Business Daily

Dr Victoria Ivankova, aviation management researcher focused on routing and emissions. Gilbert Ott, travel expert who writes about fares and loyalty. They discuss expanding conflict-driven airspace closures, how routes now detour over poles, rising fuel use and costs, carriers cutting services, and which hubs and routes are most vulnerable.

Lew Frankfort, former CEO and chairman emeritus of Coach, transformed a modest family-run handbag company into a billion-dollar global brand over 35 years. He shares his unexpected journey into fashion and how a pivotal meeting with JFK ignited his social consciousness. Discussing the importance of handbags to women, Lew emphasizes accessible luxury and the brand's cultural evolution. He also critiques New York’s housing issues and praises Gen Z’s commitment to ethics and climate, revealing his hopes for the future.

Atsuyoshi Koike is the visionary CEO of Rapidus, tasked with revitalizing Japan's semiconductor manufacturing. In a fascinating discussion, he unveils how Hokkaido, traditionally an agricultural region, is becoming a tech powerhouse. Koike shares insights on partnerships with giants like IBM and Toyota, and the ambitious goal of creating advanced two-nanometre chips. He also tackles Japan's challenges in R&D, workforce shortages, and the geopolitical landscape impacting technology transfer. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of Japan's chip industry!

Slovakia has transformed from a producer of slow, inefficient cars to a major automotive hub, largely due to Volkswagen's investment in Skoda. With nearly a million vehicles produced annually and Volvo set to boost that number, the country is redefining its industrial landscape. Inside factories like Kia's, automation and skilled workers enhance production. With strategic location, skilled labor, and government incentives, Slovakia is thriving in the automotive market, despite faced challenges like EV demand and increasing automation risks.

Join Samira Hussain, a North America business correspondent, as she breaks down the intricacies of the consumer price index and current inflation rates. Data science professor Liberty Vittart discusses long-term wage trends and ongoing affordability struggles in the face of rising costs. Oren Kass, an economist and founder of American Compass, shares insights into energy policy and the disconnect between economic growth and household financial pressure. Together, they unravel why many Americans still feel the pinch despite a seemingly booming economy.

Twelve months into Trump's second term, the podcast unpacks the turmoil within the US workforce. The controversial DOGE initiative, led by Elon Musk, aimed to tackle federal waste, yet resulted in widespread cuts and job losses. Personal stories emerge, from sudden firings at the Veterans Affairs to struggles for stable private-sector jobs. The impact on worker rights comes into sharp focus, raising concerns over protections and economic security. Republican views praise DOGE's efficiency, contrasting sharply with testimonies of uncertainty and fear among government employees.

Joanna Reynolds is the Managing Director and turnaround specialist who rejuvenated the Folio Society, transforming it from a struggling subscription model to a thriving employee-owned publisher. She discusses the challenges of the digital era, the importance of crafting beautiful books, and the pivotal shift from a failing book club to successful sales. With insights on attracting younger readers and fostering employee pride through shared ownership, Joanna highlights the resilience of high-quality hardbacks and how her own dyslexia shaped her leadership.

Joining the discussion are Martin Lodevikes, President of IWSR, who provides insights on non-alcoholic market trends; Erica Doyle, founder of Drink Dry, who shares retail strategies in Dubai; and John Asagonde, founder of Eden Bar, talking about non-alcoholic social spaces in Ghana. They delve into how Dry January sparks a year-round moderation trend, the rise of non-alcoholic beer, and the impact of major drink firms joining the scene. The conversation also highlights the demand for quality, ready-to-serve options and the education needed for consumers.

In this discussion, Arash Azizi, an Iranian-born author, shares his firsthand insights on life amidst Iran's economic turmoil, highlighting how rising inflation has decimated the middle class. Mahdi Godzai, an economist based in Austria, explains the catastrophic decline of the rial, linked to government policies and sanctions. They delve into the nationwide protests sparked by economic despair, revealing how deep-rooted corruption and lack of reform exacerbate the crisis. The conversation paints a vivid picture of a nation grappling with hardship and injustice.

Gillian Tett, a prominent financial journalist and columnist at the Financial Times, delves into the evolving power of the global bond market. She reveals that many nations now prioritize debt servicing over essential services like education and healthcare. Tett discusses the implications of high national debt, ranking indebted countries and exploring who owns this debt. She raises alarms about the rising risk of defaults and reflects on historic debt relief measures, highlighting the tough choices governments face amidst political pressures.