“Your competitors are not just down the street anymore; they are truly around the globe and you absolutely must be in tune internationally.”

That strong message from Herb Payan (MBA ’09), Sony Music Entertainment vice president, Digital Business Development (U.S. Hispanics, Latin America, Spain & Portugal), was part of a panel discussion presented to members of the International Business Honor Society (IBHS), a student organization within the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU). Martha Krawczyk, senior business leader of marketing, Latin America and Caribbean Region, Visa Inc., and Jorge Lazaro Diaz (BS ’93), director of operations, Advanced Data Solutions, at Terremark Worldwide, Inc., joined Payan for the November 8, 2011 presentation.

“We discussed operating models, taxation, ethics, outsourcing and many variables that are on the table today for international businesses,” Payan said. “I emphasized how global events and exchange rates can dramatically change a company’s profitability line.”

IBHS member Rodolfo Trigueros said the panel discussion was very informative.

“The executives increased our understanding of the incredible impact of globalization and its ramifications on businesses everywhere,” he said. “I learned how Sony, Terremark, and Visa adapt to the volatile environment that characterizes today’s markets.”

IBHS presents top line-up of speakers.

The organization regularly invites executives from international companies to their Tuesday night meetings.

IBHS president Jorge Lacayo and Melissa Izquierdo (BBA ’10), coordinator, corporate and community relations for the college, arranged the group’s fall 2011 corporate speakers including:

• From Planet49 North America, LLC: Holger Kamin (MIB ’00), director, New Ventures NA (September 27)
• From ADT Security Services/Tyco International Ltd.: Rodolfo V. Santamaria, regional director, Information Technology, Operational Excellence & Supply Chain (October 11)
• From the Office of Consulate General of Canada: Claudio Ramirez, consul and trade commissioner (October 25)

Lacayo and advisor Constance Bates reported that members are grateful to hear insights from the executives. Likewise, the executives find the visit to FIU worthwhile.

“The students were very engaged and asked terrific questions,” Payan said. “They were also very interested in hearing job-seeking advice, which we were happy to share.”