Rating: +3
One of the biggest differences I see is just the pace and intensity. I like to say Australians are a mix of Texans and New Yorkers, in that we tend to have a bit of a swagger and we are very blunt. We also like things done yesterday, and aren’t afraid to say so. So in that sense, business in the U.S. is very “politically correct” in relation to the way things are run in Oz.
There are big differences, however, in the U.S. in terms of pace and intensity. New York, Boston, Philadelphia and the cities on the East Coast tend to be very intense, while the pace on the West Coast is more laid back.
Australians are more suspicious of great wealth, I suppose, while Americans are more accepting of it. The whole idea of pursuing wealth, while not distinctly American, was perfected here. Wealth and success as part of the culture is definitely an American attribute, but we’re quick learners, and I think you’ll see a lot more wealth created in Oz over the next several decades.
I also think that if you can successfully run a business in Oz, you can run one anywhere. We have a lot of geographic and commercial challenges to overcome just to make a profit – so it’s a great place to learn how to run a company.
