Global mindset is a point of view that embraces diversity. For associate Brand Manager, Michael Marcus a global mindset can be defined using three different viewpoints: business, operations, and people. From a business point of view, Marcus says “it’s about understanding your mission, your products, and your campaign and how they are developed and positioned holistically and globally; and then how they’re adapted and applied regionally to be culturally relevant to the people there”.
Tolerating ambiguity, one of the core competencies of a global mindset, helps Marcus in his day- to-day work at Colgate-Palmolive, the most penetrated brand in the world reaching over half of the world’s population. As a North American Brand Manager, he develops and reviews strategies and innovation plans expected to be brought to markets in the U.S. and Canada within relatively short time frames. His work includes corresponding with teams in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Marcus says “an update from my global counterparts might cause me to have to pivot and shift strategies at the last minute.” He adds being comfortable navigating uncertainty is key to success when working in a global market. Marcus credits his experiences at University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business where he worked with students from all over the world who helped shape the way he approaches working with global teams.
Marcus began his career at Colgate-Palmolive, as part of a global marketing development program. He asserts the global focus of the rotational program was a huge draw. “I was fortunate enough to spend three months in a global marketing rotation so I literally got to see how a multinational company can be structured to effectively market its own products to over 200 countries and territories around the world.” He advises students looking for a role in global business to consider starting at a company with a strong global footprint, even if not in a role with an international focus.
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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.