An Introduction to Global Leadership with Dr. Gama Perruci

Dr. Gama Perruci, Dean of the McDonough Leadership Center at Marietta College, facilitated one of the most engaging, entertaining, and eye-opening lectures I've ever been a part of.

From the very start, we were parts of the complex puzzle of cultural competency that he was putting together. Dr. Perruci explained concepts using us as role-playing examples, which made the lessons more real.

Our simulation of a welcome ceremony on a small island made me think outside of the box and confront my cultural biases. This ritual, which we thought to be somewhat odd - and almost demeaning - in many ways, actually reflected ideals such as female empowerment and respect.

Dr. Perucci showed us our cultural biases and how they can "contaminate" our world view, thus holding us back from becoming true global citizens. While the lecture itself was incredibly informative, I found the lessons learned useful in every day interactions with my friends. I have many friends from different backgrounds and this lecture gave me a little more insight into why they may approach certain "norms" in the ways that they do. 

Written by Stephanie Everett ’19, 17S Rockefeller Global Leadership Program Participant