One week ago I participated in Global Citizen Week Kelowna events, followed by most of this week spent in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories on business conducting field research, interviews and surveys.  This combined with a number of recent stories from individuals of different ethnic backgrounds about their cultural realities, and my own desire to travel and discover new lands and customs first-hand made me consider the definition of culture.

In Canada, diversity is a common response in defining our culture that is not consistent in other nations.  Further, in the world we live in it seems individuals are increasingly choosing their own culture.  While thinking about culture, and its evolution largely owing to globalization I was reminded me of an event held at Royal Roads University in 2009, and the message from guest speaker Mr. Karl-Eric Brière.

Mr. Brière is a professor of business strategy at Royal Roads University, and the recipient of the Professionalism and Dedication Award in June 2008.  He described an absence of geographic boundaries and that individuals are both making conscious and subconscious choices regarding their own individual culture.  This has resulted in some surprising differences and similarities between groups from a variety of nations and demographics.

I regular think of a term her used ‘cultural arbitrage’, as the primary theme weaved throughout his presentation.  It’s fascinating to think about societal and consumer trends, whether activity or product related, that are very common to a region but uncommon at home, and how this could present an opportunity to bring the idea home.  Some examples given include the sushi bar popularity across North America, and fast food franchises expanding in other nations due to faster paced lifestyles.

Mr. Brière urged those gathered to embrace uncertainty and to be sure the world will change.  He encouraged all of us to take our expertise, and take calculated risks to become a shooting star.  He shifted to his viewpoint on the global recession and explained disruption to the economy encourages extreme innovation, and that we will continue to see a multiplicity of niches across geographic borders.

He left us with a final thought which is that Zen Capitalism is the answer.  Practical, value-driven goals and compassion for others in business will win in the long run.