Seeing Opportunities through a Lens of Optimism

lya Prokopoff is guest blogging for the Forum. He is a Partner at IDEO in USA and will be attending the World Economic Forum on Latin America. You can follow him @ilpro.

Day Two at the Latin American Forum begins and four quick thoughts from Rio de Janeiro.

 

1. Huge Changes Afoot
Incredible shifts abound in Latin America; no surprise to anyone here. Public and private organizations continue to make significant investments in infrastructure (yet,never seemingly enough), the markets continue to evolve, as do the needs of the population and the support they will require.  These investments often carry a daunting weight.  How might we look at impending seismic shifts as opportunities, not crises?

2. Be Prideful
Business leaders in Latin America focus on their organization’s success, but always with an eye towards the broader benefit to their country demonstrating significant national and regional pride. How might we connect the desire for business growth with the collective potential to better the lives of those who call Latin America home? 

3. Look Across, Not Just Outside
Leaders of the development of important, local institutions often are themselves schooled and experienced outside of their home countries. One result: big, local institutions shape themselves in traditional models of great institutions elsewhere in the world. How might we create interactions not just between the outside world and the region, but among the amazing universities (researchers), enterprises (monetizers), and entrepreneurs (inventors) within?
   
4. High Street versus Main Street
The way to make change work is to draw inspiration from the needs of all stakeholders.  From fellow political leaders and multi-national organizations to emerging entrepreneurs and those struggling to leave a favela.  How might we engage not only governments and institutions, but individuals and their communities who share a responsibility and desire to create impact?

What do you think? 

Follow me @ilpro, my colleague @bviner and our company @ideo as we continue to explore and engage with WEF Latin America.  Can’t wait to hear from you.