International Business Today

In this episode of International Business Today, we explore how companies can leverage workforce analytics to make smarter, long-term talent investments. Prof. Mark Huselid of Northeastern University, one of the world’s leading scholars on workforce strategy, breaks down the ACAI framework—Ask, Collect, Analyze, Influence—and explains how businesses can use data to align their people strategy with organizational goals. We discuss how workforce analytics goes beyond traditional HR metrics to drive performance, retention, and global talent development. Prof. Huselid also shares real-world examples from companies like Google and IBM, highlighting the role of AI, data ethics, and cross-cultural challenges in modern workforce strategy. Whether you're managing a multinational team or leading HR transformation, this conversation will help you think more critically about how your workforce drives business value. About the Guest:Prof. Mark Huselid is Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Director of the Center for Workforce Analytics, and former professor at Rutgers. He is co-author of Workforce Analytics: A Global Perspective (Routledge, 2025) and one of the most widely cited experts in the field of HR strategy. 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] Learn more about Mark Huselid Mark Huselid website https://www.markhuselid.com/ [https://www.markhuselid.com/] * YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday [https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday] * Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 [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 [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kNDI4MzZmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw] * Pocket Casts:https://pca.st/dzoo8mxw [https://pca.st/dzoo8mxw] * Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e74fd5ea-47cd-4aac-891b-e709a9171153/international-business-today [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=1673362132 [https://www.audible.com/pd/International-Business-Today-Podcast/B0BRYYZ8KL?qid=1673362132] SOCIAL LINKS: * Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/northeastern [https://www.facebook.com/northeastern] * X/Twitter: https://x.com/Northeastern [https://x.com/Northeastern] * Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/ [https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/] * LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/ [https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/] * YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversity [https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversity] * Northeastern University Homepage:https://www.northeastern.edu/ [https://www.northeastern.edu/] * D'Amore-McKim School of Business:https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/ [https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/] Workforce Analytics: A Global Perspective (Global HRM) https://www.amazon.com/Workforce-Analytics-Global-Perspective-HRM/dp/1032029005?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=2 [https://www.amazon.com/Workforce-Analytics-Global-Perspective-HRM/dp/1032029005?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=2] PODCAST LINKS:Northeastern University LinksOnline MBA Program: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2 [https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2]

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.edu [IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu] Learn more about Kazuhiro Asakawas: https://sites.google.com/site/kazasakawa/home [https://sites.google.com/site/kazasakawa/home] https://www.kbs.keio.ac.jp/en/faculty/asakawa_k.html [https://www.kbs.keio.ac.jp/en/faculty/asakawa_k.html] * YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday [https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday] * Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 [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 [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kNDI4MzZmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw] * Pocket Casts:https://pca.st/dzoo8mxw [https://pca.st/dzoo8mxw] * Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e74fd5ea-47cd-4aac-891b-e709a9171153/international-business-today [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=1673362132 [https://www.audible.com/pd/International-Business-Today-Podcast/B0BRYYZ8KL?qid=1673362132] SOCIAL LINKS: * Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/northeastern [https://www.facebook.com/northeastern] * X/Twitter: https://x.com/Northeastern [https://x.com/Northeastern] * Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/ [https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/] * LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/ [https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/] * YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversity [https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversity] * Northeastern University Homepage:https://www.northeastern.edu/ [https://www.northeastern.edu/] * D'Amore-McKim School of Business:https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/ [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 [https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2]

How can businesses balance the pursuit of profit with protecting human rights? In this episode, Michael Posner, director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at NYU Stern School of Business, shares insights from his new book, Conscience Incorporated: Pursue Profits While Protecting Human Rights. Posner explores the challenges global businesses face, from addressing harmful online content to safeguarding the rights of outsourced workers. Drawing on decades of research and case studies of major companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Meta, he provides a blueprint for ethical corporate practices in a globalized world. Michael also discusses the role of investors in driving human rights initiatives and offers practical steps for businesses to navigate these complex issues while fostering sustainable growth. About the Guest: Michael Posner is a leading expert in business and human rights, a former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and the founding director of NYU Stern’s Center for Business and Human Rights. With a career spanning government, academia, and advocacy, he has dedicated his work to ensuring that businesses operate responsibly in a globalized economy. About the Podcast:International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Designed for global business leaders and aspiring professionals, the show bridges cutting-edge research with actionable insights to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu [IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu] Learn more about Michael Posner: * NYU Stern Faculty Page:https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/michael-posner [https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/michael-posner] * Center for Business and Human Rights:https://bhr.stern.nyu.edu/ [https://bhr.stern.nyu.edu/] * To purchase the book to be shipped in the US: https://nyupress.org/9781479825103/conscience-incorporated/ [https://nyupress.org/9781479825103/conscience-incorporated/] * YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday [https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday] * Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 [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 [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kNDI4MzZmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw] * Pocket Casts:https://pca.st/dzoo8mxw [https://pca.st/dzoo8mxw] * Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e74fd5ea-47cd-4aac-891b-e709a9171153/international-business-today [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=1673362132 [https://www.audible.com/pd/International-Business-Today-Podcast/B0BRYYZ8KL?qid=1673362132] SOCIAL LINKS: * Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/northeastern [https://www.facebook.com/northeastern] * X/Twitter: https://x.com/Northeastern [https://x.com/Northeastern] * Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/ [https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/] * LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/ [https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/] * YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversity [https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversity] * Northeastern University Homepage:https://www.northeastern.edu/ [https://www.northeastern.edu/] * D'Amore-McKim School of Business:https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/ [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 [https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2]

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]