Navigating International Business Development: Lessons from Amy Lareau
In today’s increasingly globalized world, mastering the art of international business development is essential. Amy Lareau, a lawyer and MBA graduate, has risen to this challenge, carving out a unique and inspiring career in this field. Lareau’s journey began in Quebec City, and over a decade, she traversed the world, honing her skills and making a name for herself. From her experiences at Cirque du Soleil to her recent work in the tech industry, Lareau offers invaluable insights on how to navigate the complex world of international business development.
One of Lareau’s most critical lessons is the importance of understanding your partner’s business. “To be successful in business development, you have to put in the work. In addition to mastering your own stuff, get to know your partner’s business. Understand their business model, their key success factors, and see how your own product or service can support their goals,” Lareau advises. This approach, she believes, is crucial for developing genuine, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Cultural sensitivity is another aspect that Lareau emphasizes. “When working internationally, be sensitive to other cultures. Be open, curious, and do a little advance research to understand how they conduct business, what they appreciate, and what might be a big no-no.” Lareau’s own experience living in Shanghai for a few months in 2016 and her extensive travels to Mexico, Brazil, Europe, China, and Thailand have taught her the importance of embracing different cultures and practices. She even recommends learning a few words in the local language, as simple gestures like saying “hello” or “thank you” can go a long way in fostering strong relationships.
Furthermore, Lareau highlights the importance of staying calm and collected, even during complex negotiations. “Always remain respectful while getting your point across. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you honorable, and chances are it will help you build trust and stronger relationships.” She emphasizes that maintaining genuine connections can prove invaluable in the future, as true partnerships cannot be purely transactional, “they are something you want to nurture and grow”.
Lareau’s unconventional career path also offers valuable insights for those unsure of their direction. “It sounds cliché, but follow your passion and trust your gut. Go after what makes you happy. You may not know specifically what you want to do, and that’s okay. Having certainty on what you don’t want to do is a great place to start,” Lareau reflects. Her journey from law school to business school and finally to Cirque du Soleil and the tech industry is anything but conventional.
“I had a very cool job and never could have imagined where life would take me,” Amy explains. “I am a lawyer with an MBA, but I ended up at Cirque du Soleil, developing projects, traveling around the world and working with some of the world’s greatest artists, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Amy Lareau’s diverse experiences have allowed her to develop a unique skill set that contributes to her exceptional abilities in business development. After a successful run in the entertainment and tech industries, she is now excited about supporting brands and IPs in their licensing and expansion efforts. Similarly, Amy also plans on supporting real estate developers in creating exceptional destinations by implementing entertainment and attractions as part of their projects.
