Leaders Who Cross Borders: Building or Joining a Global Community
Belonging to a global community offers a strategic advantage for leaders.
Here is an insight on what’s shifting in the world and how it can shape the way you think, act, and lead globally.
When the problem our organization solves extends beyond borders, the most effective leaders are those who explore opportunities globally. Developing a global mindset is both a strategy and a necessity for leaders who want to achieve ambitious goals in an interconnected world. Research shows that leaders who cultivate international networks are better equipped to handle cross-cultural challenges and achieve success across borders - here, there, everywhere.
In “Managing Yourself: Making It Overseas” by Javidan, Teagarden, and Bowen published in the Harvard Business Review the importance of a global mindset is emphasized1. Leaders with this mindset can leverage cultural diversity, adapt to various business environments, and identify opportunities across borders. In today’s globalized economy, where trends, technologies, and threats increasingly originate far from home, a broader perspective becomes essential. Leaders who actively engage with global peers gain critical insights, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve.
Getting There Faster, More Impactfully
Joining a global community of like-minded leaders is one of the most effective ways to develop this mindset. By collaborating with a geographically diverse group of peers who are on similar journeys, leaders can accelerate their progress, create a greater impact, and amplify their influence. Communities designed for senior executives and corporate leaders offer invaluable peer learning, access to diverse perspectives, and shared experiences. Global networks also help leaders avoid the common pitfall of blind spots - relying solely on familiar industries or locations - which limits their understanding of broader possibilities.
One major advantage of being part of a global leadership community is the access to insights, intelligence, introductions, influence, ideas, and new innovations. The world’s most significant technologies and threats often emerge far from where leaders are based, and a strong international network allows them to stay informed and adaptable. This can mean the difference between simply reacting to global changes and proactively leading through them.
Networks that Work
Several communities offer a global network for leaders, enabling them to tap into international knowledge and cross-border opportunities. These include:
Corporate Rebels Academy2: A platform where leaders can challenge traditional management practices and learn from progressive organizations worldwide. By focusing on autonomy, engagement, and purpose, members can apply innovative workplace practices relevant across cultures and industries.
Chief Executives Organization3: This exclusive network offers senior leaders access to high-level networking events, leadership programs, and retreats. These gatherings are invaluable for leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of global business trends while fostering relationships with peers across industries and borders.
Vistage4: A structured environment where senior executives meet regularly to discuss long-term strategies and challenges. For those seeking ongoing peer advice and problem-solving, Vistage offers small, facilitated groups that provide a safe space for leaders to gain fresh perspectives and navigate complex issues in a global context.
Conspiracy of Love Collective5: As purpose-driven leadership gains momentum, this network connects companies and individuals embedding purpose into their business strategies. Members collaborate on social impact initiatives and explore how purpose-driven business models can scale positive change on an international level.
Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance6: A CEO-led community focused on integrating purpose, people, and performance to build lasting, high-performing organizations. Through leadership programs and peer learning, members develop the skills needed to drive growth and cultural transformation, outperforming their competition.
What Shifts?
The shift toward going beyond local and limited opportunities is driven by technological advancements and increased global connectivity. Leaders no longer need to rely on traditional, in-person networking or geographical proximity to join powerful peer groups. Instead, digital platforms enable leaders to connect, collaborate, and engage with global networks from anywhere. This allows them to stay informed and adaptable to new trends, technologies, and challenges, without the limitations of conventional networking. As market barriers blur, leaders with a global mindset and digital networks are better positioned to seize emerging opportunities, solve complex problems both locally and globally, and remain competitive in a borderless business environment.
There is more to the world than what we see.
Belonging to a global community offers a strategic advantage for leaders. It helps them to stay informed about global trends and challenges and provides a platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation. Leaders who are part of these networks can avoid biases that come from operating in narrow contexts, positioning them to lead more effectively locally and on the global stage.
What global community would you love to join - or perhaps even build?
It is said that the easiest way to become a billionaire is by solving a problem for a billion people. This idea is an invitation to think bigger and act bolder. And the world needs it.
I’m bringing together a group of ambitious leaders ready to leverage a global network for next-level, positive-sum success. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to send me a message.
https://hbr.org/2010/04/managing-yourself-making-it-overseas
https://www.corporate-rebels.com/membership
https://www.ceo.org/s/
https://www.vistage.com/
https://www.conspiracyoflove.co/the-need-for-purpose
https://www.higherambition.org/ops