In this episode of the “Invest in Türkiye Talks” podcast, we delve into the insights of Ayşegül Dicle Aydın, a leading executive search consultant and advocate for Turkish professionals, as she discusses the Global Turks par Excellence initiative. This project aims to elevate the presence and capabilities of Turkish professionals on a global scale and address the challenges they face while fostering a supportive network for their growth.
At the heart of Aydın’s discussion is the Global Turks par Excellence project, which she leads in partnership with AmCham Türkiye and YASED | International Investors Association, in collaboration with Harvard Business Review. Launched in 2021, the initiative involved a comprehensive survey of 1,000 Turkish professionals across 60 countries and five continents. The primary goal of the Global Turks par Excellence project is to analyze the competencies of Turkish professionals and demonstrate that they are as capable as their non-Turkish counterparts.
The motivation behind this project stems from Aydın’s extensive experience in executive search, where she observed that well-educated and trained Turkish professionals often encounter a glass ceiling in multinational corporations. The Global Turks par Excellence initiative seeks to break down these barriers by showcasing the talents and achievements of Turkish professionals, thus enhancing their visibility and opportunities in the global marketplace.
One of the standout features of Turkish professionals is their remarkable resilience, which enables them to navigate and overcome challenges in the competitive global market. This resilience is complemented by a strong result orientation, as they consistently focus on achieving and exceeding expectations in their professional endeavors. Driven by a hunger for success, Turkish professionals are often motivated to prove themselves, distinguishing them from their counterparts in more developed countries who may find themselves in a comfort zone. Additionally, a strong work ethic is prevalent among Turkish professionals, contributing to their reputation for reliability and diligence.
Aydın also highlights the significant increase in women assuming leadership roles, both in Türkiye and around the world. She mentions that women often bring unique qualities to leadership positions, such as hard work, commitment, flexibility, and resilience. Drawing from her mother’s research in the early 1970s on Turkish women in the workforce, Aydın emphasizes how women have historically balanced multiple responsibilities, including family and career. This adaptability makes them exceptionally dedicated in their professional lives—an increasingly recognized trait in today’s competitive global market.
Despite the potential of Turkish professionals, Aydın points out significant challenges they face in their careers. Many professionals hesitate to challenge the status quo within their organizations due to a fear of rejection or backlash. This reluctance stifles innovation and limits professional growth. Aydın’s research reveals that over 90 percent of Turkish professionals surveyed have never challenged their teams or sought changes, indicating a pervasive culture of acceptance rather than proactive engagement.
In this context, Aydın introduces the concept of "cultural fluidity", which she describes as the ability to navigate and communicate across different cultures effectively. This includes speaking multiple languages and understanding diverse perspectives—essential skills in an interconnected world. She emphasizes that cultural fluidity allows professionals to defend their cultural identity while remaining open to learning and adapting to new environments. This concept is particularly relevant for Turkish professionals who seek to establish themselves in international markets.
Aydın emphasizes the importance of creating a professional diaspora for Türkiye, which serves as a support network for Turkish professionals living and working abroad. This diaspora not only facilitates connections among professionals but also promotes Turkish culture and identity on a global stage. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the Global Turks par Excellence initiative empowers Turkish professionals to take bold steps in their careers and advocate for their cultural heritage.
As a direct outcome of the Global Turks par Excellence project, Aydın announces the establishment of a Leadership Academy. This academy is designed to equip Turkish professionals with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century. It focuses on developing leadership competencies, fostering networking opportunities, and building a professional diaspora that supports Turkish professionals abroad. The academy aims to enhance the self-esteem of Turkish professionals and provide them with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive global environment.