“In a world disrupting like we’ve never seen before, are we going to be ambitious enough to capture it?”
This was the final question posed by Dominic Barton, the Global Managing Director at McKinsey and Company, during The Vancouver Board of Trade’s event, Global Forces: Major Trends and Opportunities for BC. This event taught me that those who embrace change and adapt by making bold moves ultimately drive progress in our world, whether in a classroom or business environment.
Four Beedie Ambassadors spent an afternoon in September learning about McKinsey’s perspective on the global forces affecting business in British Columbia. Dominic Barton, a global thought leader, gave the presentation. Mr. Barton was born in Uganda and raised in Sardis, BC. Learning of Mr. Barton’s rise to success from his humble beginnings served as a gentle, yet inspiring reminder that everyone starts somewhere.
From McKinsey’s perspective, an organization’s odds of success are dependent on three functions: who you are, where you are, and what you do. The event’s discussion was primarily focused on the global forces that affect the “where you are” function for organizations in British Columbia.
These global forces include:
- The Re-Rise of Asia as a Global Powerhouse coupled with a surge in global middle class growth. Emerging market cities fuel nearly half of this growth, which has also resulted in a much higher demand for commodities.
- Disruptive Technology, particularly mobile Internet, automation of knowledge work, and the Internet of Things. It is not only the industries in which technology is emerging that are required to adapt; industries impacted by technological “ripple effects” must also be cognizant of potential disruptions. For example, ride sharing applications extend to affect healthcare, insurance, and construction industries.
- An Aging Population. This is even more important for Canada, which has the most rapidly aging population in the world.
What do these forces mean for business in British Columbia? Given BC’s location, companies are geographically positioned to take advantage of the growth in Asia. In terms of technology, Mr. Barton focused on the province’s strengths in human capital, citing high education levels and international experience as key drivers behind this strength.
Although the “where you are” function of organizational success was the most prominent topic of the day, Mr. Barton concluded that “what you do” is at least equally important. BC is a region with large potential in agrifood, tourism, technology, and logistics. To realize this potential, however, bold moves must be favoured over incremental improvements. These “bold moves, driven by raw ambition, are what move change and seize opportunities,” no matter where an organization is situated.
As a student, understanding that bold moves and ambition are the driving forces behind achieving your potential is paramount. Nothing comes without effort, whether it is in a business or school environment. So don’t be afraid to take a leap, make a bold move, and be ambitious. It is those who leap that land the farthest.
Madeline is in her fourth year at Beedie, concentrating in MIS, Marketing, and Operations Management. Passionate about being involved at Beedie, she is a TA for BUS 237, has held managing team member, executive, and national exposition presenter roles with Enactus, and completed an international exchange at Copenhagen Business School. Madeline is also the founder of YoutHatch – a program encouraging student involvement at a local salmon hatchery. An outdoor enthusiast since a young age, she is an avid ocean kayaker, cyclist, and runner, and recently returned home from a 20-day bicycle tour from Jasper to Vancouver.