A Barrier Worth Breaking

We all know plenty of women execs who travel internationally for business – but few take a company they own, abroad.

Why set up shop overseas?

Studies show biculturals (people who had spent time living in another culture) were more innovative when setting up new businesses. They were more likely to invent new products and services.

Liliane Stransky, founder and president of Step by Step Foundation, moved to the U.S. with her husband and three daughters because of safety concerns they faced living in Caracas, Venezuela.

Stranksy went on to set up a children’s nonprofit in the U.S. that, she says, has improved the lives of more than 10,000 women and children worldwide.

And here’s her innovative idea – she has a youth board of directors made up of high school students to give a fresh perspective on the foundation’s direction.

“I wanted to do more than just raise funds,” she says.

But it’s not all rosy. Before permanently taking your organization global, Stransky recommends researching permits and the legalities of starting abroad.

Stransky was initially delayed in her start-up because she wasn’t familiar with government documents when applying to set-up her nonprofit. Her first application was denied because she didn’t hire an accountant who was completely familiar with the paperwork.

Eventually, perseverance won. “If you follow the rules, everything is perfect,” she says.

Over the last 10 years, Stransky has helped children get access to clean water, education and other basic rights, in countries including Pakistan and Latin America; all from her Miami headquarters.

Bonus PINK Link: How many women in corporate America are going global? Find out in our online exclusive.

Minute Mentor: Valery Voyles talks about being authentic and feminine at work.

Would you go abroad to do business?

By Shaina Ali

“Life is a daring adventure, or nothing at all.”
Helen Keller