A Global Perspective on Strategy

This summer, Jimi L '28 participated in the Wharton Global Youth Program in Cambridge, U.K., where he spent two weeks studying Strategy and International Management alongside students from around the world. Through real-world case studies, Jimi explored how companies such as IKEA, McDonald’s, Costco, and Tim Hortons differentiate themselves, navigate challenges, and expand into new markets.

Students put that learning into practice through a two-week competition, working in teams as expansion consultants for a company of their choice. Jimi’s four-person team developed a strategy for Mediterranean restaurant chain Honest Greens to expand into new European markets. Jimi led the Q&A as the team presented and defended its strategy before a panel of judges and peers, ultimately earning first place among 10 teams.

But one of Jimi’s biggest takeaways came from working with students from East Asia, Central Europe, South America, and beyond. He found that the strongest ideas often emerged when people approached the same question differently. “There is so much critical thinking that comes from people disagreeing with ideas and dissecting the ‘why’ behind it,” Jimi reflected. The experience not only expanded his understanding of international business, but also sparked a new area he is interested in exploring in the future.