The Beginning of Connection and Collaboration

The second morning of the International Leadership and Business Internship began with renewed energy and a familiar rhythm. Interns once again gathered to focus on deepening their connection with their Nigerian business partners, laying the groundwork for collaborative growth and tailored solutions.

Kicking off the day, Program Director Zac Clark outlined the goals for the week ahead and provided updates on the schedule, reaffirming the purpose behind each team’s efforts. His talk served as both a roadmap and a motivational reminder of the impact these students can make.

Following Zac, interns heard from Umar Muhammad, who shared insights into the lived experiences of the Nigerian entrepreneurs they’d be supporting. His talk offered both cultural context and a candid reflection on the challenges local business owners face, setting the stage for meaningful conversations.

Next, interns joined their business partners and project coordinators on Zoom for a second round of introductions and dialogue. While many had already met, this time the conversations dove deeper. Interns asked insightful questions about each business's origin story, growth trajectory, and future goals. Their questions reflected growing confidence and empathy—and a stronger grasp of how to craft marketing and infrastructure plans that genuinely align with their partners’ visions.

With continued curiosity, students explored the nuances of what success looks like in Bauchi State and how local market realities shape each entrepreneur’s strategy. Guided once again by Umar Muhammad, interns explored how business hurdles in Nigeria compare to those in the U.S., sparking reflections and drawing thoughtful parallels.

By lunchtime, students walked away with not just renewed inspiration, but a more textured understanding of who their partners are—and how to collaborate in a way that honors both creativity and cultural context.