A European travel blog: Views on the current economic picture, the future, and FedEx

I was fortunate to be able to represent FedEx at several business forums in Central Europe this month, and found that stepping away from life here in the U.S. added to my perspective. Some key takeaways: 1. Europe Is Different Unlike here in the U.S., there is a definite economic vibrancy in Germany and the Netherlands. That’s not to say they’re unscathed by the economic downturn—or that there isn’t an undercurrent of frustration with the U.S. for having created the unpleasant economic picture. 2. But Some Priorities Matter Equally Globally

Trading Up

On April 2, world leaders of the G20 will meet in London for critical talks on the global economic crisis.  From my perspective, one of their key objectives should be to prevent new trade barriers from spreading like a virus around the world. In November, leaders of the G20 pledged to refrain from raising barriers to trade and investment for a year.  A few days later, however, they started backing away from their commitments.

Short Attention Span Theatre

It’s no secret that American’s aren’t as focused as they once were.  USA Today blames it on television.  In a 2004 story they said the more television infants and toddlers watch, the more likely they are to have trouble paying attention and concentrating during their early school years.We’re all used to seeing somewhere between 3000-4000 advertising messages a day.  http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=56750

Building Our Brand and Reputation Globally

Over the past few months, I have been hearing the question, “given the current economic slowdown, is now a worthwhile time to invest in building brands in emerging markets like China and India?” In my opinion, the answer to the question is a resounding “yes.” Despite the global economic slowdown, China and India remain two growth engines of world economy and present long-term opportunities, especially when you factor in their growing brand consciousness and middle class.

Information Technology is a Universal Language

When I was approached to be a member of the IT team to implement the new FedEx Asia Pacific hub in Guangzhou, China, I didn’t know how to react.  In my 20 years at FedEx, I’ve always been involved with the IT systems that help our hubs operate.  I was a member of the team that successfully implemented two expansions of the Indianapolis hub, but implementing a hub in China?Our small core team, comprised of US and Asia Pacific IT team members was about to embark upon a mission-possible!