One of the greatest advantages of a career in entrepreneurship is the ability to take your skills anywhere in the world. I’ve had the privilege of working across three continents—Asia, the Middle East, and North America—and each experience has shaped not only my professional journey but my personal growth as well. From the bustling markets of Jeddah to the fast-paced corporate world of Dubai, and finally, to the diverse business landscape of Canada, I’ve learned that success looks different in every corner of the world. But certain values and lessons remain universal.
In this blog, I want to share some of the key takeaways from working across continents—and how those lessons have helped shape who I am today as a global entrepreneur.
Adaptability Is Your Greatest Asset
When I first left India, I had no idea what to expect. Like many young professionals, I was eager to prove myself, and I quickly found a position as a banking officer in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. But no amount of preparation could replace the real-world experience of adapting to a new environment.
The language, the customs, the business culture—it was all new to me. I had to quickly learn how to communicate effectively, build relationships in unfamiliar contexts, and navigate a completely different way of doing business. Adaptability became my greatest strength. It allowed me to grow beyond my comfort zone and see challenges as opportunities.
This skill proved even more valuable when I moved to Dubai and entered the field of human resources. The multicultural nature of Dubai’s workforce taught me how to manage teams made up of people from all walks of life. Later, when I moved to Canada, those lessons became the foundation for building my businesses here.
Cultural Intelligence Builds Stronger Businesses
Entrepreneurs often focus on financial models, product-market fit, and marketing strategies—but cultural intelligence is just as critical, especially when you’re operating globally. Understanding how culture influences business practices, decision-making, and team dynamics is key to building long-lasting relationships.
In the Middle East, for example, business is built on trust and personal rapport. Meetings aren’t rushed. You get to know each other. That relationship-building is part of the deal. In Canada, while professionalism is highly valued, transparency and efficiency are the norm. Each environment required a different approach, and recognizing those differences allowed me to operate more effectively and respectfully.
As entrepreneurs, we need to listen, observe, and respect local customs. This not only opens doors but ensures that our businesses truly serve the communities we work in.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Strategy
When I transitioned from recruitment into franchise development, launching brands across Western Canada, I was able to draw from my experiences abroad. What worked in Dubai might not work in Calgary. What customers want in one region might not resonate in another.
This was one of the most humbling lessons of global entrepreneurship: every market is unique. You have to study it, respect it, and be willing to localize your approach. That means customizing your operations, marketing, and sometimes even your product or service to meet the needs of your audience.
In Canada, I’ve learned the importance of community engagement and how it plays a role in customer loyalty. Supporting local causes, hiring locally, and participating in neighborhood events have all contributed to the success of my businesses here—strategies that would’ve looked different in other parts of the world.
The People You Work With Make All the Difference
Working across different continents has taught me that no matter where you are, business always comes down to people. Whether it’s a small team in India, a multinational staff in Dubai, or local franchise employees in Alberta, the relationships you build with your team determine the long-term success of your venture.
Leading diverse teams has shown me how important it is to be inclusive and empathetic. People bring their backgrounds, values, and perspectives to work. Embracing that diversity not only creates a stronger work culture but leads to better problem-solving and innovation.
Over the years, I’ve made it a priority to build strong teams that I trust—people who share my vision and values. That’s how I’ve been able to manage multiple businesses without compromising quality or personal balance.
Resilience Is a Global Requirement
Entrepreneurship is never easy. And when you’re working across countries and cultures, the challenges multiply. From navigating immigration policies to dealing with economic fluctuations, global entrepreneurship demands resilience.
But through it all, I’ve learned to stay focused on the long-term vision. I’ve faced setbacks in every country I’ve worked in—business deals that fell through, projects that didn’t go as planned, and moments of self-doubt. But each obstacle taught me something new. I became stronger, more prepared, and more confident in my ability to overcome.
Resilience doesn’t mean avoiding failure—it means learning from it and continuing forward. And when you’ve built your business with heart and purpose, that resilience becomes part of your brand.
Final Thoughts: A Global Mindset Leads to Global Impact
Being a global entrepreneur is about more than crossing borders. It’s about opening your mind, embracing diversity, and learning from every experience. It’s about building businesses that aren’t just profitable—but meaningful and sustainable.
My journey from India to Canada has been filled with lessons I never expected, challenges I never imagined, and successes that mean more because of what it took to achieve them. I’m grateful for every step of the way.
For anyone considering taking their business international—or simply stepping out of their comfort zone—I encourage you to embrace the global perspective. The world is full of opportunity if you’re willing to learn, adapt, and lead with purpose.