USC IBEAR Business Class

Cairn Spring Mills is a company that surprisingly is growing during the pandemic. The company is a varietal flour mill that produces a high quality locally sourced product. While other companies have been strapped by failing consumer demand and disrupted supply chains, Cairn Spring has increased sales by changing their business model - pivoting from being a strictly commercial wholesale outfit to being a nimble retail business. CEO Kevin Morse said "I think a bubble has been broken. I was talking to one of our advisors who's a former venture capitalist and she called this a macro-shock event which is drastically changing consumer behavior. In this episode of Business Class, we continue to explore how companies are adjusting and working to survive the sudden economic shifts of the pandemic. Interview recorded over the web on May 12, 2020

The #Covid-19 virus is changing accepted business norms around the globe. In this episode of Business Class, we spoke with #MarcusLu as he sheltered-in-place at his home in #China. With deep insight into business in China, Marcus described how the virus is changing long accepted patterns of how business is conducted. “We realize and are starting to accept the fact that doing business can be easier,” he noted, while saying that, for the first time, important business meetings are being conducted virtually. In an interview with Dick Drobnick, Director of the #USC #IBEARMBA program, Marcus takes us through how he initially learned about the crisis coming out of Wuhan. We hear the firsthand story of lockdown in China, with grocery stores cleaned out in hours of panic buying. We also hear how the country adapted and local governments quickly adjusted to make sure goods and services were available. Looking at the big picture, he explained that GDP growth in 2020 is probably out of the question and to have the economy not shrink in 2020 would be a major success. Marcus Lu is a 2003 graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA Program. He is the former Head of Commodities for #Mercuria and is now pursuing entrepreneurial projects in the energy sector. Interviewed by Dick Drobnick via the web on April 15, 2020.

In this episode of #BusinessClass, we return to Thailand for an #MBA review of the business skills needed to face this financial crisis. We spoke with PJ Van Hecke, a 2018 graduate of the #USCIBEARMBA program. PJ used his time in the program to shift from a global career in maritime engineering to the entrepreneurial side of book publishing. He is now a Co-Founder in #Bangkok-based #TheReadingRoom. In conversation with IBEAR MBA Director Dick Drobnick,, PJ lays out the core MBA skills he worked to master. He goes on to describe how these skills helped guide his new venture through the uncharted waters of a global #pandemic. Pieter-Jan Van Hecke is a 2018 graduate of the IBEAR MBA program. Interview recorded on April 16, 2020 Interview conducted by Dick Drobnick, Director IBEAR MBA Program

The moment the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was cancelled, Janet Lightner - General Manager of Boundary Bay Brewery - knew they were in trouble. In this episode of Business Class, we move to the Microeconomic impact of the pandemic and go to the craft brewery nexus of Bellingham, Washington, to explore how the virus has upended the business model of a classic brew pub. Boundary Bay, 25 years old, is a pioneer craft brewery that has built a brand on its constant interaction with its customers and community. As the virus spread and shut down orders were given, Janet said she and her staff began to, ”pivot, pivot, pivot - like a ballerina doing pirouettes.” No restaurant. No catering. No brew pub. We hear how Janet and her partner, made tough decisions, rearranged staff, created an instant ‘To Go’ business and managed through creative hard work, to keep their business vital, and not to be taken down by 300 pounds of corned beef. Interview recorded on May 13, 2020. To maintain social distancing this interview was recorded over the web.

In this episode of #BusinessClass, we look at how the #Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the ASEAN nations, particularly #Thailand. We turn to #Dr.NarongchaiAkaransee, a former Thai government minister with extensive business knowledge. Dr. Narongchai explains Thailand’s successful approach to control of the Covid-19 virus. In comparing the government’s reaction to the #CovidCrisis vs. the 2008 financial crisis, he explains how the Thai government decided to distribute wages to 20 million people for three months because, “This time they lost their job because of a government order.” In conversation with #USC’s #DickDrobnick, the two explore the economic effects of the virus coupled with strong governmental controls, “Big control. Very big impact.” They also discuss how Thailand’s bond market and major economic sectors are faring. Dr. Narongchai notes that the virus will hinder economic growth for both auto parts and tourism, “We have been relying so much on #tourism. Last year, tourists arrivals were 40 million.” Dr. Narongchai Akaransee Ph.D, is the Chairman of MFC Asset Management Public Co, Chairman of Ananda Group, Chairman of #Seranee Group, and Board Member of AIA Group. Dr. Narongchai has served as Thailand’s Minister of Energy and Minister of Commerce, Director of National Economic and Social Development Board, and as a Member of Monetary Policy Committee of the #BankofThailand. Interview recorded on April 30, 2020 To maintain social distancing the interview was recorded via the web. Interview by Dick Drobnick, Director – #USCIBEARMBA Program

It’s always difficult to know what’s happening inside China. In this episode of Business Class, we hear first-hand information and analysis on China’s Covid-19 response from Shanghai resident, Jim McGregor, the CEO of APCO China. In an interview with USC’s Dick Drobnick, Jim notes that “China’s exports have fallen off a cliff.” They explore if: having a two month head start with the virus is affecting the country’s recovery strategy, how China is opening up and they dig into the “poisonous” U.S. / China relationship. In one of the biggest shifts the virus has triggered, Jim describes how companies are beginning to rethink their manufacturing strategy. They are considering manufacturing goods inside China for that market, while manufacturing goods outside China for the rest of the world. Jim explains that this potentially dramatic shift in supply chain strategy reflects that, “There's been such a risk by having too much in China. This is going to be a new paradigm.” Interview conducted on April 15th 2020 To maintain social distancing this interview was recorded over the web. Interview by – Dick Drobnick, Director USC IBEAR MBA Program

Millions of sports fans across the Asian sub-continent are watching the results of Jasdeep Pannu working from his living room. In this episode of Business Class, we speak with the Head of Digital Programming for ESPN India about how his organization saw the virus coming and moved #ESPNIndia out of the studio and into the guest room. The biggest problem? The virus coincided with the country’s most anticipated sporting event – The #IndianCricketLeague. “We were tied into the fortunes of how the league would happen. So if the League went ahead, we would be proceeding. “ But in a time where a new normal is being created, Jasdeep described how his programming has shifted from live sports to storytelling, and with the adoption of digital tools, more direct interactions with fans and athletes. “So it's actually turning out to be an interesting time for us to have great learning and everybody's agreeing that the world won't be the same place.” Jasdeep Pannu is a 2015 graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA program. To maintain social distancing, this interview was conducted via the web.

Overnight, the Covid-19 pandemic moved much of the world’s business and business interactions online. In this episode of Business Class, we talk with Paul Wilson, Managing Director for Google Cloud (Public Sector) Asia Pacific. We asked Paul how this pandemic has created a moment in time, where technology tools are being adopted for use by people all over the globe and being put to work in ways no one ever imagined. We had many questions. What did this shift mean? Can the networks handle it? What new norms are being created? Paul takes us through how his team shifted from sales to service to help organizations from Japan-to-Australia, to conduct, business, healthcare, education and life online. Interview conducted on April 17, 2020 Interviewed by Richard Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program

Are the numbers coming out of China real? Will China record any positive GDP growth for the year? Will global companies change their strategies to remove the China bottleneck in their supply chains? Business Class continues its look at the economic impact of the Covid-19 virus with Clay Dube, Director of the USC US-China Institute. “The Chinese economy fell off a cliff,” notes Clay Dube as he takes us through what is known and what is speculated around Covid-19 in China. The Good – “There are aspects that can only be described as good; things that they did that proved effective.” The Bad - “The fumbling at the outset, where they internally didn't recognize the enemy that they were facing.” The Ugly – “Some of the ways that the Chinese government cracked down or locked the country down might be described as pretty harsh.” It is becoming clear that mistakes and missed opportunities in China, the US and many other countries are unifying factors in this global pandemic. To maintain social distancing, this interview was recorded over the web. Interview conducted April 13, 2020

Business Class originates in Los Angeles, the home of the entertainment industry. In this episode, we look at how Covid-19 has brought the entire industry to a standstill. Movie theaters are empty, studios are closed, the few TV commercials being filmed are done so in isolation via Zoom and iPhones. Devin Mann, Founder of Iconic Talent Agency of Beverly Hills, takes us inside the pandemic effects on entertainment production. What happens when a workforce that is based on creativity is told to go home and stay there? Do movie theaters come back? Does this signal a shift in how the world is entertained? It’s clear that no one really knows how this particular movie is going to end. To maintain social distancing, this interview was recorded via the web.

Business Class begins a series of interviews to explore the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In this episode, Peter Guyer, Founder of Athena International Foods gives insight on the effect the virus has had on his business, his supply chain and his sector. What can a business do to prepare for this kind of event? What lessons from past experience have helped guide him? Is there a way to prepare for such a unique business disruption? Peter discusses resilience - a term from biology - in terms of how a business can survive and maintain viability. In terms of leadership, he notes that this is a time when customers and employees get a good look at who they are working with and for and that, “people have long memories.” Peter Guyer is a 1992 graduate of the USC IBER MBA program. To maintain social distancing, this interview was recorded via the web.

Cintra is one of the world’s largest infrastructure building companies. In this episode of Business Class, Carlos Ugarte, Global Head of Corporate and Business Development, explains how a project must send the right economic signals to be successful. Using toll roads and managed pricing as examples, Carlos explains the right moves that cities need to make. He laments however that even though urban populations are projected to grow by 1 billion people…few of the world’s cities are listening to the signals that are telling them how to plan for the future. Carlos feels the right investment, in a project that does the right thing, can help cities get back on track. Carlos is a 1990 graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA program.

The battle lines are being drawn in the world of global e-commerce. JD.com is the #2 online retailer in China with a staggering $67 billion in sales. In this episode of Business Class, Jasmine Liu, Director of HR & Operations of JD.com’s Silicon Valley Research Center, gives us insight into why her company sees plenty of room for JD.com, Alibaba and Amazon. Jasmine points out that research, creating a better customer experience and marketing deeper into China’s 2nd tier are giving JD.com its edge. She notes that “the density of population centers” creates opportunities that don’t exist in the U.S., and describes that ubiquitous mobile internet as being the key. We also hear about social e-commerce, analysis on the differences between Chinese and American consumers and even how JD.com labs has developed an AI facial recognition app to help local farmers raise their pigs. Jasmine is a 2018 graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA program.

At heart, Indra Uno is a consultant. He did a case study of his country and came up with a powerful set of findings: • manufacturing jobs are leaving for less expensive locations • unemployment is steady of 5% - but is 15 – 16% for youth • 98% of the countries businesses are micro-entrepreneurs with sales under $50,000 USD • Regulations are slowing needed growth in Indonesia The Recommendation • The country needs to create 2,000,000 new micro-entrepreneurs in the next 5 years. In this episode of Business Class, we’ll hear how Indra is working to take these findings and implement the changes needed to help move Indonesia, it’s economy and youth -- ahead. Indra Uno is a year 2000 graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA program.

Sidney Rittenberg led an exceptional life. He tumbled into the swirling waters of history as the communist revolution swept Mao into power. He was a friend of Mao. He was also a prisoner of Mao. Twice. He spent sixteen years in solitary confinement, six years thanks to Josef Stalin, and ten years courtesy of the Cultural Revolution. Somehow he rebounded and started a consulting business that brought companies such as Intel, Levis and Microsoft into China. Throughout these events and efforts he was always observing and thinking. We go back to a 2014 interview with Sidney and talk about the amazing situations he navigated. We also hear his thoughts on power and the people who wield it. Sidney Rittenberg passed away at the age of 98 and in this episode of Business Class we salute and remember his life.

In this episode of Business Class, the subject is climate change and business. Interviewed by USC’s Dick Drobnick, Singapore’s Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Masagos Zulkifli explains how Singapore, a small country with few natural resources, may present a very realistic model for a world that is facing effects from its changing climate. Masagos Zulkfli, is an engineer and looks to science and numbers to understand the threats his country must prepare for. He pointed out that Singapore is already planning to move its primary seaport and airport to locations that can be defended from sea level rise and storm surge events, “That’s how serious we are.” The discussion digs in to the business opportunities being created by the research and infrastructure projects and the policy that is driving them. In Singapore. Minister Zulkifli says, the world’s current model of, “Take, Make and Throw is not sustainable.” Minister Masagos Zulkifli is an alum of the USC IBEAR MBA program.

According to Sri Manchala, CEO of Trasers, “This is where the game begins.” Sri and Trasers are digging in deep to help companies understand the Digital Transformation. Trasers has recently completed an exhaustive, many industries wide survey, of just where companies stand and what they understand about the Digital Transformation. The resulting reports are aimed at helping companies understand how this revolution will affect them as well as how to begin to get out in front of it. Sri says that the data tells him that only 7% of companies have taken on the transformation in a meaningful way. This means that there is time to get it right, but that CEOs only have to think of Sears Roebuck, if they think they can just ignore it. Sri is an alum of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Bob Zukis sees two corporate worlds. In one world, a company is smoothly navigating the Digital Transformation and using these new tools to connect with customers and advance their business. In the other world, he sees boardrooms that simply don’t comprehend how the digital world operates and that there are barbarians at the gates. Bob says, “this is a crisis in the boardroom” and that business are facing new risks while simultaneously being presented with tremendous opportunities, He notes “Even Warren Buffet says we’re in uncharted territory.” In this episode of Business Class we hear how businesses can begin to navigate this new landscape. Bob runs the USC IBEAR MBA International Business Consulting Project and is CEO of the Digital Directors Network.

How does the Cold War inform business strategy? What truism about strategy did Lord Nelson understand to win the Battle of Trafalgar? Carl Voigt, Professor of Clinical Management and Organization at the USC Marshall School of Business and Academic Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program brings storytelling to Business Class to describe what makes a good and what makes a bad business strategy. The basic definition of strategy? Professor Voigt says, “It’s my strengths against your weaknesses.” He finds that good business strategies are rare and that companies can trick themselves into believing they have one. In this conversation, Business Class looks at how to separate goals - from strategy and whose job it is to implement a strategy. Carl Voigt is a Professor of Clinical Management at the USC Marshall School of Business and the Academic Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Climate change forces an industry to adapt of die. Business Class spoke with Bill Dewey of the Taylor Shellfish Company about being one of the first industries that had to face the impacts of climate change. Taylor Shellfish, founded in the 1890s, is a family owned company with over 500 employees in the Pacific Northwest. The company operates a shellfish farm, a chain of restaurants and needs it’s baby oysters to survive. In 2008 a crisis hit the company when all of the newly hatched oysters suddenly began to die. In this change or die story, Business Class looks at how a business has to react, not against competition, not against new taxes of policy changes, but to something as amorphous as CO2 and how it is changing the environment.

Palau is a small island nation. It’s northern island -Babledoab - is mostly trees, rivers, farms and some small villages. And yet, on the very northern tip of the island are two groups using classic business planning techniques to form a working partnership. In this episode, Business Class takes a look at how the Farmers and the Fishers of Babeldoab plan to form a merger - and how these sophisticated negotiations came about. We speak with Faustina Marugg, The Minister of State of Palau & Steven Victor, Director, Micronesia Program, The Nature Conservancy

In this two-part series, Business Class explores the business policies on the small island nation of Palau. We hear that choosing to protect the nation’s environment is a long term business decision. In Part 1 - we talk tuna. We learn how small countries of the region formed an alliance to protect tuna stocks in their waters from the fishing giants of the world. We also explore Palau’s business model of protecting and enhancing coral reefs to attract high-value SCUBA diving tourists. We study what happens when a country manages the environment as its primary business asset. We spoke with Steven Victor, the Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Micronesia Program. In Part 2 we look at Palau’s business model of local farming and fishing, and see that no matter the size – a business faces the same questions and problems.

Business Class speaks with Fan Bao of Renaissance China in Shanghai, about what he terms the New Economy of China. This economy has no state owned enterprises and represents half the economy of China. Digging deeper, Mr. Bao describes two important super cycles that are driving the China economy and gives an inside view on how important entrepreneurs are to the country. In an interview that ranges from the trade war with the US to the tense situation with Huawei, Mr. Bao delivers unique insight into international business. The interview is conducted by Dick Drobnick, The Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program

Jim McGregor, the Chairman of APCO China and former Wall Street Journal Bureau Chief has been working in China since 1990. When he says, “The US and China are at a fundamental turning point,” it pays to listen. McGregor looks at the idea of a trade war differently than most. While the trade aspects are important, he sees that the US and China, “Are now in fierce competition for all the technologies of the future.” In this Business Class episode, Dick Drobnick sits down with Jim McGregor in Shanghai and goes deep on the ‘Made in China 2025’ plan and how this fundamentally pits the world’s two largest economies directly against each other. Interview conducted by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC Marshall IBEAR MBA Program

Krish Sridhar is building a company that sees 2 billion potential users. The goal, “Connecting the top floor with the shop floor,” in places where the only technology is a smart phone. Know, is a Singapore based start-up that recently pulled down a 7 figure round of US, VC funding. Krish, Know CEO and former McKinsey consultant, spoke with Business Class on why a hot start up would pick Singapore as its base; and explores the what, why and how of Singapore creating a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Any mention of Singapore and business has to take into account the policies of the Singaporean government. In the case of entrepreneurs, the government has taken its foot off the brake and is stepping firmly on the gas. Business Class spoke with Paul Meyers of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the shifts that now make Singapore the entrepreneurial center of SE Asia. Meyers is a serial entrepreneur and has been working on the digital transformation of SE Asia since the late 90’s. Now, as an adviser on early stage investment for the Asian Development Bank, he is seeing changes take hold. He notes that the government’s decision to make things easy for both start-ups and investors, attracts companies and investment from around the globe. He feels that being the “go-to location” for entrepreneurs in SE Asia, “is a way to keep Singapore relevant.’

Danny Russel has seen diplomacy in action. As the Assistant Secretary of State under John Kerry, he had a ringside seat. Now, watching punches being traded in the trade war between the U.S. and China he feels he’s watching, “the new abnormal.” Discussing China’s expected response to tariffs, he says, “Trying to body slam the Chinese is not going to make them give in. It will make them dig in.” Overall all he is seeing a strategy that is leading both countries in a difficult direction as, “Strategic rivalries bring out the worst on both sides.” In this Business Class conversation we hear topics covered from IP theft to the weak spot authoritarian regimes have when it comes to public opinion. Danny Russel served in the State Department into the second month of the Trump administration. Danny Russel is the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and is currently Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. The interview was conducted by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

In Part 2 of this Business Class conversation, we look at the backstory of the US -China Trade War. Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister says “I worry that the lines of communication are shutting down.” Using his background as a Sinologist, he notes that both Presidents are looking at the politics of the confrontation. And as, “The impact of a shuddering halt to US – China trade would be profound,” feels that a resolution and a declared victory from both sides could be an expected result. He adds, this dual victory is partly possible as, “The US President has a remarkable ability to re-describe reality.” Kevin Rudd is currently the President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. The interview was conducted by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Kevin Rudd is the former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Australia and also happens to be a China scholar. He feels that, “2018 is a watershed for US / China relations.” In Part 1 of this Business Class podcast, Mr. Rudd brings his deep experience to analyze what is going on behind the scenes in Beijing and Washington. In his view, both Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are leading their countries away from the 40 year old policies that both countries have followed since the time of Deng Xiaoping and Richard Nixon. In this discussion, Mr. Rudd digs in to the clues of where each leader is heading. Kevin Rudd is currently the President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. The interview was conducted Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Bob Zukis wants people to understand the digital transformation. He wants people to understand that a successful business needs a trained technologist in the C-Suite. With social technologies showing their power in events such as the manipulation of the US election, he reflects, “Bad preceeds the good, until we learn how to control it.” His view is that we are just at the beginning of building the regulations and controls needed to bring the good side of social technology to the forefront. He points out education is needed to deliver the promise of the digital transformation to companies, “Only 14% of boardroom directors have any technology training.” He continues, “And even if someone on the board asks the right questions, they have a very low probability of understanding the answers.” Bob runs the USC IBEAR MBA International Business Consulting Project and is CEO of the Digital Directors Network.

Chris Darnell likes risk and has “a high capacity for ambiguity.” Good traits for an executive whose career path includes being CFO of the Microsoft Cloud as well as an entrepreneur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Always looking to blend the worlds of the executive and creative, Chris’ current company ‘The Human Baton” will burst onto the media scene soon with race cars, horses, high speed boats and more. In this Business Class interview, we hear how Chris has taken the skills from his USC IBEAR MBA and applied them to a unique career. Chris spoke with Business Class when he returned to USC, to serve as Commencement Speaker for the IBEAR MBA’s 40th class.

Kazu Yozawa is the Global CTO of NTT Security and thinks we live in a scary world. This is the world of network security, where threats can range from a teenager forging a user code on a piece of software, to state sponsored hackers that target specific industries around the globe. He said that more education in how computer networks operate will help, but at this time, “only a few executives understand this situation.” Mr. Yozawa keeps a positive view saying that although the threats are coming faster now than before, he feels that in the long term the ‘Good Guys’ can prevail.

“What’s the difference between this U.S. president and others” -QiWei Chen There is a question inside China about how this president is different from other U.S. presidents. Dr. QiWei Chen, the Founder of ABC Capital of Shanghai considered this and other questions in an interview with Business Class. Noting that China has benefited greatly from trade with the U.S. - he feels that China will respond to tariffs set by the U.S., but would do it carefully. Is talk from President Trump a provocative threat, or a negotiating tactic? He notes that this may be the case as Trump is known more as a businessman than a politician. Listen in to hear this analysis, as well as a look into the world of equity investment in China. Interview by Richard Drobnick, Director of the USC Marshall IBEAR MBA Program. Dr. QiWei Chen is the Founding Partner and Chairman of ABC Capital and Chairman of ABC Corporation.

Wendy Cutler spends a lot of time thinking about trade. She was the Chief Negotiator on the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the Lead Negotiator on the TPP Agreement. We spoke with her just as the US announced that tariffs were going to be placed on China and other US trading partners. She commented on what trading partners might feel, “Well it’s China today, but maybe tomorrow the president will impose tariffs on us as well.” In this conversation, we look at the ripples and shock waves that are created within the trading world when a country the size of the US throws a stone. Wendy Cutler is the Vice President of the Asia Society’s Policy Institute. Interview by Richard Drobnick, Director of the USC Marshall IBEAR MBA Program.

In the first year of his presidency Donald Trump largely avoided trade issues with China. As the second year unfolded, Clay Dube notes that the President seems to have returned to the attack mode promised in the campaign. As policies shift daily, Business Class asked Clayton Dube, the Director of the USC US – China Institute, to take a look at the Trump playbook and bring his insight to the Administration’s game plan. Clayton Dube, is the Director of the USC U.S - China Institute

Economics is front page news around the world as trade pacts are dismantled, tariffs are threatened and trade wars suddenly appear on the horizon. Baizhu Chen, noted USC China expert takes us inside the threatened US / China tariffs to see what is at play. In the complex trade relationship between the US and China, it seems that the main issues in this trade war are explained in every Econ 101 text book. Baizhu Chen is professor of Clinical Finance and Business Economics at the USC Marshall School of Business.

Gary Locke, former US Ambassador to China, Secretary of Commerce and Governor of Washington has experienced trade issues from all angles. He sees threatening tariffs more as a political gesture, than a well thought out strategy. Tariffs on steel for example would hurt Canada more than it would China. He asks, “Why would we want to anger our allies?” Locke brings insight to questions ranging from tariffs and technology transfers, to strategic exemptions and North Korea. Interviewed by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

How do you align a career with your own motivations? When do you pivot your career? How does extra training such as an MBA impact your strategy? In Part 2 of the Constructing a Career series, Grant Ingersoll, President of Integrated Oncology Network and Ana Maria Stringi Guemáraes, Audit Director at MUFG US Bank, discuss when and how to make a move. Ana Maria and Grant are both graduates of the USC IBEAR MBA program.

Where does an MBA fit in a career plan? How do you plan a career? How many steps does it take to reach your goal? In this episode of Business class we begin a series that will take a deep look into careers. We will talk with MBA grads at all stages of their career. We’ll hear what steps they took, mistakes they made and insights they have gained. In Part 1, Doug Montgomery, VP of Customer Insight at Warner Brothers and Regina Leung, Founder of Mayflower Health Consulting analyze the steps that brought them to where they are today. Regina Leung and Doug Montgomery are both graduates of the USC IBEAR MBA program.

In this episode of Business Class, Bill Zarit, the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, describes the monumental economic shifts that are taking place. He sees Chinese investment in the U.S. doubling, while U.S. investment in China is drifting downward. He notes that China is making strategic purchases in sectors aimed at challenging current U.S. global leadership and questions the long term benefits of letting that happen. In a wide ranging conversation held at the USC Marshall/ U.S. Department of Commerce annual Asia Pacific Business Outlook Conference, he and Dick Drobnick dig in to bring Mr. Zarit’s unique insight to the Business Class audience. Bill Zarit is the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in China. Interviewed by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Wayne Forrest has been President of the American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce through many of the country’s business and political cycles. He’s been integral to Indonesia’s relationship with international energy and mining conglomerates. Now as the nature of business is shifting toward the world of startups and venture capital, the Chamber is deeply involved there as well. So much so that he helped facilitate the first Global Ventures Summit in Bali. In this episode of Business Class, the conversation focuses on how the business and political policies in Indonesia continuously mesh and diverge as people, leaders and technology change. Wayne Forrest is the President of the American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce. Interviewed by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Jim Castle, who describes himself as ‘an accidental businessman’ established CastleAsia in 1980 which has given him a unique view of the shifting of economic power from west to east. Through CastleAsia’s Indonesia Country Program executive roundtable, Jim meets weekly with top executives from 140 member companies. This insight is reflected in an interview that discusses his work in Indonesia, and how he sees current politics in Washington is serving to enhance the power of the Chinese economy. Jim Castle is the Chairman & CEO of CastleAsia. Jim has also served two terms as the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia. Interview by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Ito En sells over $4 Billion USD of tea annually in Japan. In North America Ito En hits $300 million. In this classic international brand building story, Yosuke Honjo, CEO and President of Ito En North America, describes how his company pushed by a shrinking population and growing competition domestically, “Must go out from Japan and find a new market internationally.” His plan includes continually fighting a dual battle with the beverage Goliaths, Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He not only must carve out space with retailers for his tea, but also respond to merger questions from these competitors, “We always say no”. Then beyond building a market, sits the major complexity of selling FDA regulated food products - that are made in Japan, China and Taiwan - into the US. Yosuke Honjo is a graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA program. Interview by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

There is book learning and then there is taking your knocks on the street. The students who enroll in the USC IBEAR MBA take their knocks all around the world. The International Business Consulting Project is an extreme version of experiential learning. The class is literally turned into an international consulting firm, where clients contract for consulting services and then the students get on planes and fly out to find a solution to their customers problems. These aren’t virtual clients either. Names such as Sony, Hitachi, Warner Brothers in countries from Indonesia, to Mexico, to China fill the roster. The goal? Find a real business solution to a real business problem. Bob Kiddoo – USC Professor of Accounting and Enterprise Systems managed the consulting teams for the past two years.

Alfred Fung starts speaking about his gaming with the absolute that it must be fun. He traces his love for gaming to his childhood, but credits his entry into the business to the MBA he received from the USC IBEAR program. His facility with big data, business analytics, monetization and his ability to connect the dots put him ahead of a flood of applicants for his first job in the cutting edge game industry. Now deep into his entrepreneurial career as the CEO of fun-gi, he still pulls on these skills to guide the creation of the company’s soon to be released high-profile branded game, House Flip – with Chip and Jo. Alfred Fung is a graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA program and is a member of the IBEAR 31 class.

Dan Ping Mu faces challenges for her consulting clients in China head on – and then looks at them from all angles to find the right solution. Her goal is to keep things moving ahead by presenting both sides of an issue with a clear win. She finds that many issues with ventures in China can be solved by sending the team with the not only the rights skills, but also the correct attitude. She says, “ Many people feel it is difficult to do business in China, but it’s difficult to do any place in you don’t understand it.” Dan Ping Mu is a graduate of the USC IBEAR MBA program and is a member of the IBEAR 10 class. She is the Executive Director, UNESCO Foundation and a Business Consultant

Marcus Lyu runs hard commodities trading in Asia for the 100 billion USD, Swiss head-quartered energy trading firm Mercuria. In this interview in Shanghai, Business Class again looks at a changing China. Marcus explains how the coal and iron ore commodities markets, give insight into Chinese policy. He also describes how the 2008 global crash has shifted many heavy industries in China from private to predominately State Owned Enterprises. We see that commodity prices serve as a canary in a coal mine. Marcus Lyu is an alumni of the USC IBEAR MBA program. Interview by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Jim McGregor engages in a spirited interview on issues facing foreign companies doing business in China. Speaking with Dick Drobnick in Shanghai, they cover topics from finding employees, to product dumping, to the impact of politics. McGregor states that, “This is China’s day,” and companies need to constantly re-evaluate their position as China itself is constantly changing. With thirty years experience in China and seeing it move “from bicycles to Bentleys” McGregor brings powerful and pointed observations to the table. Interview by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

Nat Rothschild has a storied family name that defined banking for centuries. Nat spoke with Dick Drobnick while taking part in the USC IBEAR MBA 40th anniversary two day seminar. The conversation ranged from his starting of one of the 90’s most lucrative hedge funds, to losing millions in a Indonesian coal mining venture. Now in the business of ‘staying rich’ he also gives us the politics and background story of the Rothschild family fortune. He lets us know that even while a name like Rothschild helps, there is no sure thing. Interviewed by Richard Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.

the 40th anniversary of the USC Marshall IBEAR MBA program, in a conversation with three of the past and present program directors. The IBEAR MBA was one of the first business programs in the U.S. to embrace an international focus. The early understanding of globalization has created a program with a unique group of alumni. In a discussion lead by Jim Ellis, Dean of the Marshall School of Business, we hear from three program Directors as they discuss how the program got to this point, and as they look ahead to what the program needs to do to stay on top. In the discussion is Jim Ellis – the Dean of the USC Marshall School of Business, along with current and past IBEAR Directors, Dick Drobnick, Roy Herberger and Jack Lewis.

Careers are made one opportunity at a time. Gary Rieschel racked up wins all along the way in his move to be the Founder of Qiming Venture Partners in China. Qiming’s record of 59 out 60 investment wins is now facing a changing China which is ,”becoming more competitive with every deal.” In this episode of Business Class hear how an agile mind negotiates the international business landscape. Interviewed by Richard Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program. Recorded at the 2017 USC APBO Asia Pacific Business Outlook Conference.