The Art of Global Networking: Building Success in Israeli High-Tech Without Borders

Eyal Waldman is a legendary figure in Israel's technology sector. He earned worldwide recognition as the founder and longtime CEO of Mellanox Technologies, a pioneer in high-speed networking technology (acquired by tech giant NVIDIA in 2020 for $7 billion).

Waldman is a model of global leadership: under his direction, the company operated R&D centers in 20 countries and manufacturing sites across 17 different locations worldwide. His business empire spanned the globe — 50% of sales came from the US, 30% from China and Asia, and 20% from Europe.

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At Bridge Point 2026, a conference organized by the CardBook Networking Ecosystem, we sat down with Eyal to learn how his immense experience working across vastly different cultures — from Japanese and Chinese to Indian and American — helps him build successful businesses today.

The Culture Code: Don't Try to "Fix" Everyone

Eyal is often asked which group is hardest to work with: native-born Israelis ("sabras"), Russian-speaking professionals, or Americans. His answer reads like a manifesto for today's global leader: it's impossible to single out one "difficult" culture. Over the course of his career, he has worked with nearly everyone — Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and many others.

In Eyal's view, the biggest mistake leaders make is trying to impose a single standard on everyone — whether it's the Israeli or the American management style. Instead, leaders need to study the particular characteristics of each culture and understand that business processes in different parts of the world will follow local rules, not the leader's own preferences.

A Recipe for Newcomers: Reputation and Patience

For entrepreneurs arriving in Israel without Hebrew, connections, or an understanding of the local ecosystem, the path can seem daunting. Still, Eyal is convinced success is achievable if you focus on the right things:

• Connections and networking: You need to actively meet people and become part of professional communities.
• Reputation is your most important asset: In Israeli high-tech, your name is everything. It must be built carefully and consistently.
• Resources for growth: It's important to find the right tools and support to help you keep moving forward.

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"It doesn't happen overnight. It takes hard work and constant networking, but in the end, it's absolutely achievable," our guest emphasizes.

Scale of Thinking: From Local to Global

Eyal's experience proves that modern Israeli business cannot stay confined within the country's borders. To reach the top, you need to understand the specifics of working in each location and build the relevant relationships accordingly. That's the only way to manage a structure where development is happening simultaneously across two dozen countries.

In Closing: Success Doesn't Depend on Where You're From

Wrapping up the conversation, Eyal shared the central idea that should inspire every member of our ecosystem:

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"You can succeed no matter where you come from."

What matters most is acting wisely, staying open to the world, and building relationships professionally. In today's world of technology, borders exist only in the mind — the right strategy and persistence can open any door.