Business Beyond Borders

Cynthia Dearin
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Business Beyond Borders is a candid podcast for leaders navigating the realities of international growth. Hosted by global expansion strategist Cynthia Dearin, the show features straight-talk conversations with trusted advisors, CEOs of mid-market firms and operators on the ground — unpacking what it really takes to turn global ambition into commercial results. Each episode focuses on what happens when strategy turns into action: Executing in real marketsNavigating regulation, trade policy, and riskBuilding systems, partnerships, and teams across bordersAdapting strategy once it meets realityThe podcast reflects the way Dearin & Associates works in practice — combining clear strategy with disciplined execution, supported by a global advisory network embedded in key markets across Europe, the UK, Asia-Pacific, and beyond. Business Beyond Borders is for CEOs, founders, and senior leaders who know that international success isn’t just about where you expand — it’s about how you execute.

  1. Jul 14

    Episode #71: The Generational Clash at Work: What Leaders Are Getting Wrong

    Everyone says there's a talent shortage. But what if the real problem isn't skills at all? In this special panel episode, Cynthia Dearin and Gerald Garcia bring together leaders from healthcare, hospitality, aviation, logistics, and technology to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today: managing four generations in the same workplace. From Gen Z's changing expectations to AI-powered recruitment, remote work, employee loyalty, and the future of leadership, the panel explores why organizations are struggling to attract, develop, and retain great people—and what successful leaders are doing differently. Whether you're leading a global team, hiring across cultures, or preparing your organization for the future of work, this conversation offers practical insights into building workplaces where every generation can thrive. In this episode, we discuss: Why the talent shortage is really a philosophical gap Are university degrees becoming less relevant? Should AI be making hiring decisions? Remote work: productivity boost or culture killer? Is employee loyalty becoming a thing of the past? Why younger generations approach careers differently Building strong company culture across generations and cultures How AI is changing leadership, customer service, and business operations The timeless leadership principles that still matter If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Business Beyond Borders for conversations with global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts on international growth, leadership, and cross-border business. Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders: The Gen-X Clash(00:02:29) - Is university degree becoming irrelevant?(00:05:31) - Have We Lost Touch With Human Selection Process?(00:07:56) - Does Remote Work Strengthen Companies?(00:12:36) - The end of long term loyalty among employees(00:14:53) - Andy and Rod on the New Generation(00:21:14) - Marianne, would you say beyond generation of a generational clash(00:24:04) - What's the Culture of Your Company(00:25:27) - Top Executives: The Impact of AI on Business(00:31:20) - Generation 1(00:33:56) - Good Management: Adapting to the Generation(00:36:44) - A panel discussion on the Paris Agreement

    Episode #71: The Generational Clash at Work: What Leaders Are Getting Wrong

  2. Jun 30

    Episode #70: She Grew Up Packing Soap Boxes. Now She's Taking a Filipino Brand Global with Mishal Arnaiz

    What does it take to transform a family manufacturing business into an international brand? In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia Dearin sits down with Mishal Arnaiz, second-generation leader at Universal Skin Cosmeceuticals, a Philippine manufacturer producing skincare and personal care products for brands around the world. Mishal shares the remarkable story of growing up inside her mother's factory, watching a single parent build a business from the ground up with little guidance but relentless determination. Today, she's leading the company's next phase of growth—expanding into global markets while modernizing the business without losing the values that made it successful. They discuss why international expansion isn't about rushing into new countries, but carefully testing markets, listening to customers, and making decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions. Mishal also shares how purpose-driven product innovation—from charitable initiatives to custom manufacturing for overseas clients—has become a competitive advantage. If you're building a manufacturing business, preparing for international growth, or navigating the challenges of a second-generation family enterprise, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, resilience, and scaling across borders. In this episode, we discuss: How a single mother built a manufacturing company from scratch Growing up inside the family business—and choosing to stay The realities of succeeding as a second-generation leader Why testing markets beats guessing when expanding internationally Building export relationships through product innovation Creating purpose-driven products that strengthen your brand How listening to customers shapes global growth Mishal's vision for taking a Philippine manufacturer onto the world stage Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders(00:01:11) - How My Mom Started Her Business(00:03:30) - How I joined the business(00:06:48) - Setting up a manufacturing plant in India(00:08:01) - How My Mother and I Ran the Business Together(00:11:54) - What Surprises People About ASEAN Manufacturing?(00:15:14) - Exporting cosmetic products in the Philippines(00:17:36) - Philly Personal Care(00:21:09) - Having an international business in the Philippines(00:23:28) - What's your, what's your vision for universal skin cosme(00:25:31) - What Is Your Advice For Female Founders On The Journey(00:26:54) - Michelle on The Ellen Interview

    Episode #70: She Grew Up Packing Soap Boxes. Now She's Taking a Filipino Brand Global with Mishal Arnaiz

  3. Jun 23

    Episode #69: She Hated Maths as a Child. Now She’s Expanding an Education Empire Across Southeast Asia with Varongsri (Dr.Ying) Poothakool

    Many entrepreneurs launch businesses because they spot a market opportunity. Dr. Varongsri “Ying” Poothakool started hers because of a life-changing teacher. As a young child, Dr. Ying disliked mathematics. Everything changed when she met a teacher who used games, toys, and creativity to make maths fun. That experience inspired a lifelong mission: helping children develop confidence, enjoyment, and success in mathematics. Today, Dr. Ying is the founder of Math-Talent, an education company operating across Thailand, Laos, and the Philippines, with ambitions to expand further throughout Southeast Asia. Along the way, she has developed a unique visual-learning methodology designed to transform how children experience maths. In this episode, Dr. Ying shares the deeply personal story behind the business, including the extraordinary moment when her father mortgaged his only home to help her pursue her dream. She also discusses the realities of international expansion, adapting educational models across cultures, building franchise systems, and the lessons she has learned from scaling an education business across borders. In this episode, we discuss: How one inspirational teacher transformed Dr. Ying’s relationship with mathematics Why making learning fun can unlock extraordinary results for students The powerful role her father played in launching Math-Talent Building a successful education business from a personal mission Expanding from Thailand into Laos and the Philippines The challenges of adapting educational programs for different markets Why choosing the right partner is critical for international growth Creating scalable systems, teacher training, and quality control Lessons from more than a decade of entrepreneurship Why understanding your customers is essential to successful expansion Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - Meet Dr. Ying(00:00:45) - How my dad supported my Math passion(00:06:05) - Starting a Maths Center in Thailand(00:08:14) - Elephant Fitness opens in Laos(00:08:50) - How to start a Math school in the Philippines(00:11:15) - Thailand's Math Talent Centers(00:12:06) - How to teach maths on the Online platform(00:14:09) - The style of teaching Math in the world(00:16:36) - A message from the founders of Math Talent

    Episode #69: She Hated Maths as a Child. Now She’s Expanding an Education Empire Across Southeast Asia with Varongsri (Dr.Ying) Poothakool

  4. Jun 16

    Episode #68: Why Smart Money Chooses Cities Before It Chooses Companies with Jason de Sousa

    When businesses expand internationally, most attention goes to entrepreneurs, products, and markets. But behind every successful expansion lies something far less visible: infrastructure. In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia Dearin sits down with Jason de Sousa, founder of Ideia Partners, to explore the systems that make economic growth possible. Drawing on decades of experience in infrastructure investment, urban development, and cross-border capital flows across Australia and Asia, Jason explains why connectivity, transport networks, housing, and government policy matter just as much as business strategy. Together, they discuss what makes cities economically successful, why investors value stability above almost everything else, how governments can unintentionally destroy investment confidence, and what companies need to understand before entering new markets. This conversation offers a fascinating perspective on global expansion from someone who works behind the scenes shaping the environments where businesses grow. In This Episode - Why infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth - The connection between transport, productivity, and thriving cities - What Tokyo can teach the rest of the world about long-term planning - How housing shortages and poor infrastructure create economic bottlenecks - Why stable government policy is essential for attracting investment - The role of foreign capital in building major infrastructure projects - How cultural misunderstandings derail international deals - Why investors need more than money to succeed overseas - Lessons from working with Japanese and Asian investors entering global markets - What businesses should evaluate before expanding into a new city or country Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337

    Episode #68: Why Smart Money Chooses Cities Before It Chooses Companies with Jason de Sousa

  5. Jun 9

    Episode #67: Why Women Scale Differently: What the Gaming Industry Taught One Founder About Global Growth with Marla Rausch

    What does it take to build a globally respected animation company when you can't rely on marketing, PR, or a big sales machine? In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia Dearin sits down with Marla Rausch, Founder and CEO of Animation Vertigo, the motion capture and animation studio behind projects for some of the biggest names in film and gaming, including Sony and Activision. Marla shares the remarkable story of how she built a production pipeline connecting teams in the United States and the Philippines, grew a company almost entirely through reputation and referrals, and navigated the challenges of scaling across borders in one of the world's most competitive creative industries. The conversation explores the realities of global growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and why "going global" may be the wrong goal altogether. In this episode, you'll learn: How Animation Vertigo won major clients early in its journey Why reputation and trust became the company's most powerful growth engine The challenges of building international production teams across cultures and continents Lessons from more than two decades in the animation and gaming industries Why women founders may approach scaling differently from their male counterparts The importance of balancing growth with relationships and long-term sustainability How Marla evolved from service provider to creator of original intellectual property Why founders should focus on solving problems rather than chasing international expansion The mindset shift that helped Marla continue growing after 22 years in business Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - Marla Rauch on Becoming an International Icon(00:00:44) - Working with Sony, Activision(00:03:04) - Filmmaking's Crazy Story(00:06:11) - Filipinos vs Americans: Working in the Philippines(00:09:43) - Marla on telling her staff what she thinks(00:11:49) - The Vision of Animation Vertigo(00:16:13) - The Making of Animations in the Philippines(00:23:56) - Fooled by International Payments(00:24:51) - I Had to Fire a Friend(00:27:48) - Have You Changed As a CEO?(00:31:28) - How To Manage a Full-Time Job With Kids(00:37:43) - The challenges of women scaling a company(00:40:37) - Going Global: The Hard Way(00:42:22) - Vertigo

    Episode #67: Why Women Scale Differently: What the Gaming Industry Taught One Founder About Global Growth with Marla Rausch

  6. Apr 15

    Episode #66:Why Logistics Makes (or Breaks) Your International Growth with La Chang

    Many companies focus on market entry strategy when expanding internationally. But even the best plans can fall apart when the operational realities of moving goods across borders are overlooked. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by La Chang, a global logistics expert, to explore the critical but often invisible role logistics plays in international growth. Drawing on deep, real-world experience, La shares what actually happens behind the scenes of global trade—and why so many companies underestimate its complexity. Together, Cynthia and La Chang unpack the operational side of international expansion, including: Why logistics is often the deciding factor in global success or failure How “Murphy’s Law” shows up in cross-border operations The most common mistakes companies make when managing global supply chains Why unpredictability is the norm—and how to plan for it The realities of shipping, customs, and regulatory complexity across markets How strong operational execution becomes a competitive advantage internationally They also discuss what happens when things go wrong—from delayed shipments to unexpected disruptions—and how businesses can build resilience into their global operations rather than reacting when problems arise. This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who are serious about international growth and want to understand what it really takes to operate across borders—not just strategically, but operationally. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Know: Think Global Logistics(00:00:42) - What is the worst logistics disaster you've ever had to fix up(00:05:47) - The life of a Logistics worker(00:08:16) - What's the riskiest thing you've ever transported?(00:09:37) - The secret to success in the logistics industry(00:12:41) - Start Your Own Business(00:18:24) - Experiencing failure first hand(00:20:08) - In the Elevator With a Multinational(00:23:17) - Think Global Logistics: The mission and culture(00:27:52) - TGL Logistics: The Challenges of Growing in Asia(00:31:05) - Malaysia: Why I'm moving up to the country(00:33:48) - The constant state of disruption in the logistics industry(00:39:07) - What Do You Think is the Truth About Going Global?(00:40:25) - A Chat With Lorraine

    Episode #66:Why Logistics Makes (or Breaks) Your International Growth with La Chang

  7. Mar 10

    Episode #65: Why Global Strategy Fails in the Real World – Gerald Garcia

    Many companies invest heavily in global strategy and market research before expanding internationally. But even the best strategy can fail if the people responsible for executing it aren’t set up to succeed. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by Gerald Garcia, workforce strategy lead at Dearin & Associates, to explore why international growth is so often limited not by opportunity - but by leadership, talent, and culture. Drawing on decades of experience building and managing cross-border teams, Gerald explains why global expansion succeeds or fails on the strength of the people behind it. Together, Cynthia and Gerald unpack the human side of international growth, including: Why global expansion strategies fail when the team isn’t designed to deliver them The importance of local talent and on-the-ground experience in new markets How cultural differences shape leadership, communication, and performance management Why emotional connection and trust are essential to building effective global teams The changing workforce landscape after COVID and the rise of hybrid, remote, and distributed teams Practical models mid-sized companies can use to build international teams without massive overhead They also discuss common mistakes companies make when entering new markets - from assuming domestic success will translate internationally to overlooking local pricing, talent dynamics, and cultural expectations. This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who understand that international growth isn’t just about strategy or market opportunity - it’s about building the right team to execute it. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders(00:00:34) - Cynthia's story of workforce development(00:05:15) - What is the role of local people in the organisation?(00:07:20) - The Talent of Expansion(00:08:57) - Australian and French Business Culture(00:11:52) - The Middle Way: Working From Home or Remote?(00:16:07) - How to Connect Emotionally with Your Staff(00:18:01) - In the Elevator With Purpose(00:20:01) - The biggest mistake companies make in international expansion projects(00:26:21) - Deering & Associate: How to grow your team internationally without breaking(00:32:46) - What are the core values of a global team?(00:34:58) - How to Manage the People

    Episode #65: Why Global Strategy Fails in the Real World – Gerald Garcia

  8. Feb 23

    Episode 64 - Europe’s Trade Rules Are Changing and Most CEOs Aren’t Ready - Kathryn Read

    Europe is often described as a single market of 450 million consumers. In reality, it is one of the most complex, politically dynamic, and highly regulated regions in the world. In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia Dearin speaks with D&A Senior Advisor, Kathryn Read about what has fundamentally changed in Europe and what global executives are still getting wrong. From Brexit and the war in Ukraine to tightening regulatory regimes and shifting geopolitical alliances, Europe is no longer the predictable environment many companies once relied upon. Political risk has moved from the margins to the boardroom. Kathryn brings deep expertise in European policy, trade dynamics, and regulatory systems, unpacking: Why “Europe” is not one market — and never really was How Brexit reshaped UK–EU commercial relationships The impact of the war in Ukraine on trade, energy, and political stability The rise of economic security, sanctions, and strategic autonomy What increasing regulation means for non-European companies How to think about compliance not as a cost, but as a competitive advantage Why geopolitical literacy is now a core executive skill For companies expanding into Europe — or already operating there — this conversation is a masterclass in understanding the political and regulatory forces shaping commercial success. Because today, international business strategy can’t sit apart from geopolitics. It has to anticipate it. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders: Europe(00:00:24) - Brexit and the EU's trade landscape(00:03:40) - The European Union's border controls(00:06:25) - Trade Risk: Asia vs Europe(00:17:47) - Cold Supply Chain Story(00:20:11) - Other assumptions that people make about the snack industry(00:23:06) - DW: European trade policy(00:26:36) - Austrian-UK trade friction(00:31:14) - EU Mercasure(00:39:19) - Brexit and the UK export market(00:45:54) - Top European Business Leaders' Advice for the EU in 2021

    Episode 64 - Europe’s Trade Rules Are Changing and Most CEOs Aren’t Ready - Kathryn Read
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About

Business Beyond Borders is a candid podcast for leaders navigating the realities of international growth. Hosted by global expansion strategist Cynthia Dearin, the show features straight-talk conversations with trusted advisors, CEOs of mid-market firms and operators on the ground — unpacking what it really takes to turn global ambition into commercial results. Each episode focuses on what happens when strategy turns into action: Executing in real marketsNavigating regulation, trade policy, and riskBuilding systems, partnerships, and teams across bordersAdapting strategy once it meets realityThe podcast reflects the way Dearin & Associates works in practice — combining clear strategy with disciplined execution, supported by a global advisory network embedded in key markets across Europe, the UK, Asia-Pacific, and beyond. Business Beyond Borders is for CEOs, founders, and senior leaders who know that international success isn’t just about where you expand — it’s about how you execute.

Information

  • Creator
    Cynthia Dearin
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Cynthia Dearin
  • Show Website
    Business Beyond Borders