The International Business Podcast

#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, and geopolitical turbulence. Joined by expert guests Tom Van der Heyden, Edmundo Echauri Marroquin, and Emmanuel Daniel, we break down actionable strategies for leaders navigating a complex global landscape. -------- Join Leonardo on Patreon for Podcast Archive and Bonus episodes (100+ episodes). [https://patreon.com/LeoIntBiz?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] -------- What you’ll learn: * Why global companies are moving from cost optimization to resilience and agility in their supply chains. * How emerging technologies and AI are transforming operations, from the boardroom to the factory floor. * What new roles sustainability and ESG are playing in global competitiveness. * How demographic change and upskilling are reshaping the labor market worldwide. * Practical strategies for thriving amid macro volatility, new trade rules, and policy uncertainty. And more. Special Guests: Tom Van der Heyden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomvanderheyden/] is the co-founder and CEO of S³ Group, a European consultancy renowned for its expertise in international sourcing, supply chain strategy, and business development across Asia, Europe, and emerging markets. With a career spanning over 25 years, Tom is recognized for building resilient, adaptable supply chains and operational models for SMEs and multinationals alike. His practical experience bridges East and West—advising clients on supplier development, compliance, risk diversification, and the deep nuances of entering new markets. Tom is a regular lecturer at leading business schools, an intercultural negotiation expert, and a trusted partner for companies seeking to thrive in complex, fragmented global landscapes. Dr. Edmundo Echauri Marroquin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmundo-echauri-marroquin-3b932732/] is the CEO of PROISSA and a highly regarded leader in the fields of traumatology and orthopedic surgery. Based in Mexico, he brings over two decades of hands-on clinical expertise and health sector management. Edmundo has built a reputation for advancing medical technology adoption, fostering cross-border collaborations, and steering PROISSA into a model for international best practices and innovation in healthcare delivery. His work spans direct patient care, leadership at major medical congresses, and implementing global sourcing strategies for high-quality medical devices. He embodies the intersection of clinical excellence and international healthcare business. Emmanuel Daniel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-daniel-5764482/] is a globally respected thought leader on geopolitics, the future of finance, and technology’s impact on society. He is the founder of TAB Global and The Asian Banker, platforms connecting C-suite leaders and policymakers worldwide. Listed as a top 10 fintech influencer, Emmanuel is the author of “The Great Transition,” exploring the personalization of finance and seismic changes driven by blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and AI. With a background in law and economics, and business connections in over 130 countries, Emmanuel is sought after as an advisor, boardroom mentor, keynote speaker, and commentator on BBC, CNBC, and Bloomberg. He brings unmatched, real-world insights on how global trends are rewriting the rules for leaders and innovators. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-marra26/]

#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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/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-achievers abroad find more fulfillment, create deeper relationships and take bolder action, so that they can live global lives that make them truly happy. Amanda also has a podcast, This Expat Life [https://open.spotify.com/show/3eACuVwyGRv11qXpqDMQ9n?si=9b92c5e49cd64932], where she opens up space for all facets of life abroad. Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://patreon.com/LeoIntBiz?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access to the newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-marra26/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7257606587039592448/?displayConfirmation=true]

#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. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://patreon.com/LeoIntBiz?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access to the newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. Dr. Rebecca Homkes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-homkes/] is a high-growth strategy specialist and CEO and executive advisor.  She is a Lecturer at the London Business School, Faculty at Duke Corporate Executive Education, Advisor and Core Faculty for BCGU (Boston Consulting Group), and a former fellow at the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance.  A best-selling author, global keynote speaker and recognized thought leader, she is also the global Faculty Director of the Active Learning Program with the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). A Marshall Scholar, she received her PhD and MSc from the London School of Economics in International Economy. Prior to LSE, Dr. Homkes received two degrees at Indiana University: BS (Honors) in business administration alongside a BA (Honors) in Political Science where she was a Wells Scholar and graduated as the schools’ top graduate in 2005 and its sole Herman Wells Scholar. She previously served as a Fellow at the White House’s President’s Council of Economic Advisors and has worked in strategy consulting with Bain & Co. She lives between Miami, San Francisco, and London. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-marra26/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7257606587039592448/?displayConfirmation=true]

#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. ⁠Greg Kaiser⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-kaiser-sr-4512551/], a seasoned Manager Development Expert, Advisor, and Author, has significantly impacted and mentored over 1000 managers across diverse business functions. Continuously refining his expertise, he founded Management Mastery, a company offering training, coaching, and consulting services. This initiative aims to accelerate the growth of managers, employees, stakeholders, and society at large by shaping organizational culture. ⁠⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://patreon.com/LeoIntBiz?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. General Management Executive delivering profitable sales increases and cost reductions with oversight of over 7K personnel and P&L of up to $750M and sales oversight for $4.5B revenues. Brought discipline to capital planning & administration for technical solutions functions. Created holistic project management strategies. Led global (U.S., Mexico, Brazil, India, China, Canada) team of over 225 executives, union, and hourly staff. Greg is the author of "Management Rescue, You’re Promoted! Now What?"—a witty guide to managing, Greg provides practical lessons for managers through captivating stories. This book offers a structured action framework applicable to managers at all levels, filling a gap in the literature on management. With a career spanning 40+ years, Greg started in the mailroom at 19 and climbed to the position of COO, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business from the ground up not shared by many executives. Recognized for Cross-Functional Team Leadership, he has overseen 10,000+ employees and successfully executed a $1B restructuring project, yielding $200M in annual recurring savings. In his current consulting role, Greg employs Columbo-like, detective skills and a compassionate demeanor to diagnose management problems, restructuring business operations and culture. As a lifetime learner, he has read over 500 management, strategy, and business biography books and taught business classes at Penn State University. Greg emphasizes the crucial role of managers in a business and addresses the lack of formalized training for many promoted managers. Through Management Rescue and Management Mastery, he strives to alleviate the stress of imposter syndrome, providing foundational knowledge for managers to thrive in their roles. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-marra26/] ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7257606587039592448/?displayConfirmation=true]

#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, collectively accounting for around two-thirds of the world’s economic output. These seven powerhouses, through their treasury officials, strive to cultivate balanced economic growth and stable exchange rates. ⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://patreon.com/LeoIntBiz?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-marra26/] ⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7257606587039592448/?displayConfirmation=true]