International Business Today

In this episode: We dive into the complexities of global innovation amidst an era of significant geopolitical, technological, and health disruptions. Prof. Kazuhiro Asakawa of Keio University explores how multinational companies can navigate these turbulent times. Drawing on examples from the semiconductor industry and AI's impact across various sectors, including healthcare, Prof. Asakawa offers insights into companies' adaptive strategies to survive and thrive. He discusses the role of 'tacit knowledge' in innovation and the challenges of digital transformation in healthcare systems, particularly in Japan. Join us in understanding how businesses are redefining innovation strategies globally and how AI plays a critical role in shaping future industries.About the Guest: Prof. Kazuhiro Asakawa, Professor of Global Innovation Management at Keio University, brings his extensive experience from INSEAD and Harvard Business School to delve into the challenges and strategies of global innovation. Prof. Asakawa discusses the transformative impact of digital technologies and AI on industries, especially healthcare, and emphasizes the critical role of adaptive innovation strategies in today's dynamic global landscape.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.Reach out to us:mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.eduLearn more about Kazuhiro Asakawas:https://sites.google.com/site/kazasakawa/homehttps://www.kbs.keio.ac.jp/en/faculty/asakawa_k.html YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Google Podcast:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kNDI4MzZmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Pocket Casts:https://pca.st/dzoo8mxw Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e74fd5ea-47cd-4aac-891b-e709a9171153/international-business-today Audible:https://www.audible.com/pd/International-Business-Today-Podcast/B0BRYYZ8KL?qid=1673362132SOCIAL LINKS: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/northeastern X/Twitter: https://x.com/Northeastern Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversity Northeastern University Homepage:https://www.northeastern.edu/ D'Amore-McKim School of Business:https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/PODCAST LINKS:Northeastern University LinksOnline MBA Program: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2

In this episode of International Business Today, John Hadeed, U.S. Vice President of People & Culture at Primark, discusses how the global fashion retailer thrives amid rapid industry changes. From its sustainability initiative to its commitment to career growth and retention, John shares insights on building a strong, adaptable organizational culture that balances global consistency with local needs. Discover how Primark invests in people, embraces cultural agility, and leverages innovative onboarding and leadership strategies to remain competitive. Whether you're interested in retail, global expansion, or leadership, this episode provides valuable lessons for navigating a fast-paced industry. About the Guest: John Hadeed is the U.S. Vice President of People & Culture at Primark, a global retailer renowned for its affordable fashion and commitment to sustainability. With decades of experience in the retail sector, John plays a critical role in shaping Primark's U.S. operations and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation across its growing international footprint. International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student aspiring to work in a multinational organization—our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice. Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu Learn more about John Hadeed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hadeed/ https://www.primark.com/en-us

In today’s fast-changing global landscape, supply chain resilience and adaptability are more critical than ever. How can organizations leverage innovation and human expertise to thrive amidst volatility? About the Guest:Dr. Nada Sanders, Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at Northeastern University, joins us to discuss the intersection of forecasting, digital transformation, and supply chain strategy. Drawing on decades of experience and her groundbreaking book The Humachine, Nada provides insights into the role of predictive analytics in optimizing supply chains and offers strategies for integrating AI with human talent to drive better outcomes. She highlights the importance of scenario planning as a critical tool for preparing organizations to navigate future disruptions and emphasizes how businesses must rethink their models to stay aligned with a rapidly evolving global market. Throughout the conversation, Nada underscores the significance of soft skills, such as communication and negotiation, alongside technical capabilities, illustrating how these qualities are vital for future-ready leaders and organizations. 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. Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries, but it also brings ethical challenges like bias, privacy, and fairness. How can organizations develop AI systems that are both innovative and responsible? In this episode, Cansu Canca, Director of Responsible AI Practice at Northeastern University’s Institute for Experiential AI, shares practical strategies for integrating ethics into AI development. From data selection to deployment, she emphasizes collaboration between ethics teams and developers to tackle privacy and transparency issues while maintaining innovation. Cansu also highlights the trade-offs businesses face—balancing efficiency with fairness—and why responsible AI is essential for building trust and staying competitive. This episode provides actionable insights for leaders navigating the complexities of ethical AI. About the Guest:Cansu Canca is a research associate professor of philosophy and the Director of Responsible AI Practice at Northeastern University’s Institute for Experiential AI. Her work focuses on embedding ethical frameworks into AI systems to ensure they serve society responsibly. 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. Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) are powerful tools for shaping national economies, but what sets successful ones apart? In this episode, Ruth Aguilera, Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University, breaks down the origins, governance, and impact of SWFs. From Norway's $1.8 trillion fund to Singapore's innovative strategies, Ruth highlights how strong corporate governance and ethical mandates drive success. She also addresses challenges like political interference and corruption, offering practical advice for countries looking to create SWFs. This episode provides essential insights into how SWFs can foster economic stability and sustainable growth. About the Guest: Ruth Aguilera is a globally recognized expert in corporate governance and international business. As the Distinguished Darla and Frederick Brodsky Trustee Professor at Northeastern University, her research bridges academia and practice, offering insights into how organizations can operate effectively on a global scale. 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. Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

In a divided world, how can leaders leverage humanity's natural drive for cooperation to tackle global challenges?Mai’a Davis Cross, Dean's Professor at Northeastern University, explores "ultra-sociality"—our innate tendency to collaborate across boundaries—and its impact on diplomacy, business, and innovation. Drawing from her book International Cooperation Against All Odds, Mai’a shares examples like space exploration, the nuclear taboo, and climate initiatives, while addressing challenges like tribalism.She offers actionable strategies for leaders to foster global collaboration and emphasizes the role of "corporate diplomacy" in aligning business goals with societal needs.About the Guest:Mai’a Davis Cross is an expert in international cooperation, European foreign policy, and space diplomacy. She is the Dean's Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Diplomacy at Northeastern University, where she also directs the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures. Mai’a is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the author of several influential books.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.Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Scientific research underpins decision-making in global business, yet the rise of "fake science" poses serious challenges for leaders relying on accurate data. In 2023 alone, over 10,000 scientific articles were retracted—more than double the previous year. This alarming trend raises the question: how can business professionals distinguish credible research from unreliable claims? Transparency, methodology, and researcher motivation are key factors. About the guest:In this episode, Herman Aguinis, Avram Tucker Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Management at the George Washington School of Business, dives into the prevalence of fake science in international business and management. He discusses the root causes of this issue, including a lack of transparency and the pressures researchers face to publish. Herman shares actionable insights for global leaders to become educated consumers of research, from evaluating motivations to checking methodological rigor. Drawing on examples from leading companies, he highlights how organizations successfully apply evidence-based practices to gain competitive advantages. Herman also explores the role of collaboration between academics and practitioners to bridge the gap between research and practical application. 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. Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

It turns out there IS an “I” in the word “TEAM,” after all.  This episode busts a popular myth about successful teams.  Organizations across the globe depend on effective teams to drive success. However, balancing individual needs with team objectives is a complex challenge—especially as employees increasingly work on multiple teams simultaneously. How can leaders navigate this complexity to foster both personal fulfillment and collective achievement?  Find out in this episode. About the guest:In this episode, we hear from Gilad Chen, Robert H. Smith Chair in Organizational Behavior at the University of Maryland and an award-winning researcher in leadership, motivation, and team dynamics. Gilad shares key insights from his extensive research, highlighting how leaders can empower employees while maintaining alignment with organizational goals. He discusses strategies for fostering a sense of belonging, helping team members feel their individual contributions matter, and managing the challenges of working across multiple teams. Drawing from real-world examples, Gilad explains how effective leadership and cultural agility can bridge gaps in global teams, enabling both individuals and organizations to thrive. 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. Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Professor Fernando Suarez discusses strategic innovation, platforms, “hybrid traps” and leadership and vision, all part of the journey to discover innovative customer solutions, which, he asserts, is a hard road, long and winding, but essential for the long-term survival of the firm. He illustrates his ideas with examples from many arenas – electric vehicles, green construction, smart homes, AI chips - as part of a stimulating and wide-ranging conversation. About the guest: In this episode, we hear from Fernando Suarez, is the Jean C. Tempel Professor, in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT Sloan School of Management, and has been a Visiting Professor at the London Business School (UK), Hitotsubashi University (Japan), and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez and ESE Business School (Chile). He serves on several boards, launched a software company, and has published widely, in leading journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Management Science, Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Operations Research, the Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review. 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. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Nonprofit organizations often begin with a compelling vision and a heartfelt desire to make a difference in their communities. They are fueled by passionate staff deeply committed to ambitious goals that often require time and persistence to achieve. Yet, these organizations face significant challenges—limited financial resources and talent shortages—that become obstacles to being successful. Nonprofit organizations, as much as many for-rofit firm, require strategic thinking to sustain their mission and maximize impact. About the guest: In this episode, we hear from Laura De Dominicis, Executive Director of Nurturing Minds, Inc., who shares the inspiring story of how the organization successfully established and operates a school for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in Tanzania. Laura discusses how the school has not only become a model of sustainability but also empowers its students to become leaders in their communities. She reflects on the strategy underpinning the school's success, on the importance of partnering with Tanzanians to set shared goals, transition school operations to local staff and managers, secure funding, and broaden program offerings. Laura also highlights the organization’s efforts to share knowledge and lessons learned with other schools pursuing similar missions. 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. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Professor Samina Karim focuses on how firms can design their organizations to become more innovative. How a firm combines its activities and its resources (including knowledge and its people) affects how much value it creates. Creating value can involve acquisitions as well as divestitures, and also relying on partners, through alliances and ecosystems. Internally, the firm should rely on design rules, aligning the organization with the technology, as it reshapes business units and reconfigures employee roles and tasks in the organization, thus helping address and resolve task and resource bottlenecks. About the guest: Karim⁠ is Professor and Group Chair of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation academic group at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. She has led the Strategic Management Division of the Academy of Management, and has served as Associate Editor at Strategic Management Journal and is currently Deputy Editor at Organization Science, as also on the editorial boards of Strategic Organization, and Strategy Science. 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. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Digital medicine, an aging population, workforce stress, the growing scarcity of family doctors and competition from the retail healthcare model introduced by companies such as CVS are disrupting the US healthcare system and the physician-centric model. Professor Tim Hoff discusses why healthcare innovation is essential to continue providing quality primary care in this transforming scenario. About the guest: Hoff is Professor of Management, Healthcare Systems, and Health Policy at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He specializes in emerging trends and innovations in the health care marketplace, particularly in the U.S. health care system. His most recent book is Searching for the Family Doctor: Primary Care on the Brink, published by Johns Hopkins University Press (2022). He has published three other scholarly books, over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has received national awards for his research, and is also active in executive education and management consulting for health care organizations. 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. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

The US spends more on healthcare than other developed nations, but does not obtain commensurate value. Professor Gary Young reviews how drawing on US industry strengths, such as a competitive private sector and industry-leading pharmaceutical and biotech capabilities, and combining with preventative health measures, telemedicine, and increased AI use, can collectively help deliver higher value in healthcare delivery. About the guest: Young is Director, Northeastern University Center for Health Policy and Healthcare Research; Professor, Strategic Management and Healthcare Systems, at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. 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. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Students gain international experience from study abroad, working abroad, as well as from carrying out business projects in different countries. These experiential projects can be short duration, such as visits to family businesses, understanding their achievements and the challenges they face, in both developed and emerging markets. In longer duration projects, students work in teams with entrepreneurial startups, analyzing the firm, industry and environment, and offering action recommendations. Professor Greg Collier discusses several variables influencing successful experiences and learning, including choosing client sites and countries to visit, selectivity in enrolling students for such experiences, classroom work prior to travel, establishing clear rules for course participation and engagement, and partnering with local universities and business organizations. About the guest: Collier is Professor of Practice, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation academic group at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He has extensive experience as an international business executive, particularly in Asia, with Electronic Data Systems (now HP), Fidelity Investments, and General Motors. His focus is on corporate innovation, business model innovation, and corporate and entrepreneurial strategy, and has led students on experiential learning courses to India, China, Saudi Arabia and other countries. 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. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Professor Paula Caligiuri shares insights from her new book with Andy Palmer entitled “Live for a Living”. With global careers being so challenging, Professor Paula Caligiuri shares the ways to integrate your career with your other life priorities, such as family and personal interests. She also discusses how to stay in control of your career to move toward an ideal career journey. About the guest: Caligiuri is a DMSB Distinguished Professor of international business and strategy at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. She is also the founder of Skillify 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. 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. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

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. 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. 🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that ⁠International Business Today⁠ has been featured in Feedspot's ranking, selected as one of the ⁠Top 20 Podcasts For Business Students⁠ on the web. We are honored to be ranked 6th, affirming our commitment to delivering insightful content that benefits our listeners in their professional and academic journeys. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

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. 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. 🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that ⁠International Business Today⁠ has been featured in Feedspot's ranking, selected as one of the ⁠Top 20 Podcasts For Business Students⁠ on the web. We are honored to be ranked 6th, affirming our commitment to delivering insightful content that benefits our listeners in their professional and academic journeys. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

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. 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. 🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that ⁠International Business Today⁠ has been featured in Feedspot's ranking, selected as one of the ⁠Top 20 Podcasts For Business Students⁠ on the web. We are honored to be ranked 6th, affirming our commitment to delivering insightful content that benefits our listeners in their professional and academic journeys. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

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. For further insights into leadership development, don't miss our recommended article on the Harvard Business Review: ⁠What Makes Leadership Development Programs Succeed⁠. 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. 🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that ⁠International Business Today⁠ has been featured in Feedspot's ranking, selected as one of the ⁠Top 20 Podcasts For Business Students⁠ on the web. We are honored to be ranked 6th, affirming our commitment to delivering insightful content that benefits our listeners in their professional and academic journeys. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

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. 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. 🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that ⁠International Business Today⁠ has been featured in Feedspot's ranking, selected as one of the ⁠Top 20 Podcasts For Business Students⁠ on the web. We are honored to be ranked 6th, affirming our commitment to delivering insightful content that benefits our listeners in their professional and academic journeys. Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu