Contracting out of an internal business process to a third-party organization
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Most apparel companies don't have a demand problem. They have a lead time problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Scot Case welcome Maithili Shenoy, Founder and CEO of La Naia Collective, for a frank, frameworks-forward look at why the global apparel operating model is cracking under its own weight and what it would actually take to rebuild it. From the Multifiber Agreement's unraveling in 2005 to the speed at which TikTok now dictates what sells, Maithili draws a clear line between the world the industry was built for and the one it's operating in today. She breaks down why long lead times convert forecast error into stranded inventory, how the markdown machine erodes billions in gross margin dollars annually, and why the financial damage runs deeper than most balance sheets reveal. Scot adds a sustainability lens that sharpens the conversation, connecting the landfills of Ghana's Kantamanto Market to the same structural misalignments driving poor financial returns. The conversation builds into Maithili's 4S architecture: Strategize, Segment, Structure, Sustain, and the regenerative loop that ties them together. Real-world examples ground every layer: Inditex running 57.8% gross margins with inventory costs half the industry average, Abercrombie & Fitch going from 1% to 15% operating margins by abandoning markdown dependency, and why companies still anchored to gross margin rate alone are running out of runway. If you're trying to understand why so many smart people keep making decisions that produce irrational collective outcomes and what a better model actually looks like, this conversation earns its time. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:19) Meet Maithili Shenoy (03:47) From classical dance to global supply chains (06:28) Career experiences that shaped her perspective (09:23) The hidden cost of apparel overproduction (13:06) Why today's apparel operating model is broken (14:23) How globalization changed fashion supply chains (19:56) Why costs keep rising across the industry (21:30) The biggest flaws in the current operating model (23:55) Four ways the current model destroys value (29:14) Introducing the 4S architecture (30:10) Strategize with the right business metrics (33:09) Segment products by demand and speed (37:50) Align incentives with business outcomes (40:41) Building a model that can adapt over time (45:02) The metrics every apparel leader should track (49:57) What Zara, Abercrombie, and Ralph Lauren do differently (55:47) Why apparel returns are becoming more expensive (01:01:06) Predictions for the future of apparel retail Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Maithili Shenoy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maithili-shenoy/ Learn more about La Naia Collective: https://www.lanaiacollective.com/ Connect with Scot Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotcase/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt WEBINAR- SAP AI Inside the Supply Chain: From Silo to Orchestration: https://bit.ly/4bvpz6K This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Scot Case, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/appareal-pandl-broken-tariffs-just-exposed-what-already-failing-1620 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The following article of the Tech industry is: 'Microfactories: The New Strategic Piece for Nearshoring in Mexico' by Alejandro Preinfalk, CEO & President, Siemens AG.
Even supply chains that are largely confined to one region are affected by global events.
The following article of the Logistics industry is: 'US-Mexico Cross-Border Freight: Nearshoring Drives Rate Spikes' by Alfredo Lozano, CEO, Lis Software Solutions.
The following article of the Aerospace industry is: “Nearshoring: Ethics, Execution, and the Future of Industry” by Felipe Villarreal, CEO, Alian Plastics.
From rising diesel prices and China's evolving economy to Boeing's continued turnaround and the growing role of AI in logistics, this week's episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, covers the biggest stories shaping global supply chains. Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Blythe Milligan (Everything is Logistics) and featured guest Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics, for a timely conversation on freight markets, infrastructure, innovation, and what leaders should be paying attention to now. The discussion begins with the latest freight and economic headlines, including diesel price volatility, shifting global trade patterns, China's export performance, and what these trends mean for supply chain professionals. Scott and Blythe also explore Boeing's ongoing recovery and why trust remains one of the industry's most valuable currencies. Later, Matt Yearling joins the show to discuss an often-overlooked area of supply chain operations: the yard. He shares why yard management has become a strategic differentiator, how AI is driving measurable operational improvements, and why successful digital transformation requires more than simply adding new technology. Throughout the conversation, the panel emphasizes practical innovation, operational excellence, and the importance of people in every supply chain. Key Takeaways Diesel prices, freight rates, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to pressure transportation costs. China's manufacturing and export trends are reshaping global trade and nearshoring strategies. Boeing's recovery demonstrates that rebuilding trust takes years—but is essential for long-term success. AI delivers the greatest value through practical, incremental improvements rather than flashy automation. Yard operations remain one of supply chain's biggest untapped opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Technology succeeds when paired with operational expertise, strong processes, and empowered people. Whether you're navigating freight volatility, evaluating AI investments, or looking for new ways to improve operational performance, this episode delivers practical insights from experienced supply chain leaders. Tune in for thoughtful analysis of today's biggest headlines and actionable ideas you can apply across your own organization. Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Matthew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewyearling/ Learn more about YMX Logistics: https://ymxlogistics.com Learn more about Zebra: zebra.com/warehouse-vision WTS: https://bit.ly/WTS-19-JULY-2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https:bit.ly/scn-us-bank Everything is Logistics: https://everythingislogistics.com Diesel Fuel Prices: https://on.wsj.com/4wgKItI Chinese Economy: https://cnn.it/4fkw5hD Boeing Turnaround: https://cnb.cx/4fkxVix Zebra Technologies: zebra.com/warehouse-vision The Blockbuster vs. Netflix Era of Yard Logistics: https://ymxlogistics.com/blog/the-blockbuster-vs-netflix-era-of-yard-logistics Latest blog post: https://bit.ly/Losing-Sales-Due-to-Inventory Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Blythe Milligan. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episodes page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-ai-freight-volatility-hidden-power-yard-operations-1613 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The following article of the Logistics industry is: 'The 10-Point Gap and the Threat to the Nearshoring Boom' by Jean Paul Sarrapy, SVP Global Sales, GP LOGISTICS.
The following article of the Professional Services industry is: “Semiconductor Nearshoring: A Strategy for Mexico's SC Ecosystem” by Eugenio Marín, CEO, FUMEC.
The following article of the Tech industry is: 'How Financial Fragmentation Stalls Latin American Nearshoring' by Gustavo Ruiz, Chairman & CEO, Movantis.
The following article of the Policy & Economy industry is: 'Mexico FDI Reaches Historic Highs in 2026 Amid Nearshoring' by Concepcion Valadez Obregon, Country Chair in Communication, Advocacy & Mediation, G100.
The following article of the Tech industry is: 'Mexico Tech Hub: Nearshoring Shifts to AI and Engineering' by Patricio Molina, General Manager, KTSA (KPMG Technology Services Americas).
The following article of the Professional Services industry is: “Mexico Joins US Effort to Build Tariff Wall Against China” by Javier Zarazua, Managing Partner, JL Nearshoring Mexico, LLC.
The following article of the Professional Services industry is: 'Latin America Nearshoring Booms in MedTech Supply Chain Shift' by Guillaume Corpart, Founder & CEO, Global Health Intelligence.
The following article of the Policy & Economy industry is: “Nearshoring 2.0: Mexico's Rise as a Global Hub” by Antonio Tejedo, VP investor Relations, Grupo Traxión.
Jacob Shapiro sits down with Victor Hernandez, a Mexican national security analyst, to stress-test his own optimism about Mexico. Hernandez argues the army now runs eight ministries' budgets, can't out-spy the cartels, and may face limited US drone strikes Mexico has no way to resist. El Mencho's death looks more like an ambush than a victory. Nearshoring pencils out on a spreadsheet - until corruption and parallel taxation eat the margin. A bracing case for what happens if Jacob's wrong.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro and Framing(01:29) - Meet Victor Hernandez(02:44) - Victor Background and Career(05:00) - Army Trust and Corruption(07:38) - Blowback and Patriotism(10:25) - Morena and Military Power(15:29) - Future of Militarization(17:24) - Army vs Cartels Capabilities(22:26) - Will the US Intervene(26:26) - Drone Strikes Fallout(29:32) - Cuba Sequencing and Allies(33:04) - Trade Dependence and Diversification(39:45) - El Mencho and Cartel Fragmentation(44:14) - Investing and Nearshoring Risks(51:05) - What If Victor Is Wrong(54:24) - Closing and Outro--Referenced in the Show:Victor Hernandez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/v%C3%ADctor-hern%C3%A1ndez-979002b0?ILEES - https://www.ilees.mx/ --Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today's volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--
What does it take for a small country to compete for high-value global investment in today's economy? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Pilar Madrigal of the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency to explore how Costa Rica is evolving into a strategic hub for advanced industries and foreign direct investment. From its geographic position connecting North and South America to its growing reputation in high-tech sectors, Costa Rica is positioning itself as more than a nearshoring destination—it's becoming a knowledge-driven economy focused on long-term value creation. Pilar explains how the country has successfully diversified beyond tourism into industries such as life sciences, digital health, medical technology, AI, and advanced manufacturing. This transformation is powered by a strong emphasis on talent development and education, which she describes as the foundation of Costa Rica's competitiveness. A key theme throughout the conversation is that investment decisions are shifting. Companies are no longer just prioritizing cost or proximity—they are evaluating talent availability, risk mitigation, ecosystem stability, and total operating value. The discussion also highlights the importance of trust and strategic advisory relationships in attracting and retaining global investors, as well as Costa Rica's intentional focus on building long-term partnerships rather than transactional wins. A central takeaway? Costa Rica's competitive edge lies not in scale, but in stability, talent, and a deliberate strategy to move up the value chain. Key Takeaways Costa Rica serves as a strategic bridge between North and South America The economy is shifting from tourism to high-value knowledge industries Talent development is the core driver of long-term competitiveness Nearshoring now prioritizes resilience and value over proximity alone Trust and long-term partnerships are key to investor attraction Stability and ecosystem maturity offset size limitations Investment decisions increasingly focus on total operating value Key Topics Covered Costa Rica's geographic and strategic advantages Economic diversification into high-tech and life sciences Workforce development and talent pipeline strategies Challenges of scale and cost competitiveness Role of investment promotion and advisory strategy Nearshoring and global investment trends Trust-building with international investors Sound Bites "The main hurdle is the size of the talent pool." "The future of FDI is about transformation." "A common mistake is competing only on cost."
The following article of the Entrepreneurs industry is: 'Mexico Nearshoring: Driving Industrial Growth via Preconstruction' by Héctor Castellanos, General Director, Grupo Casgo.
La historia de Armando González no comienza en grandes corporativos ni en oficinas de lujo. Comienza en un pequeño pueblo de Jalisco y atraviesa puertos, aduanas, carreteras, contenedores y mercados internacionales. Un recorrido que lo llevó a entender algo que muchos descubren demasiado tarde: crecer no siempre significa avanzar, y expandirse sin estructura puede costarlo todo.A lo largo de este episodio entramos en una conversación que va mucho más allá de la logística. Hablamos de las quiebras que cambian la forma de ver el mundo, de las decisiones que parecen correctas hasta que muestran su verdadero precio y de la resiliencia que se construye cuando no queda otra opción más que volver a empezar.La conversación gira alrededor de algo mucho más humano: la capacidad de adaptarse cuando la realidad destruye el plan que habías imaginado. Porque detrás de cada negocio que logra sostenerse durante años hay algo que rara vez aparece en los números: una persona aprendiendo a levantarse una y otra vez.Conecta con Armando González:https://www.instagram.com/armandogonzalezm2 Suscríbete a nuestro canal en SpotifyVe la entrevista completa en YouTubeSigue negocioscool en todas nuestras redes Conecta con nosotros a través de LinkedIn
The following article of the Professional Services industry is: 'Why the USMCA Midterm Review Will Drive New Nearshoring to Mexico' by Javier Zarazua Ruiz, VP of LatAm, Tompkins Ventures.
Esta mañana en #Noticias7AM entrevistamos a Samantha Contreras, Analista Económica en “México, ¿Cómo Vamos?Tema: México es atractivo a la inversión extranjera directa, alcanza nuevo máximo histórico en el 1T2026. La IED llegó a 23,591 mdd, 10.4% mayor respecto al 1T2025, con energía suficiente el potencial del NearShoring sería mayor- Analista advierte retos para atraer nuevas inversiones al país#Uniradioinforma
Cześć, dzień dobry Witajcie w kolejnym odcinku podcastu „BSS bez tajemnic”! Dzisiaj wracam do Was na gorąco po konferencji Follow The Leaders 2026, organizowanej przez Pro Progressio. W tym solowym epizodzie podsumowuję swoją prezentację i bez owijania w bawełnę zestawiam nasze wyobrażenia z globalną rzeczywistością.Gdzie naprawdę znajduje się Polska na światowej mapie sektorów BPO, GBS oraz GCC? Choć w kraju chętnie myślimy o sobie jako o potędze ustępującej tylko Indiom, zagraniczne raporty, m.in. z Outsourcing World Summit w Chicago czy filipińskiego stowarzyszenia IBPAP, pokazują zupełnie inny wizerunek. Jesteśmy tam postrzegani jako lokalizacja o wysokich kosztach i niskiej dostępności talentów. Dodatkowo mierzymy się z problemem ujemnego przyrostu naturalnego.W odcinku analizuję także dane firmy Hallo Inc. dotyczące zatrudnienia w Polsce oraz omawiam kluczowe trendy rynkowe. Z tego nagrania dowiesz się:Dlaczego rynek nowoczesnych usług dla biznesu w Polsce ustabilizował się na poziomie ok. 500 tysięcy etatów?Jakie obszary rosną najszybciej (pik automatyzacji procesów, analityka, GCC oraz badania)?Dlaczego model SSC i czyste transakcje odchodzą w przeszłość?Jakie znaczenie dla inwestorów ma Nearshoring i budowanie biznesu opartego na zaufaniu?Nie żyjmy w bańce wielkości! Czas przestać sprzedawać Polskę przez pryzmat niskich kosztów, a zacząć oferować elastyczne rozwiązania, takie jak mix ludzi, automatyzacji i sztucznej inteligencji (AI).Chcesz otrzymać pełną prezentację z Follow The Leaders? Napisz do mnie na adres e-mail podany poniżej lub zeskanuj kod QR widoczny na nagraniu! **************************** Nazywam się Wiktor Doktór i na co dzień prowadzę Klub Pro Progressio https://proprogressio.com/pl/dzialalnosc/klub-pro-progressio/1 – to społeczność wielu firm prywatnych i organizacji sektora publicznego, którym zależy na rozwoju relacji biznesowych w modelu B2B. W podcaście BSS bez tajemnic poza odcinkami solowymi, zamieszczam rozmowy z ekspertami i specjalistami z różnych dziedzin przedsiębiorczości.Zapraszam do odwiedzin moich kanałów na:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wiktordoktor Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wiktor.doktor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiktordoktor/ Moja strona internetowa - https://wiktordoktor.pl/ Możesz też do mnie napisać. Mój adres email to - kontakt(@)wiktordoktor.pl **************************** Patronami Podcastu “BSS bez tajemnic” są: Marzena Sawicka https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzena-sawicka-hillway-training/Przemysław Sławiński https://www.linkedin.com/in/przemys%C5%82aw-s%C5%82awi%C5%84ski-155a4426/ Damian Ruciński - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-rucinski/ Szymon Kryczka https://www.linkedin.com/in/szymonkryczka/Grzegorz Ludwin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gludwin/ Adam Furmańczuk https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-agilino/ Igor Tkach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/igortkach/ Damian Wróblewski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianwroblewski/ Paweł Łopatka - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawellopatka/ Wiktor Doktór Jr. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiktor-dokt%C3%B3r-jr-916297188/Agata Stolarz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/agata-stolarz/Hubert Antczak - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hubert-antczak/ Wspaniali ludzie, dzięki którym pojawiają się kolejne odcinki tego podcastu. Ty też możesz wesprzeć rozwój podcastu na: Patronite - https://patronite.pl/wiktordoktor Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/wiktordoktor Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wiktordoktor Buycoffee.to - https://buycoffee.to/wiktordoktor Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bss-bez-tajemnic--4069078/support.
Keywords: nearshoring, Latin America, remote teams, Argentina, entrepreneurship, remote work, staffing, tech recruiting, fintech, outsourcing, offshoring, business operations, startup culture, remote leadership, recruiting, engineering talent, Hawaii lifestyle, cross-border business, tech startups, business scaling Summary: In this episode, Brian Samson shares his journey from working in corporate America and startups to building a successful nearshoring business focused on Latin American talent while living in Hawaii. He discusses how nearshoring differs from traditional offshoring and why countries like Argentina provide strategic advantages for US-based companies seeking skilled engineers and remote professionals. Brian explains the importance of aligned time zones, cultural compatibility, and trust when building high-performing remote teams across borders. Throughout the conversation, Brian dives into the operational side of running a staffing and recruiting business, including scaling remote teams, hiring local recruiters, and creating autonomous work cultures. He also shares insights into entrepreneurship, bootstrapping versus raising capital, and the lessons learned from living and working internationally. The discussion highlights how remote-first business models, minimal overhead, and strong communication practices are reshaping the future of global work and staffing. Takeaways Nearshoring offers major advantages over traditional offshoring for US companies. Latin American talent provides strong technical skills and cultural alignment. Argentina has become a strategic hub for engineering and recruiting talent. Time zone compatibility improves collaboration and productivity. Startup culture helped shape Brian's entrepreneurial mindset. Building trust is essential when managing remote international teams. Remote teams thrive when employees are empowered and autonomous. Hiring local recruiters improves candidate quality and vetting processes. Entrepreneurship often requires balancing lifestyle and business goals. Hawaii's lifestyle influenced Brian's remote-first business model. Bootstrapping can create more operational flexibility than raising capital. Nearshoring reduces many communication challenges associated with offshoring. Cultural understanding is key when expanding internationally. Remote leadership depends heavily on communication and accountability. Latin American professionals often demonstrate resilience and entrepreneurial thinking. Minimal overhead allows remote staffing businesses to scale efficiently. Productive remote work requires trust rather than micromanagement. Recruiting high-level tech talent can generate strong long-term revenue opportunities. Cross-border businesses require adaptability and operational problem-solving. The future of remote staffing will continue growing in Latin America. Titles Building Remote Teams in Latin America with Brian Samson Why Nearshoring Is Changing Global Business From Hawaii to Argentina: Brian Samson's Entrepreneurial Journey Scaling Remote Teams Through Nearshoring The Future of Latin American Talent and Remote Work Sound bites “Nearshoring changes everything.” “Trust creates productive remote teams.” “Time zones matter more than people think.” “You need autonomous problem solvers.” “Argentina has incredible engineering talent.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:55 Brian Samson's Background and Move to Hawaii 02:25 Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities in Hawaii 03:36 Transitioning from Corporate Roles to Entrepreneurship 05:01 Startup Culture and Entrepreneurial Lessons 06:14 Building a Fintech Services Business in San Francisco 07:43 Bootstrapping Versus Raising Capital 08:31 Discovering Nearshoring and Argentina's Advantages 10:22 Moving to Buenos Aires and Building a Team 12:16 Engineering Talent and Time Zone Benefits in Latin America 14:14 Nearshoring Versus Traditional Offshoring 15:04 Strategic Arbitrage and Competitive Compensation 16:23 Scaling a Multi-Team Staffing Business 17:38 Hiring Local Recruiters and Vetting Talent 18:11 Institutional Trust and Latin American Markets 19:15 Managing Remote Teams Across Borders 21:37 How Hawaii Influenced the Business Model 22:22 Transitioning Fully Into Entrepreneurship 24:34 The Pandemic's Impact on Remote Staffing 25:10 Cost-Effective Remote Team Management 26:13 Revenue Models in Tech Recruiting 27:21 High-Value Placements and Scaling Recruiting Revenue 28:56 The Future of Latin American Nearshoring 30:18 Offshoring Versus Nearshoring Explained 31:37 Why Time Zones Matter in Remote Collaboration 33:14 Challenges of High-Tech Remote Work 34:49 Building Autonomous and Empowered Teams 37:27 Resilience and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Latin America 38:07 Communication, Culture, and Work Ethic 39:49 Trust and Autonomy in Remote Team Success 42:14 Creating Independent Work Cultures 44:23 Personal Stories About Remote Leadership 46:35 Expanding Into Service Businesses and Startups 48:14 Continued Success in Staffing and Entrepreneurship 49:49 Connecting with Brian Samson and Plug.Tech
2026 Industrial Outlook: Market Rebalancing, Big Box Demand & Nearshoring Live at the IAMC conference in Little Rock, hosts interview Stephanie Rodriguez, who leads Colliers' industrial platform, about her people-focused approach to client and team relationships and her extensive travel (over 300,000 American Airlines miles last year). She discusses Colliers' positioning and performance, noting an uptick after Q1 in industrial deal and revenue counts and a stronger start to 2026, plus continued talent recruitment. Rodriguez highlights regional market dynamics: low-vacancy, conservative development and steady rent growth in the central region; strong Southeast demand driven by population growth and onshoring/nearshoring; and West Coast stabilization tied to ports. Growth drivers include steady e-commerce, dominant 3PL leasing activity, reshored advanced manufacturing (chips, pharmaceuticals), and capital-intensive data centers. Institutional owners remain focused on build-to-suit, with selective return to speculative development in low-vacancy markets and renewed big-box demand, including increased Amazon activity. 0:00 Intro and Guest Introduction 2:15 Colliers Platform and Regional Trends 5:10 Growth Sectors: 3PLs and Manufacturing 7:00 Institutional Perspectives and Spec Development 8:20 Big Box Trends and Upcoming Conferences
Most conversations about nearshoring assume you're moving away from Chinese manufacturing. Kerim Kfuri, president and CEO of The Atlas Network, has a harder truth: a lot of "nearshoring" is just Chinese foreign direct investment building factories in Vietnam and Mexico. The geography changes. The supply chain dependencies don't necessarily change with it.In this episode, recorded live on the expo floor at the Logistics World Summit in Mexico City, Kerim breaks down what 20 years of building end-to-end supply chains for small and mid-sized businesses has taught him — and what most operators still get wrong.In this episode:How The Atlas Network manages the full supply chain lifecycle for SMBs, from product idea to inventory management, across a network of 2,000 vetted factoriesWhy "nearshoring" in Vietnam and Mexico often means Chinese-owned factories with Chinese standardization — and why that matters for your tariff and sourcing strategyThe US manufacturing reality: why technology (not policy) is the actual leveler, and why we can't snap our fingers and rebuild a workforce we stopped training decades agoKerim's keynote framework from Logistics World: people, process, and innovation — and why "people" is the most undervalued of the threeWhat Kerim (MIT degree in AI and Strategy) says you actually give up when you hand too much to AI: creativity, human factor, and the interpersonal relationships that drive real businessThe signal-versus-noise framework for entrepreneurs: how to identify the three things that must get done today and stop letting everything else winWhy the most common thing Atlas Network hears from new clients is: "I wish we knew about you sooner"A bonus live interview with the founder of Logistics World Summit, who walked up mid-recording on the expo floorWatch this episode on YoutubeLinks & Resources:The Atlas NetworkKerim's book and speaking websiteBlythe's Logistics World + Mexico City Recap -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why.CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.Digital Dispatch maximizes and manages your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.
¿Quién toma realmente las decisiones en México? Hoy en El Ajo Político, destapamos la cruda realidad de un país que se queda a oscuras, literal y metafóricamente. Analizamos los cinco temas que están marcando el rumbo de la nación y tu día a día. En la mesa de hoy: 0:00:00 Inicio y Editorial: Nos apagan la luz, nos vigilan. 0:02:00 Bienvenida y Las DEsapariciones 0:12:00 Caos en la SEP: ¿Por qué no hay plan frente a la ola de calor extremo? 2:00:00 Operación en las Sombras: La CIA en México y la pérdida de soberanía. 3:00:00 Nearshoring en Pausa: ¿Se nos escapa el milagro económico? 3:20:00 Conclusiones y Saludos ️ Tu voz cuenta: Participa en nuestro chat en vivo y responde a las encuestas. ¡No olvides dejar tu LIKE, SUSCRIBIRTE al canal y activar la campanita para no perderte ningún análisis! #ElAjoPolitica #NoticiasMexico #CIAenMexico #ApagonesCFE #Mundial2026 #CrisisClimatica #EnVivo Mónica Maciel y Salvador Gaviño Romero los acompañan con todo el sazón en la mesa número 1 de El Ajo, Estamos en todos los moles. Emisión: 13/05/2026 Temporada 17 Episodio 13 Follow en Twitter: https://x.com/recetarioelajo Like en FB:https://www.facebook.com/recetarioelajo/ WEB: http://www.elajoproducciones.com Podcast Ivoox: https://go.ivoox.com/sq/2458 Ajófono:(+52) 56.100.56.1.56 (MX) Ajomail: elajo.producciones@gmail.com #ElAjo Animación Intro: cortesía de El Último Escriba Animación Logos: cortesía de El Último Escriba Música de Fondo: El Ajo Producciones ***** Enlaces de Interés ***** Anacrónico ¡Ya Disponible! : https://a.co/d/8Z5OABJ PODCAST Dante: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZkE2IKIJVc Dante Vanzetti spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/08MlOZSrQ6psjZbZWEVCgH?si=j6fSsfBATw-HwwjInMyOCg Dante Vanzetti YT: https://youtu.be/N8BJxFrRbGQ?si=ACbIH2GEOQoVzbkK https://www.youtube.com/@ExtrañoCabaret Yasfer Cuadrante Mágico: https://yasferlvx.wixsite.com/arcano-obscuro-radio Marcos Urbex: https://youtube.com/@markoz320?si=qH2JyDW1gX2ohDH_ Mónica Canal Misterio: https://www.youtube.com/@proyectoguionenblancomisterio Canal Vladimir Chargoy: https://www.youtube.com/@vladimirchargoy1711
What does it take to build three companies from zero to $4M ARR, and do it while living abroad and navigating global talent markets?In this episode, Brian Samson, Founder & Chairman of Plugg Technologies, shares his journey from startup builder to nearshoring expert, connecting U.S. companies with top talent across Latin America. Drawing from his time as an expat in Argentina, Brian offers a grounded, real world perspective on what it actually looks like to build and scale internationally.We dive into the mechanics of nearshoring, how it works, where founders go wrong, and how to think about labor arbitrage, compliance, currency volatility, and customs. Brian also breaks down the macro trends shaping Latin America today, from tariffs and visas to broader geopolitical shifts, and what they mean for entrepreneurs trying to stay competitive.Beyond business, this conversation takes a powerful turn into purpose. Brian shares his experience as a foster parent, offering a deeply personal look at leadership, responsibility, and impact beyond the boardroom.This is a candid, practical, and at times inspiring conversation for founders, operators, and leaders looking to scale smarter and lead better.
Latin America Equities Outlook Why Latin American stocks are outperforming global markets Structural vs. cyclical drivers of emerging markets performance Is a long-term rerating underway? Macro Trends Driving Latin America Markets Interest rate cycles across emerging markets vs. the U.S. Impact of U.S. dollar trends on Latin American currencies and equities Commodities super-cycle: energy, copper, lithium, and agriculture Nearshoring and global supply chain shifts benefiting Mexico Fundamental Drivers: Valuation & Earnings Growth Why Latin America trades at a discount to developed markets Earnings growth across financials, commodities, and domestic sectors Country-level opportunities: Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina Domestic demand, credit expansion, and underpenetrated markets Quantitative Signals & Market Positioning Factor rotation: shift away from U.S. mega-cap dominance Investor flows and under-ownership of Latin America Market breadth, momentum, and earnings revisions Role of FX stability in supporting equity multiples Key Risks to Watch Political and fiscal risks in major economies like Brazil Commodity price volatility and dependence on global growth Geopolitical risks and external shocks Investment Strategy & Portfolio Positioning How to gain exposure to Latin America equities Country vs. sector vs factor-based allocation Why active management matters in emerging markets Identifying alpha opportunities in a high-dispersion region The information presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice nor as a recommendation of any particular strategy, allocation or investment product: before making any investment decision, you should seek expert, professional advice and obtain information regarding the legal, fiscal, regulatory and foreign currency requirements for any investment according to the laws of your home country and place of residence. Investing involves risk, including the possibility of loss of principal. Any forward-looking statements or forecasts are based on assumptions and actual results may vary from any statements or forecasts.Visit us at www.dantesoutlook.com
Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this insightful episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Brian Samson, a seasoned expert in nearshoring and connecting U.S. companies with top talent in Latin America. With over a decade of experience, Brian shares his journey of transforming the way businesses approach global hiring, emphasizing the benefits of nearshoring over traditional outsourcing. He explains how Latin America offers a wealth of skilled professionals who not only share similar time zones but also possess a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills, making collaboration seamless.Brian dives into the common misconceptions about hiring from Latin America, countering stereotypes with real insights into the resilience and adaptability of its workforce. He discusses the types of roles most frequently filled through nearshoring, from software development to virtual assistance, and highlights the advantages companies gain by embracing this approach.Listeners will also learn about the pitfalls to avoid when hiring internationally and the importance of treating remote team members as integral parts of the organization. Brian shares valuable advice for business owners considering nearshoring, including resources like his podcast, Nearshore Cafe, and his company website, Plugg Tech, where they can find guides and advice.This episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement for entrepreneurs looking to expand their horizons and tap into the incredible talent pool just south of the border. Tune in for a conversation that could change the way you think about global hiring!What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The key differences between nearshoring and outsourcing- Why Latin America is an untapped resource for U.S. companies- Common myths about hiring talent from Latin America- The roles that are most commonly filled through nearshoring- How to effectively integrate international hires into your businessFor more information on Brian Samson and his work, visit pluggtech.com and check out the Nearshore Cafe podcast for more insights.Support the show
Doug McHoney (PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Adriana Rodriguez, a PwC international tax partner based in Mexico City, for a discussion recorded at PwC's International Tax Conference. Doug and Adriana discuss the core features of Mexico's corporate tax system, including corporate income tax, withholding taxes, VAT, inflation adjustments, CFC rules, capital gains planning, and the impact of the multilateral instrument on treaty access. They also explore whether Mexico is likely to adopt Pillar Two, how Mexican multinationals are preparing for compliance, the role of incentives in inbound investment, the continued relevance of the maquila regime, rising audit and transfer pricing pressure, expanding tax authority digitization, and practical lessons for multinationals investing in Mexico.
Most US logistics pros in the US talk about Mexico from a very surface-level approach. But most have never been on the ground to take in and appreciate the nuance that exists with our number one trading partner.I just got back from 8 days in Mexico City: four doing some hosting on the main stage at The Logistics World Summit and Expo, four wandering the Roma Norte neighborhood with my husband Badr. What I saw on the conference floor and in the streets gave me a different read on this industry's relationship with Mexico than any analyst report has and this episode talks about it all.Inside:The 26,583-person conference and 650+ booths most US freight pros have never heard ofWhy the driver shortage myth is spreading south of the border, and the pay arbitrage making it worseCargo crime realities: a transport vehicle is stolen every 38 minutes, 86% involving violenceThe USMCA July 1, 2026 deadline and why the rules of origin fight mattersHow the National Museum of Anthropology was built in 19 months with a 168-ton monolith moved 29 milesSupply chain anthropology, cacao as currency, and what ancient Mesoamerica still teaches modern freightWatch this episode on YouTubeResources:Everything is Logistics: https://everythingislogistics.comCargoRex: https://cargorex.ioInstagram: https://instagram.com/blythebrum -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why.CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.Digital Dispatch maximizes and manages your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.
We'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and questions?In this conversation, Brian Sampson, founder of Plug Technologies, shares his journey from San Francisco to Argentina and back, highlighting the importance of human connection in business, leadership lessons learned from scaling startups, and the impact of foster care on his understanding of empathy and success. He emphasizes the need for businesses to treat their teams as people rather than resources and discusses the significance of making thoughtful hiring decisions.Main Points:Entrepreneurial ambition can lead to global impact.Growth encompasses access, dignity, and opportunity.Human connection is vital in business interactions.You don't have a business until you have customers.Founders should be involved in the sales process.Recognizing employees for their successes fosters a positive environment.Treating remote teams as integral members enhances productivity.Onboarding processes should be consistent across locations.Diversity in hiring leads to better business outcomes.Foster care experiences can deepen empathy and understanding in leadership.Connect With Brian Samson:brian@plugg.techhttps://plugg.tech/https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/https://www.instagram.com/plugg_technologies/https://x.com/plugg_techhttps://www.youtube.com/@NearshoreCafePodcast
In this episode of the BSS World Podcast, I sit down with Grzegorz Baran from Transcom to discuss the shifting landscape of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Global Business Services (GBS). As we navigate 2026, the traditional model of focusing solely on FTE costs and facilities is no longer enough to ensure business stability.Key Insights from This Episode:Geopolitics & Risk: Why the "elephant in the room" can no longer be ignored. We explore how global conflicts and regional instabilities impact site selection and business continuity.The Rise of Friendshoring: Discover why companies are moving toward hybrid models and "friendshoring" to mitigate risks associated with single-location dependencies.Legal & Security Complexities: From the nuances of GDPR across different European borders to the necessity of cybersecurity certifications and penetration testing.Culture & Context: Why cultural alignment is crucial for Customer Experience (CX) and why certain processes are returning to Europe from traditional offshore hubs.The Polish Advantage: An analysis of why Poland and CEE remain powerhouses in the sector due to efficiency, high education standards, and cultural proximity to the Nordic and German markets.ESG in the RFP Process: Understanding how carbon footprint and sustainability have become non-negotiable factors for modern global partners.As Grzegorz says in our talk - "Business should be separated from geopolitics... that was the universal model we worked in for years. In my opinion, it is no longer like that." **************************** My name is Wiktor Doktór and on daily basis I run Pro Progressio Club - https://proprogressio.com/en/activity/pro-progressio-club/1 - it's a community of many private companies and public sector organizations that care about the development of business relations in the B2B model. In the Good Morning BSS World podcast, apart from solo episodes, I share interviews with experts and specialists from global BPO/GBS industry.Visit my social media channels:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/wiktordoktorHere is also link to the English podcasts Playlist - https://bit.ly/GoodMorningBSSWorldPodcastYTLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiktordoktorYou can also write to me. My email address is - kontakt(@) wiktordoktor.pl **************************** This Podcast is supported by Patrons:Marzena Sawicka https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzena-sawicka-a9644a23/Przemysław Sławiński https://www.linkedin.com/in/przemys%C5%82aw-s%C5%82awi%C5%84ski-155a4426/Damian Ruciński https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-ruci%C5%84ski/Szymon Kryczka https://www.linkedin.com/in/szymonkryczka/Grzegorz Ludwin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gludwin/Adam Furmańczuk https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-agilino/Igor Tkach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/igortkach/Damian Wróblewski – https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianwroblewski/Paweł Łopatka - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawellopatka/Ewelina Szindler – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelina-szindler-zarz%C4%85dzanie-mark%C4%85-osobist%C4%85-0497a0212/Wiktor Doktór Jr - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiktor-dokt%C3%B3r-jr-916297188/Agata Stolarz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/agata-stolarz/Hubert Antczak - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hubert-antczak/ Once you listen, give a like, subscribe and join Patrons of Good Morning BSS World as well. Here are two links to do so:Patronite - https://patronite.pl/wiktordoktor Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/wiktordoktor Or if you liked this episode and would like to buy me virtual coffee, you can use this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wiktordoktor - by doing so you support the growth and distribution of this podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-morning-bss-world--4131868/support.
¿Por qué construir "cajas de zapatos" es hoy el mayor riesgo financiero en Real Estate?
Youtube Video Version: youtube.com/watch?v=8yt83zi517E&feature=youtu.be Use my link for 10% off for best worldwide esim ($27 a month unlimited data): https://pangiapass.com/a/bold Find Me Here: https://linktr.ee/bold.perceptions Travel / Lifestyle Consultation, DM Me On Instagram: bold_perceptions ~ Subscribe to win a free flight.... when I hit 5k subscribers I will buy a random person a one way flight to experience solo travel themselves. & I will help you plan the adventure. Plugg technologies website: https://plugg.tech/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plugg_technologies/ ~ Plugg Technologies is a premier nearshore staffing partner that bridges the gap between high-growth U.S. companies and the elite talent pools of Latin America. Specializing in "white-glove" staff augmentation, Plugg provides a seamless, end-to-end solution for hiring top-tier remote professionals—including software engineers, AI specialists, and BPO experts—who operate in North American time zones. By combining deep regional expertise with a rigorous vetting process, the company empowers businesses to scale their teams rapidly while achieving up to 70% in cost savings compared to domestic hiring, all without sacrificing quality or cultural alignment. What truly sets Plugg apart is its comprehensive, people-first approach to the entire employment lifecycle. Beyond mere recruitment, the firm handles the complex logistics of international hiring, including payroll management, legal compliance, and hardware procurement. Their dedicated "Cultural Care Managers" ensure that every new hire is successfully integrated into the client's workflow, fostering long-term partnerships rather than just filling vacancies. With a decade of experience and a commitment to transparency, Plugg Technologies serves as a strategic advisor, helping companies navigate the global talent landscape with confidence, agility, and ease. ~ #travel #travelblogger #nomad #wifimoney #digitalnomad #latinamerica #nearshoring #remotework #podcast #entrepreneur
Brian Samson is the founder of Plug Technologies, a nearshore talent broker that facilitates 100 placements annually for small to medium-sized companies. Brian explains how Plug helps clients access skilled talent in Latin America, offering both cost arbitrage and access to experienced people capable of handling complex technical work. The discussion highlighted how Latin America has become an attractive destination for tech talent, with Brian noting that the region's startup ecosystem and cultural similarities to the US make it an ideal location for nearshoring operations.John MartinkaJessica MartinkaContact us via either website or give us a call and be sure to check out our videos https://nokomisadvisory.com/https://www.martinkaconsulting.com/ https://www.gddpodcast.buzzsprout.comhttps://www.youtube.com/c/JohnAMartinka/videos 425-515-4903
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the search for high-caliber talent is a constant challenge for U.S. businesses. Yet just a short flight away, a vibrant and largely untapped reservoir of skilled professionals is driving innovation across Latin America. Plugg Technologies was founded on the recognition of this immense potential, creating a dedicated pathway for U.S. companies to access the exceptional tech expertise found in countries like Argentina, Mexico, and beyond. This is the story of how a bold vision turned into a company that is redefining staff augmentation and forging powerful, cross-border partnerships.In 2015, Brian Samson, made a bold move. He left San Francisco for Buenos Aires, taking on the challenge of growing a FinTech startup. What started as a small team quickly evolved into a thriving workforce of 85 talented professionals in Argentina. This eye-opening experience revealed a powerful truth: Latin America is home to a wealth of untapped tech talent ready to drive global innovation. This insight led to the creation of Plugg Technologies, a company dedicated to connecting U.S. businesses with the best and brightest minds in LATAM. With the addition of Ruben Santana a 30-year staffing veteran with extensive experience leading nearshoring operations in Mexico our team grew stronger. Ruben's knowledge of the region's talent landscape has been instrumental in our success.Today, Plugg Technologies has become a trusted partner for U.S. companies, placing hundreds of top Latin American tech professionals from Argentina, Mexico, and beyond. We have the infrastructure, leadership, and expertise to make nearshore staff augmentation a seamless experience, empowering companies to scale quickly and efficiently. At Plugg, we're driven by a mission: to provide personalized, hands-on service for every client we work with. Our deep roots in the region, combined with a commitment to excellence, mean we don't just fill positions we build lasting partnerships.CONTACT DETAILS:Email: brian@plugg.tech Business: Plugg TechnologiesWebsite: www.plugg.tech Social Media:Podcast: nearshorecafepodcast.com LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson/ Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services.
In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, to break down what nearshoring really is, when it works best, and how founders can use it to unlock growth without overextending their budgets.Brian has spent more than a decade working across the U.S. and Latin America, building three companies from zero to over $4 million in revenue and helping hundreds of businesses build high-performing global teams. He shares real-world insight into the difference between offshoring and nearshoring, why time zones matter more than ever, and how today's remote tools and AI have completely changed the game.If you've ever wondered whether nearshoring could work for your business — or had a bad experience years ago and wrote it off — this episode will give you a practical, modern perspective.In today's episode, we cover:The difference between offshoring and nearshoring (and why it matters)Which roles and company types benefit most from nearshoringHow to safely “test the waters” without overcommittingThe cultural and structural differences between Latin America and AsiaHow remote work infrastructure and AI have made global teams easier than everWhen to DIY with platforms like Upwork or Fiverr — and when to work with a partnerHow scaling with international talent can increase flexibility and optionality for growing brandsWhether you're a startup founder, agency owner, or scaling eCommerce brand, this episode offers a clear roadmap for building smarter teams in 2026 and beyond.To learn more about Brian and Plugg Technologies, visit https://plug.techInterested in growing your brand with proven direct response strategies? Visit https://harvestgrowth.com and book a free consultation with our team.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review — and we'll see you next time on the Harvest Growth Podcast.
Microsoft advierte más riesgo digital por relocalizaciónCambios en AICM son por remodelación: MarinaCondado de Los Ángeles demanda a RobloxMás información en nuestro Podcast
n this episode, Brian Sampson shares insights into nearshoring — what it is, why it's becoming a game-changer for US businesses, and how Latin America offers an underrated talent pool. Whether you're considering outsourcing or offshoring, understand how nearshoring can reduce costs, increase collaboration, and tap into adaptive, resourceful talent.Nearshore Cafe PodcastPlug - Nearshore Automation ToolsBook: The Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben HorowitLinkedInTwitterEmail: plug.tech
Un an après le retour de Donald Trump à la Maison Blanche, la politique commerciale américaine continue de bouleverser les équilibres mondiaux. Le Mexique, très dépendant de son voisin du nord et directement visé par les droits de douane américains, semblait particulièrement exposé. Pourtant, douze mois plus tard, le bilan économique est loin d'être aussi sombre qu'anticipé. Pour comprendre la situation actuelle, un chiffre s'impose. Plus de 80% des exportations mexicaines sont destinées aux États-Unis. Automobile, pièces détachées, électronique, électroménager ou encore équipements industriels, le Mexique s'est imposé comme l'atelier industriel de l'Amérique du Nord. Cette intégration est telle que depuis 2023, le pays est devenu le premier partenaire commercial des États-Unis, devant la Chine. Mais cette relation est à double tranchant. La dépendance est aussi forte dans l'autre sens, et elle pèse lourdement sur l'économie mexicaine. La croissance du pays repose en grande partie sur un modèle d'assemblage, avec une faible valeur ajoutée locale. En clair, lorsque l'économie américaine ralentit ou change de cap, le Mexique en ressent immédiatement les effets. Comme le résume une formule souvent reprise: quand Washington tousse, c'est Mexico qui est grippé. À lire aussiComment le Mexique se prépare aux mesures de Donald Trump Droits de douane de Trump : un choc annoncé… mais amorti Dans ce contexte, l'offensive protectionniste de Donald Trump aurait dû provoquer un choc majeur. Le président américain a imposé des droits de douane de 25% sur certaines exportations mexicaines, pouvant atteindre 50% sur l'acier et l'aluminium, tout en menaçant l'ACEUM, l'accord de libre-échange entre les États-Unis, le Mexique et le Canada. Au vu du poids des exportations mexicaines vers les entreprises américaines, beaucoup d'économistes s'attendaient à une récession. Pourtant, un an plus tard, la réalité est plus nuancée. Les exportations mexicaines vers les États-Unis ont continué d'augmenter. Ce paradoxe s'explique en grande partie par le contexte mondial. Donald Trump mène une guerre commerciale globale, particulièrement ciblée contre la Chine. En moyenne, les droits de douane américains s'élèvent à environ 5% pour le Mexique, contre près de 40% pour Pékin. Les produits chinois sont donc bien plus lourdement taxés. Résultat : lorsqu'une entreprise américaine cherche un fournisseur alternatif à la Chine, le Mexique apparaît comme une solution évidente. Dans cette guerre commerciale, le pays devient ainsi un « gagnant relatif ». Nearshoring et stratégie mexicaine : une résilience sous conditions Cette dynamique s'inscrit dans une stratégie plus large de nearshoring. Plutôt que de produire à l'autre bout du monde, les entreprises choisissent de s'implanter au plus près du marché américain, dans des pays moins exposés aux droits de douane. Le Mexique attire ainsi des industriels américains, mais aussi asiatiques et européens, soucieux de sécuriser leurs chaînes d'approvisionnement. Pour autant, cette situation reste fragile. Une décision unilatérale de Donald Trump, comme une hausse brutale des droits de douane, pourrait rapidement rebattre les cartes. Côté mexicain, la stratégie est clairement assumée : éviter l'affrontement direct avec Washington. La présidente Claudia Sheinbaum a multiplié les gestes d'apaisement, renforçant la sécurité à la frontière, intensifiant la lutte contre le trafic de fentanyl et allant jusqu'à imposer des droits de douane sur certains produits chinois. À court terme, cette approche porte ses fruits. Le Mexique résiste et profite du recul chinois sur le marché américain. À moyen terme, la question centrale demeure. Cette stratégie va-t-elle renforcer encore davantage la dépendance du pays aux États-Unis ? Car malgré cette résilience apparente, le Mexique reste, aujourd'hui encore, sous pression. À lire aussiLe Mexique défend sa souveraineté face aux menaces d'intervention des États-Unis
Are you facing the pressure to reinvent your business before it's too late? Imagine your cash flow vanishing, your team at risk, and your market shifting overnight.In this candid, deeply human episode, Sivana Brewer talks to Ruth Velez, COO and co-founder of Vinali Group, who led her company from the brink of collapse during COVID through a string of audacious pivots to global growth. Ruth exposes the real emotional rollercoaster behind leading with your partner, building culture across borders, hiring and keeping amazing talent, and never losing faith, no matter how chaotic it gets.This episode isn't just about operations, it's about surviving, adapting, and growing stronger together. Listen now to avoid the pain of stalling out, wasting years on the wrong models, or letting fear keep you stuck. Don't miss Ruth's rare, actionable insights. You won't get this level of honesty or inside story anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The bold moment Ruth and her husband decided failure was NOT an option[02:50] – How COVID nearly destroyed their staffing business—and the exact pivot that saved them[03:59] – Recruiting from Colombia: training from scratch to building a cross-border powerhouse[05:45] – Nearshoring vs. offshoring: hidden advantages for cost, culture, trust[08:52] – Security, HR, and team-building—the true reasons to use a staffing partner[12:00] – Grit and transparency: the secret to client loyalty during chaos[17:48] – Marriage + business: the COO/CEO dynamic, picking which wild ideas to follow[24:06] – Being the “options queen”—conquering doubts and finding your strengths[33:42] – Building legacy: raising entrepreneurial kids in a family business[35:34] – Only work with clients who TRULY fit—how that changed everythingAbout the GuestRuth Velez is COO and co-founder of Vinali Group, an international nearshore staffing company headquartered in Orlando, FL with offices in Colombia and across Latin America. Ruth is known for operational excellence, culture-building, and helping US companies leverage nearshoring for both trust and talent.
The Donald Trump administration revealed the US empire's new plan for global dominance in the 2025 National Security Strategy. The goal is to impose hegemony in the Western Hemisphere, reviving the colonial Monroe Doctrine, to move supply chains out of Asia and bring manufacturing into Latin America via "nearshoring", in order to economically decouple from China and prepare for conflict in Cold War Two. Ben Norton analyzes the important document. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idkurWogst8 Topics 0:00 Summary of US National Security Strategy 2:45 US economic dependency on China 5:25 USA loses China war games 6:45 Why Trump targets Latin America 7:41 Marco Rubio, war hawk 9:34 (CLIP) Marco Rubio on China "threat" 10:17 Main goals of Trump's foreign policy 10:35 Improve Russia relations 11:30 Brief summary of US strategy 12:01 Western media misunderstands report 13:24 Whitewashing US imperialism 14:45 Obama's pivot to Asia 15:18 Asia is 1/2 of global economy 16:05 Hillary Clinton's "Russia reset" 16:34 Second Cold War aims at China 17:38 Main goals of US foreign policy 21:29 First target: Latin America 23:13 Second target: China 24:37 US dollar dominance 25:47 (CLIP) Trump threatens BRICS 26:16 Weaponizing technology 26:44 Natural resources in Americas 27:27 Hypocritical buzzwords 29:38 Culture war 32:00 Regions targeted by US empire 32:22 Colonial Monroe Doctrine 33:51 "Enlisting" US vassals 35:30 Nearshoring manufacturing 37:58 Militarizing Latin America 39:04 USA threatens countries 40:30 Natural resources 41:30 "US must be preeminent" 41:55 Cutting off Chinese technology 42:58 Goal: "an American-led world" 43:59 US government serves corporations 45:51 Strategy in "Indo-Pacific" region 46:21 Criticizing China's independence 47:17 Pacific: 21st century's "battleground" 47:52 Asia is half of world GDP (PPP) 49:08 Decline of Western hegemony 51:04 Supply chains 51:31 Economic war 52:21 India 55:12 Japan, South Korea, Australia 57:22 Dollar as global reserve currency 57:45 Taiwan 1:01:28 Europe 1:02:20 Russia 1:03:15 EU as captive US market 1:04:47 West Asia (Middle East) 1:05:18 Oil and natural gas 1:06:19 Israel 1:06:56 Africa 1:08:15 Conclusion 1:08:49 Outro
Send us a textWalk the floor at Web Summit without leaving your headphones. We sit down with Jo Smets, founder of BluePanda and president of the Portuguese Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, to unpack how nearshoring and AI are reshaping CRM, marketing, and team delivery across Europe.We start with clarity on nearshoring: why time zone, culture, and communication speed beat cost alone, and how that proximity pays off when you're wiring AI into daily work. Jo shares how BluePanda applies AI beyond demos—recruitment, performance, and operations—then translates those lessons into client outcomes. We compare adoption patterns across startups and corporates, call out the real blocker (end‑to‑end process automation), and map the role of global networks like BBN for keeping pace with tools and trends.The conversation pivots to trust and governance: practical ways to protect data, when on‑prem makes sense, and how to use EU AI Act guidance without stalling innovation. We explore the marketing shift from SEO to GEO, the idea of “AI‑proof” websites, and the move toward dynamic, persona‑aware content that renders at load. Jo offers a simple path to progress—pick one process, pilot, measure, educate—while keeping empathy at the core as managers start leading both humans and AI agents. Along the way, we spotlight how chambers and communities connect ecosystems across borders, turning events into learning loops and real partnerships.Looking to modernize without losing your team's identity? You'll leave with a plan for small wins, a lens for tool curation, and a sharper view of where marketing is headed next. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a colleague who's wrestling with AI adoption, and drop a review to help others find the show.This episode was recorded in the official podcast booth at Web Summit (Lisbon) on November 12, 2025. Check the video footage, read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/why-european-teams-win-with-nearshoring-and-practical-ai/..........................................................................
Unlocking the Power of Nearshore Talent: Insights from Rob Levin of WorkBetterNowIn this episode, host Josh Elledge talks with Rob Levin, Chairman and Co-Founder of WorkBetterNow, about how nearshore talent is transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses scale and strengthen their teams. Rob—also the host of the Great Talent Great Business podcast and author of the forthcoming New Talent Playbook—explains why nearshoring offers a competitive advantage and how companies can use it to build high-performing, culture-aligned teams.Why Nearshore Talent Is Transforming the Modern WorkforceRob explains that U.S. companies continue to battle a persistent talent shortage, rising salaries, and intense competition for high-performing professionals. Nearshoring solves these challenges by giving leaders access to highly skilled, English-proficient team members across Latin America who work in real time, align culturally, and bring strong loyalty and work ethic.He shares examples of how roles such as executive assistants, estimating support, inside sales, marketing, finance, and customer service can dramatically increase organizational capacity. When leaders delegate operational tasks to nearshore professionals, they free themselves to focus on strategy, revenue, and growth. WorkBetterNow further strengthens this advantage by training all talent in AI, boosting efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.Rob also highlights how nearshoring simplifies HR for business owners. WorkBetterNow handles payroll, compliance, and all employment-related responsibilities, eliminating legal risk and administrative burden. Companies see the best results when they treat nearshore professionals as integrated team members—with clear expectations, cultural inclusion, and strong communication rhythms.About Rob LevinRob Levin is the Chairman and Co-Founder of WorkBetterNow and a respected authority on hiring, talent strategy, and small business growth. As host of the Great Talent Great Business podcast and author of The New Talent Playbook, Rob helps leaders build effective, scalable teams with clarity and confidence. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.About WorkBetterNowWorkBetterNow provides full-time, dedicated nearshore professionals from Latin America to U.S.-based companies. Through its Precision Match Process and rapid onboarding, WorkBetterNow delivers culturally aligned, highly skilled talent while managing all HR, payroll, and compliance. Their mission is to help small and mid-sized businesses scale smarter by integrating exceptional nearshore team members.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeRob Levin's LinkedIn ProfileWorkBetterNow WebsiteKey Episode HighlightsWhy nearshoring is becoming essential for SMB growthThe top roles where nearshore professionals deliver the most impactHow WorkBetterNow trains its talent in AI for increased productivityThe importance of cultural fit and team integration in remote teamsHow nearshoring reduces hiring risk, compliance pressure, and administrative loadA breakdown of WorkBetterNow's Precision Match ProcessConclusionRob's insights reveal the growing importance of nearshoring as a long-term workforce strategy. With the right partner and processes in place, leaders can build deeply committed,...
In this episode we discuss the powerful reshoring and nearshoring trend reshaping U.S. industry, the surge in long-term capital investment, and why the reindustrialization of America may be a durable economic tailwind for years to come. To read this week's Sight|Lines, click here. The views expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect the views of Stifel Financial Corp. or its affiliates (collectively, Stifel). This communication is provided for information purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss. © Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grab your cafecito ☕️—today we're talking global expansion with Mike from H&Co, who leads their Global Expansion team. From when it makes sense to go international to how tariffs and nearshoring are reshaping strategy, Mike breaks down the real-world playbook for entering LATAM (Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile), UAE/Saudi, Europe, Canada, and more. We also get into culture, careers, and some elite sports-travel stories (World Cup, Wimbledon, El Clásico).What you'll learnHow to know if your company is ready to expand (it's about opportunity, not just revenue)Tariffs & counter-tariffs made simple—and why nearshoring to Mexico/Colombia is boomingEntity setup, tax/accounting/HR/payroll, ERP considerations, and compliance (end-to-end roadmap)Picking your first country: market demand, treaties, ops complexity, and costCulture & execution: why great products still fail without local adaptationCareer path into international business (skills that actually matter)Chapters0:00 Intro & why H&Co partners with Cafecito y Croquetas1:15 Mike's path: Spain → London → Miami & 100+ countries4:00 Why companies expand globally (demand, costs, M&A)6:45 Are you “big enough” to go international?8:10 What H&Co handles: entity, tax, HR/payroll, compliance, ERPs10:30 Picking markets: Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, UAE, Saudi, EU, Canada13:55 Tariffs explained & the rise of nearshoring18:20 Realities vs. politics: how smart operators adapt21:10 Culture, timelines, and choosing the right structure24:40 Testing demand with digital marketing before you land27:30 Living/working in Spain, UK, Switzerland—business culture lessons31:20 Sports stories: World Cup semis/final, El Clásico, rugby/cricket35:40 Career advice for breaking into global expansion37:00 WrapWho this episode is forFounders, COOs, CFOs, and marketers exploring international growth, cost optimization, and compliance-ready market entry.ConnectGuest: Mike — H&Co (Global Expansion)Host: Stay Tranquilo Network | Cafecito y Croquetas#globalexpansion #career #businesspodcast #morningbrew #business #businesssuccess #miami #globalbusiness #latam #tarrifs #nearshoring #uae #growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A "relentless" surge has happened in U.S-Mexico trade, which reached a staggering $840 billion in 2024 and jumped another 21% year-to-date in 2025. Companies like Echo Global Logistics are capitalizing on this growth, accelerating investment by opening a new office in Monterrey, Mexico, a key hub in the "golden triangle" of manufacturing. Nearshoring significantly enhances supply chain efficiency, cutting transit times from finished product to a U.S. door down to just 24 to 72 hours, far superior to the 14 to 20 days typically needed for freight coming from Asia. Shifting focus to the Pacific ports, we analyze the sharp, "truly historic decline" in U.S. container imports, projected to fall 15.7% for the remainder of 2025, driven by China tariffs and shipment front-loading. This soft volume is "absolutely hammering" the domestic trucking sector, leading to significant cuts in Q3 and Q4 earnings estimates for major asset-based truckload carriers like Schneider and Werner. Small carriers are feeling a "brutal" cash flow crisis, illustrated by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of H5 Transport, which relied heavily on factoring to make weekly payroll. Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is still on, aimed at achieving $1 billion in annual cost savings. We discuss why industry veterans caution that the secured lifetime job protection guarantees for the SMART-TD union might become a "ticket to misery" for employees forced into undesirable work or relocations. Ultimately, navigating the freight industry's future requires adapting to three massive disruptive forces: effectively integrating AI and FreightTech, managing geopolitical shifts and trade policies, and adjusting to changing workforce dynamics due to automation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices