moreover, these nontraditional destinations often offer more-challenging situations, intensifying the learning.

What can Campus Career Counselor readers do to address with their students/grads the issues you’ve raised here? Encourage students to study abroad in developing markets and growing economies. Advise them to research where the hot markets for future growth are within their fields.  Emphasize foreign language proficiency as an element of future career uccess. It’s a big resume booster for those international companies looking to place workers abroad, because they appreciate that language skills go beyond verbal communication and into broader cultural awareness and understanding. Finally, bring experts to campus to advise students on the complex—and sometimes daunting—world of working and living overseas. Professionals who have done it themselves can share relevant, reallife examples, satisfying hundreds of questions on students’ minds.

Originally appeared in Campus Career Counselor January 2009

        About this time every year, millions of us take some time out to relax, refresh and reflect... on the year just ending, on our current state of being and on what we want to achieve in the year ahead. As a work in progress myself, I have always found this reflection time important and I try to make full use of it.  
        In 2008, I wrote in this space about trying to "do less" and "enjoy more." How'd I do? Well, while I was still very busy at work, I did do much better outside the office. I spent less time running around and more time just hanging out. While still busier than "the average" perhaps, 2008 did see me accepting fewer engagements, making fewer play dates, reducing my work travel, etc. All this made for more time to just be -- with my family or with a book. 
        Most importantly, I began to really enjoy "being." In fact, by about mid-year, I'd decided doing less was really quite a good thing. Clearly, being overly driven and programmed was not the short cut to happiness for me. And it only took me 40 years to figure it out! So, even though not perfectly executed, I found my 2008 resolution adding a lot to my overall quality of life. I'm grateful for that and hope to make even more progress down my road to happiness in 2009. 
        Yes, amidst the gloomy outlook, I am looking for a silver lining. In these uncertain economic times, we are all no doubt looking for ways to save more and spend less. For me, that backdrop is perhaps ideal for what feels like the next natural step after learning to do less and enjoy more. That step is as Sheryl Crow so aptly put it "not having what you want but wanting what you've got." 
        I've always loved this phrase but recently I've been thinking about it more and more. Let me say here that for all those reading this who may have lost jobs or houses or even worse, loved ones, this past year that I understand that I am truly lucky not to be in that position. I am blessed to have all the basics well covered for myself and for my family. And, I'm lucky to be working for a solid ethical company that I am confident will still be in business next year and next decade. For those who did suffer a major loss this past year, I am truly sorry. My heart goes out to you. You have every reason to be sad or hurt or angry or all of the above. 
        But, for those people who are, like me, poorer as we exit the year but still doing okay, 2009 may be our best chance to bring Sheryl's words to life in our own lives. Instead of complaining about what we don't have or can't afford this coming year... think about what would happen if we wanted what we had? Wanted our families, even that weird uncle or bossy grand mother... Wanted our jobs, despite long hours, limited advancement opportunities or difficult bosses... Wanted our houses, even without the addition or the new bathroom... Wanted our bodies, just as is, as long as they are healthy... Wanted the clothes we already own, even if they aren't the latest fashion? Think about it. Think of the power of it! 
        It may not help our consumer driven economy but then again, I think we need to change our dependence on consumer spending anyway. Wow! What a difference that would make and how much more time we'd all have if we weren't always shopping or spending money -- time to enjoy our families, time to help those not as fortunate or time to learn something new, by borrowing a book from the library so we don't even need to buy anything!
        That may or may not appeal to you, but it has a lot of appeal to me. So, in 2009, that is my resolution. To stop longing and/or shopping to get what I want and to start wanting and using what I've got. To be happier even without having more.
        Of course I'm not going to succeed completely. I'll no doubt find something, sometime, I just "have to buy." And I'll no doubt find my spouse or family or colleagues lacking in some major way at some point during the year. But that's ok. That's natural. Like 2008, it's not about being perfect. It's about making progress. Every bit of contentment gained would be a step in the right direction. And, in a year where spending less and saving more will likely remain on all our minds, wouldn't it be great if we could feel just a bit better about that and do something positive with it? Haven't we clearly voted for change? A new mindset for the New Year? 
        This is another change we can all do -- no matter our location, profession or religion. You can do it. And I'm certainly going to try. Even a little change can mean a lot in tough times... And I, for one, have no interest in spending 2009 complaining about all that has gone wrong. I'd much rather focus on fixing things and trying to be happy. No politician or CEO -- no matter how good -- can make that happen for me. It's up to me to do it for myself. What about you? How do you want to spend your year and what are you willing to do to make that a reality?

Originally appeared on Huffington Post, Dec. 30.

GREAT NEWS!

Pink Magazine listed Get Ahead By Going Abroad as one of its Top Picks for 2008 Business Books for Women!

Pink writes:
Get Ahead by Going Abroad
As part of a growing trend, women executives are advancing their careers by working abroad. In Get Ahead by Going Abroad (HarperCollins, September 2007), authors C. Perry Yeatman and Stacie Nevadomski Berdan, along with featured expatriates, reveal how they developed crucial skills like adaptability and managing across cultures and time zones — all of which enhanced their business success back home. After requesting a transfer to Geneva, DuPont's Diane Gulyas built relationships with plant managers and senior manufacturing executives during her four-year stint in Switzerland and Belgium. Well-versed in manufacturing and management, she returned to the company's Delaware headquarters as group vice president of DuPont Performance Materials. The hardest part of launching a career abroad, according to the authors, is landing an international assignment. You can increase your chances by volunteering for a global project.

http://www.pinkmagazine.com/books.html

        What does a company that operates globally expect of today’s graduating college students?  Such companies need managers and leaders with an international perspective to drive further growth in China, India, Brazil, Russia, the Middle East, South Africa and Eastern Europe.  
        DuPont describes itself as as “the world’s most dynamic science company, creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer and healthier life for people everywhere.”  DuPont produces 65 percent of its sales outside the U.S.  As one of the top three U.S. exporters, DuPont has sales teams and manufacturing assets in hundreds of nations.  Among its senior executives, 70 percent have lived and worked outside their home country.  
        Diane Gulyas, Group Vice President of DuPont Performance Materials, can provide a specific example of how globalization has changed the way DuPont does business.  That change illustrates the skills the company now needs.  Gulyas explains that one of her current businesses, Engineering Polymers, is helping expand the Indian Railway, a complex system of tens of thousands of rail miles.  
        “This opportunity does not exist in the United States.  It could easily have been overlooked by U.S. executives unaware of India’s heavy dependence on the rails and the nation's rapid economic growth,” recounts Gulyas.  “Our team in India spotted the opportunity, then worked with a DuPont technical team to develop the right product for India.  That multimillion dollar growth potential would not have come to pass if our teams lacked on-the-ground experience and presence as well as knowledge of technological advances.”
        Sounds simple, but opportunities like this are overlooked by companies every day.  Gulyas, who manages a multibillion dollar unit at DuPont with a team of 7,500+ employees around the world, values international experience.  She herself worked for five years in Europe at a mid-point in her career.  She credits that mind-broadening experience as the driving force that catapulted her to the senior executive spot she holds today. 
        “Because our industry is global, it’s not possible to have a U.S. career anymore, says Gulyas.  “If you want to move ahead, you must be willing to go abroad, and you must be passionate about business beyond U.S. borders.  To succeed, you must be able to lead, motivate and manage global teams.” 
        DuPont recruits MBAs and PhDs.  International experience plays a role, as do assignments abroad and language skills.  Discerning students also need to focus on acquiring skills and experiences relevant to  developing economies, not Western Europe.  Gulyas emphasizes that campuses must expose today’s students to an interconnected global marketplace.  Students’ intellectual curiosity about other cultures, countries and ways of thinking should be encouraged.

As originally appeared on www.GreentreeGazette.com.