Clarity & Curiosity: Cultivating Communication and Global Mindsets

The International Leadership & Business interns continued to sharpen their minds through two transformative guest speaker sessions, each designed to equip them with the practical skills and global mindset needed to lead in a rapidly evolving world.

In a session that blended storytelling with strategy, Wendy Riemann offered a powerful workshop on how to deliver a compelling pitch deck. As a communications expert with years of experience in brand messaging and narrative design, Wendy guided interns through the key elements of a persuasive presentation: from structure and tone to visuals and voice. Interns learned how to tailor their message to different audiences, distill complex ideas into digestible takeaways, and deliver pitches with confidence and clarity. By the end of the session, students walked away not only with new frameworks but with a deeper appreciation for the art of purposeful communication.

Switching gears from the pitch room to the international arena, Professor Sarah Stiles took the interns on a deep dive into the realities of business in today’s interconnected economy. Her session, “Going Global,” explored how companies navigate diverse markets, cultural nuances, and shifting geopolitical landscapes to build sustainable and ethical business strategies. Professor Stiles emphasized the value of global awareness, adaptability, and empathy, a topic that pushes interns to think beyond borders and approach problem-solving with a broader lens.

Together, these sessions underscored a central theme of the internship: learning to lead with both clarity and curiosity. Whether pitching a bold idea or navigating a global marketplace, interns are discovering that success lies in the ability to think strategically, communicate effectively, and stay attuned to the world around them. With new tools in hand and fresh perspectives gained, they’re one step closer to shaping the future of business, locally and globally.