Entrepreneurship Success in the United States In interaction with Beth A. Payne, American Consul General

FLO presented ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUCCESS IN THE UNITED STATES in conversation with US Consul General in Kolkata, Beth A. Payne, for the first time at her residence, on 11th January, 2010.

Ms. Payne began her assignment as US Consul General in Kolkata in 2008. In her short stint in Calcutta Ms Payne is already a very popular and respected speaker in the city. She was recently one of the key speakers at the International Entrepreneurship Summit at IIM, Calcutta.

The American dream has always remained an inspiring phenomenon. The land has attracted people from around the world irrespective of race or origin and encouraged them by providing a platform to make their dreams come true.

In his celebrated inaugural speech President Barack Obama has stressed on the same phenomenon. He has said, “Over past 15 years small businesses have created roughly 65% of all new jobs in America. These are companies formed around kitchen tables in family meetings, formed when an entrepreneur takes a chance on a dream, formed when a worker decides it is time she became her own boss. These are companies that drive innovation.And it is worth remembering, every once in a while a small business becomes a big business — and changes the world.”

Beth A. Payne, took the FLO members through this journey of the great American dream. How and why entrepreneurship succeeds in the United States is fascinating. She also touched upon policies of Indo-American trade, Indo-American Political relationships and the launch of Indo-American Empowerment Fund. Her speech stressed on gender equality in countries like India and America as the secret to success, she also admired the qualities of multi tasking hard working women in India and their graceful sense of dressing in a saree. Women in leadership roles was the topic most discussed in the interactive session, questions and answers of how to choose an equal platform for women in this men dominated world, with simple, straightforward solutions was most applauded.

The event hosted by Ms Payne in her beautiful garden, was followed by high tea at her tastefully done up colonial residence. FLO members shared your own dreams, experiences and successes at this afternoon session.