Determination - how to keep focus on what matters? | Armen Avakian | TEDxMoskovyanStSalon

Summary

This engaging story recounts a business consultant’s chaotic and humorous experience crossing the border between Ghana and Togo, where determination is put to the test. Amidst confusion and lack of formal procedures, the consultant focuses on the goal: reaching an important client meeting. The narrative highlights the challenges of working in unfamiliar environments and dealing with unpredictable situations, using the border crossing as a metaphor for navigating today's chaotic, divided world. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the power of determination to break through obstacles, stay focused on objectives, and maintain professionalism in the face of adversity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Determination is the key to success, even when facing chaos and obstacles.
• 🌍 The world today can feel like the chaotic border between Ghana and Togo, filled with uncertainty and confusion.
• 🚗 Business professionals must maintain focus on their objectives, no matter how difficult the journey.
• 👨‍💼 The experience of navigating different cultures, such as in Ghana and Togo, offers unique insights into business challenges and opportunities.
• 💼 A business consultant must analyze not only the cultural landscape but also demographics, purchasing power, and socioeconomic conditions.
• ⛔ Sometimes, solutions to problems can be unconventional—such as bribing a border official to cross illegally.
• 💰 In business, sometimes achieving objectives requires finding creative, unorthodox solutions to barriers.
• 💭 Personal resilience and focus on the ultimate goal, even in chaotic environments, are essential to professional success.
• 😂 Humor can be a valuable tool to relieve tension during stressful situations, especially in high-stakes business settings.
• 🏁 Despite being in an unpredictable situation, the ultimate goal—reaching the business meeting—was achieved through persistence and focus.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's story?

The main theme of the story is determination, particularly the importance of maintaining focus on an objective despite chaos and challenges around you.

What role does the speaker's profession play in the story?

The speaker's profession as a business consultant shapes his perspective throughout the story, especially his analytical approach to business, demographics, and obstacles faced in foreign direct investment environments.

Why is the border between Ghana and Togo described as chaotic?

The border is described as chaotic due to the lack of proper signage, organized customs procedures, and the overwhelming presence of thousands of people moving back and forth with no clear structure.

How does the speaker describe the border crossing process?

The border crossing is depicted as absurd and surreal, with no formal customs or passport control, and instead, a man with a rope acting as the border between the two countries.

What was the initial problem the speaker and his colleagues encountered at the border?

The problem was that the speaker and his colleague had single-entry visas, which meant they could enter Togo but could not return to Ghana without a multi-entry visa.

How did the speaker resolve the issue with the border official?

The issue was resolved by the speaker's African colleague negotiating a bribe with the border official, ensuring that they could cross into Togo and return to Ghana without further issues.

What role did the speaker’s African colleague play in the situation?

The African colleague played a crucial role in negotiating with the border official, handling the situation diplomatically, and helping to solve the problem with the visas and crossing the border.

How does the speaker deal with the tension during the border crossing?

The speaker attempts to relieve the tension by making jokes and focusing on the business meeting ahead, ensuring that his colleagues stay focused and calm despite the chaos.

What is the significance of the mosquito incident in the story?

The mosquito incident adds to the absurdity and tension of the situation, highlighting the danger of malaria in Africa and contributing to the chaos the speaker and his colleagues were experiencing.

How does the speaker relate the border crossing experience to the current global situation?

The speaker compares the chaos and uncertainty at the Ghana-Togo border to the current state of the world, filled with political turmoil, social divisions, and confusion, suggesting that determination is the key to navigating these challenges.