My greatest professional achievement was both to change and improve my firm as I was able to create a positive, productive relationship with perhaps our most difficult client. Thus, as a result of our interaction, I initiated a new niche in international business for our company by providing a new service for our clients. To accomplish all this, I had to rely on my repertoire of skills.

Indeed, I believe that my greatest talent is my ability to "read the map." Not literally, of course, since I do have a learning disability. But my skill at understanding people and organizations comes from an unusual combination of Emotional Intelligence, EQ, and an instinctive ability for practical problem solving.

My abilities were put to the ultimate test with the clothing firm, "Crazy Line," a fifty-store retail chain for large-size women. Unfortunately, the crazy in the title refers to the family members who run the business. We were close to losing the client, as the family directors were more interested in fighting with one another and screaming at us than saving the business.

Initially, I treated this client as I would any other. We brought in the "usual suspects," and tried on the basis of interviews and questionnaires to suggest an organizational working plan. But our recommendations couldn't be implemented because we had neglected the ego and psychological factors that were threatening to destroy the business. After much effort and disappointment, I saw the light and changed tactics. After additional trial and error, I finally found a way to read accurately what I call the organization's DNA. I decided to engage in an in-depth role clarification process, so that each family member had the opportunity to visualize and actualize his or her position in the firm. That was the key to creating a consensus and a more stable work environment. Once this vital stage was accomplished, I could return to more conventional tactics to reorganize their business practices. Without my EQ and instinctive and professional abilities as a problem solver, I would never have been able to save the client for our firm.

Moreover, because we had resolved the conflict so successfully, I decided to offer a new service to Crazy Line. In accordance with our recommendation, the company had decided to expand its activities to the international arena. They were interested in creating franchises in Greece as a first step. After they made a number of unsuccessful efforts to do so, I offered to find a suitable business partner in Greece. Our firm had never before performed this franchising service for foreign markets. Relying on my resourcefulness and international contacts, I facilitated the arrangement. To our client's great surprise, we located the eventual partner after only 2 weeks. This further cemented our relationship with Crazy Line, and allowed me to innovate and expand our service package to all our clients, a vital contribution to our revenues.

Thus with Crazy Line I was able to kill two birds with one stone and accomplish a valuable achievement for my firm and myself. Not only had I satisfied a client notorious for his dissatisfaction, but I had also initiated a new, profitable consulting service for all my firm's clients. I think this episode illustrates my talents and abilities perfectly.

On August 1st, 2009, a masked assailant injured dozens of young men and murdered two others who were present at the --------------- branch of the Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender (GLBT) Association during a weekly teenager social meeting. Most teenagers coming to the center have yet to come out to their family and the weekly meetings served as a sanctuary. It was a respite from the constant fear and loathing they have to deal with on a daily basis. It was hard to believe how my most often liberal and accepting city, which had hosted the annual Gay Pride Parade just months ago, had suddenly become a homophobic crime scene.

The murder at the GLBT center struck me hard. I realized that the bright pink picture I painted for myself about how accepting society is was wrong. I had a relatively easy time coming out. At 17, I found the courage to share with my parents that I am gay. After overcoming their initial shock, they hugged me and told me they supported me no matter what. I have been living with my significant other for four years in -------------------.

When photos from the crime scene appeared on TV, I was shocked as I watched the confused young people aimlessly wander the streets, covered in blood. What was even harder for me to realize was that most of these teenagers were still in the closet. Once their faces appeared in prime time on national television - they were literally "outed".

My partner and I watched the news and didn't say a word. I had never really felt the need to belong to the gay community. When friends marched in the gay parade and participated in support groups, I stayed at home. The murder fundamentally changed something in me. I felt a need and desire to express my empathy, get involved and show how important it is not to hide.

I was lucky enough to have a supporting family that accepts me for who I am; until recently I took that for granted. Many gay people still live in fear and persecution. I decided to step out of my comfort zone: I contacted the GLBT association and volunteered to participate in their public relations campaign.

When began as a tentative entry into the world of gay activities and politics became a mainstay in my life. I took it upon myself to volunteer and act as a counselor and guide to youths struggling with their sexual identity. I became a sort of role model for them, trying to demonstrate through my own experiences that it was possible to live a full and satisfying life without worrying about being different. Not only did I have a positive effect on these young men, but I also earned the added bonus of taking a position of leadership for the first time in my life.

You may be familiar with the add-campaign slogan of Virginia Slims cigarettes about two decades ago: "You've come a long way, baby." While I believe the same can be said of the gay community internationally, it's clear that the struggle is far from over and I'm happy to make my own modest contribution.

While reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I recall Huck asking Jim if he "parley voo franzy" when the two protagonists get involved in a philosophical discussion. Most people laugh hysterically, but I got very annoyed. As a lover of languages, especially French, I prefer a more constructive approach to other languages and cultures. In fact, cosmopolitan should have been my middle name.

I was born in Turkey, spoke German until the age of 3, first fell in love in Paris, met my husband to be in Nepal, got married in Italy, and hope to complete my MBA in NYC.

I'm an energetic, positive, optimistic, friendly and helpful person. No, I don't take drugs. But I do have an instinctive ability to communicate with just about anybody. Maybe that's why an Indian girl in Jaipur invited me over to her house to visit while we were waiting on line for a movie and started talking. You may not think that impressive, but she hardly spoke English and my Hindi was underdeveloped.

My people skills also serve me well on the job, where I enjoy the banter among staff members. In fact, they just earned me a promotion to manager. So I must confess that at work I get to act out my obsession with the latest technologies. After putting in the mandatory 14 hours, and when no one is watching too closely, I hone my expertise in infantile, cutting-edge computer games.

Back from my hard day at work, at home I invest my considerable energy in my husband, the cat, family and friends. The cat has a strong claim on my affection, even if he is known as the terminator behind his back. What is it about male animals anyway? He conned me into saving him and taking him home from SOS pets, but then revealed his true gender - they told me he was a she - an evil personality. But despite Damage, the cat, that is, home is still where the heart is, especially because that is where I find the refrigerator.

I am a big fan of food, and I have yet to meet up with anything I won't at least taste once. That's how I managed to eat Indian aluminum-covered sweets. The aluminum was delicious, though I have a hard time with airport security. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I prefer eating to cooking, so I am always on the lookout for new restaurants and recipes for my husband to prepare. In fact, if I never ate in restaurants I could already retire a rich woman. I have already eaten in 58 of the top 100 restaurants in Istanbul, where the food is on par with the best European restaurants. At home I lower the standards a bit, but my husband is an excellent chef.

Speaking of my husband, I [unlike him] don't read in the shower, but everywhere else is ok. I have a passion for reading, especially modern Israeli literature. Of course, I also love the French classics. I also find time to go to the movies at least once a week. Despite the controversy surrounding Woody Allen, I have a soft spot in my heart for his films because he introduced me to the fantastic world of New York.

Speaking of New York, I am convinced after visiting Stern that I have a New York personality and persona: the former is ironic, humorous, assertive, friendly, and sharp, while the latter is feminine, studies Ninjitsu and dresses in black.

Besides, I also hate sales tax.

During recent organizational changes at TTI-Telecom, a major part of operations was transferred to the Ukraine, including the professional services department where I worked as a member of an implementation team. The changes included the development of a new professional services department in the Ukraine and, like most organizational changes, were not initially welcomed by my team members and me. Most of them criticized upper management, fearing for their jobs.

Just days after the change was announced, I decided to go against the flow. I asked senior management for the opportunity to build and develop the new offshore implementation team in the Ukraine, which - in a way - would compete with the current implementation team I was part of. I decided to be active and influence the process, which I thought would create new opportunities for my colleagues as well. I thought my old team would still remain a fixture at TTI because of the members' knowledge and skills. By developing a new implementation team in the Ukraine I could delegate the routine work to my new team and reserve the novel issues for my old team. I wanted to move in a new direction because it was a great opportunity for me to exercise my leadership skills in an unknown, challenging environment, help the company achieve its objectives, bridge the gap between company and employee interests, and give me the global opportunity I sought. Developing such a team, I needed to practice an effective de-centralized managerial style, managing people in different time zones who spoke rudimentary English and had their own unique mentalities.

It was only a few days later when my manager accepted my offer; I was promoted to a new position - off shore implementation manager. My implementation team was to be situated in the Ukraine, Russia and in India, where our first project took place. I was exited about the new development and hoped to exploit the situation for the benefit of my current team and previous teammates. But I quickly learned that my old teammates misperceived my motives. They believed the actions I was taking would help management get rid of them. I even got the unflattering nickname, "the survivor". I realized that my developing the new team was going to be twice as hard because not all my previous teammates were willing the share their knowledge with my new team.

Aside from the intrigues and dramas, to develop the new international team was not an easy task. To begin, I organized a month of training at the TTI-Telecom headquarters where team members completed a full technical training program. Most important, we learned to cooperate; I determined how each individual would best contribute her expertise to the team effort. I presented my expectations and the team was excited to learn that I would be leading them in an environment in which they would enjoy a great deal of independence. Overcoming gaps in language and mentality was the challenge I was most enthusiastic about. Communicating with people who are significantly different from me is key to our success; in fact, I have begun to study Russian to help improve our communication. I communicate frequently with each of the team members, occasionally on site, by phone, email, instant messages and video conference team meetings.

After several weeks my new team was able to complete simple implementation tasks. I started to transfer the routine work of implementation to my new team. This was a defining moment; I could prove to my old teammates that my actions would help make their work much more interesting. I regained their trust because the reality of the new working relationship proved that I would rely on them for their ingenuity and experience. As a result, I could transfer more knowledge to my new team and created healthy cooperation between the 2 teams.

Our initial results have exceeded the company's expectations. I expect to do even better over time. We completed our first project on time and my old teammates now ask me to transfer some of their tasks to my offshore team.

Initially, the decision I took was unpopular among my colleagues. It was based on my intuition and initiative to identify an opportunity. The changes at TTI Telecom created an opportunity to step forward and I tried to make the most of it. Leadership was needed to execute this decision and make both teams buy into a new vision. This was the weak link in the process.

An MBA from ----- would have had a tremendous effect on my decision. We are surrounded by opportunities. I relied on my intuition to identify the opportunity that landed at my doorstep. In our current uncertain business world, I need more than intuition to make bold decisions. Not only will the studies at ---- improve my ability to identify opportunities, but they also will enable me to weigh my options and put my intuition to the test. Specifically, the Decision Analysis course will prepare me for such situations. Great leaders not only have the ability to make tough decisions, are also able to follow through even if they encounter criticism and negative reactions. I should have been more forceful with my former team. Sometimes, one has to do the right thing and not worry about popularity. The results certainly justified my actions.

Few people ever experience a rude dawn awakening with a gun pointed at theirs heads; even fewer survive, while able to learn lessons and gain life-managing skills.

I experienced this when I went to explore Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City on the Atlantic coast of Columbia, situated in a wild, breathtaking jungle, and ended up getting "lost" myself. That is, my boyfriend and I, along with two Australians and a Dutchman, were kidnapped by guerilla forces. As such, my motto in life became "do not let the situation control you; try to control whatever you encounter in life."

Walking three days, climbing 1500 stairs, we arrived at the Lost City and were greeted by pouring rain. Turning in for the night, we experienced a rude awakening. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I saw two uniformed, fully armed men ordering everyone to get up quickly.

Separated from our bound guides, we were forced at gunpoint, each hostage taken by a guerilla holding a gun to every head, to the gathering point. There we met another kidnapped group.

Our group was taken to the corner cabin, accompanied by five armed guerillas. I was afraid they were going to kill us, but resolved to do whatever I could to get us to safety. They led us to the top floor and bound us. I then began to understand this was "only" a kidnapping and/or robbery. Therefore, I pretended not to understand a word in Spanish. That would give me a reason for not cooperating with them fully. They took our belongings and showed us what turned out to be a dud grenade, with which they booby-trapped the door. They left the room and locked us inside.

Finding our voices, we conducted quick introductions. My boyfriend, Ran, and I immediately assumed leadership of the group since the others were traumatized. Fortunately or not, our military service and encounter with terrorism as Israelis had prepared us to behave relatively coolly under pressure.

Early morning, just hours into our imprisonment, we decided to make our move. We didn't know when our captors would be returning. Ran and I built a fortification from the five mattresses so we could open the door from a distance, using the ropes that had tied us, and be protected against the grenade. Fortunately, as we had suspected, it was a fake.

We went downstairs, and took up the abandoned sleeping bags and clothing, so we could begin the two-day trek back to "civilization." Many of us had lost our shoes, so I made footwear for three members of the group. I also picked out materials to make a stretcher if necessary, as well as warm clothing for the cold nights.

We started our way down from the Lost City, maintaining a five-meter gap among us, just in case we ran into the guerillas. It was quite a struggle to get out of there safely, find our bearings, navigate the semi-wild path and return to Santa Martha. We did what we could to hold our group together, keep them from panicking, and lead them to safety. At times I felt we had entered the "Heart of Darkness," or at least the movie "Apocalypse Now," clearing the brush, and moving quietly, and hoping not to be ambushed on the only path out of the Lost City. When we finally descended to the flat lands, we understood the guerillas had run off in the opposite direction to the jungle with the second group, not having the manpower to deal with us all.

When we finally made it back, we contacted the Israeli ambassador in Bogota. Surprisingly, our ordeal hadn't been made public, to avoid embarrassing the authorities. Meeting the Ambassador, we supplied him with the details of the members of the second group. Not as fortunate as we were, that group was held in captivity for three months. We had been lucky enough to exploit our situation to escape.

Aside from the obvious lessons I learned from this experience (I'm cool under pressure, have leadership skills, care about others etc), I began to understand something about the fragility and arbitrariness of life. As John Lennon put it so well, "life is what happens while people make plans." Nevertheless, I learned to attempt to take charge of the unexpected, and recognize that when reality changes I must actively adapt to the new situation, rather than passively wait for others to determine my fate.

If I had behaved passively in this situation and not taken control of my life, I might still be waiting for release in a Columbian jungle. Strong leadership and decision making in challenging situations can save lives.