Last week an article came out about a panel I took part in earlier this year in London and it got me reflecting on the what we talked about that day.

The topic was international growth, and the key points for discussion were focused on exports, market entry, and strategy.

But I remember clearly, what struck me most that day was what bubbled to the surface when we all got talking: going global is far less about spreadsheets and far more about people.

It quickly became clear that expanding across borders starts with something business schools don’t teach: humanity.

And that the real engine of growth is empathy.

But empathy isn’t built in boardrooms with people who think just like us. It’s built by getting uncomfortable. By immersing ourselves in new cultures, different ways of seeing the world and bridging divides.

By listening, observing, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.

This is where where true leadership happens.

It’s why I created TIE Leadership – to take leaders to the edge of their mental maps, and help them step beyond. Because if business really is the biggest lever for change, leaders need more than strategies.

They need the courage, and the humanity, to connect across borders.

On that note, September 16th is an exciting day in our world as we will be kicking off a very exciting new programme focused on just this. Expanding perspectives to improve collaboration, creativity and curiosity across a global team.

More on this as things start to unfold. Exciting times!