2019-20 Annual Report Final - Flipbook - Page 29
Sam Bayley shares his
experiences of this
unique opportunity
I applied for the GLP India program
as I saw it as an opportunity to
enhance my leadership and
management skills and an avenue
for personal growth. I have been
fascinated by India for a long time
and was keen to experience a
unique and ancient culture, but also
a rapidly changing one. The concept
of leadership in a cross-cultural
context fascinated me and it was the
right time for me to be pushed and
challenged. Experiencing the food,
music and cultural scene was also a
big drawcard.
The GLP India program allowed me
to explore and learn about industries
completely foreign to me. We visited
renowned Bangalore based tech, IT
and pharmacy companies gaining
an insight into their ‘start up’ values,
marketing strategies and strategic
plans.
I took home many ideas that I will
look to implement in the not for
profit sector in which I work.
We also spent time learning about
Hinduism, Indian culture and the
arts and the historical and current
political environment. All of which
helps to set a wonderful scene for
discussions and learnings.
We were graciously hosted by one
of India’s top business schools and
created some genuine friendships.
We mixed with students and
received an amazing cultural night
that showcased regional food,
dance, song and classical music and yes, BOLLYWOOD!
The GLP India course exceeded
my expectations due to the diverse
schedule and thought-provoking
program, it threw me into a different
world of people, topics, discussions
and world views. I was forced to
engage both with questioning and
answering.
I have grown in confidence in my
ability to converse and critically
think about issues that I previously
would have been silent on or
avoided. It has opened my world
view on cultural leadership and the
interaction between business and
social settings.
In Bangalore amongst all the
development, site visits and global
companies, we visited a humble
suburban school. This crowded,
small, concrete courtyard was
filled with laughing and smiling
children with dedicated proud staff.
Computers running off car batteries,
a donated lunch program and
sponsored filtered water reminded
us of the importance on focussing
on our next generation.
I learnt that India has the 2nd
biggest Muslim population in the
world (outside Indonesia). That
in most parts of India cultural
diversity is respected and people
live in harmony. That even with
rapid development Indians value
their traditional culture and beliefs
and respect others. Diversity
is celebrated and has created
opportunities that flow into business,
development and opportunity.
The GLP India participants created a
wonderful travel party coming from
various walks of life in terms of their
professions, cultural backgrounds,
ages and regions within Australia.
We had hearty honest discussions
and learnt much from each other.
Many of us will stay in touch as
friends with the possibility of forging
future collaborations between
our different industries. I sincerely
thank the Yellow Edge team and the
Churchill Trust for the opportunity.
I would definitely recommend the
GLP to any Fellows keen to sharpen
their skills both professionally and
personally. The structure of the
course is very non-prescriptive and
allows for a free-flowing cultural
experience to remember. Be
prepared to eat lots of amazing
food!
Learn globally, inspire locally.
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