Van Roekel, who oversees marketing, manufacturing, and engineering for a division of Syracuse-based Leybold Inficon, is out of the country for at least a week a month and is constantly adapting to different business cultures. Business rrelationships don't get personal. In nearby Liechtenstein, where te company also has operations, the business environment is far more relaxed. Certain Asian cultures present the greatest challenge to Van Roekel. And women are seldom seen in technical roles.
Titles are very important there.
For example, women are not welcome in some Japanese establishments. I feel I make life difficult for people doing business with me. I can't barge in with an American 'just do it' attitude and try to change the culture. If the business can be handled by a man in our company, I sometimes choose that option. Van Roekel, who lived in Europe at several points in her career, has also attended seminars on adapting to foreign busines cultures.