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Global Competition is Here to Stay

Global competition is here to stay, according to a high-profile panel of Wake Forest University MBA alumni, and the keys to competing effectively in today’s increasingly flat marketplaces are trustworthy global partners and a deep understanding of world cultures.

The alumni gathered at Wake Forest for “Jumping the Sun: Creating Competitive Advantage in an Increasingly Flat World” held April 10 at Wake Forest’s Brendle Recital Hall. Emmy Award-winning television journalist Charlie Rose served as moderator for the panel discussion, and the panelists included:

  • Charlie Ergen (’76), co-founder, chairman and CEO of EchoStar Communications Corp.
  • John Medica (’83), senior vice president and general manager of product group for Dell
  • Ken Thompson (’76), chairman, president and CEO of Wachovia Corp.
  • Eric Wiseman (’88), president and chief operating officer of VF Corp.

Following introductory remarks from Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, a capacity audience listened as the panelists shared distinct and informed perspectives on finance, marketing, technology and entrepreneurship, and they addressed how American business and higher education can create competitive advantage in our increasingly flat world.

UNC-TV taped the event, and N.C. public television will telecast an hour-long version of the program at 10 p.m. on Thursday, May 31. A webcast of the discussion is available at www.unctv.org.

In addition, WFDD-FM (88.5) has posted audio from the event as a Featured Program on www.wfdd.org, and its hour-long broadcast will air at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 15.

The Voices of our Time guest speaker series features renowned scientists, writers, activists, politicians, and ministers who explore the relevant issues of our day. For more information on the Voices of Our Time guest speaker series, click here.