Virtual teams are becoming the norm instead of an exception for many types of projects.  In this world where information transfers over the internet almost for free, virtual teams can allow a project leader to tap into additional potentially lower cost resource or tap into the expertise of world renown experts.  In addition, culturally diverse teams, facilitated by the virtual environment, bring different values, experiences and perspectives which have been shown to greatly facilitate creative problem solving.  However, culturally diverse and virtual teams are full of difficult challenges that will task even the most experienced project leader.

Sean Smith has worked on projects for more than 20 years and developed products for the Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) industry for more than 17 years.  In 2004, he moved to Shanghai China where he was a functional engineering manager for 50 engineers.  His main responsibility was to teach these engineers how to design HVAC equipment and manage small projects.  At the end of the three year assignment, Sean had the unique opportunity to lead a global team of more than 80 full time and another 20 to 40 part time people from Shanghai China, LaCrosse WI and Charmes France.  The goal of the design project was to develop a new global air-conditioning platform serving every corner of the world.  Sean is a Project Management Professional and is currently working on an MBA with a Global Business emphasis.