As the business world is growing more global, recognizing cultural differences and values is an ever-important skill. For Principal Advisor for Strategy and Corporate Affairs at IDB Invest, Alejandro Prada, not only celebrating our differences, but also recognizing what we have in common, is what truly fosters respect and open-mindedness and is the key to developing a global mindset. “Be mindful that there isn’t just one subset of cultural value, so that means being cognizant of differences.

Working in international markets means seeking opportunities outside of familiar markets, and that requires engaging with people from different regions and cultures. For Mikael Baker, senior information and communications technology (ICT) advisor at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), developing a global mindset is key to working effectively in these markets. “In international development, like many fields, it’s important to be able to effectively work with people from different cultures.

After a career spanning more than two decades leading development initiatives, Margo Thomas, MS ’90, has only one goal on her mind – conquering economic gender disparity around the world.  Thomas, founder and president of the Women’s Economic Imperative, is focused on creating initiatives that promote economic opportunities to empower women and underrepresented groups around the world.

During a 22-year journalism career, Scott Nelson, MBA ’98, was able to help document some of this century’s most important stories. But in recent years, Nelson has focused on another major story—his own.

Wendy Sanhai, MBA ’09, has dedicated her entire 25+ year professional career to science, global health and public health, keeping the needs of patients as her true north star. Her career has spanned academia, private industry and Department of Health and Human Services – spread across the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Two years ago, she added yet another title to her already impressive resume after her diagnosis of invasive breast cancer.

Working for a global company requires growth and an openness to learn. For Rachel Yamrus, vice president at JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMC), finding success in a global environment means “you are aware of your perspective but trying to grow through opening yourself up to others’ perspectives and negotiating within this space.”

For Chris Grant, ’13, revitalizing Baltimore isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. The 29-year-old Maryland Smith grad and Baltimore native, who was recently named to Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30 in Finance,” has big plans for the city. Through his work with Blueprint Baltimore, Grant oversees a $140-million project to renovate Baltimore’s Amtrak and regional train station.

For Amazon Web Services (AWS) global program manager, Vandy Gyandhar, a global mindset is more than traveling around the world or working for an international company. It is about being able to build relationships of understanding and respect no matter where you are in the world. “I've lived in and grew up in multiple countries. I am a global program manager. I work on projects that span across the globe. I am in India right now and I have a call in an hour with team members in Australia, Ireland, the US and Sweden. So I thought I have a global mindset.

To be in a position to help others is a privilege, says Ali von Paris ’12, and it’s something she doesn’t take for granted.

Tyrone Brooks ’96 is stepping up to the plate for Major League Baseball in a big way – to bring more diversity and inclusivity to America’s pastime. As the senior director for the MLB’s Front Office and Field Staff Diversity Pipeline Program, Brooks is helping usher in a new workforce. Launched in 2016, the program focuses on attracting and hiring more people of color and women in baseball operations, including on-field and front-office positions.