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ENABLING SUCCESSFUL BIO ENTERPRISE How to navigate the Global Village: A insiders guide Presented by Suzanne Bertrand CEO

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Disclaimer: Do not take this presentation too seriously! It is coloured by race, religion and gender To say nothing of the climate! It is a personal story, a journey that enabled me to enjoy life in different culture, learn and grow into a better person. 2

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The start of it all: A PhD in biology, at Laval University Friends in international development, looking for help An offer to head to China to lead a R&D development project And taking on the offer! 3

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Wudu, Gansu province, China 4

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The project Establishment of a research tree nursery in Longnan prefecture, Gansu province, PRC A large facility A small research lab, working on soil, plant nutrition, A 3-hour flight and 12-hour drive from Beijing The province still closed to foreigners, so lots of administrative hurdles 5

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The project, the odds, the outcomes, the learnings 6

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And what about it? 7

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Lessons? Learn the history of where you are! People are proud of their past, and will want to talk about it Respect the traditions while moving forward Learn the language! Or at least a few words Ni Hao ma? Find allies, look for alternatives to your plans, believe in the long termListen to body language! What is your definition of success? Building the relationship will take years 8

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Change of scenery? Another phone call, another continent Tunisia, a R&D project with a very large tach transfer component Establishment of six forest tree nurseries with lab facilities across the country 9

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Sun, beaches, tourismand forestry. 10

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Forestry? 11

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Lessons? Different challenges Islamic culture, a complete different set of rules! Again language, history, customs Ya hamdoula, la bess? Who benefits, and at what level? Image is very important, being seen as the winner in a deal is more important than the financial benefits Be prepared to take your time Enjoy your time! 13

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Then to North Caroline A complete different culture! The Bible belt as different as China or Tunisia Innovation country! 14

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And now New Zealand It is also different! But you knew that! 15