Global I.Q. Podcast

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
  • 4.6 (31)
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The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth talks with some of the world's foremost thinkers, writers, and diplomats in this interview series. New episodes released weekly.

  1. The Builder’s Mindset: How Gary Wojtaszek Turns Ideas Into Industries

    May 13

    The Builder’s Mindset: How Gary Wojtaszek Turns Ideas Into Industries

    This is part 2 of the 2025 CEO Series. Gary Wojtaszek has spent his career turning bold ideas into billion-dollar businesses. He led CyrusOne’s rise into a $12 billion global data center company. He then founded RecNation, now the largest institutional RV and boat storage platform in the U.S. Time and again, he has built and scaled companies that redefine their industries. In this conversation, Gary will share what he’s learned along the way. He’ll talk about how to spot opportunity amid disruption, lead with agility, and sustain culture through rapid growth. It’s a candid look at what it takes to innovate, invest, and inspire in a business landscape that never stops changing. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Gary Wojtaszek is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of founding, scaling, and transforming companies across real estate, data centers, and technology. His career spans both public and private company leadership, from entrepreneurial startups and fast-growth platforms to global publicly traded enterprises. He has extensive private equity advisory and board governance experience, guiding organizations through IPOs, LBOs, restructurings, and high-growth phases. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Brendan McGuire is executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank, North Texas. He is responsible for overseeing PNC’s lines of business, as well as all sponsorship, philanthropic, and branding efforts important to PNC’s national main street banking model in the region. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: www.dfwworld.org/donate

    59 min
  2. The Human Cost of War: A Reporter’s Firsthand Perspective from Ukraine

    May 7

    The Human Cost of War: A Reporter’s Firsthand Perspective from Ukraine

    War is often described in impersonal ways – through moves and countermoves, land disputes, and troop movements. But as Jen Stout’s coverage of the war in Ukraine has shown, war is deeply personal; she’s reported from night trains and birthday parties, military hospitals and bunkers. She has compiled these stories into her debut book "Night Train to Odesa," which covers the human cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Join us for a journalist’s firsthand account of life in a conflict zone.

    1h 3m
  3. The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt

    May 7

    The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt

    Featuring Author and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation Edward F. O’Keefe; moderated by Presidential Historian Talmage Boston.

    55 min
  4. Power and Money: The Feud Between Presidents and Business Leaders

    May 7

    Power and Money: The Feud Between Presidents and Business Leaders

    It’s a universal truth that U.S. presidents need businessmen and businessmen need U.S. presidents. But competing interests have long made their relationship fraught, as explored by Tevi Troy in his latest book The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry. Join us for a discussion of presidents’ battles with famed leaders in business from John D. Rockefeller to Mark Zuckerberg.

    37 min
  5. Soft Power: Is the U.S. Losing its Edge?

    Apr 27

    Soft Power: Is the U.S. Losing its Edge?

    Part 2 of 4 in the 2025 International Perspectives Series. From celebrating Halloween in Spain, Stanley Starbucks cups being released in Japan, and McDonald’s creating the “McBaguette” in France, the United States’s soft power and global influence is evident. But globalization and rapid social media connectivity has brought Korean skincare, the viral French butter bell, and Argentinian football to the masses. The opportunity for nations to become “soft power influencers” has equalized with globalization. A recent Gallup poll about influence had the U.S. leading 81 countries to 131 surveyed, while China only had 52. But is U.S. influence lagging? In a world where the Chinese app TikTok dominates social platforms, how will this impact global perception of the U.S.? Gaps in Africa and Latin America have allowed China and Russia to fill the void and gain influence in those regions. While military and economic power dominate the political spheres, soft power’s attractiveness plays the long game. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Kori Schake is a senior fellow and the director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Previously, Dr. Schake was the deputy director-general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. She has had a distinguished career in government, working at the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the National Security Council at the White House. She has also taught at Stanford, West Point, Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, National Defense University, and the University of Maryland. Dr. Schake is the author of five books and has been widely published in policy journals and the popular press, including in CNN, Foreign Affairs, Politico, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. She is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and War on the Rocks. Dr. Schake has a PhD and MA in government and politics from the University of Maryland, as well as an MPM from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Her BA in international relations is from Stanford University. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

    59 min
  6. Unlocking Education: A Discussion on Freedom and Opportunity

    Apr 25

    Unlocking Education: A Discussion on Freedom and Opportunity

    Debates over voucher programs, public school funding, and the government’s role in education have dominated headlines across Texas and the nation. At the same time, the recent NAEP test shows that less than half our kids are proficient in reading and math. Studies indicate that when the education system fails, far more is at risk than an individual student’s growth. Education shortcomings pose a risk to national security and global competitiveness. So, what can we do to ensure the next generation gets off to the best possible start? Join the Council for a panel event focused on the intersection of education, freedom, and national security. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Pete Geren The Honorable Preston “Pete” Geren is president and CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, which provides grants to educational, health, human service, and cultural nonprofit organizations in Texas. Geren served in the Department of Defense from 2001-2009, holding positions that included Acting Secretary of the Air Force and Secretary of the Army. He served four terms as a member of Congress, representing the 12th District of Texas from 1989-1997. A lawyer and former business executive, Geren has held leadership positions in numerous civic, educational, business, and philanthropic organizations in Texas. He has more than 30 years of combined service on corporate boards, including Union Pacific Resources, Anadarko Petroleum, Cullen Frost, and Texas Capital Bank. He was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas and a Distinguished Alumnus for Public Service of the University of Texas Law School. A Fort Worth native, he is married with three daughters and one granddaughter. Sandy Kress made a personal decision over 30 years ago to transfer his energy and spirit to the task of reforming public education. He became senior adviser on education in the White House when George W. Bush became President of the United States. He spearheaded the development of policy within the administration and helped lead negotiations with the Congress over legislation that became the No Child Left Behind Act. Upon his return to Texas, Sandy Kress was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to chair the Commission for a College Ready Texas and serve on his Competitiveness Council. Kress has served as a fellow at both the Bush Institute in Dallas and the Hunt Institute in North Carolina, where he worked on major national education reform initiatives. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

    1h 10m
  7. Partners Under Pressure: Germany, the U.S., and a Changing Europe

    Apr 25

    Partners Under Pressure: Germany, the U.S., and a Changing Europe

    As both a European leader and a key U.S. ally, Germany stands at the epicenter of issues like the war in Ukraine and European energy and economic uncertainty. Axel Dittmann, the Germany Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, will join the Council to explore how transatlantic relations are evolving, what’s at stake for the future of NATO and the EU, and how Germany and the U.S. can work together to address a rapidly shifting geopolitical and energy landscape. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Axel Dittmann is Germany’s Deputy Chief of Mission. He represents the German Ambassador and heads the German Embassy in his absence. He deals with all political issues of fundamental nature and manages the internal proceedings of the German Embassy. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

    57 min
  8. What’s Next for U.S.-China Relations?

    Apr 25

    What’s Next for U.S.-China Relations?

    Open to the public; complimentary for Global Forum Members. Join David Firestein, President and CEO of the Bush China Foundation, for an essential discussion on the world’s most consequential relationship. We’ll explore what’s really driving U.S.-China tensions: strategic rivalry, Taiwan, the global tech race, and the domestic forces shaping policy in both nations. The discussion will offer clear insights on how this superpower competition impacts everything from global markets to national security – and what it means for Texas and beyond. Whether you’re tracking geopolitical risks, navigating business decisions, or simply want to understand the forces reshaping our world, this conversation will give you the strategic perspective you need. ABOUT THE SPEAKER David Firestein is the inaugural president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations and a founding and current member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Bush China Foundation, Mr. Firestein was the founding executive director of The University of Texas at Austin’s China Public Policy Center and a clinical professor at UT’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, and is now interim CEO of WACDFW. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

    1h 9m
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4.6
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About

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth talks with some of the world's foremost thinkers, writers, and diplomats in this interview series. New episodes released weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Global I.Q. Podcast

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