In reflection of my study abroad, I found my journey to Spain to have altered my mindset on the business practices of the U.S. verses the E.U., Spain more specifically. The major differences that I took note of almost immediately were of the cultural differences relating to productivity, at least in Spain. These differences reveal themselves through a mindset of qualitative verses quantitative. The most obvious example of this would be Spain’s outlook and standards on their food source. I gained a deeper understanding of this when we traveled to the Delta del Ebro region. There, we were taught about a regional branch of a movement called Slow Food Catalunya. Here they focused on and adopted an approach that was in promoting sustainable food. Growing and making food as organically as possible with the resources readily available in their local area. In the U.S., there is more focus on mass production and shipping food all over, including produce that is not in season and has been given pesticides and GMOs. The U.S. threshold standard for GMO is 5%. In Spain, there is a push for this to be as low as possible, with a requirement of labeling anything above .9% threshold. I can personally attest to the better quality of food, even at restaurants, between the U.S. and Spain. When eating out in the U.S. I typically feel bloated and have digestive issues but in Spain, not once, did I experience this. The meals where of higher quality with portion sizes dramatically smaller as well. Again, focusing on quality vs. quantity. The food quality was not surprising given I visited there about 7 years ago, but this experience shed more light into the mindset of businesses. As I endeavor onward in my career, in the next year or so, I will take the concept of quality over quantity as a backbone of my business management skill set. When done right, quality provides a more efficient use of resources, stronger relationships, and long-term outcomes.
The individuals we encountered on our business trips were very engaging and full enthusiasm to share their company’s mission and future growth potential. I felt very at home with each of them. I gained a unique insight from each one. Expectedly, each company shared the same focus on quality over quantity.
A visit that really stuck out to me for their use of technological advances was Coleo. Their use of AI to sort materials by type of fabric and color was amazing and showed precision and accuracy that gave aid to workers to follow in the next steps to recycling the textiles. I was also greatly impressed that the government was also involved in this mission. Coleo has been able to lower chemical dye use and reducing what would have been put into landfills down to 15%! It is wonderful to see what a business and a government can do together to create sustainability, protect the environment, and still promote jobs.
I am grateful for the opportunity to experience such as amazing trip like this. I will incorporate what I learned within aspects of my future career both from a customer perspective but also with those that I lead.
