Rise of the Global Elite

If you look in the Globalization section of this blog you will find the insertion of and link to an article in the Atlantic magazine. Reading if for the first time on the Atlantic's website, was an epiphany for me. I have been working with business professionals worldwide for awhile now and had noticed their distinct prediliction to stay global and not repatriate back to their home country. Their choice was predicated on a variety of factors but those all reflected the trends stated in the article.

They enjoy the lifestyle that an international experience affords. Many had their children in the international school system which is a US prep school equivalent education. Students on those campuses worldwide receive early solicitation and consideration at the top US universities who visit their campuses on a regular basis.

There is a certain uniqueness living as a "guest" in another country at the level of these executives. No this is not guest worker status to say the least.  There is an automatic entree into social circles that might not be as easily accessed by country natives. I know I have done it. Of course there is also the exclusive circle of expat communities where people from many countries, cultures and multi-national companies meet, build, and forge ties.

The article aptly points out the ever widening chasm between a global elite group of professionals and the local business populations. However I would posit that are all country economies become more integrated into the global whole and salaries equalize worldwide, many more so-called local or regional professionals will be competing globally work and be willing to live where the opportunities are.

If you are over 50 and reading this, you may find it hard to grasp, but educated professionals everywhere under 30 just get it.