Borderless Executive Live: The Podcast

Borderless Executive Live

Candid conversations with business leaders on a borderless life. Hosted by Andrew Kris, Founding Partner of Borderless.

  1. 09-09-2025

    Plastics Truth: Dispelling Environmental Myths

    Chris DeArmitt joins us to share his evidence-based perspective on plastics, revealing how widespread misinformation distorts environmental priorities and leads well-intentioned consumers to make harmful choices. With five years of unpaid research analyzing over 5,000 scientific studies, Chris exposes the disconnect between alarming media narratives and the scientific consensus regarding plastic's environmental impact. • Debunking sensationalist claims about microplastics in human brains using scientifically invalid methods • Exposing media bias - 93% of articles claim plastics are harmful while scientific consensus shows no evidence of threat • Dismantling the "plastic island" myth - no Texas-sized garbage patch exists in our oceans • Revealing that 85% of ocean plastic is fishing gear while consumer items (bottles, straws, bags) make up just 0.03% • Comparing environmental impacts across materials - glass, paper and metal typically create more waste and emissions than plastic • Explaining why weight correlates with environmental impact - heavier alternatives generally have larger carbon footprints • Advocating for informed consumer choices based on scientific evidence rather than industry propaganda Visit phantomplastics.com or plasticsresearchcouncil.com for free access to peer-reviewed research on plastics and their environmental impact. Borderless Executive Search Finding executive leadership for the global chemical value chain and life sciences sectorsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    21 min
  2. 24-03-2025

    Bicycles, Beards, and Business: How Cultural Blindspots Sink Companies

    Salvador Rivas-Mas shares his journey from a globetrotting backpacker to a cross-cultural consultant working with The Culture Factor (formerly Hofstede Insights), helping organizations navigate cultural differences in international business. Drawing on Professor Hofstede's research and his own experiences working across multiple continents, Salvador explains how understanding cultural dimensions can transform leadership effectiveness and prevent costly business failures. • Inspired by "The Alchemist" at age 12, Salvador developed a passion for exploring different cultures • Cross-cultural training provided frameworks to understand and prevent cultural shocks he had experienced • Management techniques aren't universally transferable - what works in the US may fail in Mexico, India or China • The Culture Factor has mapped cultural dimensions across 119 countries, providing data-driven guidance • Dolce & Gabbana lost one-third of their income after a culturally insensitive ad campaign in China • Only 16% of international mergers add value to businesses, with cultural misalignment being a major factor • Leadership expectations vary dramatically - cycling to work destroyed a Dutch executive's credibility in China • In Kenya, young managers must appear older to maintain authority with teams • Surface-level cultural convergence (clothing, food, entertainment) masks persistent deeper cultural differences • Salvador's book "Directivos Sin Fronteras" (Executives Without Borders) will soon be available in English "The survival of humankind will depend to a large extent on the ability of people who think differently to act together." – Professor Hofstede

    19 min
  3. 17-03-2025

    The Art of Connection: Iveta's Headhunting Secrets

    What makes someone truly exceptional at connecting people? We uncover the fascinating world of elite executive search through the career of Iveta Fleming, whose remarkable ability to match the right talent with the right opportunity has consistently placed her among the top 5% in client satisfaction. Beyond her impressive statistics lies a philosophy both simple and profound: "When the right candidate meets the right role, great things happen." While many recruiters focus merely on matching keywords and qualifications, Iveta's approach reveals a deeper understanding of human potential—what one client described as her "sixth sense for talent." She doesn't just fill positions; she discovers hidden opportunities and finds the missing pieces that transform organizations. Her multilingual abilities—fluent in English, Czech, German, and learning Slovenian—provide more than practical advantages; they offer cultural insights that bridge divides in our increasingly global business landscape. This linguistic versatility, combined with unwavering persistence and transparent communication, creates the foundation of trust necessary in high-stakes professional matchmaking. Perhaps most compelling is Iveta's commitment to creating connections that leave everyone "motivated and fulfilled." Her success story of placing a candidate with an arts background at a tech startup demonstrates the magic that happens when we look beyond conventional thinking. The lessons from her career extend far beyond executive search—they remind us that meaningful connections often emerge from unexpected places, and that approaching each interaction with genuine curiosity and empathy can unlock extraordinary possibilities. What connections might you create today that could transform tomorrow?

    9 min

Info

Candid conversations with business leaders on a borderless life. Hosted by Andrew Kris, Founding Partner of Borderless.