International Business Today

What happens when artificial intelligence doesn’t have access to millions—or even thousands—of data points? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ostadabbas, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Northeastern University and Director of the Augmented Cognition Lab, makes the case for why the future of A.I. depends on learning from small data. She explains how her team tackles high-stakes problems in healthcare, defense, and autonomous systems by using advanced techniques like transfer learning, domain adaptation, simulation, and collaboration with domain experts. From diagnosing rare diseases with only a few samples to off-road military vehicle training in extreme weather, Sarah illustrates how small data solutions are essential when data is scarce, private, or expensive to label. We also discuss her upcoming Machine Learning with Small Data course, launching on Coursera in Summer 2025, which teaches industry professionals and researchers how to apply data-efficient A.I. in real-world settings. About the Guest: Sarah Ostadabbas leads Northeastern University's Augmented Cognition Laboratory. Her research focuses on building intelligent systems that can learn effectively from limited or imperfect data, with applications ranging from healthcare to military and security domains. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and has received multiple awards for her theoretical and interdisciplinary contributions to machine learning, computer vision, and artificial intelligence.

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 [IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu] Learn more about John Hadeed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hadeed/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hadeed/] https://www.primark.com/en-us [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 [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 [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 [IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu]