23 May 2015 | Reach for the Stars - Go Global | Gina Whittle

Gina Whittle joined us from the Gina & Partners  to present at the 2015 Global Leadership Forum.

Gina is the Managing Director (President) of Gina & Partners. The title of Gina's speech was “Reach For the Stars.”

She began by asking students to imagine themselves in 5 years. "In my future, I want to…" students made sentences.

She talked about her upbringing and her background. She gave key points about her country.

• Abundant nature

• English speaking

• Multi-cultural

• Clean environment

• Friendly people

A great role model for GT students

She continued her background story. She did modeling in Aukland. She showed us some of her photos and previous experiences in Japan.

A key point of her talk: one language is not enough. She came to Japan 3 times, once for a year, the second time for a year, and 16 years in the last visit. She described her experiences as a language teacher in Japan moving from a big city to a small town.

She explained her inspiration to become a company owner - she read “Rich Dad/Poor Dad.” She has started two companies - "New Zealand Life Tours" and "Gina & Partners” 

She described the declining travel industry and the increase in online self-managed travel planning trends. She also described the experience of forming her own business. 

She talked about setting a goal and making a flexible plan to achieve that goal. She used a combination of English and Japanese to encourage the students.

She covered and old Chinese saying:

• I hear and I forget

• I see and I remember

• I do and I understand

Then she covered some main things to do to increase your Global Abilities

• Do something practical - be active in your efforts.

• Challenge yourself - go out of your comfort zone.

• Communication skills - the importance of the skills.

• Influence - If you are a good communicator, you influence people. However, without that your idea will wither

• Use technology - let it help simplify your life.

• Invest in yourself - get skills and education.

• Balance yourself

• Eat healthy

She recommends the book “Miracle Morning” for guidance on how to start your day. Spend the first hour of the morning on you.

The forum concluded with an engaging Q & A, with students discussing the points that stood out to them most and asking follow up questions for Gina.

2015 January 24 | Becoming a Global Citizen | Luc Roberge

Luc Roberge Presenting on how to be a Global Citizen

Today, NIU GT students participated in the Global Forum lecture and workshop given by Mr. Luc Roberge. In his talk, he gave his personal and professional background while encouraging the GT students to become global citizens.

He covered topics popularized by H. Jackson Brown Jr. from his work Life's Little Instruction Book. Using excerpts from Brown's philosophies, he helped the students find important things for the betterment of themselves and for their growth in becoming Global Citizens.

Students worked in pairs to discuss each of Brown's philosophical viewpoints and came up with the topic which they felt was the most important to them.


Some of Brown's philosophies (credit, H. Jackson Brown Jr.):

1) Compliment three people every day.
2) Have a firm handshake.
3) Look people in the eye.
4) Say "Thank you" a lot.
5) Say "Please" a lot.
6) Learn to play a musical instrument.
7) Be the first to say, "Hello."
8) Be forgiving of yourself and others.
9) If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
10) Return all things you borrow.
11) Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
12) Make new friends but cherish the old ones.
13) Keep secrets.
14) Write "thank you" notes promptly.
15) Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
16) Show respect for teachers.
17) Keep a tight rein on your temper.
18) Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
19) Admit your mistakes.
20) Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
21) Hug children after you discipline them.
22) Forget the Joneses.
23) Don't smoke.
24) Make it a habit to do nice things for people who'll never find out.
25) Refrain from envy. It is the source of much happiness.
26) Never cheat.
27) Smile a lot. It costs nothing and is beyond price.
28) Remember people's name.
29) Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.
30) Keep your watch five minutes fast.
31) Be tough minded but tenderhearted.
32) Avoid negative people.
33) Never take action when you're angry.
34) Set short-term and long-term goals.
35) When complimented, a sincere "thank you" is the only response required.
36) Be a good loser. (winner)
37) Don't major minor things.
38) Keep your promises.
39) Seek out the good in people.
40) Evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else's.
41) Never overestimate your power to change others.
42) Keep expectations high.
43) Take care of your reputations. It is your most valuable asset.
44) Be there when people need you.
45) Don't expect life to be fair.
46) Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
47) Be a self-starter.
48) When attending meetings, sit down front.
49) Be enthusiastic about the success of others.
50) Laugh a lot. A good sense of humor cures almost all life's ills.
51) Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
52) Don't be afraid to say, "I need help. I'm sorry."
53) Watch for big problems. They disguise big opportunities.
54) Don't make the same mistake twice.
55) Save ten percent of what you earn.
56) Be open to new ideas.
57) Remain open, flexible, curious.
58) Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90% of all your happiness or misery.
59) Send your loved one flowers. Think of a reason later.
60) Become someone's hero.
61) Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
62) Patronize local merchants even if it costs a bit more.
63) Arrive at work early and stay beyond quitting time.