Participating in the Global Business Brigades program in Greece was a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of conducting business across different cultures. My initial impression was that our role would be to teach, but in reality, we spent much of our time listening and learning. I got to see firsthand how these businesses were supported by the local communities the owners had. This experience also changed how I view the role of business in society. I saw firsthand how entrepreneurship can empower individuals and strengthen communities, especially when supported by culturally. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that business practices are not universal; they are deeply rooted in the social, economic, and historical contexts of the host country. In Greece, the effects of the financial crisis and a strong tradition of family-run enterprises created a business landscape where resilience and resourcefulness were as important as any formal business plan. Our team had to prioritize sustainable solution that would work for their environment. For example, the client I was working with owned a coffee shop. Our team made her business cards, menu, signs, and a logo. Something that may be so simple to us, made such a huge impact on this ladies business. This was something that stood out to me on the trip. I am so thankful that I got to work with the Global Business Brigades. I have taken so much from this trip. I will remember this trip forever!
