International Business Today Podcast - D'Amore-McKim School of Business

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International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future, our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.

The podcast, released in seasons of six or more episodes, is currently in Season Five and hosted by Paula Caligiuri. She and her guests share their experience and insights on AI, global virtual teams, leadership authenticity, and more. Guests include David De Cremer, Mila Lazarova, Vasyl Taras, Dave Collings, Dana Born, Dan Caprar, Dana Minbaeva, and Marion Festing.

About the host

Paula Caligiuri is a Distinguished Professor of international business and strategy at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. She is also the founder of Skiilify and has been named one of the most prolific authors in international business for her work in the areas of expatriate management, global leadership development, and cultural agility. She has authored or co-authored several articles and books – including Cultural Agility: Building a Pipeline of Successful Global Professionals, Build Your Cultural Agility, and Get a Life, Not a Job.

Caligiuri is an instructor for two LinkedIn Learning courses: Managing Globally and Six Skills to Build Cultural Agility. She holds a Ph.D. from Penn State University in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and is a Fellow in both the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Academy of International Business.

Season Five Episodes

Unleashing AI's Potential for Global Business Leadership

D'Amore-McKim's Dunton Family Dean David De Cremer delves into the evolving role of business leaders as AI is integrated into various aspects of global business operations and leadership. He explores AI's influence on job roles, illustrating how businesses can harness AI correctly to drive innovation, efficiency, and positive workforce transformation.

About the guest: De Cremer, a leading behavioral scientist, specializes in managing and guiding transformations in the AI era. He is the Dunton Family Dean at D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University. Previously, he held prestigious positions at National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School and Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

Fostering Global Career Success

Professor Mila Lazarova shares her insights on leveraging international experience for career advancement. She highlights the nuances of global identity, cultural intelligence, and the strategic role of international human resource management in fostering career growth and success in an increasingly globalized professional landscape.

About the guest: Lazarova is a Professor of International Business in International Business at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University in Canada. Her research is in the areas of repatriation and international assignments' impact on careers and work/life balance, HR transformation, and comparative HRM. Mila holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Workforce Management.

Insights on Ways to Enhance the Success of Global Virtual Teams

Professor Vasyl Taras discusses the nuances of and best practices for global teams and describes the efficacy of crowd-based problem-solving. He shares fascinating insights from the cutting-edge X-Culture Project to foster the development of competencies needed for cross-cultural collaboration.

About the guest: Taras, an Associate Professor of International Business at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, holds a Ph.D. in International Human Resources and Organizational Dynamics from the University of Calgary, Canada. He is the Founder of the X-Culture Project, focusing on cross-cultural and global virtual teams and experiential international business education. His research team explores the potential of global crowds in problem-solving.

Harnessing the Power of Global Talent Management for Business Growth

Professor Dave Collings shares his thoughts on the critical aspects of global talent management and its pivotal role in achieving sustainable growth. He explores the evolving dynamics of talent management, emphasizing the changing roles within organizations, the importance of nurturing a diverse talent pool, and strategies to effectively consider and harness global talent.

About the guest: Collings, Chair of Sustainable Business at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin,Ireland, has held prestigious academic positions worldwide. He is a Member of the Royal Irish Academy and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Renowned for his work in global talent management, global mobility, and sustainable work, he has received numerous awards for his thought leadership.

The Importance of Leadership Authenticity

General Dana Born explores the essence of authenticity in leadership. She provides a comprehensive understanding of what authenticity truly means in a leadership context and why it is essential in today's world. She delves into practical strategies on how individuals can embark on the journey of learning authenticity and effectively implement it in their leadership roles.

About the guest: Born, Co-Director of Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership and Faculty Chair for the Senior Executive Fellows Program, retired as a Brigadier General after 30 years in the United States Air Force. With a distinguished career, she also served as Dean of Faculty at the US Air Force Academy. Dr. Born holds multiple degrees, including a Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She has received several awards, including the Eugene M. Zuckert Award, and is actively engaged in various organizations and serves on multiple boards.

Episode 6: April 10, 2024 release

Navigating Counter-Cultural Talent Management and Business Ethics

Associate Professor Dan Caprar discusses some counterintuitive ways that cross-cultural management should be understood and its intersection with business ethics. He provides valuable insights on how organizations can effectively manage diverse talent from different cultural backgrounds while upholding ethical standards that challenge groups' cultural norms.

About the guest: Caprar, an associate professor at University Of Sydney in Australia is a thought-leader in the ways individuals are shaped by their work environment and how they, in turn, impact it. His cutting-edge research, teaching, and consulting focuses on culture, identity, and leadership. With an extensive international career, he has taught and studied in many countries and was a Fulbright Scholar.

Episode 7: April 24, 2024 release

Advancing Global Collaboration and Innovation through Talent

Professor Dana Minbaeva shares insights on fostering knowledge sharing and global team success, explores AI in decision-making, and reflects on international HR trends and personal global leadership experiences.

About the guest: Minbaeva is a Professor of Human Resource Management at King's Business School, King's College London and is also affiliated with Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. With over 70 thought-leading academic articles, her research focuses on strategic and international HRM. She is a Fellow of the Academy of International Business (AIB) and has received numerous national and international awards for her research.

Episode 8: May 8, 2024 release

Navigating International Career Growth

Professor Marion Festing discusses the impact of international experience on career success, emphasizing cultural agility, global identity development, and the value of international education.

About the guest: Festing, an esteemed professor in Human Resource Management and Intercultural Leadership, has held significant academic roles, including leading the Talent Management Institute (TMI) and the Excellence Centre of Intercultural Management (CIM). She served as the Rector of the Berlin Campus and European Research Dean. Her expertise is in the areas of International HR Management, Global Leadership, and Strategic HR Management.

About the host

Ravi Sarathy, Professor in International Business & Strategy, teaches at the D'Amore-McKim School of business at Northeastern University. His research interests are in global strategy, technology strategy and family business. He is the author of “Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain”, published by MIT Press in Oct. 2022, and “Firms within Families: Enterprising in Diverse Country Contexts”, Edward Elgar Publishing 2015. He holds a Ph.D., from the University of Michigan, and is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

He has conducted executive education programs for companies such as BAE Systems, and LG Electronics (S. Korea), and published in journals such as Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management Studies, Sloan Management Review, and California Management Review. He was a Fulbright scholar, as the Fulbright-Flad Chair in Strategic Management at the Technical University of Lisbon, and has served as a visiting professor at the University of Michigan, Australian Graduate School of Management in Sydney, Fundação Getulio Vargas in Sao Paulo, and other institutions.

Season Four Episodes

From Army to Real Estate Mogul: Frederick Brodsky's Journey of Entrepreneurship, Relationships, and Analytics

Mr. Brodsky recounts his entrepreneurial journey, from his early career working in Europe, then an Army stint, followed by education at Northeastern and pivotal co-op (work internship) experiences, leading to top management executive roles, before starting up and establishing himself as a real estate entrepreneur. He discusses adversity, the centrality of relationships, and understanding numbers and analytics, in building a business, as well as the importance of having caring but demanding mentors.

About the guest: Brodsky, a successful top management executive and entrepreneur, is a D'Amore-McKim Business School (DMSB) graduate and has served Northeastern University as an Overseer, as a Trustee, and currently as Trustee Emeritus. He founded International Investment Advisors, Inc., a real estate investment and development corporation serving global corporate and private clients. As an educational benefactor, he has endowed the Darla and Frederick Brodsky Trustee Professor in Global Business at DMSB.

Decoding Chinese Innovation: Superapps, Alibaba, and TikTok's Digital Strategies with George S. Yip

Professor Yip discusses strategy and innovation in Chinese firms, and the lessons that Western multinationals can learn from them. He notes that Chinese innovation is now the source of new knowledge, including superapps and retail process innovation, such as at TikTok and Alibaba. He also dissects and explains Chinese organizational innovation, which he describes as Digitally Enhanced Directed Autonomy.

About the guest: Yip is an Emeritus Professor at Imperial College Business School, London, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at D'Amore McKim Business School, is a renowned expert in strategy, innovation and Chinese business practices, having previously taught at institutions such as Harvard, London Business School and CEIBS. He has written over a dozen books including “Total Global Strategy,” and “Pioneers, Hidden Champions, Change Makers and Underdogs: Lessons From China's Innovators”, and is recognized for his outstanding teaching and research.

Sustainability in Construction: Sheila Puffer on Social Media Communication, Government Roles, and NGO Collaboration

Professor Puffer, explores the importance of sustainability, stressing its relevance across society, and using the international construction industry as a context for understanding the ramifications of sustainability. She also analyzes how a firm communicates its sustainability stance and actions, using a firm's social media posts as one vehicle for such communications. She also examines the complementary roles of Governments and NGOs, and combined action for advancing sustainability goals.

About the guest: Puffer, a University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business is a leading scholar on business in Russia, Eastern Europe, and other emerging markets, with her more recent work focuses on sustainability across industries and firms. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of international business, addressing a wide range of topics including leadership, strategy, entrepreneurship, corporate governance, informal networks, ethics, and migration.

Digital Dynamics of Corporate Reputation: William Newburry on Global Challenges, Supply Chain Values, and Joint Venture Strategies

Professor Newburry extensively examines corporate reputation, covering its definition, measurement, and factors that lead to a positive reputation. He discusses how firms can manage their global reputation, highlighting the impact of digital platforms and social media. He also explores the complexities of shared value in global supply chains and joint ventures, offering insights on how companies can successfully navigate challenges to uphold and elevate their reputation.

About the guest: Newburry is the Ryder Eminent Scholar of Global Business at Florida International University, and a Fellow of the Academy of International Business (AIB). His research focuses on multinational firm strategy, and on Corporate Reputation. He has published numerous articles, and several books, his most recent being Building Strategic Capabilities in Emerging Economies, published by Cambridge University Press.

Costa Rica's Global Business Rise: Intel's Strategy, Economic Growth, and Emerging Market Dynamics with Gustavo A. Barboza

Professor Barboza discusses doing international business in small emerging markets, with a spotlight on Costa Rica. He discusses Costa Rica's attractiveness as a location for manufacturing and foreign direct investment, and how multinationals such as Intel have entered and evolved their strategy in Costa Rica. With insights into the country's economic growth, regulatory environment, and workforce skill development, combined with real-world examples, the conversation offers a comprehensive view of a small emerging economy (Costa Rica) and its attempts to establish itself in the global business landscape.

About the guest: Barboza holds the Jack and Vada Reynolds Endowed Chair of International Business, Loyola University of New Orleans, with a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois. His research interests cover international economics, macroeconomics, and economic development, and he has emphasized startups, knowledge spillovers, and technology transfer in emerging markets.

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Behind the Family Business Veil: Myths, Succession Secrets, and Growth Insights with Kimberly A. Eddleston

Professor Eddleston discusses some of the benefits and disadvantages of family businesses, myths surrounding family business, issues relevant to family business growth such as succession, and reviews opportunities and challenges facing family business. She draws on her wealth of experience and examples to illuminate her insights and advice.

About the guest: Eddleston is the Schulze Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and a Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. She's a recognized expert in family and small business management, with numerous articles published in top management journals. Her numerous awards include the Raymond E. Miles Distinguished Scholar Award, and she serves as Editor-in-Chief of familybusiness.org and holds editorial roles at several other esteemed academic journals.

About the host

Season Three Episodes

The truth about shareholder activism with Kevin Chuah

Professor Chuah discusses the evolving landscape of shareholder activism, which now extends beyond financial matters to address sustainability, environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. He further shares the diverse range of shareholders involved in activism and provides examples of successful campaigns that have influenced corporate practices.

About the guest: Chuah is an assistant professor at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business in the International Business & Strategy group. Kevin serves as a Research Fellow at the Wharton ESG Initiative. His primary focus in research revolves around corporate governance, corporate sustainability, and responsible investment. His focus is on the impact of shareholder activism on the strategic decisions of companies concerning ESG matters.y.

The intersection of DEI and cross-cultural management with Richard Griffith

Professor Griffith highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding cultural differences and the socialization agents that shape individuals' values. He also emphasizes the need for companies to integrate cross-cultural management and DEI initiatives to drive better outcomes.

About the guest: Griffith, Professor of Industrial Organizational Psychology and the Executive Director of The Institute for Cross Cultural Management at the Florida Institute of Technology, provides coaching and consulting in global leadership, cross-cultural management, and DEI. He has authored over 100 publications, co-edited multiple books, and has conducted funded research for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The importance of industry clusters in a virtual world with Anna Lamin

Professor Lamin discusses the transfer of technology from foreign firms to domestic firms and the challenges associated with it. She also discusses the important concept of knowledge spillovers and shares how industry clusters and physical co-location remain important for knowledge sharing even in an increasingly virtual world.

About the guest: Lamin, associate professor within the International Business & Strategy Group at D'Amore-McKim School of Business, has gained recognition in the academic community for her extensive research on business groups, location choice and clusters, as well as organizational legitimacy. Anna's research primarily focuses on firms operating in emerging markets, with a particular emphasis on India.

Global leadership insights with Julian Dalzell

Mr. Dalzell shares his 40-year journey as a global leader with Shell. He describes the importance of understanding local cultures and laws when working in different countries, illustrated through stories from his career journey. He gives outstanding guidance and advice for those who want to expand their own global career or ascend into a global leadership role.

About the guest: Dalzell, before joining the faculty at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, spent 43 years in a variety of roles around the world with the Royal Dutch/Shell group of companies; including roles in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. He has recently co-authored a book: Talent Without Borders – Global Talent Acquisition for Competitive Advantage.

The role of higher education to create a successful workforce of the future with Joseph E. Aoun

President Aoun shares how universities and organizations can collectively students for a complex, technologically integrated, and global future. He describes the importance of “humanics” an approach that combines technical literacy, data literacy, and human literacy as key skills needed in an age of artificial intelligence. He highlights the imperative for universities and organizations to collaborate to train individuals on how to work with machines but also on the skills that machines cannot easily replicate.

About the guest: Aoun, a distinguished academic leader and scholar, is currently serving as the President of Northeastern University. His leadership at Northeastern University, beginning in 2006, has been marked by transformative growth, including the expansion of the university's global network campuses. He is a well-respected voice in higher education, particularly known for his advocacy of “humanics” discussed in this episode. He has written extensively on the subject, including his book “Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” and he continues to influence the broader landscape of higher education.

Working effectively across generational differences with Rachele Focardi

Ms. Focardi discusses the importance of intergenerational collaboration in the workplace and the challenges that organizations face in bridging generational gaps. She highlights the practical ways in which organizations can harness the best of generational differences to drive growth and execute strategy.

About the guest: Focardi is a leading expert on generational diversity and best-selling author of Reframing Generational Stereotypes published by McGraw Hill in December 2020. Rachele is a global thought-leader and public speaker on multigenerational workforce effectiveness, future of work, and employer branding. Over the last 18 years, she has advised hundreds of companies, government agencies, and NGOs.

The trends, changes, and fundamentals of digital marketing with Koen Pauwels

Professor Pauwels discusses the ways in which digital marketing has introduced new avenues for reaching customers in the context of the important fundamentals of human behaviour and marketing. He describes how digital marketing trends vary across industries and countries. He also advises on how companies can better understand their target customers, set clear goals, and choose the right digital channels to connect with and engage their audience.

About the guest: Pauwels, Distinguished Professor of Marketing at D'Amore-McKim, co-directs the Digital, Analytics, Technology, and Automation (DATA) Initiative. He is the Senior Editor for the Journal of Marketing and the International Journal of Research in Marketing and is the President-Elect of the Academic Council of the American Marketing Association among other notable recognitions.

About the host

Season Two Episodes

Cultivating cultural agility: collaborating across cultures with Paula Caligiuri

Professor Paula Caligiuri discusses how to effectively build a pipeline of successful global professionals who possess the critical competency of cultural agility. She talks about the myths and realities of how people can build trust, communicate, and collaborate in different countries and with people from different cultures.

About the guest: Caligiuri is a Distinguished Professor of international business and strategy at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. She is also the founder of Skiilify and has been named one of the most prolific authors in international business for her work in the areas of expatriate management, global leadership development, and cultural agility.

Navigating the Chinese market: insights from Professor Michael Enright

Professor Michael Enright shares business strategy in complex and uncertain environments, emphasizing developments in China and other countries in Asia. He offers insights on how China seeks to conduct and benefit from international business, and how multinational companies can succeed in their Chinese operations through a better understanding of Chinese national interests.

About the guest: Enright shares business strategy in complex and uncertain environments, emphasizing developments in China and other countries in Asia. He offers insights on how China seeks to conduct and benefit from international business, and how multinational companies can succeed in their Chinese operations through a better understanding of Chinese national interests.

Competing with emerging market firms: a Western perspective with Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra

Professor Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra discusses how multinationals from emerging markets compete, first in their domestic markets, and then build on their learning and success to expand in globally. He discusses the unique advantages of emerging market multinationals, and how Western competitors can learn from their strategies and unique competencies.

About the guest: Cuervo-Cazurra is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University. He studies the internationalization of firms, with a special interest in emerging market multinationals; their capability upgrading, particularly technological capabilities; and governance challenges, including issues of corruption in international business. He has published widely, in numerous academic journals, is the co-editor of the Global Strategy Journal, and recently published Innovating for the Middle of the Pyramid in Emerging Markets, Cambridge University Press, and co-authored the Oxford Handbook of State Capitalism and the Firm, Oxford University Press, 2022. Bachelor of Science in International Business program at Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is an expert in global strategy, blockchain development, and implementation strategy.

Leveraging state ownership: the competitive advantages of state-owned enterprises with Anna Grosman

Professor Anna Grosman discusses the specific case of state-owned enterprises, how they compete globally, and leverage state ownership and domestic market privileges to develop advantages in in raising capital, competing in their home market, and then expanding internationally.

About the guest: Grosman is a professor at Loughborough University London where she lectures on corporate finance and digital finance. She is the Director of the MSc in Digital Entrepreneurship program, and the Research Lead for the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She is co-author of the recently published Oxford Handbook of State Capitalism and the Firm, Oxford University Press, 2022.

Global supply chain strategy: navigating geopolitical turbulence with Nada Sanders

Professor Nada Sanders talks about strategy and efficiency of global supply chains. She discusses how geopolitical considerations influence the evolution of global supply chains and draws on examples from fast fashion and other industries to highlight key elements of supply chain strategy at a time of turbulence in the global environment.

About the guest: Sanders, Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at D'Amore-McKim School of Business, is an internationally recognized expert in forecasting, predictive analytics, risk management, and supply chain management, having authored numerous books and articles. Her research includes identifying best practices in forecasting, developing a corporate technology strategy, and creating a resilient supply chain, and she has consulted for corporations such as Nike, AT&T, CIBA Corning, Mattel, and Dell.

From India and China to the World: the impact of reverse innovations with Ravi Ramamurti

Professor Ravi Ramamurti discusses the phenomenon of reverse innovations, where multinational companies develop low- cost and effective innovations in domestic markets such as India and China, and then leverage these innovations across global markets. He also discusses the work of the Center of Emerging Markets at Northeastern University, which he founded in 2007, and which serves as a continuous source of insights into the changing role of emerging markets.

About the guest: Ramamurti is the University Distinguished Professor, International Business and Strategy, at Northeastern University, and Director of the Center for Emerging Markets. He has published several books, including Reverse innovation in health care: Making value-based delivery work, with Prof. V. Govindarajan, Harvard Business Review Press, 2018, as well as articles on healthcare in the Harvard Business Review. He researches and consults with many organizations on their strategy and innovation in emerging economies, and has served as a consultant to several governments, and agencies such as USAID and the World Bank.

About the host

Caligiuri is an instructor for a LinkedIn Learning course entitled Managing Globally. She holds a Ph.D. from Penn State University in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and is a Fellow in both the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Academy of International Business.

Season One Episodes

Unleashing the power of blockchain for global enterprise strategy

Ravi Sarathy shares insights from his new book; focusing on blockchain technologies, digital currencies, and what these mean for international business.

About the guest: Sarathy directs the Bachelor of Science in International Business program at Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is an expert in global strategy, blockchain development, and implementation strategy.

The essentials of workforce analytics for global business success

Mark Huselid discusses a number of significant changes on the horizon for global workforce analytics.

About the guest: Huselid is the chair of the International Business & Strategy academic group at Northeastern. He is an expert in global workforce analytics and talent strategy.

Global leadership insights

Lauren States shares her advice and insights as a successful global business leader in data technology and strategy.

About the guest: States has held numerous executive positions for IBM, including Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Strategy and Transformation for IBM's Software Group. She was recently named one of the Most Influential Black Corporate Directors by Savoy Magazine.

How corporate governance can help achieve environmental, social, and governance goals

Ruth Aguilera talks ESGs and their growing impact on companies around the world.

About the guest: Aguilera is a Distinguished Professor and the Darla and Frederick Brodsky Trustee Professor in Global Business at Northeastern University. She is one of the world's leading experts in comparative corporate governance and corporate sustainability.

The future of remote work: predictions and trends

Barbara Larson takes stock of the key practices that help make globally distributed, remote working teams most effective.

About the guest: Larson is an Executive Professor in the Management and Organization Development group at Northeastern University. Her research focuses on the personal and interpersonal skills that people need to work effectively in virtual environments.

The value of gender diversity for corporate boards and social performance

Valentina Marano discusses the role national culture and women directors play in shaping firms' environmental and social impact.

About the guest: Marano is an Associate Professor of International Business at Northeastern University. Her work focuses on the practice adoption, organizational legitimacy, and performance of multinational corporations from both emerging and advanced economies, and broader issues of comparative corporate governance and corporate sustainability.

Start-Up Success in an Uncertain Global Economy

Andy Palmer shares his insights on successfully launching, operating and investing in start-ups amidst economic instability. He also addresses the challenges of layoffs and the decline of Silicon Valley Bank, providing expert advice for entrepreneurs navigating these uncertain times.

About the guest: Andy is the Co-Founder and CEO of Tamr and has funded or founded over 100 companies through his seed fund, Koa Labs. He has been awarded Angel Investor of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.

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