Alicia Castillo Holley

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How does one start a blog of a round the world trip? Perhaps it would have been better to add bits and pieces, but one of the caveats of jumping around is that time is spent working, meeting people, digesting information, analyzing, indulging oneself is the joy of finding out other people who are changing their worlds and in turn ours.

What started as a short vacation in Portugal, ended in a hyper exciting week at Stanford. And more than observations I stand taken by unresolved questions.

Let’s start with Portugal, a powerful country with an international reach. Too busy with its riches in Asia, Portugal did not care much for the new found land Brazil, until much of the Portuguese court moved to the country escaping Napoleon’s forces. Brazil was then established as a different monarchy, and shortly after became a republic. So gone where the imperial thoughts and now Portugal, a slowly dying economy is too tired to try something new. Its picturesque streets and nice architecture and weather do not match the lack of energy I found to my dismay, especially amongst young people. Or maybe it was those I could connect as they were protesting in the streets.

Move then to Spain, modern Madrid, the younger sibling surrounded by much more dignified and medieval cities, filled with history that has halted. Toledo, taking us to the times of Don Quijote (yes, in Spanish), Pedraza, amazingly beautiful, Segovia, sensorial.  Madrid the maternal city, organizing resources, calmed, resigned, protective… and then Barcelona, a vibrant city whom I would reconnect through the head of 22@ in Stanford. But just for now, Barcelona is the place to become, vibrant, educated, smart. One can feel the energy on the streets, dynamism takes you and carries you through the cafes, the multicultural multitude, the modern Gaudi architechture and the large civilized group of people. Barcelona is like the exciting mature bachelor or bachelorette, that is both a bit wise, a bit mature, a bit young.

Stockholm was next, with its Gingerbread buildings and the petite accomodations, the relationship with the water so vivid and so ancient, and the evident hardship without victimization. It is what it is, and Swedes take such a healthy and happy approach to life, to business, and sometimes I wondered, do I ‘really’ need all of that? Mind you, it was summer time. I’ve been told winter takes a toll on the attitude. From Stockholm, a ‘city city’ I went to the West, to Gothenborg, where I had been a bit over 15 years ago and what a transformation has taken place. The old facilities in the port were now a vibrant incubator where technology and education met. Very cool buildings to work and live, beautiful setting and modern, clean lines contrasted with old date soviet style buildings in Stockholm. There was of course the competition between the two cities. I dare not write which one I liked best. One of my cousins is involved in a high-tech start up in one city, the other one has a band and a graphic design business in the other. You pick. One thing is for sure, Swedes are not complaining, they are busy.

Denmark was my last stop in Europe and I organized my stay for the fall in the academic city of Aarhus, I can’t say much as I was mostly occupied with uni stuff and my interaction was mostly with academics or international students. One thing striked me, the deepness of our conversations, it was as if we were constantly looking at the iceberg, the top, the bottom, the relationship with the water, the people, all integrated. Very stimulating intellectually.

Boston was my next stop and of course I had to go to Babson. I can’t say enough of it. Simply the best school to learn and practice entrepreneurship as a way of living.

A short stop in New York showed me how much the city had changed in few years, overcrowded, a bit dirty and definitely not a place to go with a 3 yrs old grand daughter who sweetly ended several messy days the way only young kids can: “thanks for a wonderful day”  we should probably bring more toddlers to start ups. We stayed at the Andaz, a new concept of a hotel that is just so superbly chic and New Yorkian. Loved it, recommended it, will go back to it.  New York will always be ok because of the immense aggregation of people. As one of the guides say: “we build, we tear down and we build higher.”

Chautauqua Lake came as a bliss. If you haven’t heard of it, Chautauqua Institution is a gem that only opens 9 weeks per year. Come to refresh your mind and spirit. Enjoy meaningful discussions mostly relevant to the American economy and culture. We stayed by the lake and just relaxed and visited family because I knew what was coming.

Silicon Valley… perhaps it is time to change its name to Hyper Valley. I went to the Triple Helix Conference at Stanford and even presented a paper. If you ever wonder how fast the blades of the helix can go, forget about it. There is no speed like Silicon Valley. Same with dynamism.  Most of the talks included innovation, ecology, and the fast pace: Start ups, downs, straight, backward, falls, explosions, it is mind blowing. A rollercoaster of stimulation.  I had the blessing of meeting Carlota Perez who presented her vision of bubbles and golden eras with a historic context. Her book is sold out but I’ve already ordered several copies for the next print:Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages

I wondered many nights as the full moon accompanied me through 280 (the highway) downwards if there is another place like Silicon Valley, and I don’t think there is. As one of the presenters wisely pointed out, one has to come here to see the pro play and learn but back home, we all have to find our own stuff, our own way of doing things, our authentic Valley or Plain or Ocean, so we can find our ways like ourselves, not mimicking someone where else.

And here I am 1:27 mintues, 1135 Km from Perth, ready to continue writing, researching and finding ways so I can add my piece to build a world I believe in.

Com’ on, join in… we are in this together.

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• ICSB Stockholm 2011 – Back to the Future (entrepreneurshiphegfr.wordpress.com)
• Creando Prosperidad a través de la ciencia (aliciacastilloholley.com)
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Alicia Castillo Holley is an international speaker on entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture capital.  Alicia Castillo Holley is an international speaker and researcher on innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. Read more from this author

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