You have heard quite a bit about multiculturalism recently from me, and other media sources in light of the recent 2010 census data.  But are you leading your businesses and personal lives with the New World Marketplace mindset?

And I’m not just talking about how companies leverage the power of social network or provide latest tools and technologies.  This framework should use this emerging technology with new ways of working, relating and engaging with people across all generations and demographics.  Without a deep meaningful understanding of this New World Marketplace, the greatest technological tools can misfire your messages.

Work place of the future is being morphed and shaped today.  Family dynamics and gender roles are changing.  What is “personal” is also changing – but it still mirrors human dynamics and the multi-dimensions of each individual’s life.  So, yes, leverage the digital world to help connect and drive higher levels of engagement and motivation, but do it in a personal way.  You have to be and act personal.  Whether you are talking to your customer, your stakeholder, or your family and friends, responding to concerns, needs and aspirations drive engagement and emotional connection with each experience.  So, perhaps the good old saying of “think global, act local”, should really be “think global, act personal.”

Today’s leadership should have the ability to influence and lead through persuasion and attraction, by co-opting people through commonalities, rather than coercing them through power differentiation.   The New World Marketplace leaders breed trust, set the pace and shape the new path.  Today’s Gen Y is learning to become our future leaders by experiencing the world through travel and cultural understandings.  What a great way to start bridging the cultural gap.

In keeping with my commitment to share latest trends, here are a few facts that support “women” are the next global emerging market:

• Women control 65% of global spending, more than 80% of US spending

• By 2014, the World Bank predicts that the global income of women will grow by more then $5 trillion

• Globally, women consumers control $20 trillion in consumer spending.  They make the final decision for buying 91% of home purchases, 65% of the new cars, 80% of health care choices, and 66% of computers

….and yet, women continue to represent such a small percent of C-executives and board seats, where all the decisions are being made.  I can’t figure this one out, can you? (also read Women Are Entrepreneurs, Working Women, Working Force and Economic Impact of Women Owned Businesses)

As always, please forward to anyone on your list who may benefit from my content.  And, if you are seeing micro or macro trends in your business that you would like to discuss, I’d love to hear from you.

PS…. I had a Q&A interview with Rebecca Patt, VP of development at Wray Search, which may have a few useful tips for you, specially for those of you in the restaurant business.  Click here for more.