Results-driven International Business Professional eager to contribute expertise in driving Operations, Business Development, P&L, and Team Building initiatives toward actively collaborating with a dynamic organization in maximizing bottom-line performance.

 

Ø  Strong analytical background with the ability to work independently on multiple projects with specialized experience in information management, financial analysis and budgetary planning, develop, foster, and manage vital client relationships, vast knowledge of sales and marketing methodologies, operational efficiency practices, conflict management and effective communication techniques, research and data analysis, strategic planning, organization development and change management.

Ø  Comprehensive understanding of the sales, marketing, and advertising arena due to advanced practical and academic training. 

Ø  Knowledgeable in all facets of brand building to include policy development and implementation, merchandising, advertising and training.

Ø  Competent leader and mentor who is able to create a team environment, including building collaborative relationships, training peers to perform at maximum efficiency, and the capacity to form cross-functional coalitions in order to ensure knowledge is shared across departmental lines.

Ø  Proven ability to adapt strong process knowledge and technical skills to diverse organization needs. 

Ø  Multi-lingual in English, French, and Fulani and experienced working within various cultures and environments including military settings. 

 

 

Ø  Demonstrate dynamic leadership qualities and strong communication skills in successfully steering planning meetings and delivering comprehensive strategies.

Ø  Capable of in-depth research and data analysis with the purpose of improving brand awareness and product exposure to various market segments.

Ø  Play key role in defining and structuring short-term and long-range business plans by comprehensively analyzing complex financial statements and providing senior management with key performance assessment and strategic planning tools.

Ø  Work to standardize cross-departmental protocols between various departments in order to break down silo mentality and increase knowledge sharing.

Ø  Skilled at managing multiple projects and leading teams in cross-functional, concerted efforts.

Ø  Stay abreast of most up-to-date research and data in order to offer most viable services to client base. 

Ø  Utilizes extensive technical proficiency with software applications to drive operational efficiency including; MS Office Suite, Outlook, Retail Pro (SAP), Filemaker, Oracle Production as well as multiple Windows-based Platforms.

 

 

Ø  Successfully incorporated in the training program discussions of current political & economic news of targeted francophone countries. (Co Advantage)

Ø  Through strategic training initiatives, Special Forces successfully acquired language and interpersonal skills as wells as strong cultural and political awareness to perform relevant jobs of conveying technical skills and knowledge to indigenous personnel in targeted countries.  (Co Advantage)

Ø  Achieved the region s best sales conversion rate (75%), and recognized for honorability and courage.  (TUMI)

Ø  Successfully determined employee training needs and developed a creative mentoring system with daily meeting to discuss sales goals, brain storming, ideas to meet goal and develop long-term profitable relationships with customers from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.  (Co Advantage)

Ø  Successfully developed a marketing program that helped promote the products beyond the targeted market of wealthy customers. (Co Advantage)

Ø  Successfully coordinated strategic development of international trade and maintained international relationships via utilization of more effective order processing system (Oracle Production) and improved customer service processes. (Donaldson)

Ø  Increased expenditures with HUB by conducting community business analysis, researching, & proposing a new spend strategy.  (University of Minnesota)

 

Contract Instructor to US Special Forces, Co Advantage Resources                                  2008-2009

  Primary responsibilities include development and implementation of internal policies and procedures designed to meet cross-cultural training requirements, specifically;

  Developed and implemented various assessments to determine US Special Forces language and cross-cultural training needs.

 

Manger, TUMI, Inc                                                                                                                        2006-2007

  Primary responsibilities include comprehensive management and oversight of all aspects of $4M retail operation to include full P&L responsibility, warehouse and delivery operations, and hire, train, supervise and motivate team members.  Specific functions included;

  Instilled the concept of product differentiation (quality, value, service, and convenience) to increase sales;

  Interviewed, hired, established responsibilities, determined training needs, trained, & conducted performance; evaluations in a supportive way resulting in increased employee retention and higher sales;

  Ensured proper merchandising and display programs were established;

  Developed and implemented more effective loss prevention strategies;

  Developed and implemented numerous training programs increasing our average ticket and closing ratios to improve store s performance.

 

Business Consultant, Urban Traveler                                                                                        2002-2004

  Primary responsibilities included strategic planning of retail operation with numerous                                                      employees to include effectively hiring, training, and motivating high performance management teams and individual personnel.  Specific functions included;

  Creating and implementing numerous training programs and coaching tools to further educate employees as well as establish accountability for performance;

  Skilled in budgeting and sales forecasting with P&L responsibility, contract negotiation and cost reduction;

  Successfully helped to coordinate the strategic development of international trade and in maintaining international relationships via utilization of a better order processing system (Oracle Production) and improved customer service;

  Increased customer support efficiency on import/export activities while working to ensure governmental compliance;

  Facilitated sales negotiations & customer service support to our French speaking clients resulting in increased sales.

 

International Trade Customer Service Contractor, Donaldson Company                           2004-2004

  Primary responsibilities included facilitation of sales negotiations and customer service support to French speaking clients, resulting in increased sales.

  Increased customer support efficiency on import/export activities while working to ensure governmental compliance.

 

Research Analyst, University of Minnesota                                                                                2001-2003

  Primary responsibilities included direct assistance of development of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) via organization s technical assistance program as well as designing processes to increase minority workforce in construction and facilities repair projects at the university level.

 

International Trade Finance Contractor, Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank                            1998-2000

  Primary responsibilities included assisting managers with capital loans, formulating and reviewing sales strategies, evaluation of of opportunities and risks in day to day operations, as well as providing necessary guidance and support related to import / export lending procedures. 

 

Business Relationship Banker, Credit Lyonnais, France                                                           1995-1997

  Primary responsibilities included defining and structuring both short term and long term business plans for continued viability of organization, as well as providing in-depth analyses of multiple financial statements and recommendations to executive management regarding relevant data. 

 

 

 

n Masters Degree C International Management, University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Business

n Masters Degree C Economics, Universite Montesquieu Bordeaux IV, France

n Bachelors Degree C Economics, Universite de Pau et des pays de l Adour, France