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

    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

    41 min
  2. Episode #65: Why Global Strategy Fails in the Real World – Gerald Garcia

    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

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

    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

    47 min
  4. Episode 63 - Why Smart CEOs Get Brand Wrong Internationally — Kelly-ann Maxwell

    FEB 15

    Episode 63 - Why Smart CEOs Get Brand Wrong Internationally — Kelly-ann Maxwell

    We talk a lot about strategy, compliance, and execution in international expansion. But one of the biggest make-or-break factors in global growth is often overlooked: how your brand shows up in a new market. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by Kelly-ann Maxwell, Brand and Marketing Strategist at Dearin & Associates. With a background spanning journalism, creative agencies in the UK, and brand strategy in New Zealand, Kelly-ann brings a sharp perspective on how language, positioning, and clarity determine whether a company gains traction abroad — or gets ignored. Together, Cynthia and Kelly-ann unpack what brand really means in an international context, including: Why brand is far more than a logo or visual identity The critical difference between brand identity and brand strategy How unclear positioning stalls international expansion before it starts Why language, narrative, and messaging must translate — not just linguistically, but culturally The risks of cutting marketing too early when entering new markets How strong brand systems support operational scale and commercial growth This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who are preparing to enter new markets — and want to ensure their brand works as hard internationally as it does at home. 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) - International Branding: The Secret to Success(00:00:18) - How to Build a Global Brand with a Kiwi(00:02:48) - Brand Experience: South African, New Zealand and(00:07:58) - What Does It Take to Succeed in an International Market?(00:09:22) - Brand Coherence(00:14:46) - Exporting your Business internationally(00:20:23) - What type of content does your brand need to create?(00:22:15) - Brand Strategy: Not Being Ready to Scale(00:26:13) - The Role of Brand in Growth(00:30:28) - Build a Brand That Transports Across Borders

    32 min
  5. Episode 62 - Global Strategy Is Useless Without Execution (Here’s Why) — Mike Todd

    FEB 9

    Episode 62 - Global Strategy Is Useless Without Execution (Here’s Why) — Mike Todd

    Many companies invest heavily in global strategy. Far fewer succeed in turning that strategy into sales once they hit real markets, real partners, and real complexity. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by Mike Todd, international growth strategist at Dearin & Associates and the execution lead who works with clients when strategy turns into action. Mike has led international sales and execution across multiple regions, and he’s seen first-hand why good strategies fail without clear ownership, systems, and relationships on the ground. Together, Cynthia and Mike unpack what execution really means in international expansion, including: Why strategy is just theory until it’s tested in-market Where global strategies most commonly break once execution begins Why systems and frameworks matter, but relationships ultimately drive traction How accountability (or the lack of it) determines whether sales momentum builds or stalls What separates companies that scale internationally from those that never quite get thereThis conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who already have a strategy — and now need to make it work in the real world. This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who already have a strategy — and now need to make it work in the real world. 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=... Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders: The Real Strategy(00:00:23) - What is the biggest threat to international trade?(00:02:50) - Elon Musk: I'm an Optimist and a Pessimist(00:03:32) - The Importance of International Sales and Execution(00:07:52) - Back in the days of selling washing machines(00:13:22) - How Did I Get From Curry's to(00:16:07) - International Expansion(00:21:24) - Oak CEO on his time at Ugg(00:23:33) - Steve Ballentine:(00:26:52) - Going international: The risk and reward(00:29:20) - Getting to know a brand's founder(00:31:08) - How to Build a Business in France(00:34:03) - The blueprint for international success(00:35:53) - Levering into the CEO's plans(00:39:17) - Australia's unique culture and challenges

    41 min
  6. Episode 61 - Supply Chain Logistics Update with Kim Winter

    11/08/2022

    Episode 61 - Supply Chain Logistics Update with Kim Winter

    In this episode I talk to global supply chain expert, Kim Winter. Kim is the Group Managing Director of the Logistics Executive Group. He leads a global consulting, corporate advisory, M&A and executive search and media organisation from his base in Dubai, UAE. Today we’re talking about the current landscape for global supply chains and what that means for international business. Tune in to find out: • How the pandemic affected supply chains in the Middle East and elsewhere • What impact the war in Ukraine has had on supply lines • What global supply chain trends Kim is seeing in 2022 To find out more about how Kim and his team can help you navigate global supply chains, visit the Logistics Executive Group website. I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Kim. If you know someone who would benefit from this interview, please share this episode with them.

    26 min
  7. Episode 60 - Why Your Small Business Needs an ERP with Tom Griffith

    09/14/2021

    Episode 60 - Why Your Small Business Needs an ERP with Tom Griffith

    In this episode, I have a second conversation with Tom Griffith, Co-founder of Emma and Tom’s, which makes all-natural juices and other healthy drinks. In our previous conversation we spoke about Emma and Tom’s genesis story and Tom’s experience with growing an international brand. This time around, we got into further detail about running an international business with a focus on Enterprise Resource Planning and how to effectively manage the resources within a company to scale internationally. Tune in to find out: • About Enterprise Resource Planning • How to use ERP to manage resources within your company more effectively • Why data is the new oil • How to ensure that the priorities within the business are in order … and more! As usual, the conversation was highly informative and an absolute pleasure to record… remember to share it with a friend who needs inspiration this week. Please Enjoy! You can connect with Tom on LinkedIn or find out more at emmaandtom.com/

    16 min
  8. Episode 59 - Breaking International Barriers with Kathryn Read

    08/03/2021

    Episode 59 - Breaking International Barriers with Kathryn Read

    In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, my guest is Kathryn Read, an international sales and marketing consultant with more than 20 years’ experience developing niche products in emerging markets. Kathryn helps small and medium companies to break through international barriers and she joins me today from Austria. Join us to find out: • How Austria handled the pandemic • The current relationship between Europe and the UK post Brexit • The importance of research when working internationally • How not to choose an international market • How to build an international network when you can’t travel The importance of research is highlighted here, and Kathryn explains what can go wrong when you make snap judgements when it comes to choosing a new international market. When you make ad-hoc decisions in the world of international business it becomes very easy to lose focus which then leads to frustration, wasted resources and disappointment. All this can be avoided by doing the research and building a network of people that align with your vision. I had a great time recording this, and if you are interested in taking your company global, I have no doubt that you will get a huge amount of value from tuning in. Please enjoy! You can connect with Kathyrn on LinkedIn or find out more at https://kathrynread.com/. You can also download a copy of How to Decide Which International Market to Enter here: https://colossal-leader-525.ck.page/c1c1dbf454

    29 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Cynthia Dearin
  • Show Website
    Business Beyond Borders