My time in Portugal has been an eye-opening experience. The friendliness of the people was consistent throughout the trip, which reaffirmed my initial belief that the Portuguese are welcoming and open. Over the week, I learned the importance of understanding and respecting both cultural differences and shared values in a business setting.
As the week progressed, I realized how crucial it is to learn about someone’s background and values when building relationships. In both Porto and Lisbon, I witnessed firsthand how acknowledging differences while finding common ground can strengthen professional bonds. This is especially true in the business world, where establishing meaningful connections is key to success. In global supply chains, there are relationships with suppliers, buyers, and partners from around the world.
By embracing other’s unique qualities and the things that connect us, we can build long-lasting relationships that are essential in global business environments. My time in Portugal has deepened my understanding of this process and how it can elevate someone in the business world.