Things Have Changed Things Have Changed

Are you prepared for the future? What if we told you that philosophers will play a key role in it? We had a fascinating conversation with the brilliant Dr. Seth Benzel, a Digital Economist from MIT and Assistant Professor at Chapman University. He shared his insights about the transformation of job market landscape, the rise of new types of jobs, and the profound impact of AI on jobs and productivity. We explored how universities are stepping up, investing in STEM education, and how they can play a pivotal role in reducing inequalities and stimulating growth. 

Ever heard of luxury jobs, last mile jobs, or new tech jobs? These are part of David Autor's taxonomy of future jobs and they're not as far away as you might think. We also delved into the increasing wealth of the top 3% and the subsequent rise in demand for luxury services. What does this mean for you? Well, we chatted about the importance of teaching philosophy in universities and striking a balance between STEM skills and interpersonal skills. We rounded out our conversation by discussing the increasing compensation for leadership and cooperative jobs. Ready to equip yourself with the right skills to remain competitive in the modern job market? Then you don't want to miss this episode!
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Ever wondered how a nation transforms from a war-torn past to a thriving economic powerhouse? Prepare to be enlightened as we journey through Vietnam's economic renaissance, examining how it has maneuvered through technological advancements and strategic alliances to secure its spot as a key player in global trade. This Asian tiger, now a manufacturing hub, churns out everything from shoes to high-tech products, leveraging the power of the internet, cell phones, the cloud, and data.

But that's not all. We're also illuminating the electric vehicle pathway, specifically charting the bold strides of Vietnamese EV company, VINFest. This ambitious start-up is not only navigating the tempestuous waters of the EV industry but also presenting a unique business model that could disrupt the market. Then we're taking a flight to Africa, where we'll scout out Nigeria's burgeoning economy and tech landscape, exploring how this resource-rich nation could be the harbinger of what's to come for emerging economies. So buckle up, as we tackle the pulsating interplay of trade, geopolitics, and technology that's reshaping the global economic map.

Introduction
If you’re listening to this podcast on a smart phone, there is a good chance that you are looking at a device that was made in Vietnam! Mobile phones are Vietnam’s number one export, generating export revenues of more than $45 billion in 2017. While global trade has stagnated, Vietnam’s trade has soared to 190 percent of GDP in 2017 from 70 percent in 2007!
So how did Vietnam emerge as a juggernaut in manufacturing? On this episode of Things Have Changed Podcast, we spotlight Vietnam and how the country has anchored itself as a critical global trade partner in Asia and painting a fresh narrative of prosperity in this era of Slowbalization. Dive with us into the heart of Vietnam's economic renaissance!

Links:
Joe Biden’s Visit to Hanoi is a signal to ChinaWhy are Vietnam’s schools so good?Vietnam is emerging as a winner from the era of deglobalisationVietnams Richest Man wants to sell EV’s to America



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Ready to embark on an enlightening journey exploring the economic evolution of Brazil? Strap in as we navigate through dramatic GDP growth, a thriving digital revolution, and Brazil's robust role in global agriculture and natural resources. This intriguing exploration uncovers the shifting landscape of globalization and how Brazil, as part of the BRICSA coalition, is carving its own path towards becoming a top five economy.

As we traverse through Brazil's economic terrain, we'll cast a spotlight on its burgeoning agricultural exports and reliance on the same. We'll also examine how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted its economic momentum while highlighting the significance of monetary policy, past inflation hurdles, and the current favorable trends fostering business growth. From there, we segue into Brazil's burgeoning tech space and the potential growth there, underscoring its sustainability initiatives.

Lastly, we broaden our lens to capture the pulsating industries in Latin America, discussing the EU-Mercosur trade pact and its economic implications. We'll touch upon the rising tech companies in Brazil and the immense benefits of regional partnerships within Latin America. Together, we'll dissect the need for sustainable leadership in Brazil and the broader region, and Brazil's role in global economics amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Be prepared for an informative journey that dissects Brazil's economic strategies and its resilience in weathering global economic storms. So, are you ready to explore Brazil's exciting role in globalization and economics? Because we're ready to take you there. 

Join us in this enlightening journey of discovery and insight, as we navigate the fascinating economic landscape of Brazil.
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In the past few decades, it's been like watching the world shrink right in front of us. Globalization has turned our planet into this super connected place where everything's buzzing. Borders? They've become kinda blurry. Businesses? Oh man, they're popping up all over the globe. And tech? Well, it's like the ultimate game-changer, making even the most remote spots possible market hotspots.
But winds of change are blowing once again. Enter: Slowbalization. While it might sound like we're hitting the brakes, it's a bit more complicated than that. Countries are revisiting the whole global trade angle thanks to the volatile past few years we’ve witnessed - from rising trade tensions, evolving geopolitics, and supply chain crises driven by COVID. We're moving from that whole worldwide party mode to a chill regional hangout scene.
In this series on Things Have Changed Podcast, we're going to unravel the layers behind this shift. Specifically, Mexico is emerging as a standout beneficiary, as US companies aim to divest from China and invest closer to home!
Amidst the intricacies of Slowbalization, Mexico emerges as a standout beneficiary. As the whirlwind of global trade cools and countries seek more regional, strategic partnerships, Mexico's geographical proximity to the US and robust trade agreements place it at a pivotal position.
As companies reevaluate supply chains and lean towards nearshoring, Mexico's blend of competitive labor costs, established manufacturing prowess, and its strengthened ties with the U.S. through agreements like the USMCA, makes it a beacon for businesses looking for agility and resilience in this new economic landscape. In essence, Slowbalization is opening doors for Mexico that globalization merely hinted at.

Helpful Links:
https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/mexico-nearshoring-gdp-growthhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/mexicos-industrial-hubs-grow-as-part-of-trade-shift-toward-nearshoring-11675257070https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-u-s-and-china-are-breaking-up-in-charts-282bd878?mod=Searchresults_pos5&page=1https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-06-28/supply-chain-latest-us-nearshoring-proof-grows-as-mexico-exports-jump?in_source=embedded-checkout-banner#xj4y7vzkgDisclaimer: The information and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and are not intended as financial, investment, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content provided. Neither the podcast nor its creators are responsible for any actions taken as a result of listening to this episode.
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Imagine navigating the often-complex world of equity management with ease. Picture illuminating the path to growth opportunities that you were previously oblivious to. That's exactly what our guest, Peter Walker, head of insights at CARTA, is here to discuss. CARTA is reshaping equity management and providing invaluable insights to companies like Slack, Coinbase, and Robinhood, enabling them to focus on their core mission - building their company. Peter stresses the importance of a clear cap table for investors and how CARTA is revolutionizing this process. 

Ever wondered how first-time founders transform into second-time founders, and in the process, create more owners in the ecosystem? CARTA's insights can guide you on this journey. Peter shares how CARTA's cross-functional collaborations between data and marketing teams make their data more valuable for the ecosystem. CARTA's mission to become the infrastructure for startups, and its data-driven approach, is indeed intriguing and holds immense potential for entrepreneurs.

Lastly, we delve into Peter’s exciting journey in DataViz and CARTA's bold moves in the VC and liquidity space. He reveals the importance of tooling and iteration in data storytelling and how companies can optimize their buying process. We also discuss trends in startup valuations, employee options and their implications on company acquisitions. CARTA's role in educating employees on equity management and making informed financial decisions is also brought to light. It's a captivating discussion you don't want to miss. Hop in for an enlightening conversation on the future of equity management.
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On our previous episode, we spoke about the Buy Now Pay Later industry and the players that rode the pandemic to all time highs! But what we didn’t talk about was the chaos that ensued post covid!..Affirm's stock price dropped over 90% since November 2021, AfterPay fell more than 80%, and Klarna saw a decline of over 70%.
So what's behind this turbulence? Rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and worries about consumer debt have left investors scratching their heads. But don't worry, we're here to make sense of it all!
In this episode, we'll explore the challenges facing the BNPL industry and how it's adapting to the economic storm. We'll also discuss the importance of responsible spending and share some tips to ensure you're making informed decisions when using BNPL services.

Regulatory Scrutiny. BNPL is a relatively new product, and there is no clear regulatory framework for it. This has led to concerns about consumer protection and financial stability. Some BNPL companies have been fined for violating regulations. For example, in 2022, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom fined Klarna £39 million for failing to adequately assess the affordability of its products to consumers. The FCA also fined Clearpay £20 million for similar reasons.

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