AMSG CEO, Jim O’Farrell, joined a high-level delegation to Europe with Business Executives for National Security (BENS). The trip took place from April 27 – May 3, and included meetings in Brussels, Belgium and Athens, Greece.
BENS is “…a nonpartisan nonprofit comprised of accomplished business and industry executives and entrepreneurs who apply their experience and best business practices to help address our Nation’s pressing national security challenges.” The purpose of the trip was to meet with leaders and colleagues for discussions that “…focused on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU), and transatlantic relations within broader global issues.”
The meetings and discussions provided O’Farrell and the other delegates a greater and more nuanced understanding of Europe’s perspective on key national security issues. Important engagements were held with EU and NATO leadership as well as in-depth conversations with members of the Brussels Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Fulbright scholars, U.S. Embassy officials, and Greek parliamentary and defense leaders.
As part of its focus on critical areas such as infrastructure, human capital, and technology, the group also visited a Greek shipyard, gaining unique insight into regional defense capabilities.
Looking back on the experience, O’Farrell shared, “It was an extraordinary opportunity to hear directly from our allies and partners in Europe about the challenges and opportunities we face together.” He credited the BENS team for their work behind the scenes: “The coordination and preparation by BENS made it possible for us to have meaningful conversations that will inform how we lead back home.” O’Farrell noted that the trip also aligned with his personal leadership philosophy, adding, “I talk to my team at AMSG about getting comfortable being uncomfortable – that’s when you’re growing as a leader. This was my chance to put that into practice.”
International cooperation takes place at all levels, and business leaders are an important part of growing and maintaining healthy international relations. AMSG is proud to be part of that important work.
Written by: Jeffrey Dewhurst