The International Business Podcast

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. The episode focuses on India, exploring the persistent misconceptions foreign executives bring to Indian workplaces and how global leaders can adapt their leadership styles to navigate India's hierarchical corporate structure. Find more details about the guest below.⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guest:Aarti Kelshikar is an intercultural coach and author. She is the founder of 3A Consulting and has been working in the space of leadership and cultural effectiveness since 2008. She has worked and lived in India, Singapore and the Philippines.Aarti is a certified facilitator of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and accredited coach of The International Profiler (TIP), frameworks that help assess and develop intercultural effectiveness. She is also a certified executive coach from the international Neuro Leadership group.Through her cultural interventions, Aarti enables executives and students to successfully transition roles, levels and geographies. She conducts workshops on developing cultural intelligence and on doing business in South-East Asia and India. She has trained senior executives from multinational corporations like Nestlé, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, and Texas Instruments. Aarti has recently published her second book titled How Women Work: Fitting in and Standing Out in Asia. Published by HarperCollins, the book observes women leaders through a pan-Asian lens providing insights on leadership and success in Asia. Her first book How India Works: Making Sense of a Complex Corporate Culture was published in 2018. The book is a guide to the cultural nuances and complexities of working with Indians.Aarti is a member of the Harvard Business Review (HBR) Advisory Council, an opt-in research community of business professionals across the world. She is on the Advisory Board of the Diversity Economics Institute, a UK-based organization. Aarti is co-founder and Board Member of SIETAR Southeast Asia, an organization for intercultural education, training and research which develops Asia-focused expertise.Before discovering the fascinating world of intercultural coaching, Aarti worked for seven years in the area of securities market compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India in Mumbai and with a consulting firm in Singapore. She has a master's in business administration from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in Mumbai and a bachelor's in commerce from Sydenham College in Mumbai.If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we delve into international sales. From connecting SMEs across Australia, Latin America, and Spain to overcoming regulatory challenges and understanding cultural nuances, two expert guests share insights on what's changed in the industry and how to succeed in diverse markets. See below for further information about the two guests.Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guests:Alex Baneres is a versatile and results-driven international marketing and sales leader with extensive experience across diverse sectors, including education, home care, travel, weight loss programs, drinkware, homeware, books, meal replacements, sports nutrition, and video games. Proven expertise in business development, P&L ownership, CRM implementation, and building long-term relationships with distributors, affiliates, and resellers in international markets such as Australia, Spain, and Latin America. Over the last two years, Alex has worked as a marketing and sales agent for several European businesses in Australia and is currently focused on growing an Australian company across Europe and Latin America. Fluent in Spanish and English, with a strong ability to manage complex projects, launch new products, optimize digital marketing strategies, and deliver measurable results.Zach Selch is a renowned global sales leader with over 30 years of experience driving international business growth. Zach's career achievements include generating over $1 billion in revenue across 150+ markets and onboarding more than 1,000 partners globally. He has been instrumental in transforming underperforming sales teams into high-performing powerhouses, achieving growth rates as high as 4,000%. His practical strategies for building international distributor networks and navigating cultural complexities have earned him recognition as a trusted mentor and advisor. Zach holds a certificate in Global Sales and Marketing Management from The Wharton School and a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Economics from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we delve into the Gulf countries. With the rapid growth in smartphone and internet penetration in Saudi Arabia, how can businesses leverage the digital landscape to enhance customer experience and market reach? Why is Dubai a hub for AI? How are Gulf businesses shifting supply chains towards emerging markets in Central Asia? And much more…We do this with 3 expert guests. Check further below for their detailed information.Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guests:With a globe-spanning career, Corina Goetz has embodied roles as diverse as Advisor, Educator, Confidente and Specialist in Middle Eastern culture. By creating Star-CaT, a Middle Eastern Advisory, Training, and Consulting firm, she has spent over 20 years forging trusted relationships with leaders from the Gulf, royal families, and business magnates. Her remarkable success includes escalating a company's regional client base from zero to a 6 million annual turnover. As a German national and non-Arabic speaker, she brings a unique perspective to the table, embodying the bridge between the West and the Middle East. Having navigated the complex cultural landscapes herself, she understands the subtleties of communication, attire, and social structures in the Gulf. Through Star-CaT, her mission is global – to educate, guide and assist companies in navigating the dynamic business environment of the Gulf with confidence and cultural intelligence which then leads to exeptionnel commercial success.Corina's expertise in Middle Eastern customs and business etiquette has made her an indispensable ally to a variety of clients, including prestigious names like Aka, Corinthia London, Sarova Group, Monteverdi Tuscany, King & Spalding, Dr. Rita Rakus, and Acorn Capital Advisors. She is committed to ensuring her clients not only meet but exceed the expectations of their Middle Eastern counterparts.Oksana Didyk is a strategic consultant and researcher specializing in the Gulf region's energy, food and agriculture, culture, and logistics sectors. With 12 years of experience in business strategy, lean management, and market entry, she has advised governments, trade organizations, and multinational companies on navigating complex regional dynamics. Oksana is also completing her PhD in Political Studies, focusing on political branding and governance in the Middle East, giving her a deep analytical edge in understanding the region's economic and geopolitical landscapes. Combining academic insight with hands-on expertise, she helps businesses not just enter the Gulf, but truly succeed in it.Giorgio Morocica is the Head of Business Development at Edugo.AI, a Gen AI-powered Learning Management System, acquired in 2023. Giorgio is also the founder and CEO of "The Founders Club" an international community with the mission to help founders and entrepreneurs create a scalable business EXIT successfully. Furthermore, he is an Angel Investor with currently 6 startups in his portfolio and a mentor for startup founders and entrepreneurs.  He holds a bachelor's degree in linguistics from Università per Stranieri di Siena and a triple master's degree from ICN Business School, University of Bologna, and East China University of Science and Technology.If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast.  Today, we delve into the world of beauty and luxury. We will travel across the UK, Italy, France and China. What role will technology play in shaping the future of luxury? What are the most significant shifts occurring in the Chinese beauty market? And more. See below for details on each guest.⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guests:Giovanni Luigi Bordone is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in fashion, education, and business. As a Course Leader for the MA Marketing program at London Metropolitan University, he brings over 15 years of experience in corporate fashion business to the academic forefront. His expertise spans fashion marketing, luxury brand management, and sustainability, with a strong focus on teaching in diverse international settings across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Giovanni's career has been marked by prestigious roles, including being a Made to Measure Ambassador for Ermenegildo Zegna and a Brand Ambassador for Scabal.Agnese Curti is a Brand Marketing Consultant and Co-Active Coach, combining strategic expertise with a people-centered approach. She recently founded Tangle Path, a coaching business specializing in the creative industries, to help professionals, teams, and creatives navigate growth with clarity and impact.With over a decade of experience in fashion, luxury (ex Gucci) and digital industries, she has led high-impact media and communication initiatives across Europe and Middle East, helping brands enhance visibility and audience engagement. Through coaching, she supports individuals and teams in moving from where they are to where they want to be, guided by the belief that growth is never linear - embrace the twists and turns.Lisa Nan serves as the China Luxury and Beauty Editor at Jing Daily, a New York-based publication. She specializes in analyzing Chinese consumer trends and behaviors, focusing on luxury, fashion, beauty, and WEB3 markets. Her work has been featured in prominent outlets such as South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia, Luxury Daily, and CPP Luxury. As the head of the biweekly Jing Beauty newsletter, Lisa covers key trends and insights in China's rapidly evolving beauty and wellness sector. Her biannual beauty trends forecast is highly regarded on Jing Daily. She has consulted for major brands like Clé de Peau Beauté, L'Oréal, and La Prairie on their China strategies.Manon Hu is the founder of Astrolabel, a brand consulting and management agency focused on enhancing the presence of luxury brands in China. Additionally, she serves as a Senior Partner at Luxurynsight, a leading data and AI-driven company specializing in strategic insights for the luxury market. Her expertise at Luxurynsight includes analyzing trends and consumer behavior in the Chinese market, particularly in luxury and beauty sectors, where she has been instrumental in highlighting the resilience of brands through innovative digital strategies. She previously worked Burberry and Gucci.If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.  What are some of the unexpected reverse culture shocks that expats experience upon returning to their home country? What are the most important skills or expats should cultivate to navigate unexpected career shifts in 2025 and beyond? And more.⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guests:Esteban Polidura's mission as a Certified Life Coach and Mental Health First Aider is to help expats understand and manage their emotions during their life transitions, support them in achieving their goals, and motivate them along the way. Drawing from years of experience coaching clients across different continents, Esteban has developed a culturally sensitive approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by expats worldwide. As a published author of several books, he firmly believes in the transformative power of stories not only to inspire people but also to show them that their emotions are valid and their struggles are part of the human experience. In addition, as a renowned keynote speaker, he empowers audiences to overcome obstacles in life with resilience and confidence.Nino Fincher Is an international speaker and award winning Rapid Therapy expert in PTS and anxiety.  She moves people out of a stuck state into momentum by identifying the exact root of the problem and fixing it, as well as getting  clients clear on their purpose using the Purpose Factor system.  She lived for extended periods of time in 3 different cultures, splits her time between Dallas and Dubai and is passionate about all things neuroscience.If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.  What is the future of international education? How do current geopolitical trends are influencing the choices of students when selecting study abroad destinations? And more. We do this with two experts. See their details below.Use the promo code 8D1E2 to get 50% off your first month on Patreon. This offer is valid until February 28th.⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guests:With over 23 years of leadership in international education, Susan Fang has built one of East Asia's most successful education consultancies, seamlessly integrating B2C and B2B models to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the competitive global market. A respected LinkedIn thought leader and sought-after speaker, Susan is a passionate advocate for international student success, ethical agency practices, and culturally-driven, sustainable returns on investment.Her unique expertise lies in bridging cultural understanding with measurable outcomes for students, families and institutional partners. Beyond her professional achievements, Susan's determination shines through her marathon pursuits around the world, reflecting the endurance and commitment she brings to both her career and personal life. Launching Q2 2025: A Game-Changing Programme forUniversities & Schools. Susan Fang is unveiling a groundbreaking programme to help universities and schools attract - and retain - the right Chinese students in an increasingly challenging landscape. Secure your spot on the waitlist: susan@oxbridge.com.twIn the meantime, explore Susan's latest insights on what's troubling Chinese international students today.Rickson Khaw, CEO of Uni Enrol, the fastest-growing studentenrollment platform in Malaysia, leads a team of dedicated professionals who share his vision of democratizing education and bridging the opportunity gap. At Uni Enrol, he oversees the strategic direction, businessdevelopment, and partnerships of the company, which has expanded to 450 towns and helped thousands of students apply to universities, colleges, and scholarships online. He also co-organized the largest virtual education fair in Malaysia, connecting 260,000 webinar viewers with participating institutions from over 115 foreign cities. Additionally, he launched SPM Accelerate, a program that invited top teachers to provide online tutoring and mentorship to SPM students. As a result of these initiatives, Uni Enrol has awarded over RM 40 million in scholarships and received the JCI Malaysia Sustainability Development Award for Quality Education.As a former venture capitalist, he continues to work with accelerators, VC funds, and student-led NGOs to share his insights and experience with aspiring entrepreneurs and startups in the region.If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.  Today we dive into the intricacies of global supply chains, factory relocations, personnel relocation, overseas payroll management and more. We do this with two experts. See their details below.Use the promo code 8D1E2 to get 50% off your first month on Patreon. This offer is valid until February 28th.Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guests:Kimberly Kirkendall consults with multinational companies on international operations, supply chain, and trade through IRD. As a Beachhead Advisor for New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, she aids NZ companies in international trade and manufacturing. She hosts the podcast International Trade Resources, interviewing trade experts and providing training for startups. A frequent guest lecturer and speaker globally, she also supports US organizations in management training.As President of IRD for over 20 years, Kimberly has led thousands of projects to improve international operations. Their clients face complex cross-border trade challenges, including incorporation, supply chain optimization, and market development. Kimberly offers leadership during operational stress.IRD re-engineers processes across multiple countries, addressing issues like partnership structuring, VAT challenges, supply chain improvements, and employee management abroad.Kimberly began her career in China over 35 years ago and has lived in major cities worldwide. She combines her CPA expertise with extensive international business knowledge and has held roles as COO, CFO, and General Manager.Shan Nair is an entrepreneur and consultant on international expansion. He was the first to spot and develop the niche market of International Expansion Services (IES) which was previously fragmented. In the process he has worked with many companies in their early stages who have since become household names such as Tesla Motors, FaceTime and Sonus Networks. His role is to promote the services offered by Nucleus and to work with the management team to ensure a high level of technical excellence and client care is maintained at all times.Nucleus is unique in that it provides true one stop, multi-disciplinary, multi-country shopping for companies seeking international expansion or with international operations. A single experienced Client Services Director and an Accounting Manager will be your sole points of contact for all of your foreign consulting needs – you will not need to chase multiple accountants, lawyers and HR consultants in different geographies or have a single contact point with little expertise acting simply as a postbox. The Client Services team is backed by staff at senior and mid-management level each having more than a decade of experience in providing IES services.Shan has a doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of Oxford. He has received multiple recognitions for his contribution to business in the US, UK and India.If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.BRICS+ has the potential to reshape the global economic landscape. The bloc's focus on financial independence, trade cooperation, and infrastructure development makes it a key player in the transition toward a multipolar world.  For international business professionals, keeping a close eye on BRICS+ developments will be essential for identifying opportunities in this evolving global order.Connect with the host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.You could also support the podcast by purchasing one of the following books on Amazon using the links provided:- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Personal MBA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HBR's 10 Must Reads 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 48 Laws of Power⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Ocean Strategy

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.  AI has emerged as a pivotal element within numerous organizations due to its ability to transform business operations and drive growth. Today we travel around the world to discuss AI. We're going to Canada, Portugal, China, and Brazil. See below for details on each guest.What is the AI revolution? How can AI improve operational efficiency? What industries are most vulnerable to AI automation? And more.  Use the promo code 8D1E2 to get 50% off your first month on Patreon. This offer is valid until February 28th.Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours).Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content.Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters.Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections.Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered.With guests:J.B. Richard, a tech and AI expert with degrees in computer science, EMBA, and a third cycle diploma, founded CoFoMo, an IT consulting group that grew to over 2000 consultants by 2003. He also led Hureca, a human resources consulting firm. In 2018, he became an AI scientist at Techstars and co-founded Alexi, an AI legal tech company. Since 2021, Richard has consulted for MCN, PSP Investment, and Desjardins. In 2023, he established Mirabilis.ai as CEO, aiming to democratize AI.Emily Hilton, Co-Founder ofPACO Services, aids Portuguese entrepreneurs and expatriates in optimizing their time using AI and automation. Her firm offers on-demand support, allowing clients to delegate tasks. Hilton's background includes a swimwear brand, which inspired her to launch PACO to provide cost-effective startup support. She is also interested in AI's transformative role in the future of work.Stéphane Monsallier, an AI expert and speaker, aims to empower knowledge workers with AI tools, believing AI will augment human capabilities. With a Master's in AI, he foundedSystem in Motion in Shanghai in 2004, a technology consulting firm. He mentors tech startups and focuses on Generative AI, delivering keynote speeches and advising on technological innovation.Marcus Scharra, a computer engineer with a master's in Information Security and AI, has founded six tech companies, including MT4 Technology, which developedsenhasegura, a leader in Privileged Access Management (PAM) operating in over 60 countries. His work is widely published, and his companies have received awards for driving innovation in cybersecurity.If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story.⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about supply chain management.   SCM, abbreviated, has emerged as a cornerstone of successful international business operations. In an era where globalization has blurred the lines between domestic and international markets, understanding the intricacies of supply chains is critical for companies aiming to thrive.  At its core, supply chain management involves the coordination of various activities that facilitate the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. Connect with the host ⁠⁠⁠⁠Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. You could also support the podcast by purchasing one of the following books on Amazon using the links provided: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Personal MBA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HBR's 10 Must Reads 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 48 Laws of Power⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Ocean Strategy

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.   Today, we dive into the world of HR, exploring it from both a recruitment and company culture perspective. Automation and AI are ubiquitous in today's business landscape. What should job seekers be wary of? Companies are facing significant challenges in China, with layoffs continuing to occur. What is driving these changes? Furthermore, what are the most significant challenges and opportunities for HR professionals as businesses transition to digital operations? This and more will be discussed.   Use the promo code 8D1E2 to get 50% off your first month on Patreon. This offer is valid until February 28th. Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. Miriam Wickertsheim is a German national and holds a double degree in Asia Studies and Economics from Germany and Tsinghua University. She is General Manager at Direct HR, one of China's largest German speaking recruitment firms. She has spent a decade and a half living and working in China. She is a well-recognized senior leader in the HR Service industry and a frequent speaker at various prestigious organizations here in China. She speaks German, English and Chinese. She also wrote the book “Overcoming Superwoman Syndrome: a 10 step guide to inner peace and success”. You can purchase her book (Amazon) here. Ben Eden is an international bestselling author of "How We See Ourselves" and a sought-after leadership coach, speaker, and HR strategist. With over a decade of experience in organizational development, employee retention, and executive coaching, Ben has guided leaders across industries to overcome challenges, build high-performing teams, and achieve transformational success. As the creator of the Eden Model for personal and professional fulfillment, Ben empowers HR professionals to align their self-perception with their goals, unlocking their full potential as leaders. Known for delivering engaging presentations and actionable insights, Ben inspires audiences to cultivate impactful relationships, foster trust, and lead with authenticity. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of the evolving HR landscape and a passion for helping others succeed. You can purchase Ben's book (Amazon) here. Chloris Liu is an experienced International Executive Headhunter with over a decade of expertise. She recruits senior to executive-level positions in the general manufacturing and consumer technology sectors across East China for Michael Page, a UK-listed company. Her notable achievements include successfully placing over 30 senior positions (from manager to VP) for local and multinational companies such as Walmart, Alipay, Samsung, IKEA, and others, primarily in the APAC region.   Chloris has over six years of experience with a Singapore-listed recruitment agency, focusing on commercial function placements in the tech and industrial sectors. Her international experience spans five years in Guangzhou, four years in Europe and the US, and she currently resides in Shanghai. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.   Today, we talk about economic sanctions.   Economic sanctions act as tools of diplomacy that can greatly affect global trade. These measures, which can include everything from trade embargoes to asset freezes, aim to persuade countries or entities to change their behavior in line with international expectations. Connect with the host ⁠⁠⁠Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. You could also support the podcast by purchasing one of the following books on Amazon using the links provided: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Personal MBA⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠HBR's 10 Must Reads 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠The 48 Laws of Power⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Ocean Strategy

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.   Today, we dive into Latin America from different angles: nearshoring, market access to LATAM, and LATAM expansion to Europe. We have three guests joining us—one based in Colombia, one in Brazil, and one in Spain. Use the promo code 8D1E2 to get 50% off your first month on Patreon. This offer is valid until February 28th. ⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. Joseph Novitzki is the Principal and CEO of Timberwolf International Consulting, where he helps U.S. businesses navigate the complexities of international expansion and build high-performing teams in Latin America. With over a decade of experience living and working in the region, Joseph brings a unique perspective to unlocking Latin America's potential as the next economic frontier. From saving clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor costs through nearshoring to leading market entry strategies across 12 countries, his results-driven approach focuses on efficiency and adaptability to local norms.   Henrique Malina brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record in facilitating multi-million dollar agreements for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and med-tech companies in the dynamic Latin American market. Expertise focused on:   - Market Entry Strategy: Assisting companies in navigating the complexities of the LATAM healthcare landscape. - Strategic Alliances: Building strong relationships with key players such as distributors and major pharma/med-tech companies in the region. - Global Opportunities: Connecting with leading biotechs, pharma, and nutraceutical firms to create new business prospects.   Marc Flo-Martin is a Sales and Business Development executive with a 20+ years international career that has taken him to live in Spain, The Netherlands, France, and particularly Brazil, where he lived and worked for a decade. Fluent in six languages, he leverages his linguistic skills to build connections and foster collaboration across borders. Currently based in his hometown of Barcelona, Marc combines his corporate expertise with a passion for developing global business connections.   He is involved in international consulting, assisting foreign companies in navigating the Brazilian market and supporting Brazilian businesses in expanding internationally.   Marc also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Barcelona chapter of The Global Chamber®, a premier global networking organization dedicated to facilitating the capture of cross-border business opportunities.     If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.   Today, we talk about NAFTA. It stands for North American Free Trade Agreement.   NAFTA was a trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, signed in 1992 and enacted in 1994, aimed at eliminating trade barriers and boosting economic cooperation. It removed tariffs and allowed for easier movement of goods, services, and investments across the three countries. Connect with the host ⁠⁠Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. You could also support the podcast by purchasing one of the following books on Amazon using the links provided: - ⁠⁠⁠The Personal MBA⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠HBR's 10 Must Reads 2025⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠The 48 Laws of Power⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠Blue Ocean Strategy

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.     Muraly Srinarayanathas, author of Between Borders, Beyond Boundaries: Strategies for Authentic Business Engagement in an Interconnected World, is a global strategist and serial entrepreneur. He is co-founder and executive chairman of 369 Global, a conglomerate involved in skills training and workforce development, media and communications, and global market facilitation. He also founded 3 Magazine, a luxury lifestyle and business publication that focuses on celebrating Canada's growing and diverse population. Srinarayanathas has more than 25 years of experience working in international markets across North America, Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. You can purchase Muraly's book on Amazon here. This will contribute to The International Business Podcast. Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.   Today, we talk about the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).   It was established in 1961 to boost the economic growth of Western industrialized countries and to promote global trade. Initially made by 20 founding members, it currently has 38 member countries. Originally the membership was exclusively North American and European, but it then expanded further. Its headquarters is in Paris and employs over 2,300 staff. The organization is founded by its members, and the national contributions are based on each member's economy.   So, what does the OECD really do? At its heart, the organization is all about encouraging policies that drive prosperity, fairness, and well-being for everyone. - Connect with the host ⁠Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn.⁠ ⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. You could also support the podcast by purchasing one of the following books on Amazon using the links provided: - ⁠⁠The Personal MBA⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠HBR's 10 Must Reads 2025⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠The 48 Laws of Power⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠Blue Ocean Strategy

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.     What are the major differences between U.S. and Chinese business dealings and practices?   What questions do today's business leaders need to ask to work successfully and carefully with China?   How does the CCP operate, including their use of flattery to manipulate and replicate business models?   Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. Joining Leonardo we have Ken Wilcox. He was the CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) from 2001 to 2011, then the CEO of SVB's joint venture with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB-SVB) in Shanghai until 2015, followed by four years as its Vice Chairman. He currently serves on the boards of the Asia Society of Northern California, the Asian Art Museum, and UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center, as well as Columbia Lake Partners, a European venture-debt fund. He is on the Board of Advisors of the Fudan University School of Management in Shanghai and an Adjunct Professor at U.C. Berkeley.   Ken holds a PhD in German from Ohio State University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His account of establishing an innovation bank in China, “The China Business Conundrum: Ensure that Win-Win Doesn't Mean Western Companies Lose Twice”, was published in November 2024 from Wiley.   For an extra 20 minutes episode with Ken, check out the PLUS episode that is coming out tomorrow. It is available for Patreon subscribers.   You can purchase Ken's book on Amazon here. This will contribute to The International Business Podcast.   If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.   Today, we talk about the multi-domestic strategy.   This strategy emphasizes local responsiveness over global efficiency. Companies adopting this approach tailor their products and marketing strategies to meet the unique needs of each market they enter. This decentralized model allows local managers significant autonomy to make decisions that resonate with regional consumers.   - Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn. If you're looking for more content, be sure to check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of just one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive (102 episodes) and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to our regular episodes. Subscribe here.   - Subscribe to newsletter here.   For further reading:   How Netflix Is Extending Its Tentacles Across Asia in Search of the Next Squid Game

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.  Today we talk about Temu.   Temu is an online marketplace that belongs to the Chinese Pinduoduo Group, which was founded by Colin Huang, one of China's wealthiest entrepreneurs. It kicked off in May 2022 and made its way to Europe in May 2023.The site promotes itself with the catchy tagline “Temu: shop like a billionaire” and is famous for its super low prices and big discounts, selling just about everything you can think of.   - What is their business model?   - Is Temu a threat for Amazon?   - What are the concerns you should have as a consumer? And more.   If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here.   You could also support the podcast by purchasing one of the following books on Amazon using the links provided: - The Personal MBA - HBR's 10 Must Reads 2025 - The 48 Laws of Power - Blue Ocean Strategy Joining Leonardo we have Kathryn Read, Partner at Uniconsult-Wick & Partner. She spent more than 25 years at the nitty gritty end of export doing business in more than 150 countries.    - If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra. - Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host, Leonardo Marra, welcome to The International Business Podcast. Today's the last episode of 2024. I've decided to bring back the best episodes of the year. And by best, I mean the most listened to. Enjoy these pills from your favorite episodes, and see you in 2025. If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here. - If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra. - Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast.  Today we dive into the fascinating world of international professionals relocating to Denmark. As of 2024, Denmark's GDP is projected to reach approximately $412.28 billion, reflecting a solid growth rate of around 3.0%. This growth is largely driven by key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and technology, which are contributing significantly to the economy. In addition to its impressive GDP figures, Denmark boasts a strong business environment characterized by high levels of innovation and a commitment to sustainability.   - If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here.   Joining me we have Kate Dahl, career consultant for internationals in Denmark. Kate is renowned in Denmark for helping internationals and organizations, with her comprehensive training and workshops on how to search for jobs in a Danish cultural context and on how to adapt to the Danish working environment. Relocating to a new country is exciting, but when it comes to finding a job, many expats find themselves navigating unfamiliar terrain. As someone who has been in their shoes, Kate helps expats successfully land their dream jobs in Denmark by offering tailored job search training. Her approach focuses on communicating each individual's unique value in the Danish cultural context and making them visible in the Danish labor market. Whether it's crafting a CV that stands out, writing a compelling cover letter, optimizing a LinkedIn profile, reaching out to Danish companies, or acing the job interview, Kate provides clear, actionable strategies to get her clients noticed by Danish employers.   Over the years, she has empowered hundreds of internationals to secure roles in Denmark through a proven, practical approach that bridges the gap between their skills and the expectations of the Danish job market. Whether someone is just starting their career in Denmark or needs to reinvent themselves in a new field, Kate offers a unique expat perspective that helps navigate the complexities of the local job market with confidence. - Link to download free list of companies hiring internationals in Denmark. - If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra. - Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.   Today, we talk about inflation.   Inflation is an essential economic principle that denotes the overall rise in the costs of goods and services within an economy over time. This phenomenon results in a decline in the purchasing power of money, indicating that consumers can acquire fewer items with the same amount of currency. Inflation is typically measured using indices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the average price changes in a basket of selected goods and services over a specified period, typically on an annual basis.   In today's connected global economy, inflation plays a big role in international business. Companies that work across borders have to deal with different inflation rates, which can impact how they set prices, their profit margins, and how competitive they are overall. Sources for further analysis: - Supply Chain and Inflation: Issues and Impacts  - Ford warns investors of an extra $1 billion in supply chain costs. - Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn.   - If you're looking for more content, be sure to check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of just one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive (102 episodes) and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to our regular episodes. Subscribe here. - Subscribe to newsletter here

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is Leonardo from Shanghai, and welcome to the international business podcast.  Today we delve into business innovation.   What is design thinking? How can an organization improve the volume and quality of new ideas? And more.   If you're looking for more content, be sure to check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of just one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive (102 episodes) and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to our regular episodes. Subscribe here.   Business innovation is critical for maintaining competitiveness in today's fast-paced global market, particularly in the realm of international trade. It encompasses the development of new products, services, processes, or business models that enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and create significant value for both the company and its clients.   Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D. helps organizations and their leaders generate sustained results in the areas of innovation, strategy, profit growth, organizational effectiveness, and leadership. Formerly a Vice President for Acxiom Corporation, he has led established and startup business units in North & South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.   With over 30 years of experience in leading established and startup businesses across various industries and regions, Jeff is a strategic growth, innovation, and leadership expert who helps organizations and their leaders generate sustained results. As the Managing Director of Innovation Junkie, he partners with C-Suite and executive leaders who are looking to scale their organizations more efficiently and create disruptive solutions for the key problems facing the world today. Jeff is also a three-time best-selling author, a certified executive coach, an instrument rated multi-engine pilot, a podcast co-host, and an investor. His books, The Innovator's Field Guide, The Top Performer's Field Guide, and Creating Startup Junkies, provide practical insights and tools for entrepreneurs, innovators, and change agents.   If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story.   - Connect with the host Leonardo Marra - Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Welcome to the International Business Podcast, hosted by me, Leonardo.   Are you based in the U.S. but tasked with expanding sales into Latin America? Are you a French national in Tokyo managing Asia-Pacific markets? Or perhaps you're in Spain overseeing exports to the Middle East and North Africa?   These are just a few examples of the myriad combinations of international professionals out there.   Over the past five years, I have interviewed experts from various industries worldwide, engaging in conversations that uncover their challenges and provide insights to help you become a better international business leader.   I am the Head of Digital & Sales in Asia-Pacific for a large Italian company. A Roman by birth, a Londoner after graduation, and Shanghainese since 2018, I have worked internationally across different sectors for the past 15 years — from food packaging to healthcare to education.   Let's explore the show in more detail. The core of the podcast consists of episodes featuring expert guests who share their perspectives and experiences on specific business topics.   We also have the Weekly Concept series, which includes shorter episodes illustrating key concepts in this discipline, such as tariffs escalation, global manufacturing, foreign direct investment, and more.   Lastly, we offer Plus episodes available only to premium subscribers.   Self-learning is one of many strategies that can meet the contemporary needs of a changing and unpredictable workplace. Surround yourself with peers and learn from them. We have listeners from 100+ countries as of now.   This is what you gain from this show.

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about global manufacturing.   Global manufacturing involves companies evaluating diverse political, cultural, and technological factors when selecting production locations. Key challenges include balancing in-house production with outsourcing and deciding on centralization versus decentralization. The sector is transforming through smart factories that leverage IoT, AI, and automation for enhanced efficiency. By 2030, sustainability will become crucial, with manufacturers focusing on eco-friendly practices to meet consumer demands. Geopolitical factors also impact supply chains, making resilience strategies like nearshoring increasingly important.   - Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn. - If you're looking for more content, be sure to check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of just one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive (102 episodes) and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to our regular episodes. Subscribe here.   - Subscribe to newsletter here

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Today, we explore the divide between China and the United States and its global repercussions.   The world is increasingly dividing between the U.S. and China. No government or company is immune to the escalating tensions between these two superpowers.   - China's old growth playbook relying on real estate for growth is damaged. What are the new productive forces to drive growth?   - Some analysts argue that Vietnam or India is the next China. This is also part of the diversification of supply chains, the China Plus One strategy. Can Vietnam or India really be the next China?   If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here.   Joining Leonardo today we have Shaun Rein. He is the Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group (CMR), the world's leading strategic market intelligence firm focused on China. He works with boards, billionaires, heads of states, CEOs and senior executives of Fortune 500 & leading Chinese companies, private equity firms, SMEs and long/ hedge funds to develop their China growth, political and investment strategies.   Rein authored the international best-sellers "The War for China's Wallet: Profiting from the New World Order," "The End of Cheap China” & "The End of Copycat China".  His latest book is “The Split: Finding Opportunities in China's Economy in the New World Order”  Rein is regularly featured in the Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times. His op-eds have appeared in the New York Times. He frequently appears on CBS, CNN, BBC, CNBC, PBS and MSNBC. Rein formerly taught executive education classes for London Business School and was a weekly columnist for CNBC and Forbes. He also wrote a column for Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Rein is one of the most sought out keynote speakers focused on innovation, consumer trends and the economy in China. He served on the Board of Trustees for St. Paul's School and was a member of the Investment Committee. He can be booked via speaker bureaus or directly through CMR. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story.     - Connect with the host Leonardo Marra    - Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.   Today, we talk about escalation, specifically tariffs escalation. Tariff escalation refers to a trade policy characterized by protectionist measures, in which nations implement elevated import tariffs on manufactured products compared to those levied on raw materials or unrefined goods. This approach aims to safeguard domestic industries by making imported finished items more expensive, thereby encouraging consumers to purchase locally produced alternatives. As a result, countries often seek to promote their own economic interests while simultaneously limiting foreign competition in the market. Find further information here: US, China trade tariffs escalating would be ‘costly for everybody,' IMF deputy director says Trump's tariff proposal could cost over $2,000 (£1,500) per capita to US consumers Trump's proposed tariffs would raise prices for these products, experts say Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn. If you're looking for more content, be sure to check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of just one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to our regular episodes. Subscribe here. Subscribe to newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Today we discuss about corporate culture, multicultural teams, cultural agility and more. How can leaders actively shape and reinforce the corporate culture within their organizations, especially during times of change? Teams are the core of organizational performance and need dedicated support to align on goals, come together to anticipate challenges, collaborate under stress, and communicate proactively. Specificially with multicultural teams, what are the typical issues that happen? What is cultural integration?    To learn more about each guest joining Leonardo today, please check below. If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here.   Marion Campan is a French entrepreneur who embarked on the journey of improving work standards in China and in the world.  After 10 years in the corporate world, she founded Intandid, an HR solution provider for foreign brands in China.  Every day, Marion and her team are growing people and organizations. As a Professional Certified Coach, Marion stands out for her ability to create Strengths-based environments that drive success. Marion's diverse international experience spans across France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Taiwan, and China, providing her with a unique perspective on global business dynamics. Her profound understanding of behavioral psychology fuels her drive to help individuals thrive within their professional spheres. Maria Pastorelli is an experienced executive and team coach, cross-cultural facilitator, and keynote speaker based in Shanghai, China, for the past 15 years. As the founder of Bridge Consulting and co-founder of Global Impact Teams, she is dedicated to helping international leaders and teams find new ways to work better together in globally distributed environments to improve both performance and engagement. She has partnered with Fortune 500 companies in various sectors (manufacturing, automotive, beauty, Chemical, Retail, telecommunications) to strengthen cross-cultural leadership, remote team collaboration, change management, and more. She is fluent in Italian, English, and Chinese, and has been a speaker for TEDxNYU Shanghai on the importance of conversations to deal with differences in business. She also passionately advocates for women by leading the Global Women Entrepreneurs Network community and supporting local initiatives like Mentor Walks Shanghai. Denis Niedringhaus is a leadership coach based in Luxembourg specialised in Multicultural Agility.   He helps Senior Managers new to Luxembourg and France make a successful professional transition and integrate their  environment .  He's a LinkedIn Top Executive Coaching Voice and author of numerous articles on Intercultural Agility.  Three continents, three languages and 30 years of experience in multinational companies, he's the Managing Director of Weilan Coaching and Training and shares his insights and experience on the challenges facing expats in Luxembourg, France and Mainland China. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra. Subscribe to newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we present the concept of hierarchical business culture, a vital aspect of organizational dynamics that significantly influences management practices. In today's increasingly globalized world, understanding and effectively navigating the nuances of hierarchy in cross-cultural settings is crucial for ensuring successful leadership and management across diverse environments. What are the key features of hierarchical culture? There are four primary characteristics that define this organizational structure. Clear Authority Structure Top-Down Decision-Making Formal Communication Emphasis on Seniority What are the implications for international business? Cultural Sensitivity Decision-Making Speed Employee Engagement Training and Development Links to further your research: Japanese Corporate Culture Doing Business in China with culture and etiquette Management Practices Across Firms and Countries Furthermore: Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Subscribe to newsletter If you're looking for more content, be sure to check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of just one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to our regular episodes. Subscribe here

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is Leonardo from Shanghai, and welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we delve into the experiences of foreigners working in Japan, collaborating with Japanese professionals, and vice versa.  Who is your typical executive in Japan? How does leadership change across language and culture? What is the thing most foreigners get wrong about Japan business culture? And more. To learn more about each guest joining me today, please check below. If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here. Jason Durkee is President of corporate training firm Idea Development in Tokyo. During his 30 years as a consultant in Asia, he's helped more than 40,000 people communicate, manage and work better across languages and cultures. Jason was born and raised in Seattle, graduated from Sophia University's Faculty of Comparative Culture in Tokyo, worked in Japan and Shanghai, founded Idea Development in 2003, developed the company to be an leader leader and has managed global teams since 2003. Since 2003 Idea Development has specialized in providing learning and development solutions to clients in Japan that achieve meaningful business results. Focusing on innovation, communication, working across cultures and leadership. Over the years, the company has grown consistently and now proudly serves more than 130 clients a year. Jeff O'Dea has worked in Japan as an educator for over 30 years. During this time, he has collaborated with many global companies in his roles as a coach, trainer, consultant, presenter, and educator. He is passionate about discussing, drawing, and writing on cross-cultural communication, particularly as it pertains to Japan and Japanese business professionals.Jeff is dedicated to helping Japanese business professionals enhance their communication skills and, more importantly, boost their confidence and mindset to communicate more effectively in English. He has also had the opportunity to work with a range of expatriates in Japan, assisting them in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for their Japanese partners and colleagues.   Tom Roberts, known as “The Expat Whisperer,” is an expert in global leadership and intercultural complexities. As a senior executive, author, keynote speaker, and certified executive coach, Tom has guided numerous C-Suite and VP leaders in transforming their international experiences into career advantages. With over a decade of international assignments across 11 countries, he understands the unique pressures faced by expat executives. Tom emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cultural influences from one's home, host, and headquarters environments to ensure success for both the leader and their family. He founded Cranberry Leadership to enhance the success of expat assignments, leveraging data-driven assessments and his extensive experience. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra. Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leonardo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today we present the concept of dollarization. Dollarization occurs when a country transitions from using its domestic currency to adopting a foreign currency– typically the US dollar -  to use alongside or instead of its own currency. Links to further your research: Dollarization in El Salvador celebrates 21 years Full Dollarization - The Pros and Cons An Economic History Of El Salvador's Adoption Of Bitcoin Furthermore: Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn. If you're looking for more, then check the subscriber-only feed. Aside from regular episodes, for the cost of one cup of coffee per month you'll get the full archive access and bonus subscriber-only episodes. Subscribe here. LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is Leonardo from Shanghai, and welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we discuss the China's digital ecosystem.   If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here. The digital economy in China, contributing to 10% of the GDP in 2023, is a critical component of national development. China's commitment to advancing its digital economy includes massive investments in emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and 5G. This strategic focus aims to position China as a leader in the global digital economy. Today's guest is Ashley Dudarenok. Ashley is a naturalised Chinese serial entrepreneur, award winning digital expert and book author, recognised by Thinkers50 as a “Guru on fast-evolving trends in China”. She is the founder of ChoZan 超赞 China digital transformation consultancy and Alarice, China-focused digital marketing agency. Ashley and her team help world's top companies and brands to learn for and from China. She's also a sought-after professional speaker covering topics around customer centricity, the future of retail, technology in action. Ashley is the author of 11 books on digital China. She has over 500,000 professionals follow her social media channels for daily China business insights.   What are the functions in WeChat? Is Weibo still relevant? How are Chinese companies going global? This and more in today's episode.   If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, connect with Leonardo Marra and come on the show to share your story. Leonardo Marra is the founder and host of the International Business Podcast, where he interviews professionals from around the globe. Subscribe to Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today we present the concept of Foreign Direct investment (FDI).  Foreign Direct Investment is a significant aspect of international economics, representing a long-term investment made by an individual or entity in one country into business interests in another country. FDI plays a crucial role in the global economy, promoting economic growth, enhancing productivity, and providing access to new markets and technologies. Links to further your research: CFI article World Bank article OECD article Tesla's Gigafactory in Berlin AWS launches Malaysia's first cloud infrastructure region Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn. If you're looking for more, then check the subscriber-only feed. Aside from regular episodes, for the cost of one cup of coffee per month you'll get the full archive access and bonus subscriber-only episodes. Subscribe here. If you like reading, here you can find the LinkedIn newsletter.

If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we discuss expats. To learn more about each guest joining Leonardo today, please check below. If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. ⁠Subscribe here⁠. Expats are crucial for global companies as they bring diverse perspectives, specialized skills, and cultural insights that enhance international operations.   ⁠Gabor Holch⁠ is an intercultural leadership coach, consultant, speaker and author specialised in East-West executive assignments and business relations. He supports corporate executives and public-sector leaders in succeeding across national and cultural boundaries instead of getting lost in translation. An expat since age 4, he transitioned from diplomacy to consulting, moved to China in 2002 and became China's first foreigner granted a Certified Management Consultant degree in Mandarin Chinese. In 2005 he founded Campanile Management Consulting. He has advised, coached and trained leaders for 100+ clients in 25+ countries through his own firm, partner consultancies and the business academies of half a dozen multinational corporations. He has spoken at conferences and corporate events and lectured at business programmes in Europe and Asia. He currently splits his time between his Shanghai base and international jobs, mainly in the Asia-Pacific and Europe. He has written three books and published about a hundred articles. His latest book, Dragon Suit: The golden age of expatriate executives in China, was published by Business Expert Press, New York, in summer 2023.   ⁠Chis Smit⁠, has become a role model for many individuals throughout his career. Cultural Diversity and Company Culture can be greatly misunderstood within an industry that is continuously evolving and Chris is looking to spread awareness in these areas to help implement change. When booked as a speaker, Chris focuses on topics such as Intercultural Management, Leadership, Management, and Marketing. In 1987, Chris attended the University of Amsterdam where he was awarded a master's degree in Organisational Psychology. This was then followed by him gaining a Business Consultant role at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Dedicated to making a difference, Chris has now become a Managing Partner of Culture Matters. His beliefs not only benefit himself but thousands of people throughout the business world which is why he has been able to build a successful career. Chris hosted the TEDx Talk ‘⁠Humor and culture in international business⁠ in 2014. He is also the author of the two books, ‘How to Overcome Cultural Differences in Business and ‘Uncertainty Avoidance in International Business which have both become very popular.   ⁠Shelley Doyle⁠ is a pioneering Social Wealth Strategist and a Master's student at Royal Roads University, specializing in enhancing the social wellbeing of remote and hybrid leaders. With over 20 years in communications, Shelley has pivoted to empower corporate teams, remote leaders, and founders to foster meaningful connections and sustain their social wellbeing in our digital age. Through her innovative workshops and talks, Shelley merges cutting-edge research with her global experiences, equipping leaders with tools and strategies to reconnect, enabling them to feel deeply trusted, connected, and supported. Shelley's work is widely celebrated for its transformative effects, making her an invaluable resource for leaders and founders. Shelley is on a mission to prove that distance does not have to define the depth of our connection. Join Shelley's ⁠newsletter community⁠ Check out her ⁠Podcast⁠   If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, connect with ⁠Leonardo Marra⁠ and come on the show to share your story. LinkedIn Newsletter

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the Weekly Concept series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. To further your research, you can find sources below. Today we discuss tariffs. A tariff is essentially a tax on products, raw materials, or goods produced overseas, imposed by the government of the importing country. To better understand the concept, we look at the EU's latest tariffs imposed on Chinese Electric vehicles. Links to further your research: Get WTO tariff data: Article EU presses ahead with Chinese EV tariffs after divided vote Connect with the host Leo on LinkedIn. If you're looking for more, check out the subscriber-only feed. For the cost of one cup of coffee per month, you'll gain access to the full archive and bonus subscriber-only episodes, in addition to regular episodes. Subscribe here

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. Today we start a new format called Weekly Concept. Every week Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. To further your research, you can find sources below. Today we talk about APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. It is a regional economic forum intended to create greater prosperity among its 21 members located in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and the United States. It was established in 1989. Links to further your research: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC Peru 2024 Article APEC businesses propose new climate bonds, carbon credit network Article APEC businesses call for greater action amidst insufficient economic growth and increasing climate risk Connect with Leo on LinkedIn. If you're looking for more, then check the subscriber-only feed. Aside from regular episodes, for the cost of one cup of coffee per month you'll get the full archive access and bonus subscriber-only episodes. Click here

What is strategy in a broad sense? What are the different types of international strategy? How would you define competitive advantage? This and more in today's episode. If you'd like to come on the show, please connect with Leo. With guests: Patrick Daly, Founder and Managing Director of Alba Logistics, has worked in the manufacturing and logistics sector for over 25 years. He is also active on the Councils of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Ireland, and the Irish Exporters Association as well as being chairman of the Latin American Trade Forum. In his consultancy assignments, Patrick has worked with clients all over the world in countries such as China, India, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Egypt, UAE, US, UK, Spain, Croatia and others. Clients include: Stryker, Pepsico, GSK... Patrick is the author of the book International Supply Chain Relationships: Creative Competitive Advantage in a Globalized Economy published by Kogan Page in London and New York in 2019. Kathryn Read spent more than 25 years at the nitty gritty end of export doing business in more than 150 countries, so whether you're looking for help for your company to expand or executive mentoring for yourself to manage international teams then she is open for a chat. Partner at Uniconsult-Wick & Partner, where she helps small & medium companies who are looking to take their business international. In detail that depends on what they need: you can break it down into 4 main parts: International Expansion Strategy - Partner Search - Ongoing Sales & Branding Support - Individual support.   David Clapcott is Vice President of Global Sales at MatOrtho Ltd. He is passionate about the medical device market and thrives on collaborating with healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes through superior value-added solutions. His career is marked by innovative thinking, challenging the status quo, and crafting strategies that inspire and engage stakeholders. Previously, as Commercial Director, APAC at Arthrex, he drove market penetration and key partnerships across Asia-Pacific. At Smith & Nephew, David held various leadership roles, including Marketing Director for Recon in China and APAC, Franchise Director for Hips, and several other positions, showcasing his expertise in sales and marketing. Motivated to achieve excellence, David leverages his strong academic background and extensive industry experience to consistently outperform the competition, ensuring ongoing success in the healthcare sector.

Are 1:1 meetings important? How to run effective meetings? What's their purpose? This and more. Let's engage with international professionals from China, the UK, the USA, and Japan. If you would like to be considered for the show, please connect with the host Leo. Details on each guest: Francis Kremer is the founder of the China Flexpat Community. This is a community for international professionals to share advice and experiences about working in and with China. This advice is shared on the "China Flexpat Podcast" which can be found on Spotify or any other podcast app. Francis graduated in Business studies in 2006 in Germany, has always been working in international technology marketing and speaks fluent Chinese. He relocated to China in 2016. In 2020, Francis joined JULI Automation, the Chinese market leader for EV motor assembly lines. The most leading EV brands, such as SAIC, FAW, Geely and Great Wall cooperate with JULI Automation. Francis is now responsible for the internationalization of the company in order to become the worldwide market leader for EV motor assembly lines. He is establishing customer relationships and service offerings in Europe and North America. In 2024 he has established a new subsidiary in Hungary with a planned headcount of 60 professionals in 2026. Sally Maier-Yip is an award-winning cross-cultural Public Relations (PR) strategist with a background in journalism and a passion for helping companies to build successful business in Mainland China, Hong Kong and globally over the past 20 years. In 2015, Sally founded 11K Consulting, a leading London-based China-specialist communications consultancy, specialized in helping clients to reach and attract Chinese high-net-worth individuals, investors and luxury consumers in China and globally. 11K's clients include a mix of international and emerging companies from property development, architecture, interior design to luxury hotels and restaurants. Prior to 11K, Sally had worked at various PR agencies in Hong Kong, Singapore and London. Tom Roberts is a recognized expert in the intercultural complexities of global leadership and has been referred to as “The Expat Whisperer” by a treasured client. Tom is a senior executive, author, keynote speaker, and certified executive coach who has helped hundreds of C-Suite, VP and Director level leaders redefine their overseas experience as a career-making superpower. After over a decade abroad taking on 5 international assignments and guiding teams in 11 different countries, with country, unit, and regional P&L ownership, Tom has been through the ups and downs of leading abroad. The stakes are high for your career, your company's objectives, and – perhaps most importantly – for your family. Jason Durkee is President of corporate training firm Idea Development in Tokyo. During his 30 years as a consultant in Asia, he's helped more than 40,000 people communicate, manage and work better across languages and cultures. Jason was born and raised in Seattle, graduated from Sophia University's Faculty of Comparative Culture in Tokyo, worked in Japan and Shanghai, founded Idea Development in 2003, developed the company to be an leader leader and has managed global teams since 2003.

On this episode co-host Audrey interviews Shan Saeed. He is a Chief Economist at IQI Global, a leading property, technology and investment company operating and advising clients in Kuala Lumpur, İstanbul, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Shanghai, Makati, Toronto and Dubai. He has 21 years of solid financial market experience in the areas of private banking, risk /compliance management, commodity investments, global economy, brand and business strategy. Based in Kuaka Lumpur. Shan is a financial market commentator and cited in Al Jazeera TV, CNBC Arabia / Singapore, FT [Deutschland], Channel News Asia Singapore, International New York Times/Malaysian Reserve, The Edge Financial Daily, Uni of Chicago, Booth School of Business alumni magazine, The Gulf Today, Berita Harian, Khaleej Times, Smart Investor, Money Compass, Rotary Club USA, World Business Journal Singapore, Focus Malaysia, Oil/Gas magazine Malaysia, Business Today, Bernama TV, CNBC Indonesia, Vietnam News Agency and many more. He has been invited at World Bank / IMF annual meeting in October 2017 in Washington DC to participate in Belt and Road Initiative summit and shared his thoughts about the importance of infrastructure investment strategy for emerging economies.  Invited by SWF including EPF / PNB to share thoughts on global macro-economic outlook and Asia's growth landscape.Shan has graduated from one of the prestigious business schools in USA i.e. Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. He got his first MBA from IBA Pakistan [in collaboration with the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania]. He is also trained in Alternative Banking/Strategies from the Harvard Business School, USA.Connect with Shan on LinkedInSelf-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On this episode co-host Stefano interviews Daria Müller Velasquez. She is a Recruitment Marketing & Employer Branding Professional with experience across multiple industries, including financial, education, e-commerce, communication, and consumer goods. Daria has an expertise in 360° content marketing, digital & social media strategies, event management, and launching effective online campaigns across multiple channels and countries.Currently, she is a part of HelloFresh - the global meal kit company which is on a mission to change the way people eat, forever. Working closely with the Global/International Talent Acquisition team, Daria is responsible for shaping and sharing the company's authentic employer image in order to attract, engage and nurture the right talent across 17 countries.Connect with Daria on LinkedIn Company website  Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On these “Select” episodes of the show, we'll extract our favourite moments from previous episodes of The International Business Podcast.  08: Finding your career path in China With Francis Kremer45: Disciplined listening With Michael Reddington33: Innovation made easy With Chiara CovoneAfter a decade of international Sales experience in Europe, Francis Kremer relocated to China in 2017. Since then, he has been working in the interface of European and Chinese Automotive companies and their machine suppliers. The Automotive industry is one of the strongest industries in China, employing lots of foreign talent in different roles. Francis explains how you can relocate to China, find your place in one of the leading industries and grow your international working skills every day. He also explains if you need to speak Chinese in order to find work in China. ---Michael Reddington, CFI is an expert at moving people from resistance to commitment. As a Certified Forensic Interviewer, he achieved the highest professional designation available in the field of interview and interrogation and spent over a decade training investigator around the world on the successful application of non-confrontational interview. Michael arrived at two key realizations while expanding his observation and persuasive skill sets. First, the very best leaders and the very best interrogators capitalize on the same two core skills - vision and influence. Second, the cognitive processes that lead customers to commit to saying "I'll buy it", employees to commit to saying "I'll do it" and suspects to commit to truthfully saying "I did it" are all nearly identical. These realizations caused Michael to recognize he could teach executives how to reduce missed opportunities and increase commitments to action ---After the clock rang with 20 years climbing the corporate ladder in large multinational organisations, Chiara Covone knew she was ready to invest the next 20 years in a bigger professional purpose: help corporate professionals and entrepreneurs master their mind to achieve anything they want in their life.  She is particularly proud having been instrumental for the development of what is today a multi-million-dollar business for Philip Morris International - IQOS. After PMI, she worked for Mondelez, in Strategic Marketing and Innovation roles.  She is now a successful executive and business coach, and lives in Sweden with her family. Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On this episode co-host Stefano Santelmo interviews Stephan Thaerigen. He  is the Founder and CEO of GQC.io. leading third-party inspection company based in Shenzhen China, with operations covering main cities in China, focusing on consumer products Inspections (PSI & Du-Pro), Factory Audits, Factory Improvement, Technical Engineering and troubleshooting. He helps companies to improve their quality control and save cost and time.  LEARN MORE ABOUT QUALITY:  What is AQL?  What type of defects do we find the most/Defect Classifications!  Why do manufacturers in China fail quality inspection?  How to develop and improve suppliers?  Factory Audits  Why 3rd Party Inspection Services?  Connect with Stephan on LinkedIn Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On these “Select” episodes of the show, we'll extract our favourite moments from previous episodes of The International Business Podcast. You can find the links to the guests in the show notes. Enjoy. #89: Decoupling from China With Shaun Rein#46: Business mum With Christine Gouchault#49: Expat executives and brutal truths With Tom RobertsShaun Rein is the Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group (CMR), the world's leading strategic market intelligence firm focused on China. He works with boards, billionaires, heads of states, CEOs and senior executives of Fortune 500 & leading Chinese companies, private equity firms, SMEs and long/ hedge funds to develop their China growth, political and investment strategies. Rein authored the international best-sellers "The War for China's Wallet: Profiting from the New World Order," "The End of Cheap China"​ & "The End of Copycat China."​--- Christine Gouchault is a mother of four and a very successful entrepreneur, sales enablement expert and international author. Time management and work-life balance at its best. Christine has had companies in Denmark and France and helped businesses build and grow international sales teams. Currently she is CCO at NewBanking, a Danish regtech scale-up. NewBanking provides a user identity platform that allows end-users to verify their identity easily and securely across businesses while at the same having control and ownership of their own data and identity online ---After over a decade abroad taking on 5 international assignments and guiding teams in 11 different countries, with country, unit, and regional P&L ownership, Tom Roberts has been through the ups and downs of leading abroad. The stakes are high for your career, your company's objectives, and – perhaps most importantly – for your family.  After 30 years of diverse business experience, Tom founded Cranberry Leadership with the goal of making every expat assignment a success for the company, for the expat leader, for the host team, and for their families. No matter how much you prepare, it's more complex than you think. Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn  Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On this episode Leo interviews Steven Yung. He brings extensive management insights from leading multinational and local companies in Asia and the U.S.A. With a proven track record throughout the value chain via leadership roles in Consumer, Brand Innovation, Media & Entertainment, Property, Manufacturing, Retail, FinTech industries, his experiences range from CEO of HKEx-listed Imagi International and took China's #1 iconic IP to new heights via partnership with top global / Disney & local / Hauyi Brothers Movie & Licensing ventures ... led the successful IPO as Chairman of Clear Media / JV with NYSE-listed Clear Channel Worldwide ... General Manager / Office of the Chairman of HKEx-listed Sino Land Group ... President of NYSE-listed Nielsen Media International responsible for all operations outside of the U.S... Managing Director of Nielsen Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China ... Director of Jardine /DFI responsible for buying / merchandising / marketing of various retail brands 7-Eleven & Wellcome, etc.Based in the HQ of The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Steven was the first Asian to lead Global Marketing services in partnership with internal leaders in 200 countries worldwide and external partners such as Olympics, NBA, Disney, NFL, McDonald's, and more.As Director of Marketing Operations, Steven led a transformative integrated marketing deal with the All-Business Airline of Donald Trump via “Minute Maid ~ Official Juice of Trump Shuttle” in New York, Boston & Washington DC. This success led to & inspired a nationwide multi-year cause-marketing campaign to raise money to support USA Olympic Hopefuls. This impactful pitch was launched via unprecedented roadblock simulcast in over 200 terrestrial, cable & satellite channels preceded with a public service announcement by President Bush to rally community support of Olympic Hopefuls! His significant accomplishments were recognized with a citation as “agent of change”Born in Shanghai, Steven grew up in the multicultural Hong Kong ~ Asia's World City! To pay for his own college education with dual majors in Communication & Sociology, Steven started his career as a popular DJ / producer of Youth & Music Programs in the broadcasting industry. Highlight was his Producer role in Hong Kong's ‘Woodstock Live' Concert at the famous Rugby 7 Stadium. Leveraging his insightful knowledge in Youth & Music, Steven joined McCann Erickson International responsible for advertising & promotion of Coca- Cola and the successful launches of Sprite, Diet Coke, Hi-C, Bonaqua, and more throughout Asia. He was invited to join The Coca-Cola Company as Head of New Products onward to be the Chief Marketing Officer for the region ... before his promotion to Houston / Minute Maid HQ ... and upward to join / lead the Global Marketing of The Coca-Cola Company based in Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.As a firm believer to continuously give back to the community, Steven's diverse philanthropic roles included Board Director of Heifer International, Little Rock, Arkansas, Chairman of Investment Committee of Youth Global Network & Tao Fong Shan Foundation, Chairman of Youth Foundation, Board Director of Alpha Asia Foundation, Breakthrough, Child Development Matching Fund, Quality Mentoring Network, etc.Connect with Steven on LinkedIn Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On this episode co-host Audrey interviews Art Dicker. He is a senior lawyer at R&P China Lawyers, a full service PRC law firm advising international businesses in China. Art spent the last 15 years working in China to advise technology, manufacturing, and consumer companies on structuring their investments and managing legal risk in their operations here. Art began his legal career at the New York law firm Schulte Roth & Zabel working on private equity deals.  He has since been located in China since 2007 when he moved to the Beijing office of Morrison & Foerster, an international law firm with headquarters in San Francisco, to work predominantly on China and US venture capital financings and cross- border M&A.  He has also advised many US technology, manufacturing, and consumer companies on structuring their investments and operations in China.   In 2011, Art joined Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ: CDNS) to lead its Asia Pacific legal department. He was co-chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Legal Committee in Shanghai.  He is a frequent speaker in English and Chinese on cross-border investing at top tier Chinese universities and industry conferences, and has been an active angel investor and mentor at Chinaccelerator for many years. Art got his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, his JD from George Washington University, and his MBA from the University of Southern California (USC).  He is fluent in written and spoken Chinese.   Connect with Art on LinkedIn  Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host  Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn  Follow the page on LinkedIn  ***This episode is sponsored by International Expansion Explained. Are you looking to expand internationally, but you're not sure where to start? Or you export already but would like to venture further overseas? Reach out to arrange an international clarity session and learn more about growth plans here International Expansion StrategyPartners SearchOngoing sales and branding supportIndividual one on one support

On these “Select” episodes of the show, we'll extract our favourite moments from previous episodes of The International Business Podcast. You can find the links to the guests in the show notes. Enjoy.#88: Competitive advantage in a globalised economy With Patrick Daly#83: Measure digital success With Adrian Kingwell#85: Taking Cleantech companies global With Kathrin BussmannPatrick Daly is the Managing Director of Alba Consulting since 2005 and works with many of the top Fortune 500 companies in manufacturing, distribution and logistics services in Europe, Asia and the Americas helping them to achieve dramatic improvements in their supply chain capabilities and performance through supply chain excellence.---- Adrian Kingwell is a digital entrepreneur, founder of Mezzo Labs, a leading British digital analytics consultancy, and of Uplifter, an analytics SaaS platform. Adrian worked for 10 years in software sales and marketing for companies like Oracle and GE, before deciding to start his own business. In 2006, he created Mezzo Labs, working from his kitchen table in Southeast London. After 10 years of building a successful UK business, he decided to open an office in Hong Kong and push into the Asian market - little realising that pro-democracy riots and world's most extreme lockdowns were just around the corner. His story is a great lesson for anyone who has dreams of global domination.---- Kathrin Bussmann is the Head of Verbaccino Inc., an independent marketing consultancy that helps Cleantech companies go global. Working at the intersection of global business, international marketing, and localization, Kathrin's focus is on developing digital content strategies that drive international expansion, and on facilitating their implementation by qualified practitioners. Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On this episode Leo interviews Andrew Weiler. He is passionate about empowering English language learners… not just through speaking English in ways so they won't feel held back in their lives and careers, but also to see themselves as powerful learners, confident and able to see challenges as opportunities to grow themselves.His work with English language learners has extended to working with adults from over 70 countries ranging in ability from being world acclaimed practitioners in their own fields of expertise to illiterate tribes people from the mountains of south east Asia.…and everyone in between. He has also trained English language teachers from many countries, trying to get them to see that language teaching to be effective has to get away from seeing language as knowledge.   More recently he has focussed in working with professionals who recognize that their chances of career advancement are being held back by some aspect of their spoken skills.  Clients include individuals from Virgin Australia, Airstream Tasker, CGI, UNSW, Microsoft, BR Wellington Pty Ltd, SBS, Momentum Energy, Australia Post.Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On these “Select” episodes of the show, we'll extract our favourite moments from previous episodes of The International Business Podcast. You can find the links to the guests in the show notes. Enjoy. #25: Global people skills aren't optional anymore With Gabor Holch#39: International Direct Sales With Richard Zeissig#47: Fashion Business after COVID-19 With Nicola Giuggioli and Sennait GhebreabGabor Holch is an intercultural leadership coach, consultant, speaker and author specialised in East-West leadership. He supports corporate executives and public-sector leaders in succeeding across national and cultural boundaries instead of getting lost in translation. They'll talk about the importance of possessing global people skills to succeed in the globalized world. An expat since age 4, Gabor moved to China and transitioned from diplomacy to consulting in 2002. In 2005, he founded his Shanghai-based business, Campanile Management Consulting. Since then, he has advised, coached and trained 100+ clients in 25+ countries, spoken at conferences and corporate events and lectured at business programmes.- Richard Zeissig has been establishing, managing and optimizing international sales channels in the medical devices sales market for over 25 years. Driving sales and applying global marketing strategies locally. Specialties: Orthopedic Implants (Hip and Knee Joint Replacement, Reconstruction), Surgical Endoscopy.-An expert in fashion brand development and buying, Sennait Ghebreab has been the Programme Leader for the BA courses in Fashion Business at Istituto Marangoni School of Fashion London since 2015. As a Fashion Business Lecturer, she has taught Business at Istituto Marangoni London. Former guest speaker at London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London) and Westminster University. Sennait is passionate about sustainable fashion and accelerating the integration of sustainability teaching in fashion schools, particularly in the UK and Italian higher education sectors where she operates. Beyond her academic endeavours and based on her extensive experience in wholesale and luxury goods, Sennait provides consultancy services to luxury retailers in Europe and the Middle East.-Subscribe to The International Business Podcast on your favourite platform. The show is listened in 120  countries. Weekly episodes are released every Monday. Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On these “Select” episodes of the show, we'll extract our favourite moments from previous episodes of The International Business Podcast. You can find the links to the guests in the show notes. Enjoy. #86: Unmuted, how to show up and speak up With Heather Hansen #66: Aviation and sustainability With Julien Moll#55: International expansion explained With Kathryn Read- Heather Hansen helps top global leaders show up, speak up, and inspire action in a changing world. She focuses on fostering unmuted communication cultures where every voice is heard, resulting in greater inclusion, innovation and efficiency across remote and global teams.  - Julien Moll has been working in the aviation industry since 2005, from Stress Engineer all the way to General Manager. Julien provides strategy to develop the Aerospace and Fuel Cell Electrical Vehicles markets footprint in China.  He is also passionate about the Green Revolution. China's energy and climate policy is to become carbon neutral by 2060. What are Julien's thoughts?  And Could China leapfrog to lead eventually the technology innovation race?  - Kathryn Read is an international sales and marketing consultant with over 20 years' experience developing niche products in emerging markets, helping small and medium companies to break through international barriers, creating successful entrepreneurs and a thriving global marketplace. Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn  Follow the page on LinkedIn 

On this episode Leo interviews Dr. Chaz Austin. He created and teaches three courses for LinkedIn Learning: "Creating a Career Plan" "Succeeding in a New Job" "Transitioning Out of Your Job". Over 500'000 people from all over the world have been learning from him.He is a recognized authority in the field of career packaging and marketing. He trains his clients to self-market, a mandatory skill in today's workplace. Dr. Chaz also conducts workshops and leads courses for people in a broad range of industries and at any stage of their careers—from those who have recently graduated from school to people who have been in the workforce for decades and are re-careering.Dr. Chaz holds an EdD in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. He has authored two books about self-marketing and how to treat yourself like a business. His most recent book is 101 Ways to Find Work … and Keep Finding Work for the Rest of Your Career! In academia, Dr. Chaz has served as director of career development for the Musicians Institute; career resource specialist for business students and alumni at Woodbury University; MBA career development & employer relations manager at Pepperdine University's School of Business and Management; and director of placement for Video Symphony.He was also a college professor teaching a wide range of courses in business and communication, specializing in career training, and has presented papers to the National Association of Women MBAs, the Association for Business Communication, the National Council for Workforce Education, the Society of Educators and Scholars, the International Conference on College Teaching and Learning, the California Placement Association, and the Global Leadership and Management Conference. Connect with Dr. Chaz on LinkedIn Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn *** This episode is sponsored by International Expansion Explained. Are you looking to expand internationally, but you're not sure where to start? Or you export already but would like to venture further overseas? Reach out to arrange an international clarity session and learn more about growth plans here International Expansion StrategyPartners SearchOngoing sales and branding supportIndividual one on one support

On this episode Leo interviews Danay Lea. He is the Advisor to the MD & CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. With more than 15 years of financial leadership experience across emerging markets he is applying the lessons learned to the outdoor sports industry. What is the connection between Finance and snowboarding?What impact does climate change have on Outdoor sports and what founders are doing to improve sustainability and our environment?How were Outdoor Sports affected by Covid and the recent disruption to global logistics? Connect with Danay on LinkedIn Self-learning is of paramount importance in the business world, listen to your international peers and step up your game.Connect with the host Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn Follow the page on LinkedIn ***This episode is sponsored by International Expansion Explained. Are you looking to expand internationally, but you're not sure where to start? Or you export already but would like to venture further overseas? Reach out to arrange an international clarity session and learn more about growth plans here International Expansion StrategyPartners SearchOngoing sales and branding supportIndividual one on one support