Business Daily

Dr. Alex Wood, an economic sociology expert from the University of Cambridge, joins delivery riders Joshua Cavallaro and Bryce, known as London Hustle, to discuss the gig economy. They reveal the high stakes of delivery work, including unpredictable pay and safety risks. Bryce and Joshua share their experiences with unusual deliveries and the impact of tipping culture. Dr. Wood highlights survey findings on riders' mental health and the need for better labor protections. Together, they explore why many continue in this precarious yet flexible line of work.

Ned Guinness, or Lord Iveagh, is the Fourth Earl of Iveagh and a member of the illustrious Guinness family. He shares his journey of managing family legacy while growing crops and brewing beer for his two pubs in rural England. Ned reflects on the pressure of family expectations and the rich history behind the Guinness brewery. He discusses innovation in the brewing industry, including non-alcoholic options, and emphasizes the importance of community values. His passion for the perfect pint and stewardship of the Elvedon estate shines through his stories.

Han Lin, China Director at The Asia Group, discusses Yiwu's unique role in global trade, highlighting its massive market with 75,000 traders. Ashley Dudarenok, founder of a research consultancy, shares insights on how local entrepreneurs shaped Yiwu's dominance in Christmas goods. Mac Harmon, CEO of Balsam Hill, reveals how US tariffs are impacting pricing and orders for festive decor. The conversation navigates trade tensions, the shift in market focus, and a cautious optimism among traders adapting to new opportunities.

Explore the magic of Christmas marketing, from iconic ads featuring Hollywood stars to clever local adaptations like Guinness's tailored campaigns. Discover how cultural context shapes advertising, with KFC's unique rituals in Japan as a prime example. Learn how brands utilize budget-friendly strategies, like double-sided coffee cups, to connect with diverse audiences. With social media changing the game, creativity and timing are key to delivering memorable holiday cheer.

This discussion reveals a shift in festive spending, with younger shoppers prioritizing meaningful gifts while cutting back. Insights from a Toronto market underscore the trend toward smaller, reusable items. The impact of AI on shopping habits is explored, highlighting how it helps find deals and gifts. Generational differences come into play, as Gen Z and millennials navigate economic challenges, favoring experiences over material goods. Listeners share their spending priorities, emphasizing food and family connections during the holidays.

Mac Harman, Founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, shares his inspiring journey from a young entrepreneur in Ohio to leading a top brand in premium artificial Christmas trees. He discusses innovative designs influenced by environmental studies and the sustainable choices he's making. Harman also addresses the challenges of tariffs impacting supply chains and pricing, recounting efforts to navigate these hurdles. With exciting growth plans on the horizon, he remains optimistic about the future of festive decor and international expansion.

Eric Thompson, a job seeker turned campaigner, sheds light on the troubling trend of 'ghost jobs,' advocating for better laws to protect applicants. Dr. Jasmine Escalera, a career coach, explains why companies post these listings, including inflating metrics and data-mining resumes. Toronto employment lawyer Deborah Hudson reveals upcoming laws in Ontario that will increase transparency in job postings. Together, they unravel the emotional toll on job seekers and discuss practical advice for navigating this frustrating landscape.

Kevin Avellaneda, a public affairs spokesperson at Cosco Shipping in Peru, shares insights on Chancay Port's operations and its high-tech features, designed to streamline shipping routes to Asia. Percy Perez, a small-scale fruit producer, discusses how the port has boosted his ability to export berries and adapt to market demands. Jorge Lopez, managing a nearby theme park, highlights the tourism surge and the infrastructure challenges posed by the port's growth, emphasizing its transformative impact on the local economy.

Eric Beckwitz, Co-founder of Freightera, shares insights on how digital freight matching can streamline logistics and reduce emissions. Jean-Claude Homawu, from Lorry, discusses revolutionizing Africa's trucking industry by digitizing long-haul routes, cutting costs, and slashing CO2 outputs. Dr. Zawi Chen highlights the rapid transformation of China's freight landscape through mobile platforms and explores the implications of driverless trucks on the future of the industry, raising concerns about price pressures on drivers in an increasingly transparent market.

Farhat Javid, a BBC reporter in Islamabad/Peshawar, shares on-the-ground insights about the clashes sparking the Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure. Kamran Nasir, CEO of AGP Pharma, highlights the dire impact on pharmaceutical exports and the risks to perishable medicines. Junaid Makhdar, president of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, presents alarming trade statistics, illustrating the economic consequences for both nations. They all stress the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to address the humanitarian and economic crisis unfolding at the border.