Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Global Free Trade: Striking the Right Balance With Regulation

Should we fight job outsourcing or automation? What tax policies support growth? When does the protection of intellectual property cross the line into over-protection? To thrive amid globalization, the U.S. must find the right balance between global free trade and government regulation. Thomas L. Friedman looks at three issues that illustrate the importance of finding this balance: the outsourcing and automation of jobs, tax policies, and intellectual property laws. Keep reading to learn Friedman’s ideas for balancing global free trade and government regulation.

Education Reform in the U.S.: 3 Ways to Thrive Amid Globalization

Are schools preparing students to adapt to changing workplace demands? Are students equipped for innovation? America has all the tools necessary to thrive in a global economy. If it wishes to do so, though, it must make some changes in the way it educates its youth. Thomas L. Friedman, in his book The World Is Flat, offers three recommendations. Keep reading for Friedman’s advice for education reform in the U.S.

How to Be More Likable & Memorable: 5 Ways to Win People Over

Do you want to learn how to be more likable and memorable with people you meet? How might your life be different if you could win people over like never before? Vanessa Van Edwards is a self-proclaimed “recovering awkward person.” She’s also a TEDx Talk presenter and blogger on how to master interpersonal skills. She’s developed strategies to make yourself magnetic, and she shares them in her book Captivate. Keep reading for five strategies from Van Edwards that will make people like and remember you.

How to Be a Good Conversationalist & Move Past Small Talk

What are effective ways to move past small talk? How can you craft engaging stories and ask better questions? In Captivate, Vanessa Van Edwards discusses how to make the most of social interactions, getting people to like and remember you, and ultimately building deep relationships. Good conversation is critical. You can learn how to be a good conversationalist by being inquisitive and showing interest in others. Keep reading for practical tips on being a curious and interesting conversationalist.

The Globalization of Supply Chains: Who Benefits?

Are international supply chains good or bad? What risks are involved? Who benefits? In the 21st Century, free markets reign supreme, global trade is the centerpiece of economies, and people have access to more information and are more connected than ever before. A few collaborative business practices—including international supply chains—accelerated globalization. Keep reading to understand the globalization of supply chains, as explained by Thomas L. Friedman in his book The World Is Flat, and see why they’re a mixed bag.

How to Be More Comfortable in Social Situations in Just 3 Steps

Are you more comfortable in a cafe or a club? When’s the right time—and what’s the right place—to approach someone in a social setting? Vanessa Van Edwards says that getting people to like you begins with proactively setting the stage before you meet them. She recommends carefully selecting the places and events you attend, where and how you interact with people once you’re there, and the types of people you interact with. Keep reading for Van Edwards’s advice on how to be more comfortable in social situations.

The Role of Technology in Globalization: The World Made Flatter

How does technology bring the world together? How has it made the world “flatter”? In The World Is Flat, Friedman argues that technological advancements helped put globalization into overdrive because people and businesses from around the world could now collaborate and trade hyper-efficiently. He discusses the impact that’s been made by PCs, the internet, search engines, and more. Continue reading to understand the role of technology in globalization, according to Thomas L. Friedman.

Captivate: The Science of Succeeding With People—Overview

Do you feel awkward in social situations? Do you know how to have interesting conversations and get people to like you? In Captivate: The Science of Succeeding With People, best-selling author Vanessa Van Edwards provides strategies to help you become a social superstar. By taking control of social situations and presenting your best self, you can dazzle the people you want to know and forge meaningful relationships. Keep reading for our overview of this practical and encouraging book, including an exercise that will help you prepare for social success.

The Origin and History of Globalization (The World Is Flat)

What are the origin and history of globalization? When—and how—did globalization start? Around the turn of the 21st century, the world changed more dramatically than perhaps at any other time in history. Seemingly all at once, shifts in the political landscape, technological advancements, and collaborative business practices came together to create a new globalized society. Keep reading to learn how this seemingly-sudden change was in the making for centuries.

The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman: Book Overview & Lessons

What’s globalization? Is it good or bad? What can we do to benefit from it? The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman examines the causes, effects, and potential future of a globalized world. He argues that globalization is ultimately a good thing, and he offers recommendations on how governments and individuals can thrive even amid globalization’s challenges. Continue reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.