Global Gurus

Ms. Sol Alsina owns an all-female branding and design firm in Buenos Aires where understanding the psychology and feelings behind the brand are essential to create a client’s website and positioning. With clients in Argentina, the US and Europe, some cultural issues have centered around Americans’ bottom-line pricing and benefits vs. the in-depth, emotional questions by which Argentines approach a...

Ms. Eden Tadesse, only 25, introduces Ethiopia-based Invicta, an amazing and award-winning global nonprofit (a business in a different format) that links refugees worldwide with online training and remote job opportunities, often in IT and cybersecurity. Exploring cultural differences such as time and communication styles, Eden shows how multi-skilled and multi-talented refugees are both resilient...

After living in five countries, selling US weapons through the Office of Defense Cooperation, speaking fluent Mandarin, and with businesses in Sri Lanka, Dave Chesson now leads Kindlepreneur, top-rated by Amazon to teach people how to self-publish and market their own books. His Navy experience is full of stories of power plays with admirals, “brutally honest” comments inappropriate in other cultu...

Incredible innovations, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. Impostor syndrome, trauma and major cultural differences presenting yourself. These are some of the issues explored by Sophie Alcorn, owner of the top start-up immigration law firm in Silicon Valley as she helps bring tech innovators to the US “in the national interest,” enabling them to fulfill their dreams. Highlights: {02:20}...

Joerg Kemkes, a partner of the German firm Rueter und Partner, presents how a German CPA firm is far more than its American counterpart. He also gives business and cultural cues — including ordering in restaurants —when in Germany. With almost ten years ‘ experience in the US and over 25 years in tax consulting in its many forms, Joerg gives examples of how he and his firm smooth transitions of HR...

Mo Cissé, who came to the US at age 12 from Guinea in West Africa, aims to become the global leader in sustainable fashion through his online company, Meraki Allure, LLC. In contrast with the US, Mo explains how Africa offers faster turnarounds, faster partnerships and far fewer legal constraints, all based on a handshake, relationships, trust, and a personal reputation that creates credit. With a...

From being a “young, brash American” abroad to becoming a senior VP and global executive working in over 150 countries, Jon Pedersen shares lessons about financial, cultural, and offshore business practices and how to get your desired result. Highlights: {01:47} Jon Pederson’s journey {02:58} Jon’s advice to be successful in international business {05:20} Blunders to avoid in international busines...

Battered women and Beach breaks. Who would have thought that those are major problems in international business? Craig Handley, CEO of ListenTrust, a $150M call center company, talks about many cultural and business challenges working in Mexico and Belize. These include motivators for weekend work, commission vs. salary, focus on family and acculturation plus mentoring to grow entrepreneurs. And C...

NeuroEducation. Languages. Cultures. Adaptation. Flexibility. European business. These are some of the themes explored in our podcast with Rachael Paling, director of Efficient Language Coaching Global SLU as she has trained almost 1200 coaches across 70+ countries. She is now developing Neuroheart Education for educators worldwide. Highlights: {01:40} Neuroscience, neuropsychology, neuro language...

Adventure. Exploring. Ask. Be humble. Enjoy. These are some of the insights that Mark S A Smith presents in his podcast on doing International Business in 54 countries over 42 years … with tips about foods, meetings, interpreters and learning quickly how to behave abroad.  Highlights: {02:18} Mark Smith’s journey. Growing up and gaining global experience. {03:30} What does international busin...