What an honor it was to host a discussion on entrepreneurship with international business fellows at our recent Global Leaders Online Forum!
The program began with each panelist’s take-aways and implementations from their fellowship in San Diego. All had fond memories of their host families, and even our local San Diego Padres. From building a strong network and attending San Diego Start-Up Week, to expanding their worldview, we are so proud of the work our Fellows have accomplished in San Diego and abroad. Nicolai Loghin, a 2018 Professional Fellows Program (PFP) Fellow from Moldova, learned about impact driven businesses and how profits and doing good are not mutually exclusive. This led him to shift focus and devote his time to advancing social impact projects within companies.
Panelists also shared how COVID-19 has impacted their community and work. Katya Shchegoleva, a 2019 Russian Business Leaders Program (RBL) Fellow from Kirov, and her company Stardust saw the large demand for hand sanitizers and quickly seized the moment. Though it was a large initial investment, just a few short months later Stardust is now one of the largest producers of hand sanitizers in the region. She is learning to be quick on her feet, adapt, and utilize her network to solve problems.
Lastly, we discussed sources of motivation for the work they do. Whether it be the inspiration of their future persona or increasing success, it was clear that each fellow wanted to leave the world better than they found it. Zamir Shukhov, a 2017 PFP Fellow and serial entrepreneur from Russia, expressed his desire to help the next generation of entrepreneurs to solve local and global issues. His company, Global Venture Alliance, is already expanding internationally with hopes of one day being influential in America.
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