ENABLING SUCCESSFUL BIO ENTERPRISE How to navigate the Global
Village: A insiders guide Presented by Suzanne Bertrand CEO
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Disclaimer: Do not take this presentation too seriously! It is
coloured by race, religion and gender To say nothing of the
climate! It is a personal story, a journey that enabled me to enjoy
life in different culture, learn and grow into a better person.
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The start of it all: A PhD in biology, at Laval University
Friends in international development, looking for help An offer to
head to China to lead a R&D development project And taking on
the offer! 3
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Wudu, Gansu province, China 4
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The project Establishment of a research tree nursery in Longnan
prefecture, Gansu province, PRC A large facility A small research
lab, working on soil, plant nutrition, A 3-hour flight and 12-hour
drive from Beijing The province still closed to foreigners, so lots
of administrative hurdles 5
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The project, the odds, the outcomes, the learnings 6
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And what about it? 7
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Lessons? Learn the history of where you are! People are proud
of their past, and will want to talk about it Respect the
traditions while moving forward Learn the language! Or at least a
few words Ni Hao ma? Find allies, look for alternatives to your
plans, believe in the long termListen to body language! What is
your definition of success? Building the relationship will take
years 8
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Change of scenery? Another phone call, another continent
Tunisia, a R&D project with a very large tach transfer
component Establishment of six forest tree nurseries with lab
facilities across the country 9
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Sun, beaches, tourismand forestry. 10
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Forestry? 11
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Lessons? Different challenges Islamic culture, a complete
different set of rules! Again language, history, customs Ya
hamdoula, la bess? Who benefits, and at what level? Image is very
important, being seen as the winner in a deal is more important
than the financial benefits Be prepared to take your time Enjoy
your time! 13
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Then to North Caroline A complete different culture! The Bible
belt as different as China or Tunisia Innovation country! 14
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And now New Zealand It is also different! But you knew that!
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