The American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden is a robust organization that provides an excellent platform for business education, mentorship, networking and mingles.
Led by Peter Dahlen, pictured at the microphone, their yearly programs keep getting better and better. He has an excellent team.
One of their partner members is the Sheraton Stockholm which provided the perfect venue for the Holiday Mingle.
And as President of the American Women’s Club in Stockholm the AmCham Holiday Mingle gave me and our Club’s Vice President the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakah, and Happy Holidays.
Other panelists were a former Republican and head of Public Affairs at a big firm in Stockholm and a lobbyist from Capitol Hill. The moderator is a foreign correspondent with TT.
Photo: Jonas LindPhoto: Jonas LindPhoto: Jonas Lind
It was the first time I was presented with flowers which is a Swedish tradition. The last time I spoke was at a Democrats Abroad event in Gothenburg and I was given a t-shirt I wanted. The first time I spoke at a Democrats Abroad event in Gothenburg I was given a party mascot. Both were perfect for me. I am embracing the Swedish and appreciating the American ways of doing things.
Photo: Jonas LindPhoto: Jonas Lind
And always the best thing about attending AmCham Sweden events is the opportunity to network, network, network. Regardless of the 2018 US Midterm election results AmCham Sweden will be here to ensure that cooperation among US and Swedish businesses will thrive.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom:?Welcome to the UK.
Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK
Participants heard from the British Ambassador to Sweden. His main message was that between Sweden and Britain, it is business as usual. The uncertainty inherent in Brexit has not put a damper on business in this regard.
Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK
SEB presented a summary of a survey jointly conducted with Deloitte titled What is in the minds of Swedish and British CFOs?? My main take away is there is confidence on both sides – much much more than when Brexit was first decided.
Visit Sweden and VisitBritain?talked about how Brexit might affect future trends in tourism. Swedes spend TONS of money in the UK and visits?to?London top the list. It seems the Brits need a bit more convincing that Sweden is a lot more than cold and dark.
Vistra, presented a brief guide to the Formation and Evolution of a Business in the UK, and two lawyers from? J A Kemp tried to answer the question What is IP and why should a start-up care?. Somethings seem straightforward while others don’t. Don’t do it alone, get expert advice.
Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK
The evening began and concluded with good old fashion networking. The Chamber has been hosting this event for 11 years. Never has the future of this business relationship felt so uncertain because of Brexit.? Thank goodness for the global Chambers of Commerce. Their expertise and network provide invaluable opportunities to learn and talk. Two fundamentals I can appreciate.
Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK
There I am, 3rd from the right, talking as usual. One highlight of the evening was the engaging conversation with several attendees in from England.
The main question was What is a sustainable leadership?
Ready to learn and network.
One possible answer:
Autonomy
Mastery
Purpose
I enjoy these networking breakfasts because I force myself to sit with strangers, speak Swedish, learn something new and enjoy being in the company of women in business.
I am a true believer in networking but also believe that it should have added value.
Grant Thornton has figured that out too and created two professional networks for women.
One network met this week and was treated to a presentation about EQ by?Amazing Leaders.
The premise of the evening’s lesson was emotional capital will distinguish one company from another and those leaders who have high EQ and develop that within their team will leave their competitors behind.
After performing several exercises, participating in discussions, and learning from others we were invited to network over drinks and really nice food. It was dinner time after all. I left with a few business cards, a feeling of empowerment and the knowledge that, that was time well spent.
JobsInGothenburg.com was launched in 2011 by the same American expat who launched?JobsinStockholm.com*?in 2006. This expat lived in England and Belgium before moving to Sweden and understands how important finding a decent job is to building a new life in a foreign country.
Speaking the language of one?s adopted country is also vital to having a good life, however the need to get to work sometimes takes precedent over attending language classes full time. In today?s world economy English is often the business language of companies with global clients and customers. JobsInGothenburg.com wants to bring you great jobs now, with the majority of them listed in English and with the requirement of speaking English.
JobsInGothenburg.com is also a source of information about Gothenburg and Sweden including what one needs to know to transition into Sweden as well as build a social and professional network.
*JobsinStockholm.com is part of JobsinHubs.com. JobsInGothenburg is?NOT?affiliated with JobsinHubs.com.
As the XING Stockholm group Ambassador it has been my pleasure to organize our offline networking events again this year. Here are the photos from our event yesterday.
And here is what we learned:
Get knowledge: ?What You Stand For? A brief but lively introduction into the most powerful aspect of presentation skills; by John Paval of ICS Sverige: http://www.icss.se/
Meet Mopper: Easy. Comfortable. Safe. With mopper, you can buy anything, anytime, anywhere direct to your mobile. Introduction by Ruben Flam, CEO of Mopper: http://www.mopper.se
If I didn?t believe in it before, I certainly do now.? I am referring to networking.? That old adage, ?it?s not what you know, but who you know? rings true as much now as ever.? Take?XING for example.? I have met many interesting, dynamic, and funny people by being a member of OpenBC.? The group forums are filled with intelligent conversations around topics that cover everything from Global Business Women to life before, during and after a MBA.? And while I joined the network while living in Belgium I have connected with people in my hometown of Washington, DC, fellow alums?in the USA?and Europe, businessmen in Africa, as well as women working and thriving across the globe.? In fact, when I moved to Sweden, some members of OpenBC were the first to reach out to me and make me feel welcome (thanks Bendt!).? Don?t underestimate the power of your personal and professional network.? We are all closer to each other than ever before.
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