Allison Boersma
For Allison Boersma, studying abroad at the start of the U.S. airstrikes in Libya in the spring of 1986 brought unexpected challenges. Despite being spit on in the Metro, Allison took her experiences abroad in stride, developing a global perspective, an appreciation for different viewpoints, and an ability to find joy in unexpected situations. After graduation, Allison started a career as a public accountant as a means to finance her love of travel, but she soon discovered a love for finance as well. Allison soon transitioned to Kraft Foods where she worked in finance for 18 years managing an international team. Today, Allison is CFO and COO at Riddell Inc., a prominent sports equipment company, where she oversees 1,200 people including many in the corporation’s facilities in Mexico. Read on to learn how Allison’s experience studying abroad in Paris not only fostered a love of travel but also helped her develop a strategic mindset she uses every day.
IES Abroad: Growing up, you had traveled abroad with your family several times. How was study abroad different than your previous international travels?
Allison Boersma: Learning how to manage on your own and how to do little things that you take for granted at home is very different when you are living abroad versus on vacation. Figuring out where to do your laundry, how to use public transportation, how to get your haircut, how to eat without breaking the bank are all things that you don’t necessarily need to do when you are visiting for a short period. When you are living somewhere else, every day of survival is an accomplishment that you can be proud of.
IES Abroad: How did your time in Paris shape the way you think in a profound way?
AB: Living in Paris spring of 1986, when the U.S. began airstrikes against Libya, drove home hard for me how much anti-American sentiment there was in the world at that time. I was spit on in the Metro, and I found myself having to defend myself and my country in a way I’d never done. When I called home, my parents were only remotely aware of the impact the bombing had had around the world. It really changed my perspective.
Also, my host mother was always talking about how much she disliked the British. She mentioned it so often that I finally just asked her why. She replied, “Because they killed Joan of Arc.” It was in that singular moment that I realized how much the events in European history – no matter how many hundreds of years ago they happened – still impacted people in their daily lives. I was fascinated by how much they discussed and argued politics around the dinner table and on the street. We all learned and grew so much from hearing different points of view. This skill was instrumental to me when I was managing an international team for Kraft Foods.
IES Abroad: How did you change the most during your time in Paris?
AB: Just getting simple activities accomplished on a daily basis took more time. Language, money, and cultural biases were all hurdles I had to learn to overcome in fairly short order. From getting from point A to point B on time using public transportation to learning how to be a part of a discussion with many varying points of view using a second language, my time in Paris taught me how to think on my feet and see the global perspective. I return to France at least once a year and share that sense of adventure and wanderlust with my friends and family!
IES Abroad: Were there skills learned abroad that have benefited you professionally?
AB: I think that the most important thing that I learned while studying abroad was to find joy in the unexpected…to quickly adapt to whatever unexpected situation arises and enjoy figuring out how to get through it and have fun while doing so. In my career, starting as an accountant, many things seemed black and white, but the real world is not. I have succeeded in my career by not only being comfortable in the “grey areas” but by actually finding joy in them – in trying to maneuver through difficult situations and finding the best outcome. I realize that it is not always about the end, but what is often more important is enjoying the journey. Life is a journey, not a destination.
IES Abroad: How did you get started in your career and what led you to join Kraft Foods at the outset?
AB: I would love to say that being an accountant was a passion and a calling, but, honestly, it was not. Getting a job was important as a means to an end. Finding a source of income that could support me and my love for travel was hugely important to me. One of the best parts of my first job in Public Accounting was that after KILLING yourself all winter during “busy season” you were able to take five weeks off at a time in the summer to travel! It was amazing. When I decided to move on from Public Accounting, I was looking for an international company that would pay for my MBA at Kellogg Graduate School of Business. Going to Kraft was a great decision that provided me with a great education and unbelievable career opportunities.
IES Abroad: After 18 years in Finance at Kraft Foods, you joined Riddell and have since assumed the role of CFO and COO. What do you find most exciting about working for the sports equipment company?
AB: I love working for a smaller company and being able to have an impact on the people at the company on a daily basis. In my role, I am responsible for over 1,200 people including many in our plants in Mexico. I spend a lot of time managing performance at all levels, which involves a fair amount of travel (mostly in North America), and I still love problem solving. Working with colleagues to design, manufacture, and sell the best available protective equipment, to help players at all levels to play the sport that they love is very motivating to me. It is always fun to talk to people about football, as everyone has a favorite team and an opinion about the safety of the sport. I truly believe that my experiences studying abroad helped me to think more broadly about the world that I live in and helped me develop the problem solving skills that have guided me through my career. Too bad (American) football is not played in more countries!
IES Abroad: What are some of your professional accomplishments you are most proud of?
AB: I feel so lucky, that after almost 30 (gasp) years in the workforce, I love my job. I can come in everyday and try to make a positive contribution. I am proud to be able to interact with wonderful, dedicated people who have a passion for making the sport they love safer. Clearly, I am proud to be the Finance and Operations leader for the company, but I am also proud of the opportunities I have had to take a broad perspective and contribute to the growth of whatever business I am focused on. I am also proud to be on the Board of a wonderful little not-for-profit in Oberlin, Ohio, called Common Ground that does amazing work in its community.