We have been proudly contributing to the development of our country with our history of 160 years and in fall 2016 we published our Business to Society report that summarizes such contributions.

And now there is a new opportunity before us to reward the sustainability efforts of Turkey. As Siemens Turkey, by combining our sustainability strategy with our social responsibility initiatives, we made an application to the independent European Business Awards to become a “National Champion”. We completed the first phase of the process with success. Now if you would like to support Siemens Turkey at the public voting held individually in 34 countries, you may cast your vote until 1 March 2017, Wednesday.

The ways of doing business are constantly evolving in a rapidly changing world, in which we are frequently obliged to move at an increasing pace. Nevertheless, one thing remains constant: the need to always act in accordance with the Code of Ethics<; therefore, what must be done to ensure that our business practices comply with these ethical principles?

• Do not turn a blind eye to the problem: We may always try to act in a proper manner; however, we should remember that this may not always be possible, and mistakes can occur. What we should do in such cases is not to turn a blind eye to the problems. If we want to solve a problem before it deepens and spreads; we must first “see” the problem.
• Protect your values and do not compromise on transparency: Our values make us unique and differentiate ourselves from others. It is true that we live in a dynamic world and are sometimes obliged to respond quickly to maintain our competitiveness. Nonetheless, when we do business, we must first reconcile our priorities with our value index. Transparency is a must in the business world. Furthermore, we should remember that, in today’s communication-oriented world, it is possible for anyone to access and share any type of information easily.
• Draw a line between freedom and “egocentric freedom”: Freedom is indispensable for each of us and economic freedom is one of the most fundamental elements of freedom. However, focusing on individual interests will not bring success to an institution because freedom is also a benchmark in our relation with others. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that absolutely everybody complies unequivocally with the stipulated corporate Code of Ethics.

Many of you are living as an expat away from home and each expat life has its own dimensions. Here I am going to share with you an article about my experience in India. Also it was originally printed 10 years ago it is still valid in many of the key aspects of today.

Experience as an Expatriate in India

Despite talented people, and a vibrant corporate sector, India may remain a developing country if the focus of development does not shift from a “political” to an “economic” view point.

Exotic, Unique and Diverse!! That is the image I had of India, prior to my arriving to this colorful country. An image further enhanced by the writing of Hemingway titled” India, the country of thousand Gods, Religions and languages”. And each passing day, the perception I came with has grown stronger. India and its people have the unique ability to carry with them the past, the present and the future. The old India coexists and blends in beautifully with the present modern India. And like the land, every aspect of Indian culture, is an expression of the unending process of assimilation and absorption.

And this is an extremely interesting to experience to witness.

Initially on arrival, the place was a bit overwhelming with the cultural diversity, different accents and even the business terminology was not entirely common to what is used worldwide. But gradually it became easier to understand and relate as people went out of their way to explain and were helpful. Adapting to India initially took around 6 months. After the settling-in period, it’s been a great learning experience, something one wouldn’t want to miss.

The question is not how, but rather why we have to do whatever it takes to retain our energy to stay fit. I learned that a successful work life is challenging. At times the days count double, giving me the feeling that I have been with the company twice the time than on paper. In order to stay focused and fit, we have no choice other than to plan a balanced life style. The only alternative is to neglect, one or the other and pay eventually the price.

I realize that we are expanding our vocabulary a little further and we carry the word “innovation” into our list of favorites.

Two different meanings are attributed to the word “innovation”:

1) Revolutionary Innovation

2) Evolutionary Innovation

The word “revolutionary” here is favorable, it defines the companies as institutions that shape the future. In the future, there will be companies that can develop evolutionary services and products.
The importance of evolutionary innovation is, of course, undeniable, but the type of innovation we need today as a country is more of a revolutionary nature, because in the process of the development of humanity, if we ever want to put forward our ambitions, we must first implement our revolutionary ideas and strategies to reach to the point of creating evolutionary products and solutions. For example, iPod and the touchscreen technology developed by Apple has gone through an evolutionary development first as a phone (iPhone), then as a tablet (iPad).

But we realize that revolutionary innovation requires patience and right timing. We need to wait for it. A creative environment must be formed. In this process, we must support experimental studies and creative ideas and demonstrate more tolerant management in case of errors and losses. If we can succeed in ensuring these, we will be able to carry out more revolutionary innovations in our country as well.

Never before has it been more necessary for us in the World to be practical and realistic in our approach to economic and social political problems between cultures.  In particular in the process, to be willing to shed some of the prejudices and dogmas which have so heavily colored our thinking in the past.  Turkey goes through this process as well and will master its challenges and opportunities. For this reason, I believe Turkey remains a land of opportunities for constructive and honest enterprise. Turkey is in search of a new equilibrium between different opinion and cultures. This was never an easy task for any multiethnic country.