Globetrotters: Yoram Does Dallas

This fall Weaver had two of our own and two visiting staff members participate in the Weaver Secondment Program. See what Yoram Kappel from Pitcher Partners in Australia had to say about his experience at Weaver and in the United States.

Name: Yoram Kappel
Position: RAS Manager, Dallas
Dates: September – December 2016
Local Firm: Pitcher Partners (Melbourne, Australia)

What were the objectives of the secondment?

The objectives of my secondment included gaining experience serving industries that we do not currently serve in Australia, increasing exposure and insight into practices and procedures that may complement our local methods, and developing the relationship between Weaver’s and Pitcher Partners’ risk advisory practices. And, of course, to enjoy and experience the United States!

Briefly detail your secondment experience.

The secondment has been nothing short of an incredible experience, both professionally and personally. On a professional level, Weaver ensured that I was involved with multiple clients in order to gain experience in a variety of industries, all while travelling across Texas and working with different teams and staff.

While the engagement objectives were largely the same as at home, the execution varied significantly. This made for a challenging and exciting experience. Weaver staff members were enormously supportive in helping me understand and apply Weaver practices, as well as ensuring that I had plenty to do and see outside of work!

What have you learned as a result of the secondment experience?

The secondment experience has taught me a lot about independence, how to transfer and adapt a skillset to new environments, how to work within a new culture and its inherent barriers and learning curves, as well as a host of different methods to achieve common objectives.

What was something that surprised you about the local culture?

I was surprised at how similar many of the daily challenges we face are. For example, client relations and meeting deadlines are the same across the globe.

What was a challenge you had to overcome while being in the United States?

I overcame several challenges while in the United States. Writing dates backwards (MM, DD, YYYY) was one small hurdle. Obeying traffic lights that are over the intersection was also an adjustment. In Australia, the lights are before the intersection so that you stop earlier. And of course there were language barriers! We all speak English, but we don’t always understand each other’s phrases and accents.

Did you pick up a local phrase or habit while here?

To name a few:

• If it isn’t fried it isn’t cooked.
• Thirst is best quenched with beer.
• Everything is better with football.
• Speed up!

Name a favorite experience from your time here. 

No doubt, the Dallas Stars game with my team!