Ban Ki-moon

For some reason I had saved this for sometime hoping to publish it - definately the blog has been passed by events. But why not let's share it. The new UN boss is around and Vodafone is back to discussing with Carphone Warehouse on future opportunities of "co-operation".


Big story this week - the new UN Secretary General confirmed.
Obviously all the commentaries tried to analyze the success (or lack of it) of the current Sec. Gen. Conclusion: Management failings often undermined the strong moral vision; he made powerful enemies in America.

It's always good to sit back and reflect (I'm sure he is thinking in retrospect what he should or should not have done) - feeling a complex mix of deep nostalgia, missed opportunity and profound relief.

Honestly the article I was reading also made me think about what's up with me. Especially important is the fact that I've been thinking of home lately.

"Together we have pushed some big rocks to the top of the mountain, even if others have slipped from our grasp and rolled back. But the mountain, with its bracing rocks, winds and global views, is the best place on earth to be. It's been difficult and challenging, but at times also thrillingly rewarding. And while I look forward to resting my shoulder from those stubborn rocks...I know I shall miss the mountain." (From FT - 11th Oct 2006)

Annan's valedictory speech (! I thought I knew English)

Vodafone: (Winners/Losers)

My favorite company was on the news again dropping a bombshell. It has severed its tie with Carphone Warehouse - after 17 years of partnership. It caught the owner of CW by surprise just hours after announcing take-over of AOL UK! It wiped out £450m off the value off CW. Business is interesting. Shifting of power? Likely CW's main rival Phones 4 U got the deal.

CW are like brokers - trying to be independent in providing phone contracts on behalf other companies - but it has grown into other areas - internet broadband provider most likely its because Vodafone also has interests in internet service hence the clash of strategies.
Obviously as he (CW's owner) expands those services he sells he is increasingly going to have some overlap with our business and our strategy" - Vodafone's Head of UK Business (Nick Read)

UPDATE:
CW is looking to entice Vodafone back into it's fold - but that would take more than a year from now with the contract with Phones 4 U. Don't it feel good to be big strong and powerful? Calling the shots..... I'm looking at there moves in Nairobi - Mobile phone technology is growing in Africa I read.
Interesting.