AI predictions 2026: Business professors debate whether AI is a bubble, why middle management is being hollowed out, and how China's efficient AI models threaten Western AI companies. Expert roundtable covers AI workforce impact, supply chain risks, geopolitical tensions, and the case for humans becoming more valuable as AI costs rise.
Year in review 2025: Major business disruptions including AI transformation from nice-to-have to must-have, unprecedented tariff volatility, global supply chain uncertainty, and blockchain tokenization of real assets. Four Northeastern professors analyze what worked, what failed, and critical predictions for business leaders navigating 2026.
In this special episode of International Business Today, "2025 Year in Review & 2026 Predictions," hosts Paula Caligiuri and Ravi Sarathy lead a roundtable discussion with Professor Nada Sanders (supply chain expert) and Professor Kwong Chan (AI Strategic Hub director) to explore:
Is AI investment a bubble similar to 2008 financial crisis?
Why AI hallucinations are features, not bugs - and how to leverage AI bias strategically
How workforce skills must evolve: from AI reliance to human creativity and domain expertise
China's efficient small AI models vs Western AGI race - who wins?
Supply chain volatility, tariff uncertainty, and geopolitical fragmentation
Blockchain and biotech breakthroughs beyond the AI hype
Whether you're planning business strategy for 2026, managing AI implementation, or navigating workforce transformation, this roundtable provides expert analysis on the year's biggest disruptions and what's coming next.
About the panel: Paula Caligiuri - Distinguished Professor specializing in global leadership, cultural agility, and organizational psychology at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business.
Ravi Sarathy - Professor of International Business and Strategy, expert in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and biotech innovation at Northeastern University.
Nada Sanders - Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain and Information Management, author of 8 books including the forthcoming "Supply Chain Management with AI for Managers" (January 2026).
Kwong Chan - Academic Specialist in Marketing and Executive Director of the DMSB AI Strategic Hub, co-author of "Break the Wall: Why and How to Democratize Digital in Your Business."
Learn more: Nada Sanders: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/nada-sanders/ Kwong Chan: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/kwong-chan/ Paula Caligiuri: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/paula-caligiuri/ Ravi Sarathy: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/ravi-sarathy/ DMSB AI Strategic Hub: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/ai-strategic-hub/ Graduate Certificate in AI Applications: https://online.northeastern.edu/certificates/ai-applications/
Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pbZ71a3TfeA Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
#AI2026 #BusinessPredictions #SupplyChain #AIBubble #Blockchain #Workforce #YearInReview #Roundtable #BusinessStrategy #GlobalBusiness
🤖 Should your company build its own AI or just buy subscriptions? 💡
Most companies rush to license ChatGPT or other cloud AI services without understanding the strategic implications. But the organizations seeing real success are those treating AI implementation as a problem-solving exercise, not just technology adoption - using proprietary data, running local models, and empowering employees to experiment from the C-suite to first-year hires.
🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "Strategic AI Implementation with Kwong Chan," host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Professor Kwong Chan, Executive Director of the DMSB AI Strategic Hub at Northeastern University, to explore:
🎯 Why companies should run open-source models locally instead of just licensing cloud AI 📊 Understanding AI bias as a strategic advantage, not a problem to eliminate 💼 How proprietary data creates competitive advantage in an AI-driven world 🚀 Building AI capabilities through experimentation and rapid feedback loops
💡 Whether you're a business leader evaluating AI investments, a manager implementing AI solutions, or preparing for an AI-integrated workplace, this episode provides practical guidance on strategic AI adoption that drives real business value.
About the guest: Kwong Chan is Academic Specialist in Marketing and Executive Director of the DMSB AI Strategic Hub at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. Originally from Tasmania, Australia, he holds a PhD from Michigan State University and previously served as Associate Director at Nielsen's Telecommunication and Technology Practice Group. He has worked with Samsung, Goodyear, Visa, Nike, and General Motors, and co-authored Break the Wall: Why and How to Democratize Digital in Your Business.
Learn more about Kwong Chan: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/kwong-chan/ Book: Break the Wall: Why and How to Democratize Digital in Your Business DMSB AI Strategic Hub: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/ai-strategic-hub/ Graduate Certificate in AI Applications: https://online.northeastern.edu/certificates/ai-applications/
📺 Watch Episode on YouTube: [YouTube URL to be added] 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #MachineLearning #OpenSourceAI #KwongChan #Podcast #TechnologyAdoption #DataStrategy
💼 How can HR evolve from administrative function to strategic business driver? 🚀
The best HR leaders think like CEOs, focusing on business results rather than programs and processes. From navigating remote work debates to developing next-generation talent, HR faces the challenge of creating value while managing rapid workplace change including AI integration, skills-based hiring, and global team dynamics.
🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "The Future of HR with JP Elliott," host Paula Caligiuri sits down with JP Elliott, host of the Future of HR podcast, to explore:
🎯 Shifting from "HR for HR" to thinking like a CEO and driving business value 🌍 Remote work realities, hybrid strategies, and focusing on outputs over location 💡 Skills-based hiring, workforce planning, and next-gen leadership development 🤖 Where AI fits in recruiting, work design, and employee empowerment
💡 Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or managing teams in today's changing workplace, this episode reveals practical strategies for elevating HR's strategic impact while navigating modern workplace challenges.
💡 Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or managing teams in today's changing workplace, this episode reveals practical strategies for navigating AI disruption while keeping fundamentally human skills at the center.
💡 Whether you're an HR leader, business executive, or managing talent in any capacity, this episode reveals how the best organizations are navigating AI disruption while keeping the fundamentally human aspects of work at the center.
About the guest: JP Elliott is founder and host of the Future of HR podcast and runs programs developing next-generation HR leaders. A former HR executive, he is on a mission to elevate HR's impact and help HR professionals become strategic business leaders who drive organizational success. Through his platform, JP connects HR professionals worldwide with insights and strategies for transforming people management in the digital age.
Learn more about JP Elliott: https://www.futureofhr.com/
Future of HR Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hYspAS5g8hzSgFhgncMdi Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpelliottphd/
📺 Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zNUqffxnHYQ 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
#FutureOfHR #AIinHR #TalentManagement #WorkplaceInnovation #HRLeadership #JPElliott #Podcast #OrganizationalDevelopment #RemoteWork #BusinessStrategy
What if the best leaders aren't the ones with all the answers, but the ones brave enough to admit they don't know?Garry Ridge ran WD-40 Company for over two decades and did something most CEOs can't: he built a workplace where people actually wanted to be. No corporate speak. No fake motivation posters. Just genuine leadership that got 98% of employees saying they loved working there.🎙️ In this episode, Garry sits down with Paula Caligiuri to share the unfiltered truth about building cultures that work. You'll hear about the time he stood up in a boardroom full of executives and said "I have no clue what you're talking about"—and why that moment changed everything. He explains why he stopped calling people "employees" and started calling them "tribe members." Why "learning moments" beat "failures" every time. And why he rode a horse through Times Square wearing chain mail (yes, really).This isn't another leadership guru promising easy answers. Garry's philosophy is simple: great leaders don't have to be brilliant, they have to care. They have to stay curious. And they have to get out of the way so their people can shine.If you've ever wondered what separates toxic workplaces from thriving ones, or how to lead without pretending you know everything, this conversation will change how you think about leadership.About Our Guest: Garry Ridge served as CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company for over 25 years, transforming it into a global brand operating in more than 170 countries. Under his leadership, WD-40 achieved exceptional employee engagement scores and became recognized for its values-driven organizational culture. He holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and is the author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It!: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO. Today, he works as an executive coach and speaker, helping leaders build stronger workplace cultures.Learn more about Garry Ridge: https://www.thelearningmoment.netBook: Any Dumb Ass Can Do It! https://a.co/d/gBnXLYP📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Lvl4c2YE6s 📺 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512#Leadership #GarryRidge #WD40 #OrganizationalCulture #ServantLeadership
President Joseph E. Aoun of Northeastern University joins Paula Caligiuri to discuss the critical challenges facing higher education and why experiential learning and lifelong education are key to preparing students for an ever-changing world.About Our Guest: Joseph E. Aoun is President of Northeastern University and a leading voice in reimagining higher education for the AI age. He is the author of Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and a globally recognized advocate for experiential learning, humanics, and lifelong education. Under his leadership since 2006, Northeastern has transformed into a global network university with campuses across three countries.Learn more about President Joseph E. Aoun: https://president.northeastern.edu/Book: Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Revised & Updated Edition) https://www.amazon.com/Robot-Proof-revised-updated-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/0262549859/Explore Northeastern's Lifelong Learning Programs: https://online.northeastern.edu/certificates/📺 Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1M3Pb1akBP4 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512#HigherEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #LifelongLearning #RobotProof #Humanics #ExperientialEducation #FutureOfWork #JosephAoun #IBTPodcast #DigitalTransformation #CulturalAgility #Leadership#HigherEducation #ArtificialIntelligence #LifelongLearning #RobotProof #Humanics #ExperientialEducation #FutureOfWork #JosephAoun #IBTPodcast #DigitalTransformation #CulturalAgility #Leadership
🔐 How do you verify the identity of 90,000 people scattered across 192 countries? 🌍The UN Pension Fund faced a 75-year-old challenge: proving retirees were still alive to prevent fraud while ensuring legitimate beneficiaries continued receiving payments. Traditional paper forms led to delays, anxiety, and overwhelmed call centers.🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "Blockchain Innovation at the UN," host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Dino Cataldo Dell'Accio, Chief Information Officer at the UN Pension Fund, to explore:🎯 How blockchain, facial recognition, and AI solved a massive identity verification challenge 🛡️ Using AI to fight AI: preventing deepfake attacks on biometric systems 🏆 Achieving multiple ISO certifications for security, privacy, and responsible AI use ⚡ Preparing for quantum computing threats through post-quantum encryption research💡 Whether you're in IT leadership, blockchain development, or digital transformation, this episode reveals practical lessons from implementing cutting-edge technology at global scale while serving diverse, non-technical users.About the guest: Dino Cataldo Dell'Accio is Chief Information Officer at the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, with nearly 25 years of UN experience spanning IT auditing, cybersecurity, and information systems management. He designed and implemented the world's first blockchain-based proof of life system, serving 90,000+ retirees globally and earning recognition from the UN Secretary-General for innovation and sustainability.Learn more about Dino Cataldo Dell'Accio: https://www.unjspf.org/leadership-and-staff/dino-cataldo-dell-accio/📺 Watch on Episode: https://youtu.be/Iml6xNI6UrY] 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512#Blockchain #DigitalIdentity #AI #Cybersecurity #UnitedNations #QuantumComputing #Biometrics #DigitalTransformation #DinoCataldoDellAccio #Podcast
💡 What separates world-changing innovations from passing fads? 🌍
From the printing press to the iPhone, disruptive innovations follow predictable patterns. They make expensive, complicated things simple and affordable - changing industries and societies forever. But breakthrough success requires customer obsession, relentless experimentation, and perseverance through inevitable setbacks.
🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "Epic Disruptions with Scott Anthony," host Paula Caligiuri sits down with Scott Anthony, innovation expert and author of Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World, to explore:
🎯 What distinguishes truly disruptive innovations from incremental improvements 🔬 Why innovation capability is learnable - and the specific behaviors that drive success ⚡ Lessons from the 1920s automobile revolution for navigating AI disruption today 🌍 How China emerged as a disruption leader and why diverse perspectives fuel innovation
💡 Whether you're leading innovation initiatives, navigating technological change, or building organizational culture, this episode reveals the patterns behind breakthrough innovations and actionable strategies for developing disruptive thinking in any team or organization.
💡 Whether you're leading innovation teams, building startups, or navigating rapid change, this episode reveals practical behaviors you can develop to become a better innovator and how to create cultures where disruptive ideas flourish.
About the guest: Scott Anthony is Clinical Professor of Strategy at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business and a globally recognized thought leader on innovation and disruption. He is the author of nine books including Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World, Eat Sleep Innovate, and The Little Black Book of Innovation. As a former managing partner at Innosight, Scott has advised organizations worldwide on innovation strategy and lived in Singapore from 2010-2022, giving him unique perspective on global innovation trends.
Learn more about Scott Anthony: https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/faculty/faculty-directory/scott-d-anthony
Book: Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Disruptions-Innovations-Shaped-Modern/dp/1647829712
Epic Disruptions Website: https://epicdisruptions.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdanthony/
📺 Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9g-5PBB3YxY 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
#Innovation #DisruptiveInnovation #EpicDisruptions #ScottAnthony #AI #BusinessStrategy #Podcast #OrganizationalCulture #Entrepreneurship
🤝 Can entrepreneurship bridge one of the world's most entrenched conflicts? 🌍
Through the 50/50 startups program, Israeli and Palestinian entrepreneurs are proving that business can succeed where politics has failed. Equal ownership, shared purpose, and neutral ground in Boston are creating unexpected partnerships.
🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "Building Bridges Through Business," host Paula Caligiuri sits down with Professor Amir Grinstein from Northeastern University to explore:
🌟 How trust-building happens when enemies become business partners 🚀 Why social impact startups emerge from extreme diversity 💡 The psychology behind successful cross-cultural entrepreneurship 🎯 How younger generations are choosing business over politics for change
💡 Whether you're an entrepreneur, peacebuilder, or someone interested in how business can drive social change, this episode reveals the power of shared economic goals to transcend conflict.
Learn more about Amir Grinstein: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/amir-grinstein/
Official Website: https://www.5050startups.org/
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
🧬 How do you turn Nobel Prize-winning research into life-saving medicines? 💊
From discovering RNA splicing to co-founding two biotech giants, Phillip Sharp has spent decades bridging the gap between fundamental science and patient treatment. His work led to the first FDA-approved RNAi drug and the technology that enabled COVID vaccines. Don't miss the new PBS documentary "Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution" premiering October 6, 2025.
🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "How a Biotech Founder Won the Nobel Prize," host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Dr. Phillip Sharp, Nobel Laureate and MIT Institute Professor, to explore:
🎯 How the discovery of RNA splicing revolutionized medicine and won a Nobel Prize 🚀 Building Alnylam from startup to $60 billion biotech leader over 16 challenging years 💡 Overcoming clinical trial failures, funding crises, and market skepticism 🌍 Expanding from rare diseases to chronic conditions affecting millions globally
💡 Whether you're a scientist, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode reveals how breakthrough research becomes breakthrough medicine through persistence, strategic partnerships, and patient-focused innovation.
About the guest: Dr. Phillip Sharp is MIT Institute Professor Emeritus and 1993 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine for discovering RNA splicing. He co-founded Biogen (1978) and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (2002), pioneering the biotech industry and RNAi therapeutics. His work contributed to treatments for rare genetic diseases and the lipid nanoparticle technology used in COVID vaccines. He has mentored generations of scientists and entrepreneurs while serving on numerous biotech company boards.
Learn more about Dr. Phillip Sharp: https://ki.mit.edu/people/faculty/sharp
PBS Documentary "Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution" Premieres October 6, 2025 at 10 PM on PBS INDEPENDENT LENS 📺 Watch on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/cracking-the-code/ 📺 Stream on PBS App: Available after broadcast
🌍 How do you ensure quality and safety in study abroad programs worldwide? ✈️
With over 800 institutional members representing 90% of U.S. students studying abroad, the Forum on Education Abroad sets the standards for international education. From establishing best practices to addressing emerging challenges like political polarization and technological disruption, the organization shapes how millions of students experience global education.
🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, host Paula Caligiuri sits down with Melissa Torres, President & CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, to explore:
🎯 How standards development ensures quality and safety in international education 🌟 Managing risk and liability across diverse global programs and providers 📚 Creating transformational learning experiences that bridge cultural divides 🚀 Addressing modern challenges from political tensions to technological change
💡 Whether you're in higher education administration, international program development, or student services, this episode reveals how industry standards protect students while enabling life-changing educational experiences abroad.
About the guest: Melissa Torres is President & CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, with two decades of experience in higher education and program development. She previously served as Vice President for Academic Programs at IES Abroad, supervising 36 international study centers across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Her experience includes leadership roles at Brown University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and The Ohio State University, plus consulting work at Accenture and Global Vision International.
Learn more about Melissa Torres: https://www.forumea.org/the-forum-team.html https://www.forumea.org/education-abroad-the-career-catalyst.htmlForum on Education Abroad: https://www.forumea.org/
📺 Watch on Episode: https://youtu.be/LsVd_ndF0x0 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
#StudyAbroad #International Education #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation #EducationStandards #MelissaTorres #Podcast #StudentSafety #QualityAssurance
💰 How is cryptocurrency reshaping the future of global finance? 🌍
Digital currencies are no longer on the sidelines—they're entering mainstream financial systems with profound implications for banking, regulation, and international business.
🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "Cryptocurrency Goes Mainstream," host Paula Caligiuri interviews co-host Professor Ravi Sarathy from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business to explore:
🔗 The evolution from Bitcoin to stablecoins and regulatory frameworks 🏦 How traditional banks are responding to cryptocurrency disruption 🌐 The geopolitical implications of dollar-backed digital currencies 💡 Smart contracts and blockchain innovations transforming business transactions
💡 Whether you're a financial professional, global business leader, or someone navigating digital transformation, this episode offers crucial insights into the cryptocurrency revolution reshaping our economy.
https://youtu.be/cPJqoN11Pwg
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday
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In this episode of International Business Today, Professor Kevin Chuah discusses how firms, investors, and governments are adapting to climate risk and sustainability challenges. He examines the evolving regulatory landscape, the role of shareholder activism, and the importance of long-term strategic planning in a warming world.About the Guest: Kevin Chuah is an Assistant Professor of International Business & Strategy at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business and a Research Fellow at the Wharton ESG Initiative. His research focuses on corporate governance, sustainability strategy, and responsible investment. Prior to academia, he held portfolio management roles at BlackRock and other global investment firms.🔗 Learn more about Kevin Chuah:Faculty Profile: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/kevin-chuah/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-chuah-178950108Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=9XX0HXMAAAAJ🎧 Subscribe to International Business Today for insights on global business, strategy, and innovation.📩 Contact us: ibtpodcast@northeastern.eduPODCAST LINKS:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessTodayApple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyfGoogle Podcast:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kNDI4MzZmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3JzcwPocket Casts:https://pca.st/dzoo8mxwAmazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e74fd5ea-47cd-4aac-891b-e709a9171153/international-business-todayAudible:https://www.audible.com/pd/International-Business-Today-Podcast/B0BRYYZ8KL?qid=1673362132SOCIAL LINKS:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/northeasternX/Twitter: https://x.com/NortheasternInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/northeastern/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/school/northeastern-university/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/NortheasternUniversityNortheastern University LinksNortheastern University Homepage:https://www.northeastern.edu/D'Amore-McKim School of Business:https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/Online MBA Program: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2
In this episode of International Business Today, we explore how companies can leverage workforce analytics to make smarter, long-term talent investments. Prof. Mark Huselid of Northeastern University, one of the world’s leading scholars on workforce strategy, breaks down the ACAI framework—Ask, Collect, Analyze, Influence—and explains how businesses can use data to align their people strategy with organizational goals.
We discuss how workforce analytics goes beyond traditional HR metrics to drive performance, retention, and global talent development. Prof. Huselid also shares real-world examples from companies like Google and IBM, highlighting the role of AI, data ethics, and cross-cultural challenges in modern workforce strategy. Whether you're managing a multinational team or leading HR transformation, this conversation will help you think more critically about how your workforce drives business value.
About the Guest:Prof. Mark Huselid is Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Director of the Center for Workforce Analytics, and former professor at Rutgers. He is co-author of Workforce Analytics: A Global Perspective (Routledge, 2025) and one of the most widely cited experts in the field of HR strategy.
International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future, our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.
Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu
Learn more about Mark Huselid
Mark Huselid website
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Workforce Analytics: A Global Perspective (Global HRM) https://www.amazon.com/Workforce-Analytics-Global-Perspective-HRM/dp/1032029005?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=2
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In this episode: We dive into the complexities of global innovation amidst an era of significant geopolitical, technological, and health disruptions. Prof. Kazuhiro Asakawa of Keio University explores how multinational companies can navigate these turbulent times. Drawing on examples from the semiconductor industry and AI's impact across various sectors, including healthcare, Prof. Asakawa offers insights into companies' adaptive strategies to survive and thrive. He discusses the role of 'tacit knowledge' in innovation and the challenges of digital transformation in healthcare systems, particularly in Japan. Join us in understanding how businesses are redefining innovation strategies globally and how AI plays a critical role in shaping future industries.
About the Guest: Prof. Kazuhiro Asakawa, Professor of Global Innovation Management at Keio University, brings his extensive experience from INSEAD and Harvard Business School to delve into the challenges and strategies of global innovation. Prof. Asakawa discusses the transformative impact of digital technologies and AI on industries, especially healthcare, and emphasizes the critical role of adaptive innovation strategies in today's dynamic global landscape.
International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future, our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.
Reach out to us:mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu
Learn more about Kazuhiro Asakawas:
https://sites.google.com/site/kazasakawa/home
https://www.kbs.keio.ac.jp/en/faculty/asakawa_k.html
Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
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Northeastern University Homepage:https://www.northeastern.edu/
D'Amore-McKim School of Business:https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/
PODCAST LINKS:Northeastern University LinksOnline MBA Program: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2
How can businesses balance the pursuit of profit with protecting human rights?
In this episode, Michael Posner, director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at NYU Stern School of Business, shares insights from his new book, Conscience Incorporated: Pursue Profits While Protecting Human Rights. Posner explores the challenges global businesses face, from addressing harmful online content to safeguarding the rights of outsourced workers. Drawing on decades of research and case studies of major companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Meta, he provides a blueprint for ethical corporate practices in a globalized world.
Michael also discusses the role of investors in driving human rights initiatives and offers practical steps for businesses to navigate these complex issues while fostering sustainable growth.
About the Guest: Michael Posner is a leading expert in business and human rights, a former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and the founding director of NYU Stern’s Center for Business and Human Rights. With a career spanning government, academia, and advocacy, he has dedicated his work to ensuring that businesses operate responsibly in a globalized economy.
About the Podcast:International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Designed for global business leaders and aspiring professionals, the show bridges cutting-edge research with actionable insights to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.
Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu
Learn more about Michael Posner:
NYU Stern Faculty Page:https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/michael-posner
Center for Business and Human Rights:https://bhr.stern.nyu.edu/
To purchase the book to be shipped in the US: https://nyupress.org/9781479825103/conscience-incorporated/
Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf
Google Podcast:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kNDI4MzZmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
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Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e74fd5ea-47cd-4aac-891b-e709a9171153/international-business-today
Audible:https://www.audible.com/pd/International-Business-Today-Podcast/B0BRYYZ8KL?qid=1673362132
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Northeastern University Homepage:https://www.northeastern.edu/
D'Amore-McKim School of Business:https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/
PODCAST LINKS:Northeastern University LinksOnline MBA Program: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/programs/online-mba/?_gl=1*1lt4m3k*_gcl_au*MTY4MjI2MjIyNS4xNzMzNDA5MjA2
What happens when artificial intelligence doesn’t have access to millions—or even thousands—of data points? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ostadabbas, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Northeastern University and Director of the Augmented Cognition Lab, makes the case for why the future of A.I. depends on learning from small data.
She explains how her team tackles high-stakes problems in healthcare, defense, and autonomous systems by using advanced techniques like transfer learning, domain adaptation, simulation, and collaboration with domain experts. From diagnosing rare diseases with only a few samples to off-road military vehicle training in extreme weather, Sarah illustrates how small data solutions are essential when data is scarce, private, or expensive to label.
We also discuss her upcoming Machine Learning with Small Data course, launching on Coursera in Summer 2025, which teaches industry professionals and researchers how to apply data-efficient A.I. in real-world settings.
About the Guest:
Sarah Ostadabbas leads Northeastern University's Augmented Cognition Laboratory. Her research focuses on building intelligent systems that can learn effectively from limited or imperfect data, with applications ranging from healthcare to military and security domains. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and has received multiple awards for her theoretical and interdisciplinary contributions to machine learning, computer vision, and artificial intelligence.
In this episode of International Business Today, John Hadeed, U.S. Vice President of People & Culture at Primark, discusses how the global fashion retailer thrives amid rapid industry changes. From its sustainability initiative to its commitment to career growth and retention, John shares insights on building a strong, adaptable organizational culture that balances global consistency with local needs.
Discover how Primark invests in people, embraces cultural agility, and leverages innovative onboarding and leadership strategies to remain competitive. Whether you're interested in retail, global expansion, or leadership, this episode provides valuable lessons for navigating a fast-paced industry.
About the Guest: John Hadeed is the U.S. Vice President of People & Culture at Primark, a global retailer renowned for its affordable fashion and commitment to sustainability. With decades of experience in the retail sector, John plays a critical role in shaping Primark's U.S. operations and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation across its growing international footprint.
International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student aspiring to work in a multinational organization—our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.
Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu
Learn more about John Hadeed:
In today’s fast-changing global landscape, supply chain resilience and adaptability are more critical than ever. How can organizations leverage innovation and human expertise to thrive amidst volatility?
About the Guest:Dr. Nada Sanders, Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at Northeastern University, joins us to discuss the intersection of forecasting, digital transformation, and supply chain strategy. Drawing on decades of experience and her groundbreaking book The Humachine, Nada provides insights into the role of predictive analytics in optimizing supply chains and offers strategies for integrating AI with human talent to drive better outcomes. She highlights the importance of scenario planning as a critical tool for preparing organizations to navigate future disruptions and emphasizes how businesses must rethink their models to stay aligned with a rapidly evolving global market. Throughout the conversation, Nada underscores the significance of soft skills, such as communication and negotiation, alongside technical capabilities, illustrating how these qualities are vital for future-ready leaders and organizations.
International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future, our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.
Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries, but it also brings ethical challenges like bias, privacy, and fairness. How can organizations develop AI systems that are both innovative and responsible?
In this episode, Cansu Canca, Director of Responsible AI Practice at Northeastern University’s Institute for Experiential AI, shares practical strategies for integrating ethics into AI development. From data selection to deployment, she emphasizes collaboration between ethics teams and developers to tackle privacy and transparency issues while maintaining innovation.
Cansu also highlights the trade-offs businesses face—balancing efficiency with fairness—and why responsible AI is essential for building trust and staying competitive. This episode provides actionable insights for leaders navigating the complexities of ethical AI.
About the Guest:Cansu Canca is a research associate professor of philosophy and the Director of Responsible AI Practice at Northeastern University’s Institute for Experiential AI. Her work focuses on embedding ethical frameworks into AI systems to ensure they serve society responsibly.
International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future, our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.
Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu
Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) are powerful tools for shaping national economies, but what sets successful ones apart?
In this episode, Ruth Aguilera, Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University, breaks down the origins, governance, and impact of SWFs. From Norway's $1.8 trillion fund to Singapore's innovative strategies, Ruth highlights how strong corporate governance and ethical mandates drive success.
She also addresses challenges like political interference and corruption, offering practical advice for countries looking to create SWFs. This episode provides essential insights into how SWFs can foster economic stability and sustainable growth.
About the Guest:
Ruth Aguilera is a globally recognized expert in corporate governance and international business. As the Distinguished Darla and Frederick Brodsky Trustee Professor at Northeastern University, her research bridges academia and practice, offering insights into how organizations can operate effectively on a global scale.
International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future, our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.
Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu