International Business Today

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

In a divided world, how can leaders leverage humanity's natural drive for cooperation to tackle global challenges?Mai’a Davis Cross, Dean's Professor at Northeastern University, explores "ultra-sociality"—our innate tendency to collaborate across boundaries—and its impact on diplomacy, business, and innovation. Drawing from her book International Cooperation Against All Odds, Mai’a shares examples like space exploration, the nuclear taboo, and climate initiatives, while addressing challenges like tribalism.She offers actionable strategies for leaders to foster global collaboration and emphasizes the role of "corporate diplomacy" in aligning business goals with societal needs.About the Guest:Mai’a Davis Cross is an expert in international cooperation, European foreign policy, and space diplomacy. She is the Dean's Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Diplomacy at Northeastern University, where she also directs the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures. Mai’a is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the author of several influential books.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

Tensions within organizations are often seen as obstacles, but what if they could be harnessed to drive innovation and collaboration?In this episode, Marc Correa, visiting scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School, reveals how leaders can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth. Drawing from his research on organizational harmony, Marc explains how to balance competing goals, foster collaboration, and maintain a diverse, innovative work environment.With practical examples, like resolving the classic tension between sales and marketing, and insights into cultural nuances, Marc shares tools for navigating complexities in multinational organizations. Learn how to cultivate cultural agility, emotional flexibility, and a paradox mindset to turn challenges into strengths.About the Guest:Marc Correa is an expert on organizational harmony and global leadership. He is a visiting scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School and a professor at a leading business school in Barcelona. His research focuses on creating harmonious organizations that allow individuals and teams to flourish both professionally and personally.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

Scientific research underpins decision-making in global business, yet the rise of "fake science" poses serious challenges for leaders relying on accurate data. In 2023 alone, over 10,000 scientific articles were retracted—more than double the previous year. This alarming trend raises the question: how can business professionals distinguish credible research from unreliable claims? Transparency, methodology, and researcher motivation are key factors. About the guest:In this episode, Herman Aguinis, Avram Tucker Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Management at the George Washington School of Business, dives into the prevalence of fake science in international business and management. He discusses the root causes of this issue, including a lack of transparency and the pressures researchers face to publish. Herman shares actionable insights for global leaders to become educated consumers of research, from evaluating motivations to checking methodological rigor. Drawing on examples from leading companies, he highlights how organizations successfully apply evidence-based practices to gain competitive advantages. Herman also explores the role of collaboration between academics and practitioners to bridge the gap between research and practical application. 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

It turns out there IS an “I” in the word “TEAM,” after all.  This episode busts a popular myth about successful teams.  Organizations across the globe depend on effective teams to drive success. However, balancing individual needs with team objectives is a complex challenge—especially as employees increasingly work on multiple teams simultaneously. How can leaders navigate this complexity to foster both personal fulfillment and collective achievement?  Find out in this episode. About the guest:In this episode, we hear from Gilad Chen, Robert H. Smith Chair in Organizational Behavior at the University of Maryland and an award-winning researcher in leadership, motivation, and team dynamics. Gilad shares key insights from his extensive research, highlighting how leaders can empower employees while maintaining alignment with organizational goals. He discusses strategies for fostering a sense of belonging, helping team members feel their individual contributions matter, and managing the challenges of working across multiple teams. Drawing from real-world examples, Gilad explains how effective leadership and cultural agility can bridge gaps in global teams, enabling both individuals and organizations to thrive. 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

Professor Fernando Suarez discusses strategic innovation, platforms, “hybrid traps” and leadership and vision, all part of the journey to discover innovative customer solutions, which, he asserts, is a hard road, long and winding, but essential for the long-term survival of the firm. He illustrates his ideas with examples from many arenas – electric vehicles, green construction, smart homes, AI chips - as part of a stimulating and wide-ranging conversation. About the guest: In this episode, we hear from Fernando Suarez, is the Jean C. Tempel Professor, in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT Sloan School of Management, and has been a Visiting Professor at the London Business School (UK), Hitotsubashi University (Japan), and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez and ESE Business School (Chile). He serves on several boards, launched a software company, and has published widely, in leading journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Management Science, Strategic Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Operations Research, the Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review. 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: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Nonprofit organizations often begin with a compelling vision and a heartfelt desire to make a difference in their communities. They are fueled by passionate staff deeply committed to ambitious goals that often require time and persistence to achieve. Yet, these organizations face significant challenges—limited financial resources and talent shortages—that become obstacles to being successful. Nonprofit organizations, as much as many for-rofit firm, require strategic thinking to sustain their mission and maximize impact. About the guest: In this episode, we hear from Laura De Dominicis, Executive Director of Nurturing Minds, Inc., who shares the inspiring story of how the organization successfully established and operates a school for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in Tanzania. Laura discusses how the school has not only become a model of sustainability but also empowers its students to become leaders in their communities. She reflects on the strategy underpinning the school's success, on the importance of partnering with Tanzanians to set shared goals, transition school operations to local staff and managers, secure funding, and broaden program offerings. Laura also highlights the organization’s efforts to share knowledge and lessons learned with other schools pursuing similar missions. 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: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Professor Samina Karim focuses on how firms can design their organizations to become more innovative. How a firm combines its activities and its resources (including knowledge and its people) affects how much value it creates. Creating value can involve acquisitions as well as divestitures, and also relying on partners, through alliances and ecosystems. Internally, the firm should rely on design rules, aligning the organization with the technology, as it reshapes business units and reconfigures employee roles and tasks in the organization, thus helping address and resolve task and resource bottlenecks. About the guest: Karim⁠ is Professor and Group Chair of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation academic group at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. She has led the Strategic Management Division of the Academy of Management, and has served as Associate Editor at Strategic Management Journal and is currently Deputy Editor at Organization Science, as also on the editorial boards of Strategic Organization, and Strategy Science. 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: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Digital medicine, an aging population, workforce stress, the growing scarcity of family doctors and competition from the retail healthcare model introduced by companies such as CVS are disrupting the US healthcare system and the physician-centric model. Professor Tim Hoff discusses why healthcare innovation is essential to continue providing quality primary care in this transforming scenario. About the guest: Hoff is Professor of Management, Healthcare Systems, and Health Policy at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He specializes in emerging trends and innovations in the health care marketplace, particularly in the U.S. health care system. His most recent book is Searching for the Family Doctor: Primary Care on the Brink, published by Johns Hopkins University Press (2022). He has published three other scholarly books, over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has received national awards for his research, and is also active in executive education and management consulting for health care 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: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

The US spends more on healthcare than other developed nations, but does not obtain commensurate value. Professor Gary Young reviews how drawing on US industry strengths, such as a competitive private sector and industry-leading pharmaceutical and biotech capabilities, and combining with preventative health measures, telemedicine, and increased AI use, can collectively help deliver higher value in healthcare delivery. About the guest: Young is Director, Northeastern University Center for Health Policy and Healthcare Research; Professor, Strategic Management and Healthcare Systems, at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. 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: ⁠⁠⁠IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu