5 things that matter by Walter May: the man behind the mission

He’s a Cranfield school MSc, business consultant and an MBA lecturer and coach. In 2012, he founded the very first conference for Welsh entrepreneurs, before embarking on a mission to create a global network of Welsh friends who could all help to make a difference for Wales. But what makes Walter May tick?

My roots: I was born in Pontypool and no matter where I am in the world or the company I’m in, my ears will always prick up if I hear a reference to home or I meet someone who’s from the same area as me. ‘Cynefin’ I think the world is in Welsh, it’s your habitat of sorts - and it shapes who you are and how you carry yourself through life.

My tribe: It’s not always about your family or even your old friends, it’s about your inner circle and who you surround yourself with. That’s been a valuable lesson in business for me – and why I started Welsh Entrepreneurs. People instinctively want to help one another and that’s been the driving force behind GlobalWelsh. It’s a sense of community and belonging, helping people with their aims and ambitions – and enabling them to feed to back in some way to Wales, where they might have grown up, studied, lived and worked in or even just heard stories about.

^{Walter May presents the vision for GlobalWelsh at the launch event}

Making a difference: We’ve called those who are supporting the GlobalWelsh vision ‘pioneers’ – and that’s exactly what they are. They’re fiercely passionate and enthusiastic about Wales, want to help share the story of Wales and actively shape its future. We see our pioneers as a ready-made network of influencers, movers and go-getters…the kind of people who’ll go out of their way to make an introduction or open a door to help someone else. It’s not just about helping established businesses do better – for us, it’s also about offering those at the start of their journey a leg up and a helping hand.

Wales is such a fantastic place to live, do business and grow and I believe we’re not alone in this feeling.

Propelling Wales forward: Wales is such a fantastic place to live, do business and grow and I believe we’re not alone in this feeling. In light of the UK’s impending exit from the European Union, establishing this network will undoubtedly be all the more important. In the next few years, we’ll need every tool at our disposal to pull together and be resilient – so reaching and looking outward will be key.

^{The Pioneers certificate awarded to the Welsh, and friends of Wales, who join the community.} 

We’ve called those who are supporting the GlobalWelsh vision ‘pioneers’ – and that’s exactly what they are.

Being honest and authentic: We’ve been asking people as part of our crowdbuilding campaign what Wales means to them and I think ‘My Wales’ is one that’s caring, community oriented and welcoming. Wales is under-stated, self-effacing, authentic and classless. Humour is a core part of Welsh culture and this is something that always pulls me back to it.

If you’d like to share the ‘5 things’ that make you tick, send your submission to hi@globalwelsh.com