Wave Magazine Online Jacksonville University News Hub
This article was written by Faith Doski, Junior Finance major at Jacksonville University and member of the Brumos Circle of Excellence.
Jacksonville University students and faculty recently heard key advice on leading in a diverse, global marketplace from Laura Angelini, president of North America and Global Strategic Marketing for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.
Angelini has a distinguished career background, having served globally in the automobile and medical equipment industries, in addition to Johnson & Johnson Inc. She brought a global perspective and insight to JU during her presentation.
The event held Jan. 20 was part of the Davis College of Business‘ CEO Speaker Series. Angelini began with a personal boardroom discussion with Brumos Circle of Excellence members, answering their insightful questions. The Brumos Circle of Excellence is an exclusive group of the top 5 percent of undergraduate and selected graduate business students in the Davis College of Business. Angelini eased the audience with her amicable disposition and authentic persona. She touched on a variety of topics ranging from her Italian roots and her first steps in her career to her take on the ever-changing global markets. Following this session, Angelini spoke to a larger open to all students and faculty.
When adjusting to new cultures and markets, Angelini stressed the importance of immersing oneself into the culture and people. When she worked in Russia, she made a concerted effort to learn the Russian language. In about a year, she was able to present and give speeches fully in Russian, which allowed her to gain more respect from her Russian colleagues. Such practices as breaking a language barrier are “crucial when globalizing one’s career,” she said.
Angelini also touched on the differences among American, European and Asian business practices. During her time in Europe, she experienced corruption and other unethical practices in the workplace that would not be tolerated in the United States. She stressed that communication is emphasized and is much more explicit and upfront in America as opposed to these other markets, as these differences among others should not be taken lightly in the world of international business.
The wealth of knowledge that Angelini possessed added immense value for the JU and community attendees. To be competitive as a global citizen in the workforce, she quoted research that showed that the longevity, or sustainability, of the information and technology we are taught used to be 10 years, but now is roughly 18 months.
“It isn’t what you learn, it’s how you learn,” said Angelini, adding that in emerging markets and beyond, one must learn quickly and keep up the pace to make fast business decisions.
Angelini said she learned many lessons during her international journey that eventually took her back to where she is now, based on the philosophy of leadership. If she could go back to the early days of her career and tell herself what she knows now, she would stress the importance of differentiating between talking to someone and talking with someone.
Fostering positive energy with your employees and peers will lead to high productivity and overall great results, she said.
“Leadership is energy,” she said. “Positive energy will lead you to globalization.”
Doski is a junior Finance major in the Honors Program. She enjoys being active on campus, including leading the College Republicans and Davis Entrepreneurs Organization (DEO). She is also a member of Green Key Honorary Leadership Society and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Currently she works as an independent distributor for ACN, and is also a brand ambassador for PUSH Marketing and Promotions. When Faith is not working or studying, she loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.