The International Business Podcast
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. Leonardo interviews experts from around the world across various industries, engaging in conversations that uncover their challenges and provide insights to help you become a better international business leader. If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the right place. Business culture, and intercultural stories. Join the “Asia With Leonardo” newsletter. Link in every episode.
Episodes
#146 Japan after 1945: World War 2, Keiretsu, Kaizen and the cost of success
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to The International Business Podcast. AI can now summarise almost anything in seconds. That's powerful, but it makes it easy to stay at the surface. We get headlines, bullet points, "3 key takeaways", and move on. What's lost is context, nuance, and understanding t
#145: Global business in 2025
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to The International Business Podcast. In this episode, Leonardo unpacks the “double helix” of risk and opportunity that defines international business for 2025: from the fragmentation of globalization and the unstoppable rise of AI, to the centrality of sustainability, talent shifts
#144: This Expat Life
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Amanda Molenaar is a life coach for high-achieving expats. As a former diplomat, she knows what it's like to balance international ambition with a steady personal life. Through 1:1 coaching, online programs and events, Amanda now helps high-
#143: Growth strategy amid uncertainty
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Strategy, structure, people. This encapsulates the need for a clear strategic direction, an organizational framework to support it, and the right human resources to execute it—each reinforcing the others to drive business success.--------If you
#142: Grounding leaders in value creation
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. --------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the right place. Business culture, and intercultural stories. Join the “Asia With Leonardo” newsletter.-------"Asia with Leonardo library", if
#141 Concept: The G7 countries
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to The International Business Podcast. This episode is part of the CONCEPT series, where Leonardo aims to define a key topic in international business. Today, we're discussing the G-7.The G-7, or group of 7, are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The UK and the USA, col
#140: Taking your business global
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. International strategy, how to measure cross-cultural competency in multinational teams, and more.--------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the right place. Business culture, and intercultural
#139: How India works
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. The episode focuses on India, exploring the persistent misconceptions foreign executives bring to Indian workplaces and how global leaders can adapt their leadership styles to navigate India's hierarchical corporate structure. Find mor
#138: The art of international sales
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we delve into international sales. From connecting SMEs across Australia, Latin America, and Spain to overcoming regulatory challenges and understanding cultural nuances, two expert guests share insights on what's changed in the
#137: The Gulf region. Oil, AI and Giga-projects
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we delve into the Gulf countries. With the rapid growth in smartphone and internet penetration in Saudi Arabia, how can businesses leverage the digital landscape to enhance customer experience and market reach? Why is Dubai a hub fo
#136: Beauty, luxury and innovation
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we delve into the world of beauty and luxury. We will travel across the UK, Italy, France and China. What role will technology play in shaping the future of luxury? What are the most significant shifts occurring in the Chinese beau
#135: The Expat journey, from transition to transformation
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. What are some of the unexpected reverse culture shocks that expats experience upon returning to their home country? What are the most important skills expats should cultivate to navigate unexpected career shifts in 2025 and beyond? And more.---
#134: The future of international education
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. What is the future of international education? How do current geopolitical trends are influencing the choices of students when selecting study abroad destinations? And more. We do this with two experts. See their details below.--------If you wo
#133: Global supply chains, payroll puzzles
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Today we dive into the intricacies of global supply chains, factory relocations, personnel relocation, overseas payroll management and more. We do this with two experts. See their details below.--------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want
#132 Concept: BRIC, BRICS, BRICS+
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.BRICS+ has the potential to reshape the global economic landscape. The bloc’s focus on financial independence, trade cooperation, and infrastructure developm
#131: Decoding AI. A world tour with business leaders
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. AI has emerged as a pivotal element within numerous organizations due to its ability to transform business operations and drive growth. Today we travel around the world to discuss AI. We’re going to Canada, Portugal, China, and Brazil. See belo
#130 Concept: Supply Chain Management (SCM)
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.Today, we talk about supply chain management. SCM, abbreviated, has emerged as a cornerstone of successful international business operations. In an era where
#129: Recruit and retain
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we dive into the world of HR, exploring it from botha recruitment and company culture perspective. Automation and AI are ubiquitous in today's business landscape. What should job seekers be wary of? Companies are facing significant c
#128 Concept: Economic sanctions
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about economic sanctions. Economic sanctions act as tools of diplomacy that can greatly affect global trade. These measures, which can includ
#127: The LATAM advantage. Nearshoring and expansion
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we dive into Latin America from different angles:nearshoring, market access to LATAM, and LATAM expansion to Europe. We have three guests joining us—one based in Colombia, one in Brazil, and one in Spain. --------If you work with Asia or
#126 Concept: North American Free Trade Agreement
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about NAFTA. It stands for North American Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA was a trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico,signed in 1992 an
#125: Between borders, beyond boundaries
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to The International Business Podcast. Muraly Srinarayanathas, author of Between Borders, Beyond Boundaries: Strategies for Authentic Business Engagement in an Interconnected World, is a global strategist and serial entrepreneur. He is co-founder and executive chairman of 369 Globa
#124 Concept: The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). It was established in 1961 to boost the economic growth of Western i
#123: Silicon Valley Bank goes to China, an unintended tech transfer
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. What are the major differences between U.S. and Chinesebusiness dealings and practices? What questions do today’s business leaders need to ask towork successfully and carefully with China? How does the CCP operate, including their use of flatt
#122 Concept: Multi-domestic strategy
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about the multi-domestic strategy. This strategy emphasizes local responsiveness over global efficiency. Companies adopting this approach tai
#121: Temu unleashed. How this e-commerce giant is disrupting the market with ultra-low prices
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Today we talk about Temu. Temu is an online marketplace that belongs to the Chinese Pinduoduo Group, which was founded by Colin Huang, one of China’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. It kicked off in May 2022 and made its way to Europe in May 2023.The
#120: The best of 2024
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host, Leonardo Marra, welcome to The International Business Podcast. Today’s the last episode of 2024. I’ve decided to bring back the best episodes of the year.And by best, I mean the most listened to. Enjoy these pills from your favorite episodes, and see you in 2025. --------If you work with Asia or in A
#119: Relocating to Denmark as an expat
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Today we dive into the fascinating world of international professionals relocating to Denmark. As of 2024, Denmark's GDP is projected to reach approximately $412.28 billion, reflecting a solid growth rate of around 3.0%. This growth is larg
#118 Concept: Inflation
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about inflation. Inflation is an essential economic principle that denotes the overall rise in the costs of goods and services within an econ
#117: Business innovation, design thinking and open innovation
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is Leonardo from Shanghai, and welcome to the international business podcast. Today we delve into business innovation. What is design thinking? How can an organization improve the volume and quality of new ideas? And more.--------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the
TRAILER - Is this show for you?
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Welcome to the International Business Podcast, hosted by me, Leonardo. Are you based in the U.S. but tasked with expanding sales into Latin America? Are you a French national in Tokyo managing Asia-Pacific markets? Or perhaps you're in Spain overseeing exports to the Middle East and North Africa? These are just a
#116: Concept: Global manufacturing
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.Today, we talk about global manufacturing. Global manufacturing involves companies evaluating diverse political, cultural, and technological factors when sel
#115: The Split, finding the opportunities in China's economy in the New World Order
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Today, we explore the divide between China and the United States and its global repercussions. The world is increasingly dividing between the U.S. and China. No government or company is immune to the escalating tensions between these two superpowers. - China’s old growth playbook relying on real estate forgrowth is da
#114 Concept: Tariffs escalation
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. Today, we talk about escalation, specifically tariffs escalation.Tariff escalation refers to a trade policy characterized by protectionist measures, in whic
#113: Corporate culture, multicultural teams and cultural agility
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Today we discuss about corporate culture, multicultural teams, cultural agility and more. How can leaders actively shape and reinforce thecorporate culture within their organizations, especially during times of change?Teams are the core of organizationalperformance and need dedicated support to align on goals, come tog
#112 Concept: Hierarchical Business Culture
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.Today, we present the concept of hierarchical business culture, a vital aspect of organizational dynamics that significantly influences management practices.
#111: Japan, cultural misunderstandings and leadership styles
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is Leonardo from Shanghai, and welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we delve into the experiences of foreigners working in Japan, collaborating with Japanese professionals, and vice versa. Who is your typical executive in Japan? How does leadership change across language and culture? What is the t
#110 Concept: Dollarization
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.Today we present the concept of dollarization.Dollarization occurs when a country transitions from using its domestic currency to adopting a foreign currency
#109: China's digital ecosystem
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is Leonardo from Shanghai, and welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we discuss the China's digital ecosystem. --------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the right place. Business culture, and intercultural stories. Join the “Asia With Leonardo” new
#108 Concept: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline.Today we present the concept of Foreign Direct investment (FDI). Foreign Direct Investment is a significant aspect of international economics, representing
#107: Expats, intercultural leadership, social wealth
If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. Welcome to the international business podcast. Today, we discuss expats. To learn more about each guest joining Leonardo today, please check below.--------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the right place. Business culture, and intercultural stories. Join the “Asia With Le
#106 Concept: Tariffs
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. To further your research, you can find sources below.Today we discuss tariffs. A tariff is essentially a tax on products, raw materials, or goods produced o
#105 Concept: APEC, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. Today we start a new format called "Concept". Every week (or so) Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. To further your research, you can find sources below.Today we talk about APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
#104: Strategy
What is strategy in a broad sense? What are the different types of international strategy? How would you define competitive advantage?This and more in today’s episode. If you’d like to come on the show, please connect with Leo.--------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the right place. Business culture, and intercultural stories. Join the “Asia With Le
#103: The importance of 1:1 meetings
Are 1:1 meetings important? How to run effective meetings? What’s their purpose? This and more. Let's engage with international professionals from China, the UK, the USA, and Japan.--------If you work with Asia or in Asia and want to understand it properly, you are in the right place. Business culture, and intercultural stories. Join the “Asia With Leonardo” newsletter.-------"Asia wit
