What I learned talking to a Syrian?

Yesterday, I was reading a book in my local coffee shop when this man interrupted me. He asked me: “Why this shopping mall so boring?” To be honest with you, I didn’t realize it until he brought it to my attention. I guess I like peaceful places.

We started a conversation and it turned out that he was from Syria. After talking for about 20 minutes I realized that he was looking for a vibrant city to move in. Why was he city shopping? I don’t know and I don’t want to know. Nevertheless, what caught my attention is that he described his perfect city, and it was something like this:

  • A place that I can breath fresh air
  • Close to the beach
  • Good cost of living
  • Business friendly
  • A city with job and economic growth
  • Modern city

Isn’t that the city that we all dream of? Maybe after all, we all want the same things.

The question is: How can we develop an economic environment to accomplish all of our goals as a society? In order to develop that economic environment we need to understand several factors that drive companies and markets:

  • The value of a strong customer brand
  • Honest and a trustworthy management
  • Conscious capitalism
  • Flexible balance sheet