Jason Naraz

Jason, a Pepperdine alumnus, came and spoke to our class yesterday regarding the importance of forming genuine connections. What I thought was VERY interesting about his speech was that he openly suggested we spend considerably less time on our studies and far more time doing "meaningful work"...namely, networking. He made it a point to speak with at least 3 highly successful people every week, while asking if they would be his mentor. Jason barely went to class and was lucky to study even 1 hour per week. He then went on to form docstoc.com and become a millionare. Go figure.

Lebron needs a new Manager

This guy's story as of late continues to get worse and I attribute it to the poor advice he's been receiving from his friend and manager, Maverick Carter. Due to Lebron's star status I'm certain he feels as if he can trust a very select few, HOWEVER, Maverick is losing him millions upon millions of dollars this summer alone. First it was "The Decision", and while good on paper, he failed to acknowledge the people in Ohio that held on to him as the lone bright spot in an otherwise morbidly suppressed pit of the United States. Lebron made no mention of the fans in Cleveland rather opting to play the "I did what was important for my family" card. Now he's widening the gap with the fans by stating that he feels race played a significant role in the subsequent backlash he's received. Race has NOTHING to do with it. He handled a very sensitive situation with poor tact and failed to right the ship and instead dug a deeper hole in the process. Talented on the court, yes. But very immature and likely in need of a far more astute business manager. Lebron, I am available to start immediately.

BRAZIL IT IS!

So I just got the email a few hours ago and I'll be headed to Sao Paolo, Brazil in less than 11 months! This is great news. While I would have been happy going to either China or Argentina, Brazil was my first choice for a reason. By studying there, I'm positioning myself to possibly procure a full time job after graduation. In my case this is immediately following my study abroad trimester since I'll be graduating early. Hopefully I'll be able to work in Brazil for a year or two and return to the states as an ex-patriot with tremendous bargaining power. A powerful selling point in any interview is explaining how you prevailed in uncomfortable situations. This will certainly serve as my example due to the fact that I speak very little Portuguese and as of now have zero contacts there. But I plan on adapting quickly and forming a strong network. Maybe I'll even return for the World Cup in 2014 or the Olympics in 2016??

Brazil, China or Argentina?

I submitted my application for study abroad during the Fall 2011 term and am currently playing the waiting game. My first choice is Sao Paulo, Brazil for so many reasons: the emergence of its economy, the culture, the food, music, beaches, etc.

China would be quite interesting because it's poised to overtake the US as the number 1 economy in our lifetime. I'd love to learn how to successfully interact with Chinese businesspeople. There's also a spiritual component to studying and living in such an old world that intrigues me as well.

Argentina would be a CHALLENGE since the instruction will be at the graduate level in Spanish. My spanish is good but I'd feel a bit inadequate in the midst of such talent. However, if that is indeed my destination I'll certainly make the most of it and emerge stronger than ever.

Crossing my fingers for Brazil!

Full Time IMBA @ Pepperdine

So I quit my job and transferred into the International MBA program from Pepperdine's Fully Employed MBA program. It's completely different in that I actually have time to study! My monday's are fairly busy. My day starts at 6:15 where I commute to Malibu from Hancock Park in time for my Accounting class (8-12). From there I work out at the gym on lower campus for a couple of hours (right now my focus is cardio and getting rid of these love handles, ha!). Then I get some studying in before I go to my Business Law class with Dr. Baumgartner....The BEST professor ever. I am literally on the edge of my seat from 6-10pm. Maybe it's because I considered law school at one point and am fascinated by how laws can be interpreted. Tuesday and Wednesday I'm off but get in some good studying and workouts. Sometimes I go to the beach. Thursday mornings are spent with my Economics professor. Another interesting class that serves as a tremendous base asset in my graduate education. My 3 and a half day weekends are a bit misleading since I have two classes to study for on the coming Monday. The SECOND term in the trimester is going to be veeeery busy. But it's only 14 more months!