Jakob Wissel

For businesses large and small in the U.S., global markets offer tremendous potential for developing new customers. Presently, some 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S. Taking business abroad, therefore, is not only irresistible, but an essential requirement for any future-focused company’s growth strategy. The BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) represent significant drivers of growth, accounting for approximately 30 percent of production globally.

When we ask leaders what they consider to be their biggest strengths, they usually declare a mix of drive, or focus, or creativity. Sometimes they proclaim solutions-orientation, strategic-focus, or risk-taking. You know, the usual suspects. You are likely agreeing with most of these attributes and sentiments as you are reading this article and ascribing a few of them to your own particular leadership skills and competencies.

The digital technology that allows us to be constantly connected has also introduced new stresses into our everyday lives. Fortunately, there’s a way to make your digital life better: control your stress instead of having stress control you. Stress itself isn’t a problem. In fact, short-term stress can improve your performance. The stress hormones released in your body give you a burst of energy and increase your mental clarity to confront the problem you’re facing.