International Business Today

Northeastern University

Northeastern University created this podcast to share cutting-edge research in international business. This podcast is for all global business professionals and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future. Through this podcast, we’ll share what’s proven through research and highlight what’s really working in practice. We have a great line-up of expert guests speaking on diverse topics from blockchain and digital currencies to global corporate governance and workforce analytics.

  1. Inside the Medical Device Industry with Geri Cramer

    4D AGO

    Inside the Medical Device Industry with Geri Cramer

    🏥 How does a medical device go from concept to patient care? 💡 The medical device industry spans everything from IV tubing to surgical robots, requiring rigorous FDA approval, complex reimbursement negotiations, and global regulatory navigation. Innovation is essential - without R&D investment and strong IP protection, companies cannot compete in this highly regulated, research-intensive field. 🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "Inside the Medical Device Industry with Geri Cramer," host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Geri Cramer, Director of Health Economics and Market Access at Boston Scientific, to explore: 🎯 How the medical device industry differs from pharmaceuticals and its barbell structure 🔬 The rigorous pathway from clinical trials to FDA approval to market access 💰 How reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and insurers shapes device adoption 🌍 Navigating global regulatory differences and launching products across markets 🤖 Where AI fits in device development, diagnosis support, and patient outcomes 💡 Whether you're in healthcare, considering a medical device career, or interested in health innovation, this episode reveals the complex journey from medical breakthrough to patient benefit. About the guest: Geri Cramer is Director of Health Economics and Market Access for the Endoscopy Division at Boston Scientific. She holds a PhD in Population Health from Northeastern University, an MBA from UMass Amherst, and began her career as a registered nurse (RN, BSN). Her unique background combines clinical practice, research, and business strategy, with a focus on translating research into practice, shaping healthcare policy, and guiding the development of innovative medical technologies. She has 20 years of experience in the medical device industry. 📺 Watch Episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/mF1JCUkQm3U 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 #MedicalDevices #HealthcareInnovation #FDA #HealthEconomics #BostonScientific #GeriCramer #Podcast #RegulatoryAffairs #GlobalHealth #MedTech Keywords medical devices, healthcare innovation, FDA approval, health economics, reimbursement, Boston Scientific, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, medical technology, Geri Cramer, Ravi Sarathy, global health, market access, patient outcomes, pharmaceutical industry, AI in healthcare, surgical robots, medical device regulation, healthcare policy, population health

    27 min
  2. DeFi Risks Explained

    JAN 30

    DeFi Risks Explained

    $300 billion has already migrated from traditional banks into stablecoins. Under fractional reserve banking, every dollar withdrawn shrinks lending capacity by 2-3x—reducing credit, raising rates, and pressuring the entire banking system. Meanwhile, DeFi platforms offer higher yields through lower costs and automated execution. The competitive battle is real. But DeFi isn't invincible. The November 2025 Balancer hack cost $120 million. Mt. Gox collapsed in 2014. And "decentralized" finance is becoming increasingly centralized—creating the exact single points of failure it was designed to eliminate. In this episode, Professor Ravi Sarathy examines how DeFi is disrupting traditional banking, the security vulnerabilities threatening billions in assets, and the regulatory challenges nation-states must solve to prevent another 2008-style crisis. You'll discover: → How stablecoins threaten bank deposits and credit availability → Why DeFi can offer higher yields than traditional banks → APIs and open banking: the battle over account access pricing → How banks are responding: copying, integrating, partnering → The centralization paradox in "decentralized" finance → Major security vulnerabilities: stolen keys, custody risks, governance flaws → Smart contract exploits and cross-chain bridge hacks → Mt. Gox and Balancer: $120M+ lost to security failures → DEX laundering and converting stolen crypto to fiat → Financial inclusion: DeFi serving the unbanked and refugees → Regulatory challenges: innovation vs. systemic stability → AML/KYC requirements and international harmonization → Lessons from 2008: preventing the next financial crisis RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business and author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" (MIT Press). A crypto enthusiast who follows the industry closely, he brings academic rigor to understanding blockchain's business implications and systemic risks. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - How DeFi Disrupts Traditional Finance 0:47 - Stablecoins: The $300B Threat to Banks 2:24 - Fractional Reserve Banking & Credit Contraction 4:14 - Yield Competition: Why DeFi Offers Higher Returns 5:59 - APIs and Open Banking Access Pricing 7:57 - How Traditional Banks Are Responding 10:55 - The Centralization Paradox 12:30 - Security Vulnerabilities: Stolen Private Keys 14:23 - Flawed Governance Models 15:30 - Smart Contract Exploits 17:13 - Cross-Chain Bridge Hacks 18:23 - Mt. Gox and Balancer Hacks 19:29 - Financial Inclusion: Serving the Unbanked 21:49 - Regulatory Challenges 23:39 - Systemic Risk: Lessons from 2008 24:20 - AML/KYC and Illicit Finance ABOUT THE SHOW: International Business Today explores critical issues in global business with top academic experts. Hosted by professors from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risk. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. #DeFi #DeFiRisks #TraditionalFinance #TradFi #Stablecoins #BankingDisruption #CryptoSecurity #FinancialRegulation #Blockchain #DEX #SmartContracts #BalancerHack #MtGox #FinancialInclusion #SystemicRisk #AML #KYC DeFi risks explained, DeFi security, decentralized finance, banking disruption, stablecoins, crypto hacks, Mt Gox, Balancer hack, cross-chain bridges, smart contracts, financial regulation, systemic risk, Ravi Sarathy

    26 min
  3. DeFi Explained

    JAN 29

    DeFi Explained

    Decentralized finance is processing over $50 billion in transactions monthly—without a single bank involved. That's not theoretical anymore. It's reshaping how money moves globally. Traditional finance relies on intermediaries at every step: banks hold your deposits, brokers execute trades, clearinghouses settle transactions. Each one takes a cut, adds delays, and creates barriers to access. DeFi eliminates the middlemen entirely using blockchain technology, smart contracts, and peer-to-peer networks. The promise? Lower costs, instant settlement, financial services for the 1.4 billion unbanked people worldwide, and 24/7 markets that never close. In this episode, Professor Ravi Sarathy breaks down the fundamentals of decentralized finance—how it works, what it enables, and why $300 billion in stablecoins are already circulating in the ecosystem. This is the foundation for understanding a financial system that's being rebuilt from the ground up. You'll discover: → How Fintech evolved into DeFi and the shift to true disintermediation → Smart contracts on Ethereum: automated execution without intermediaries → Real-world applications from digital wallets to decentralized exchanges → Why stablecoins matter: $300 billion tokenizing the US dollar → Cross-border payments without 6% fees and week-long delays → Yield farming, automated lending, and algorithmic portfolio management → How blockchain data enables creditworthiness for the unbanked → Agentic AI + DeFi: the rise of autonomous financial agents → What automated market makers and liquidity pools actually do Whether you're a business leader evaluating blockchain for payments, an investor trying to understand crypto infrastructure, or simply curious how finance is being reimagined, this episode gives you the essential framework. RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. A self-described crypto enthusiast, he follows the industry closely and brings academic rigor to understanding blockchain's business implications. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction: Not Financial Advice 0:47 - What is Fintech? Finance Meets Technology 1:40 - The Four Core Objectives of Fintech 2:13 - Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Explained 3:06 - Key Features: Smart Contracts & Automation 4:21 - DeFi Applications: From Payments to Insurance 6:36 - Cross-Border Finance Without Banks 7:23 - Big Data & Creditworthiness Assessment 8:44 - Use Cases: Digital Wallets & Security 9:39 - Stablecoins: $300 Billion and Growing 10:34 - Automated Lending & Liquidation 11:28 - Yield Farming: Building Your Interest Ladder 12:43 - Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) Explained 13:53 - Automated Market Making 14:48 - Portfolio Rebalancing & Agentic AI 15:46 - What's Next: Risks, Regulation & Disruption ABOUT THE SHOW: International Business Today explores critical issues in global business with top academic experts and thought leaders. Hosted by professors from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risk. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. #DeFi #DecentralizedFinance #Fintech #Blockchain #Cryptocurrency #SmartContracts #Stablecoins #

    16 min
  4. Stablecoins Explained_ Revolutionizing Global Payments & Finance

    JAN 28

    Stablecoins Explained_ Revolutionizing Global Payments & Finance

    In this episode, Professor Ravi Sarathy explains how stablecoins work, what the GENIUS Act changed, and why USDT and USDC now control $300 billion in market cap. He also explores the risks: What happens if everyone tries to redeem at once? Is it healthy for two companies to dominate global digital payments? And why don't stablecoin holders have the same protections as bank depositors? You'll discover: → How one-to-one reserves create price stability → The Terra LUNA collapse and why it triggered new regulations → What the GENIUS Act requires from stablecoin issuers → Why stablecoins are reinforcing US dollar dominance globally → The "collateral fragility" risk that hasn't been tested yet → How banks are fighting back with deposit tokens Whether you're a business leader evaluating cross-border payment options or an investor trying to understand the stablecoin landscape, this episode cuts through the complexity. RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. He is currently working on a new book on global payments. ABOUT THE SHOW: International Business Today explores critical issues in global business with top academic experts and thought leaders. Hosted by professors from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risk. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. #Stablecoins #USDT #USDC #Cryptocurrency #DigitalCurrency #Blockchain #GlobalPayments #GENIUSAct #Fintech #CrossBorderPayments #DeFi #TerraLUNA #Circle #Tether #BusinessPodcast

    15 min
  5. Ethereum Explained

    JAN 27

    Ethereum Explained

    In this episode of International Business Today, Professor Ravi Sarathy explains what makes Ethereum fundamentally different from Bitcoin, how proof of stake changed the game, and why competitors like Solana are gaining ground. Whether you're trying to understand DeFi, real-world asset tokenization, or just why Ethereum matters for global finance, this episode breaks it down. You'll discover: → Why Ethereum was designed for business while Bitcoin was designed for payments → How smart contracts automate transactions when conditions are met → The Layer 1 vs. Layer 2 distinction and why it matters for scalability → How proof of stake reduced Ethereum supply and boosted prices → Why Ethereum allows 1.5% annual inflation while Bitcoin has a hard cap → The Solana threat: faster transactions, lower costs, growing developer momentum Whether you're an investor evaluating crypto assets or a business leader exploring blockchain applications, this episode maps out where Ethereum fits in the digital currency landscape. RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. He is currently working on a new book on global payments. ABOUT THE SHOW: International Business Today explores critical issues in global business with top academic experts and thought leaders. Hosted by professors from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risk. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. #Ethereum #Cryptocurrency #Blockchain #SmartContracts #DeFi #Solana #DigitalCurrency #CryptoInvesting #RealWorldAssets #Tokenization #ProofOfStake #GlobalFinance #BusinessPodcast #ETH #Fintech

    14 min
  6. Bitcoin Explained

    JAN 27

    Bitcoin Explained

    In this episode, Professor Ravi Sarathy breaks down the three motives for holding money—transaction, investment, and speculation—and explains why Bitcoin succeeds at some and fails at others. He also explores why Bitcoin's 21 million cap matters, what Fidelity's cycle analysis reveals about where prices are heading, and whether digital currencies can truly hedge against government debt and currency devaluation. You'll discover: → Why Bitcoin is a poor means of payment but a compelling long-term investment → The 2008 financial crisis philosophy that still drives Bitcoin today → How ETFs made Bitcoin an "investable class" instead of pure gambling → Why speculators and margin calls create short-term volatility → The Milton Friedman principle that could reshape Bitcoin's future → What Fidelity's price cycle analysis suggests about the $100K floor Whether you're a long-term holder wondering if you should stay the course or new to crypto trying to understand what Bitcoin actually is, this episode cuts through the noise. RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. He is currently working on a new book on global payments.

    9 min
  7. The Rise of State Capitalism with Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra

    JAN 19

    The Rise of State Capitalism with Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra

    🏛️ Is the era of free-market capitalism ending? 🌍 From Intel's government stake to China's reassertion of state control, governments worldwide are increasingly intervening in markets through ownership, mandates, and ideological influence. For multinational corporations, navigating this shift requires new skills in political strategy and stakeholder management. 🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "The Rise of State Capitalism with Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra," host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Professor Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra, expert on state-owned enterprises and global strategy, to explore: 🎯 How state capitalism differs from free markets and communism 🏢 Why governments use prices, mandates, and ownership to control economies 💼 National champions and sovereign wealth funds as instruments of state power 🌐 How multinationals should adapt when competing against state-owned firms 💡 Whether you're a business executive, policy analyst, or student of international business, this episode reveals how the pendulum is swinging back toward government intervention and what companies must do to succeed in this new reality. About the guest: Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra is the CEM Chair of Global Sustainability and Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is a fellow of the Academy of International Business and editor of The Oxford Handbook of State Capitalism and Firm Strategy. His research examines how institutions and government ownership impact internationalization and firm performance, with a focus on emerging markets and state-owned enterprises. Learn more about Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/alvaro-cuervo-cazurra/ 📺 Watch on Episode: https://youtu.be/hOXRxQ9rMVE 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512 #StateCapitalism #GlobalStrategy #StateOwnedEnterprises #Geopolitics #InternationalBusiness #AlvaroCuervoCazurra #Podcast #PoliticalEconomy #BusinessStrategy

    47 min
  8. International Trade Law: How Global Rules Shape Business with Sonia Rolland

    JAN 12

    International Trade Law: How Global Rules Shape Business with Sonia Rolland

    US tariffs 2025: How international trade law actually works—and why the WTO isn't dead. Nixon's 10% tariff and Reagan's Section 301 both triggered major multilateral negotiations. History suggests today's trade chaos may catalyze global cooperation. International trade law expert explains why the US accounts for only 13% of world trade—limiting unilateral tariff power. Learn how regional trade agreements (4,000+ globally), carbon border adjustment mechanisms, and China's surprising pivot toward multilateralism are reshaping global commerce. Real examples from automotive supply chains reveal how swift Chinese retaliation affects American businesses. In the latest episode of International Business Today, host Paula Caligiuri sits down with Sonia Rolland, Professor of Law and Business at Northeastern University and winner of Northeastern's Excellence in Research award, to explore: • Why current US tariffs violate WTO rules—and what historical precedent suggests happens next • How Section 301 and unilateral trade actions have historically sparked multilateral negotiations • The rise of 4,000+ regional trade agreements filling the WTO negotiation gap • EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) forcing global climate compliance • China's recent pivot toward supporting multilateralism and international law • Trade facilitation reforms cutting customs processing from 150 hours to 12 • New WTO fisheries subsidies agreement that just came into force Whether you're a supply chain executive navigating tariff uncertainty, an international business professional tracking trade policy shifts, or a student studying global governance, this episode reveals how international law actually works behind the scenes—and why 2025's trade tensions may ultimately strengthen global cooperation. About the guest: Sonia Rolland is Professor of Law and Business at Northeastern University School of Law and the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. Her research focuses on international economic law, sustainable development, and global governance, earning her Northeastern University's award for Excellence in Research and Creative Innovation. She is the author of three books, including "Development at the WTO" (Oxford University Press) and "Emerging Powers in the International Economic Order" (Cambridge University Press), and serves as editor of ASIL Insights for the American Society of International Law. Learn more about Sonia Rolland: https://law.northeastern.edu/faculty/rolland/ Sonia Rolland's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Powers-International-Economic-Cambridge/dp/1107569753 International Law: 100 Ways It Shapes Our Lives (ASIL): https://www.asil.org/resources/100Ways Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/DYyc8g6Ol6Q https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Northeastern University created this podcast to share cutting-edge research in international business. This podcast is for all global business professionals and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future. Through this podcast, we’ll share what’s proven through research and highlight what’s really working in practice. We have a great line-up of expert guests speaking on diverse topics from blockchain and digital currencies to global corporate governance and workforce analytics.

Information

  • Creator
    Northeastern University
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Northeastern University
  • Show Website
    International Business Today