Commerce Beyond Borders

Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Hosted by Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker, Commerce Beyond Borders is a future-forward perspective on the rapidly evolving world of commerce and global growth strategies, providing critical insights, innovative tactics and transformative trends shaping the future of global commerce.

  1. JAN 5

    Remove Friction, Not Humans: Rethinking Retail Technology with João Correia

    What does it take to turn around 12 supermarkets during a COVID lockdown? Or build a centralized logistics operation under economic sanctions? João Correia has spent 25 years solving retail operations challenges across four continents—from Ghanaian supermarkets to Iranian department stores to Paraguayan wholesale operations. In this episode, João shares hard-won lessons about what actually drives store performance: it's not the latest AI tool, it's disciplined execution of operational fundamentals. We discuss stock visibility challenges when supply chains stretch three months, why real-time store performance matters more than post-visit surveys, and how technology should remove friction—not create it. Key Topics: Why operational excellence is becoming a competitive advantage while competitors chase AI The critical difference between reported experience and real experience on the shop floor How to implement technology in resource-constrained environments (and what that teaches us about priorities) Store execution fundamentals that work across markets: expiry date management, standards compliance, workflow efficiency Change management lessons from converting stores, building logistics networks, and implementing new systems across different cultures The role of technology in empowering frontline teams vs. replacing them Guest Bio: João Correia is a retail operations veteran with nearly 30 years of experience across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. He's led turnarounds, store conversions, and logistics operations for retailers including SPAR, Primark, and Media Markt. His experience spans grocery retail, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale operations in markets including Portugal, Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Iran, Malta, and Paraguay. Key Quotes: "AI and all the tech tools that are there come to improve the ecosystem in a way that they remove all the friction and give people the tools to provide a better service." "You might have the best product, you might have the best stores, you might have the best decor in the stores. Everything fails if the human factor doesn't deliver." "Retail is process. Retail is discipline. The truth happens on the floor—where real experience occurs." "Back to the basics will be a competitive advantage in the future, in my opinion."

    48 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    The New Wave of Chinese Brands Disrupting Everyone

    Why are both international luxury brands and established Chinese players losing market share to local upstarts? In this episode, we sit down with Xiaofeng Gu, founder of Jingzhi Chronicle, to explore the rise of China's challenger brands—and why this disruption is about innovation, not nationalism. From TCM-powered skincare to EVs with business-class lie-flat seats, these brands are leveraging China's manufacturing agility, deep consumer understanding, and mastery of decentralized media to outcompete legacy players. Xiaofeng shares insights on 8 brands redefining what "Made in China" means—and why this is a preview of what's coming globally. Key Topics Discussed: Why the "international brand halo effect" has disappeared in China Three key drivers of challenger brand success: product innovation, emotional connection, and communication mastery How post-COVID values shifted Chinese consumer priorities The role of globally-trained founders in building sophisticated local brands Why Chinese brands are winning on quality, not just price How TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is being elevated into luxury beauty The future of Chinese brands on the global stage Featured Brands: HERBEAST - TCM-powered skincare with reishi mushroom innovation SONGMONT - Luxury accessories (one of only two stores Bernard Arnault visited in China) AVATR - Luxury EV collaboration between Huawei, Great Wall Motors & CATL TO SUMMER - Fragrance house putting Chinese ingredients on the global perfumery map LUCKIN COFFEE - Efficiency-driven coffee brand now expanding to the US DOCUMENTS - Fragrance and agarwood jewelry brand MAOGEPING - Color cosmetics combining professional artistry with accessible services YUSUMTONG - Innovative tea/lifestyle brand Guest: Xiaofeng Gu is the founder of Jingzhi Chronicle, a media platform covering China's emerging luxury, beauty, and lifestyle brands. With deep expertise in the Chinese consumer landscape, Xiaofeng brings unique insights into how local brands are disrupting both international and established Chinese players. Hosts: Renee Hartmann - Globally recognized retail strategist, Fractional CMO, and author of "Next Generation Retail" Chris Baker - Retail and commerce expert with extensive Asia-Pacific experience Key Quotes: "Being an international brand doesn't automatically give you trust anymore. That halo effect has more or less disappeared. You have to prove yourself." - Xiaofeng Gu "Innovative Chinese brands proved they're just as safe, just as effective—and they understand consumers better." - Xiaofeng Gu "Chinese consumers are very smart. They understand a lot of products from international brands are actually made in China. So they're asking: if Chinese brands and international brands use the same source and manufacturing capability, why are you asking for so much more?" - Xiaofeng Gu Resources Mentioned: Jingzhi Chronicles Bernard Arnault's recent China visit Takeaways: ✓ Chinese challenger brands are disrupting based on innovation and consumer understanding, not nationalism ✓ The "international = better" perception has evaporated among Chinese consumers ✓ Product innovation speed, emotional connection, and owning communication channels are key differentiators ✓ This isn't just a China story—it's a preview of global disruption to come ✓ International brands must prove value and can no longer rely on heritage alone

    54 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    Content Is the Game: Inside the Real State of Social Commerce with Dave Morrissey (ex-TikTok & Meta)

    In this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, we go deep into what actually works in social commerce today — and what doesn’t. From London, former Meta & TikTok executive Dave Morrissey joins Renee (in Portugal) and Chris (in Shanghai) for a candid conversation about live shopping, the role of creators, why most brands are doing content wrong — and what the smartest brands are already doing next. 🔑 Key Insights Live shopping is not the answer for everyone — and most brands are doing it wrong. The TikTok Shop winners are founder-led, community-first brands. Why 40+ videos a month is becoming the new baseline for e-commerce success. AI should power creativity — not replace it. The rise of video search and why TikTok is quietly becoming a rival to Google. TikTok Shop: do you need affiliates, creators, paid ads… or all three? The secret moat now? 👉 Doing the hard things your competitors won’t. 💬 Favorite Quote from Dave “Content is the game. The algorithms will do the delivery. Your only job is to get great at content.” 🔍 What We Cover 00:00 – Introductions across Portugal, Shanghai & London 04:00 – From music industry → Meta → TikTok Shop 09:45 – Live shopping: what’s working & what isn’t 16:30 – Why discount-led TikTok strategies are dangerous 22:10 – Content at scale: how brands should build it 28:00 – The role of AI — and where it shouldn’t be used 34:20 – Affiliates vs creators: who actually drives sales? 41:10 – TikTok as a search engine 46:30 – What Western brands can learn from China 52:00 – The principle that doesn’t change: be real, be useful 📢 Listen Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts 🎧 Subscribe to Commerce Beyond Borders for global perspectives on the future of retail & commerce.

    50 min

  4. 10/09/2025

    Entertainment, Community, Trust: Palmstreet’s Playbook for Livestream Commerce

    Palmstreet is building what they call the world’s online “Main Street”—and the engagement is wild. In this episode, Chen Li (Founder & CEO, Palmstreet) joins Renee and Chris to unpack the metrics behind their growth: shoppers spend an average of 2.5 hours per day on the app, first-year buyers make ~50–55 purchases, and a $26,000 plant sold live shows how trust plus logistics unlock high-ticket conversions.   We dig into the formula—entertainment + community + trust + operations—and how Palmstreet productized the “unsexy” bits (shipping, weather checks, protection) to turn livestreams into a dependable channel. Chen also shares which categories win, why repeat purchase frequency matters, and what’s next (hint: beauty is heating up). Highlights 2.5 hours/day average time spent per shopper ~50–55 purchases in year one (per shopper) 95% shipped / 5% local; typical U.S. shipping $8–$18 Platform trust & logistics: even weather checks pre-ship $26,000 plant sold live—proof that confidence converts Category patterns: uniqueness, repeat purchase, and showmanship Why brands think livestream “doesn’t work” (and how to fix it) Topics we cover The origin story: from plant ID app to live shopping marketplace “Shop for the drop, stay for the vibes”: community as a growth engine What actually entertains in a live: hosts, education, and the hunt The operations layer that makes live shopping repeatable Winning categories now (plants, handmade, vintage) and next (beauty) Building trust fast if you’re a new brand (and when to borrow it via creators) The TikTok question: coexistence vs. competition Shipping reality in North America—and how it shapes category fit Pull quotes “On average, a shopper spends two and a half hours a day on Palmstreet.” “Our users make 50–55 purchases in their first year.” “We sold a $26,000 plant live.” “Live is entertainment first—but operations make it scalable.” About Palmstreet Palmstreet is the online Main Street for plants, handmade, vintage, and unique goods, connecting passionate buyers with charismatic sellers through live shopping. Guest Chen Li — Founder & CEO, Palmstreet Hosts Renee Hartmann & Chris Baker, Commerce Beyond Borders

    32 min

  5. 09/26/2025

    Make Your Own Luck: Scott Kronick on Global Growth, China Lessons & Saying Yes to the Meeting

    In this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, host Renee Hartmann and co-host Chris Baker sit down with communications leader Scott Kronick (ex–Ogilvy & Mather) for an energizing tour through three decades of brand building across Asia, the Olympics, and today’s AI-driven marketing landscape. Scott shares why he’s still a dyed-in-the-wool globalist, how China’s “can-do” culture shaped his leadership, and the mindset he teaches students at USC: expand your surface area of luck—meet more people, talk about your passion, and be generous with your help. What we cover The “surface area of luck”: a practical framework for creating opportunity Lessons from hyper-growth China: optimism, speed, and execution Agencies: why boutiques can outmaneuver quarterly-driven giants AI, influencers, and the new media mix (what’s changed, what hasn’t) Chinese brands going global: strengths, gaps, and playing by local rules Risk, regulation, and communications alignment in the U.S. market Olympic storytelling: building a specialized practice and finding your lane Career advice for young marketers: do hard things, take the meeting, think critically Memorable quotes “The more people you meet and talk about what you’re passionate about, the more opportunities come your way.” “That meeting you don’t want to leave the house for? Take it. That might be the life-changer.” “Be optimistic—find the green shoots and lean in.” About our guest Scott Kronick led PR and integrated communications across Asia for Ogilvy, launching and scaling offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Now back in Los Angeles, he teaches at USC, advises global brands, and continues his long-standing work around the Olympic movement and Special Olympics.

    44 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    Collaboration at Scale: How Indie Beauty Brands Grow Together with Lynn Power

    In this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, hosts Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker sit down with Lynn Power, a former advertising executive turned entrepreneur behind several innovative beauty ventures. After decades in the ad world, Lynn took the leap into entrepreneurship — launching MASAMI, a premium clean haircare brand rooted in Japanese seaweed ingredients, and Isle de Nature, a luxury bee-powered home fragrance line. Most recently, she founded the Power Beauty Collab, a collective of 65+ indie clean beauty brands that work together on retail activations, co-marketing, and content creation. We cover: 🌿 How Lynn built MASAMI and the Japanese ingredient story behind the brand 🐝 Why she launched Isle de Nature and the role of luxury home fragrance in her portfolio 🛍 How the Power Beauty Collab is rewriting the rules for indie brands through shared shelves, events, and campaigns 📣 Lessons learned from live shopping, influencer partnerships, and content strategies 💡 What really matters to today’s beauty consumers (spoiler: results > founder stories) ⚖️ The realities and challenges indie brands face in the current retail environment Whether you’re growing a beauty brand, exploring new retail models, or curious about what it takes to build with integrity and innovation, Lynn’s story offers both inspiration and practical insight. 🔗 Tune in to hear how indie brands are proving that collaboration is the new competition.

    35 min

  7. 07/22/2025

    Retail Is Everywhere: Platform Commerce, Trust, and the Future of Immersive Shopping

    In this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker sit down with Michael Zakkour—founder of Five New Digital and Managing Director at The Sell Side Group—to unpack the biggest transformations shaping global commerce. From platform commerce and immersive video strategies, to the rise of creator-driven retail and the collapse of traditional loyalty, Michael offers a sharp, forward-looking view of what’s next in retail, marketing, and digital strategy. 🔑 Topics Covered: Why retail is no longer a place—it’s everywhere The rise of platform commerce: Netflix, Roblox, TikTok, and beyond The two “margin monsters” brands face today: CAC & logistics What Western brands can (and can’t) copy from the Chinese retail playbook Why trust is the new loyalty, and how creators are reshaping retail influence The shift from paid media to organic UGC and influencer marketing Michael’s Venn diagram: attention economy, creator economy, automation economy What it means to build a video commerce strategy, not just livestreams Advice for the next generation of retail professionals (and what his teenage son taught him about the funnel)

    40 min

  8. 07/01/2025

    A VC’s View on the Future of Shopping: How Vincent Diallo Sees the Game Changing

    In this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, hosts Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker sit down with Vincent Diallo, venture capitalist, Investment Partner at Progression and General Partner at Interlace Ventures, to explore how commerce is being transformed—from the inside out. Vincent shares his insights on: 🤖 The real impact of agentic AI on every layer of the retail value chain 🛍️ Why hyper-personalization and intimate data are reshaping the consumer experience 🌐 How cultural mindset, regulation, and legacy tech shape innovation across China, the U.S., and Europe 📺 The rise of live shopping and niche commerce communities (like exotic plant lovers!) 🚚 What autonomous logistics and spatial computing could mean for the future of retail With examples from Y Combinator Demo Day to real-world investments like Palm Street, Vincent offers a global, VC-level perspective on where retail innovation is happening—and what brands and retailers must do to keep up. If you're a brand leader, investor, or startup looking to future-proof your strategy, this episode is your fast pass to what's next.

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker, Commerce Beyond Borders is a future-forward perspective on the rapidly evolving world of commerce and global growth strategies, providing critical insights, innovative tactics and transformative trends shaping the future of global commerce.

Information

  • Creator
    Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Commerce Beyond Borders