The International Business Podcast

Leonardo Marra
  • 4.3 (4)
  • CAREERS

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. Leonardo interviews experts from around the world across various industries, engaging in conversations that uncover their challenges and provide insights to help you become a better international business leader. For more content, join Leonardo's Patreon: - Podcast Archive: 102 episodes. - Podcast Bonus Episodes: new exclusive content.

  1. #146 Japan after 1945: World War 2, Keiretsu, Kaizen and the cost of success

    6D AGO

    #146 Japan after 1945: World War 2, Keiretsu, Kaizen and the cost of success

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to The International Business Podcast. AI can now summarise almost anything in seconds. That's powerful, but it makes it easy to stay at the surface. We get headlines, bullet points, "3 key takeaways", and move on. What's lost is context, nuance, and understanding that changes how professionals think and decide in international business. With this new format, host Leonardo Marra pushes in the opposite direction. Instead of a quick AI overview, he built a long‑form deep dive into Japan after 1945: from World War II defeat to economic miracle, bubble, stagnation, and today's super‑aging, innovation‑driven society. Part 1 traces Japan's path from post‑war devastation through U.S. occupation, state‑guided capitalism, keiretsu networks, export‑led growth, oil shocks, the 1980s bubble, and the "lost decades." It links policy, institutions, and social change to Japan's rise and current challenges. Part 2 shifts to practical insights. Guests who live and work in and around Japan share how firms make decisions, how kaizen and relationships function, how demographics reshape strategy, and what foreign executives consistently misunderstand about the Japanese market. -------- ⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for Podcast Archive and Bonus episodes (100+ episodes). ⁠ -------- With guests: Massimiliano Colonna – Director of Communications, Brookings Institution Governance Studies. MPhil in Modern Japanese Studies from Oxford's Nissan Institute, where he researched the internet's role in Japan's political debate. Waka Someno – CEO of YOUNEEDS Co., Ltd. and SOMENO-YA (Tokyo/Osaka). Provides sales, marketing, and legal support for international companies entering Japan. Over 15 years in B2B sales, DX solutions, and market-entry advisory. Jason Durkee – President, Idea Development (Tokyo); co-founder, Practical Training Transfer. 25+ years helping businesspeople innovate, communicate across cultures, and transfer learning to results. CPTD, ATD Japan director, serves 130+ clients annually across Asia. Neal Jansen – Director, Asia Office, Arkansas Economic Development Commission. CEcD with 20+ years in FDI, trade, and workforce development. Fluent in Japanese, builds long-term partnerships between Arkansas and Asian companies. Brett Jason Lee – Learning and performance professional specializing in Asia Pacific; ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Designs learning solutions focused on behavior change, capability building, and cultural context for Japan and the region. Shaun Rein – Founder & Managing Director, China Market Research Group (Shanghai). Author of five bestselling books on China's economy. Works with Fortune 500s, PE firms, and heads of state. Regular contributor to WSJ, FT, NYT, CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg. Harvard MA. Tom Roberts – Founder, Cranberry Leadership International. "The Expat Whisperer." Former Head of Japan - Neurology at UCB (200 people, ~$1B P&L) and MD/President UCB Korea. Forbes Coaches Council member, helps C-Suite leaders navigate cross-border challenges. Jeff O'Dea – Communication Specialist, Inspiringbiz (Tokyo). Since 2010, helps Japanese professionals communicate effectively in English for global meetings. Clients include BMS, Novartis, MSD, Chugai, Merck, UCB, Softbank. Kelvin Ro – Founder, Kagi Career LLC (Tokyo, 15+ years). Coaches non-Japanese professionals on landing jobs in Japan. Author of Three Ways to Land Your First Job in Japan; ranked #2 non-Japanese LinkedIn creator in Japan (Dec 2024). ----- If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.

    2h 7m
  2. #145: Global business in 2025

    10/12/2025

    #145: Global business in 2025

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to The International Business Podcast. In this episode, Leonardo unpacks the “double helix” of risk and opportunity that defines international business for 2025: from the fragmentation of globalization and the unstoppable rise of AI, to the centrality of sustainability, talent shifts, and geopolitical turbulence. Joined by expert guests Tom Van der Heyden, Edmundo Echauri Marroquin, and Emmanuel Daniel, we break down actionable strategies for leaders navigating a complex global landscape. -------- Join Leonardo on Patreon for Podcast Archive and Bonus episodes (100+ episodes). -------- What you’ll learn: Why global companies are moving from cost optimization to resilience and agility in their supply chains.How emerging technologies and AI are transforming operations, from the boardroom to the factory floor.What new roles sustainability and ESG are playing in global competitiveness.How demographic change and upskilling are reshaping the labor market worldwide.Practical strategies for thriving amid macro volatility, new trade rules, and policy uncertainty. And more. Special Guests: Tom Van der Heyden is the co-founder and CEO of S³ Group, a European consultancy renowned for its expertise in international sourcing, supply chain strategy, and business development across Asia, Europe, and emerging markets. With a career spanning over 25 years, Tom is recognized for building resilient, adaptable supply chains and operational models for SMEs and multinationals alike. His practical experience bridges East and West—advising clients on supplier development, compliance, risk diversification, and the deep nuances of entering new markets. Tom is a regular lecturer at leading business schools, an intercultural negotiation expert, and a trusted partner for companies seeking to thrive in complex, fragmented global landscapes. Dr. Edmundo Echauri Marroquin is the CEO of PROISSA and a highly regarded leader in the fields of traumatology and orthopedic surgery. Based in Mexico, he brings over two decades of hands-on clinical expertise and health sector management. Edmundo has built a reputation for advancing medical technology adoption, fostering cross-border collaborations, and steering PROISSA into a model for international best practices and innovation in healthcare delivery. His work spans direct patient care, leadership at major medical congresses, and implementing global sourcing strategies for high-quality medical devices. He embodies the intersection of clinical excellence and international healthcare business. Emmanuel Daniel is a globally respected thought leader on geopolitics, the future of finance, and technology’s impact on society. He is the founder of TAB Global and The Asian Banker, platforms connecting C-suite leaders and policymakers worldwide. Listed as a top 10 fintech influencer, Emmanuel is the author of “The Great Transition,” exploring the personalization of finance and seismic changes driven by blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and AI. With a background in law and economics, and business connections in over 130 countries, Emmanuel is sought after as an advisor, boardroom mentor, keynote speaker, and commentator on BBC, CNBC, and Bloomberg. He brings unmatched, real-world insights on how global trends are rewriting the rules for leaders and innovators. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.

    32 min
  3. #144: This Expat Life

    06/05/2025

    #144: This Expat Life

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Amanda Molenaar is a life coach for high-achieving expats. As a former diplomat, she knows what it's like to balance international ambition with a steady personal life. Through 1:1 coaching, online programs and events, Amanda now helps high-achievers abroad find more fulfillment, create deeper relationships and take bolder action, so that they can live global lives that make them truly happy. Amanda also has a podcast, This Expat Life, where she opens up space for all facets of life abroad. Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access to the newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠⁠

    17 min
  4. #143: Growth strategy amid uncertainty

    05/27/2025

    #143: Growth strategy amid uncertainty

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. Strategy, structure, people. This encapsulates the need for a clear strategic direction, an organizational framework to support it, and the right human resources to execute it—each reinforcing the others to drive business success. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access to the newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. Dr. Rebecca Homkes is a high-growth strategy specialist and CEO and executive advisor.  She is a Lecturer at the London Business School, Faculty at Duke Corporate Executive Education, Advisor and Core Faculty for BCGU (Boston Consulting Group), and a former fellow at the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance.  A best-selling author, global keynote speaker and recognized thought leader, she is also the global Faculty Director of the Active Learning Program with the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). A Marshall Scholar, she received her PhD and MSc from the London School of Economics in International Economy. Prior to LSE, Dr. Homkes received two degrees at Indiana University: BS (Honors) in business administration alongside a BA (Honors) in Political Science where she was a Wells Scholar and graduated as the schools’ top graduate in 2005 and its sole Herman Wells Scholar. She previously served as a Fellow at the White House’s President’s Council of Economic Advisors and has worked in strategy consulting with Bain & Co. She lives between Miami, San Francisco, and London. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠⁠

    17 min
  5. #142: Grounding leaders in value creation

    05/20/2025

    #142: Grounding leaders in value creation

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo, welcome to the international business podcast. ⁠Greg Kaiser⁠, a seasoned Manager Development Expert, Advisor, and Author, has significantly impacted and mentored over 1000 managers across diverse business functions. Continuously refining his expertise, he founded Management Mastery, a company offering training, coaching, and consulting services. This initiative aims to accelerate the growth of managers, employees, stakeholders, and society at large by shaping organizational culture. ⁠⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. General Management Executive delivering profitable sales increases and cost reductions with oversight of over 7K personnel and P&L of up to $750M and sales oversight for $4.5B revenues. Brought discipline to capital planning & administration for technical solutions functions. Created holistic project management strategies. Led global (U.S., Mexico, Brazil, India, China, Canada) team of over 225 executives, union, and hourly staff. Greg is the author of "Management Rescue, You’re Promoted! Now What?"—a witty guide to managing, Greg provides practical lessons for managers through captivating stories. This book offers a structured action framework applicable to managers at all levels, filling a gap in the literature on management. With a career spanning 40+ years, Greg started in the mailroom at 19 and climbed to the position of COO, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business from the ground up not shared by many executives. Recognized for Cross-Functional Team Leadership, he has overseen 10,000+ employees and successfully executed a $1B restructuring project, yielding $200M in annual recurring savings. In his current consulting role, Greg employs Columbo-like, detective skills and a compassionate demeanor to diagnose management problems, restructuring business operations and culture. As a lifetime learner, he has read over 500 management, strategy, and business biography books and taught business classes at Penn State University. Greg emphasizes the crucial role of managers in a business and addresses the lack of formalized training for many promoted managers. Through Management Rescue and Management Mastery, he strives to alleviate the stress of imposter syndrome, providing foundational knowledge for managers to thrive in their roles. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠⁠

    16 min

  6. 04/29/2025

    #141 Concept: The G7 countries

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to The International Business Podcast. This episode is part of the CONCEPT series, where Leonardo aims to define a key topic in international business. Today, we're discussing the G-7. The G-7, or group of 7, are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The UK and the USA, collectively accounting for around two-thirds of the world’s economic output. These seven powerhouses, through their treasury officials, strive to cultivate balanced economic growth and stable exchange rates. ⁠⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠

    3 min
  7. #140: Taking your business global

    04/22/2025

    #140: Taking your business global

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. International strategy, how to measure cross-cultural competency in multinational teams, and more. ⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. Keith Jackson is recognized for his strategic foresight, driving progress in complex situations while generating new revenue streams and enhancing competitive advantage. His expertise includes strategic acquisitions, effective partnerships, and business growth. Holding Chartered Director and BS13500 credentials, Keith elevates board governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance within transparent, trusted environments. He trains directors, develops board competence, and has contributed to over 20 boards across SMEs, scale-ups, start-ups, and third-sector organizations. With more than 30 years of experience and advanced cultural fluency, Keith excels at building resilient international supply chains, forming strategic alliances, and fostering bilateral trade with over 70 countries, with a focus on ASEAN, China, and Japan. As a Chartered Engineer, he champions innovation, fosters organizational learning, and promotes cross-border, multi-disciplinary collaboration. Keith’s commitment to leadership development is demonstrated through his role as a Visiting Professor at the University of Sheffield and his mentoring and advising of directors across diverse organizations. He applies strong commercial acumen to monitor and improve company performance. With over 20 years of directorship experience in both executive and non-executive roles, Keith has led organizations through major changes including product portfolio shifts, market expansions, and restructures. His approach emphasizes employee engagement, distributed leadership, succession planning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, underpinned by an inclusive leadership style. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra.⁠ ⁠LinkedIn newsletter.⁠

    24 min
  8. #139: How India works

    04/15/2025

    #139: How India works

    If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, this is the show for you. This is your host Leonardo Marra, welcome to the international business podcast. The episode focuses on India, exploring the persistent misconceptions foreign executives bring to Indian workplaces and how global leaders can adapt their leadership styles to navigate India's hierarchical corporate structure. Find more details about the guest below. ⁠Join Leonardo on Patreon for:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Archive: 102 episodes (40+ hours). Podcast Bonus Episodes: New exclusive content. Early Access: Upcoming YouTube videos and newsletters. Thinking Process Journal: Insights into Leonardo's content preparation, including a curated reading list and personal reflections. Q&A: Submit questions for future episodes, and receive a shoutout when they are answered. With guest: Aarti Kelshikar is an intercultural coach and author. She is the founder of 3A Consulting and has been working in the space of leadership and cultural effectiveness since 2008. She has worked and lived in India, Singapore and the Philippines. Aarti is a certified facilitator of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and accredited coach of The International Profiler (TIP), frameworks that help assess and develop intercultural effectiveness. She is also a certified executive coach from the international Neuro Leadership group. Through her cultural interventions, Aarti enables executives and students to successfully transition roles, levels and geographies. She conducts workshops on developing cultural intelligence and on doing business in South-East Asia and India. She has trained senior executives from multinational corporations like Nestlé, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, and Texas Instruments. Aarti has recently published her second book titled How Women Work: Fitting in and Standing Out in Asia. Published by HarperCollins, the book observes women leaders through a pan-Asian lens providing insights on leadership and success in Asia. Her first book How India Works: Making Sense of a Complex Corporate Culture was published in 2018. The book is a guide to the cultural nuances and complexities of working with Indians. Aarti is a member of the Harvard Business Review (HBR) Advisory Council, an opt-in research community of business professionals across the world. She is on the Advisory Board of the Diversity Economics Institute, a UK-based organization. Aarti is co-founder and Board Member of SIETAR Southeast Asia, an organization for intercultural education, training and research which develops Asia-focused expertise. Before discovering the fascinating world of intercultural coaching, Aarti worked for seven years in the area of securities market compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India in Mumbai and with a consulting firm in Singapore. She has a master’s in business administration from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in Mumbai and a bachelor’s in commerce from Sydenham College in Mumbai. If you work across time zones, borders, and cultures, come on the show to share your story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the host Leonardo Marra. LinkedIn newsletter.

    21 min
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4.3
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

If you work across time zones, borders and cultures, this is the show for you. Leonardo interviews experts from around the world across various industries, engaging in conversations that uncover their challenges and provide insights to help you become a better international business leader. For more content, join Leonardo's Patreon: - Podcast Archive: 102 episodes. - Podcast Bonus Episodes: new exclusive content.

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