Langley Real Estate

Two Langley residents have jetted off to Panama City today, to help out business professionals in the Central American city.

Their desire is to help empower the marketplace leaders to bring their business expertise and their beliefs together, said Judy Friesen, national strategic coach for the LeaderImpact group.

"We want to help the leaders in disadvantaged countries. We are a global world, and our brothers and sisters are not just our physical neighbours," she said.

Canadian business professionals will spend the next week in Panama, and will take part in leadership forums and pass along some of their expertise to business professionals in Panama City.

"We divide into four teams of five and spread out," she said.

There is a dual purpose to their journey, as they also share their faith and its integration with business life.

"We also seek to train our Canadian leaders to more expertly share their faith in a professional setting, with poise and respect," said Friesen, adding, "Many have never done that and would like to, but frankly don't know how or are fearful."

Friesen continued, "In a day and age when we need open dialogue to understand each other's faith/religious perspectives, we seek to break down barriers and stereotypes and religious bias."

They want to help business leaders in Panama who need to get a leg up. LeaderImpact group will take a wide variety of expert leaders to Panama to give leaders there an opportunity to learn about best practices and how they have become successful, both materially and spiritually.

Another Langley resident embarking on the trip is realtor Tyler Schacter.

It is his first time, and Friesen said she is glad to have him on board.

"Tyler is a young leader, and he's under 25," she said. "He's taking a big leap and has a lot to offer."

Schacter, a realtor for three years, has been looking for an opportunity to get involved.

"This seemed right up my alley," he said, adding he's "nervous but excited."

He'll be working with a group of realtors from across Canada, sharing expertise with real estate leaders in Panama City.

"I'm looking forward to reaching out to a group of people who wouldn't otherwise have this opportunity," Schacter said.