Strategic Thinking in Action

Yesterday, I was honored to conduct a “Strategic Thinking in Action” workshop for participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) at American Councils for International Education in Tashkent.

The session covered practical frameworks for strategic analysis, decision-making processes, and interaction. Participants demonstrated strong engagement through active discussions and interactive games. Well done.

#StrategicThinking #ProfessionalDevelopment #YPIP #AmericanCouncils #Tashkent #Leadership #Mentoring #Uzbekistan #YoungProfessionals

Teaching

Excited to teach this fall semester at two leading universities in Uzbekistan: “Strategic Thinking and Interaction” at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and “Issues in International Relations – Negotiation and Persuasion” at Webster University in Tashkent (WUT).

I hope that students will gain not only important theoretical knowledge, but also useful practical skills.

#InternationalRelations #Negotiation #Persuasion #StrategicThinking #Uzbekistan #Academia #Teaching

Bazaar and Bargaining Culture

There is an Uzbek saying: “Your father is the bazaar, your mother is the bazaar.” That is a foundational insight to our #bargaining culture. Bazaars are more than commercial spaces, and bargaining becomes about establishing connection, mutual respect, and fairness.

Optimal Motivation

Often it is motivation, rather than brain, knowledge, experience, abilities, or skills, that determines a person’s fate and defines their success or failure in endeavors. Motivation is like blood in the body, or air in the lungs. But even it must be optimal—neither too weak nor excessive. Like everything else in life. Optimal motivation is like a fire in a fireplace—strong enough to warm and illuminate the path, but controlled so as not to burn down the house. It provides energy to move forward while preserving the ability to reflect and adjust course.