The International Business Podcast

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.   Today, we delve into the world of beauty and luxury. We will travel across the UK, Italy, France and China. What role will technology play in shaping the future of luxury? What are the most significant shifts occurring in the Chinese beauty market? And more. See below for details on each guest. ⁠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. With guests: Giovanni Luigi Bordone [https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-luigi-bordone-sfhea-b0144710/] is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in fashion, education, and business. As a Course Leader for the MA Marketing program at London Metropolitan University, he brings over 15 years of experience in corporate fashion business to the academic forefront. His expertise spans fashion marketing, luxury brand management, and sustainability, with a strong focus on teaching in diverse international settings across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Giovanni's career has been marked by prestigious roles, including being a Made to Measure Ambassador for Ermenegildo Zegna and a Brand Ambassador for Scabal. Agnese Curti [https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnesecurti/] is a Brand Marketing Consultant and Co-Active Coach, combining strategic expertise with a people-centered approach. She recently founded Tangle Path [https://www.instagram.com/tangle_path/], a coaching business specializing in the creative industries, to help professionals, teams, and creatives navigate growth with clarity and impact. With over a decade of experience in fashion, luxury (ex Gucci) and digital industries, she has led high-impact media and communication initiatives across Europe and Middle East, helping brands enhance visibility and audience engagement. Through coaching, she supports individuals and teams in moving from where they are to where they want to be, guided by the belief that growth is never linear - embrace the twists and turns. Lisa Nan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-n-825aaa114/] serves as the China Luxury and Beauty Editor at Jing Daily, a New York-based publication. She specializes in analyzing Chinese consumer trends and behaviors, focusing on luxury, fashion, beauty, and WEB3 markets. Her work has been featured in prominent outlets such as South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia, Luxury Daily, and CPP Luxury. As the head of the biweekly Jing Beauty newsletter, Lisa covers key trends and insights in China's rapidly evolving beauty and wellness sector. Her biannual beauty trends forecast is highly regarded on Jing Daily. She has consulted for major brands like Clé de Peau Beauté, L’Oréal, and La Prairie on their China strategies. Manon Hu [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiayihu1994/] is the founder of Astrolabel, a brand consulting and management agency focused on enhancing the presence of luxury brands in China. Additionally, she serves as a Senior Partner at Luxurynsight, a leading data and AI-driven company specializing in strategic insights for the luxury market. Her expertise at Luxurynsight includes analyzing trends and consumer behavior in the Chinese market, particularly in luxury and beauty sectors, where she has been instrumental in highlighting the resilience of brands through innovative digital strategies. She previously worked Burberry and Gucci. 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/]

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.   What are some of the unexpected reverse culture shocks that expats experience upon returning to their home country? What are the most important skills expats should cultivate to navigate unexpected career shifts in 2025 and beyond? And more. ⁠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. With guests: Esteban Polidura [https://www.linkedin.com/in/estebanpolidura/]’s mission as a Certified Life Coach and Mental Health First Aider is to help expats understand and manage their emotions during their life transitions, support them in achieving their goals, and motivate them along the way. Drawing from years of experience coaching clients across different continents, Esteban has developed a culturally sensitive approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by expats worldwide. As a published author of several books, he firmly believes in the transformative power of stories not only to inspire people but also to show them that their emotions are valid and their struggles are part of the human experience. In addition, as a renowned keynote speaker, he empowers audiences to overcome obstacles in life with resilience and confidence. Nino Fincher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nino-fincher-28845614/] Is an international speaker and award winning Rapid Therapy expert in PTS and anxiety.  She moves people out of a stuck state into momentum by identifying the exact root of the problem and fixing it, as well as getting  clients clear on their purpose using the Purpose Factor system.  She lived for extended periods of time in 3 different cultures, splits her time between Dallas and Dubai and is passionate about all things neuroscience. 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/]

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.   What is the future of international education? How do current geopolitical trends are influencing the choices of students when selecting study abroad destinations? And more. We do this with two experts. See their details below. Use the promo code 8D1E2 to get 50% off your first month on Patreon. This offer is valid until February 28th. ⁠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. With guests: With over 23 years of leadership in international education, Susan Fang [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanfang-ukeducationchina/] has built one of East Asia's most successful education consultancies, seamlessly integrating B2C and B2B models to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the competitive global market. A respected LinkedIn thought leader and sought-after speaker, Susan is a passionate advocate for international student success, ethical agency practices, and culturally-driven, sustainable returns on investment. Her unique expertise lies in bridging cultural understanding with measurable outcomes for students, families and institutional partners. Beyond her professional achievements, Susan’s determination shines through her marathon pursuits around the world, reflecting the endurance and commitment she brings to both her career and personal life.   Launching Q2 2025: A Game-Changing Programme forUniversities & Schools. Susan Fang is unveiling a groundbreaking programme to help universities and schools attract - and retain - the right Chinese students in an increasingly challenging landscape. Secure your spot on the waitlist: susan@oxbridge.com.tw [susan@oxbridge.com.tw] In the meantime, explore Susan’s latest insights on what’s troubling Chinese international students today. [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/susanfang-ukeducationchina_ukcandobetter-activity-7292463162619031552-7F23?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios] Rickson Khaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickson-khaw-3b553a21/], CEO of Uni Enrol, the fastest-growing studentenrollment platform in Malaysia, leads a team of dedicated professionals who share his vision of democratizing education and bridging the opportunity gap.   At Uni Enrol, he oversees the strategic direction, businessdevelopment, and partnerships of the company, which has expanded to 450 towns and helped thousands of students apply to universities, colleges, and scholarships online. He also co-organized the largest virtual education fair in Malaysia, connecting 260,000 webinar viewers with participating institutions from over 115 foreign cities. Additionally, he launched SPM Accelerate, a program that invited top teachers to provide online tutoring and mentorship to SPM students. As a result of these initiatives, Uni Enrol has awarded over RM 40 million in scholarships and received the JCI Malaysia Sustainability Development Award for Quality Education. As a former venture capitalist, he continues to work with accelerators, VC funds, and student-led NGOs to share his insights and experience with aspiring entrepreneurs and startups in the region. 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/]

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.   Today we dive into the intricacies of global supply chains, factory relocations, personnel relocation, overseas payroll management and more. We do this with two experts. See their details below. Use the promo code 8D1E2 to get 50% off your first month on Patreon. This offer is valid until February 28th. 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. With guests: Kimberly Kirkendall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-kirkendall-cpa-92b8664/]consults with multinational companies on international operations, supply chain, and trade through IRD. As a Beachhead Advisor for New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, she aids NZ companies in international trade and manufacturing. She hosts the podcast International Trade Resources, interviewing trade experts and providing training for startups. A frequent guest lecturer and speaker globally, she also supports US organizations in management training. As President of IRD for over 20 years, Kimberly has led thousands of projects to improve international operations. Their clients face complex cross-border trade challenges, including incorporation, supply chain optimization, and market development. Kimberly offers leadership during operational stress. IRD re-engineers processes across multiple countries, addressing issues like partnership structuring, VAT challenges, supply chain improvements, and employee management abroad. Kimberly began her career in China over 35 years ago and has lived in major cities worldwide. She combines her CPA expertise with extensive international business knowledge and has held roles as COO, CFO, and General Manager. Shan Nair [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshannair/] is an entrepreneur and consultant on international expansion. He was the first to spot and develop the niche market of International Expansion Services (IES) which was previously fragmented. In the process he has worked with many companies in their early stages who have since become household names such as Tesla Motors, FaceTime and Sonus Networks. His role is to promote the services offered by Nucleus and to work with the management team to ensure a high level of technical excellence and client care is maintained at all times. Nucleus is unique in that it provides true one stop, multi-disciplinary, multi-country shopping for companies seeking international expansion or with international operations. A single experienced Client Services Director and an Accounting Manager will be your sole points of contact for all of your foreign consulting needs – you will not need to chase multiple accountants, lawyers and HR consultants in different geographies or have a single contact point with little expertise acting simply as a postbox. The Client Services team is backed by staff at senior and mid-management level each having more than a decade of experience in providing IES services. Shan has a doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of Oxford. He has received multiple recognitions for his contribution to business in the US, UK and India. 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/]

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. In the "Concept" series, Leo aims at defining a topic in international business. These are shorter episodes to illustrate key concepts in this discipline. BRICS+ has the potential to reshape the global economic landscape. The bloc’s focus on financial independence, trade cooperation, and infrastructure development makes it a key player in the transition toward a multipolar world.   For international business professionals, keeping a close eye on BRICS+ developments will be essential for identifying opportunities in this evolving global order. Connect with the host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leonardo Marra on LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardo-marra26/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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. You could also support the podcast by purchasing one of the following books on Amazon using the links provided: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Personal MBA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://amzn.to/3W4h8HD] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HBR's 10 Must Reads 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://amzn.to/404eByo] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 48 Laws of Power⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://amzn.to/3W4QFtF] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Ocean Strategy [https://amzn.to/4gD3SSR]