Summary:
Welcome to the Startup Junkies podcast!
Hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Grace Gill were joined by Denise Thomas for this episode on the power of food, fellowship, and fun! Denise is the CEO of The World Trade Center of Arkansas, as well as a respected business strategist both in our state and across the globe. We had a blast getting to pick her brain on this episode!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(1:02) Introducing Denise Thomas of the World Trade Center of Arkansas
(4:42) Overseeing International Trade
(6:47) Evolution of Client Services
(9:29) Pandemic’s Impact on Global Trade
(15:01) Building a Resilient Company
(16:51) The Status Quo and the New Normal
(19:18) Doing Business Internationally
(24:11) Next for WTC
(28:41) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
“When a client comes to Arkansas, those are considered export dollars, just like a consulting company. They may physically go somewhere else to do the work, but the income that they make are export dollars.” (2:39) – Denise Thomas
“I always give my services to whoever needs help with something. I’m very supportive of others and what they want to do with their lives and their goals.” (4:33) – Denise Thomas
“We understand what your market is…and really identify the right market for your product.” (20:31) – Denise Thomas
Food, Fellowship, and Fun with Denise Thomas, CEO of the World Trade Center AR
The World Trade Center of Arkansas aims to support bilateral trade for the state, and they have an agreement with the Arkansas economic development commission to facilitate trade activities. They help clients reduce the cost of manufacturing by looking at new ways to buy, acquire and identify customers. The WTC of Arkansas focuses on foreign markets, tourism, partnerships, and more worldwide.
Denise began in fashion design and marketing, but she knew her talents extended elsewhere. She realized that she could have a vision beyond what was in front of her. She was naturally gifted at strategizing, developing, and growing ideas into businesses, which led her down the path of economic and small business development.
Denise explained that she rarely has to talk clients into being more open-minded to foreign trade. Because 97% of US companies have customer bases that primarily reside outside of the continental United States, most businesses understand the benefits of foreign trade.
“If you’re not looking at it globally, you’re really doing your business, your company, and your employees a disservice.” (7:18) – Denise Thomas
The pandemic had many negative impacts on the world, and one that we all continue to feel is the fear and loss of human contact. Shared meals, conferences, or any sort of gathering were put on hold for almost two years. The WTC of Arkansas now agrees more than ever that in order to foster healthy relationships, there have to be three elements:
1. Food
While trying to learn about another’s culture, sharing a meal can provide adventure for some parties and comfort for others. Everyone has to eat, so it can be the easiest way to bring people together for an enjoyable shared experience.
2. Fellowship
Cultivating a fellowship amongst strangers of different cultures takes intention, time, and understanding. By learning about the story behind each business and its employees, Denise has created relationships that have even extended beyond the workplace and into friendship.
3. Fun
Fun can be an ambiguous word, but it is just as crucial for the WTC as any other part of their job. By crafting events, pushing people out of their comfort zone, and introducing new experiences, Denise sees and believes in the power of fun.
This year brought everyone through various trials, but the commonality is that we all need human connection. The World Trade Center of Arkansas believes in building relationships to improve the professional and personal lives of people worldwide.
“You begin to develop relationships with these people and they become your friends, and you want to do business with people that are your friends. What COVID did, is it put everybody on the exact same level playing field. We were all dealing with the same problem at the same time.” (10:18) – Denise Thomas
Denise and the World Trade Center of Arkansas are up to big things lately—learn more by visiting their website.
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