What is it like to step out of your familiar European business world and dive into the fast-paced entrepreneurial culture of the U.S.? How does one month in a completely different environment change the way you think, work, and scale a business? As a European entrepreneur, my 30 days in the U.S. taught me lessons I never expected—and some I wish I’d known before I left.
The cultural shifts no one prepares you for
Walking into American work culture was like stepping into a parallel universe. Meetings start on time—or sometimes ten minutes early—and everyone is expected to speak up immediately, share ideas boldly, and actively network. The emphasis on “selling yourself” is stronger than anything I’d experienced back home. While in Europe humility and consensus often guide professional interactions, in the U.S., confidence and visibility are king.
Another subtle but profound difference was around time and efficiency. In Europe, long lunches and slower decision-making are common, giving space to reflect and build consensus. In the U.S., speed is celebrated; decisions are made quickly, iterations happen fast, and “fail fast, learn faster” is not just a mantra—it’s a lifestyle. Initially, this pace was exhausting, but it ultimately reshaped how I approached prioritization.
What worked, what flopped, what grew me
My most significant mindset breakthroughs
I learned many powerful lessons. A very profound one was the value of decisiveness paired with experimentation. In Europe, I often hesitated, wanting every decision to be perfect. In the U.S., I realized that momentum matters more than perfection. Taking action—even imperfect action—creates clarity and opens doors I didn’t know existed. I started approaching projects with a “launch and iterate” mentality, which accelerated both my learning and results.
Networking also taught me a vital mindset shift. In Europe, I used to think networking was transactional, a way to gain opportunities. In the U.S. it’s more about reciprocity and energy. Genuine curiosity, generous sharing, and proactive follow-ups build relationships faster than any formal handshake or introduction ever could.
How I restructured my time (and why it worked)
The American rhythm forced me to rethink how I schedule my day. Back home, I often worked in long blocks, juggling multiple tasks without clear boundaries. Immersed in U.S. culture, I adopted stricter time-blocking, prioritizing high-impact activities in the morning and scheduling deep-focus sessions without interruption.
I also embraced “micro-sprints” for creative work—25- to 45-minute sessions dedicated to one task at a time. This approach dramatically increased my productivity and reduced mental fatigue. The discipline of protecting focused time while leaving space for spontaneous connections or meetings was revolutionary. It made me realize that time is a strategic tool for scaling effectively, not just a resource.
This one lesson changed how I scale forever
If I should pick one insight that will fundamentally alter how I grow my business, it’s this: scale is not just in growth and numbers; it’s rooted in systems, visibility, and energy.
I began to prioritize processes that allow delegation without micromanaging, and I started documenting workflows that could be handed off seamlessly. I realized that visibility—being known, present, and remembered—is as crucial as operational efficiency. These combined lessons gave me a blueprint for sustainable growth, one that I can apply anywhere in the world.
One month in the U.S. reshaped how I think about leadership, productivity, and growth. The cultural shocks, mindset breakthroughs, and strategic insights were challenging but invaluable. Returning to Europe, I carry not just memories, but tangible lessons: the power of decisiveness, the importance of visible leadership, the efficiency of focused time, and the value of scalable systems.
