In February 2025, I met a colleague for coffee — someone I had worked alongside years earlier in Hong Kong and Beijing. Recently reconnected near Boston, we started reflecting on our global careers and the experiences that had shaped how we lead, connect, and see the world.

Then came a simple question:

“What are your greatest assets?”

I had never been asked this question before, yet my answer surprised even me in its clarity: my global network. 

A community built over decades of crossing borders, navigating cultures, and building trust across differences. People who understand that curiosity, resilience, and cultural intelligence aren’t optional; they are essential for success in today’s world.

This wasn’t a new realization for me. For more than 15 years, I have been speaking on campuses about the growing gap between what students learn and the global skills they need to succeed — especially for those without access to international experiences. What shifted in that conversation wasn’t awareness; it was action. The solution was already within reach: a global network of experienced professionals eager to mentor and give back.

That coffee conversation became a turning point. I decided not to let the idea stay an idea.

Within six weeks, the Open Mindset Project became a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Within six months, we soft-launched a beta program; more than 25 universities asked to participate, and our first cohort of 60 students completed a successful pilot experience guided by global mentors. Just ten months after that initial conversation, we launched our first official program, transforming a spark into a growing movement.

Today, professionals from around the world are stepping forward to mentor and inspire the next generation. Together, we are building more than a program: We are building a community committed to expanding access to global learning, bridging cultures, and preparing emerging leaders for an interconnected future.