Asia with Leonardo - Archive

In this archive episode from 2022, Leonardo speaks with Shaun Rein, Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group (CMR), the world's leading strategic market intelligence firm focused on China. Shaun works with boards, billionaires, heads of state, CEOs, and senior executives of Fortune 500 companies and leading Chinese firms, as well as private equity and hedge funds, to develop their China growth, political, and investment strategies. An acclaimed author of international bestsellers including "The War for China's Wallet: Profiting from the New World Order," "The End of Cheap China," and "The End of Copycat China," Shaun brings deep expertise in China's evolving market dynamics and strategic positioning.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2022, Leonardo speaks with Steven Yung, the first Asian to lead Global Marketing Services at The Coca-Cola Company's Atlanta headquarters. In this role, Steven managed partnerships across 200 countries worldwide and collaborated with world-class external partners including the Olympics, NBA, Disney, NFL, and McDonald's. He discusses his extensive experience leading multinational and local companies across Asia and the U.S.A., offering insights into global marketing strategy, cross-cultural leadership, and the complexities of scaling brand partnerships across continents.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2022, co-host Audrey speaks with Art Dicker, senior lawyer at R&P China Lawyers, a full-service PRC law firm serving international businesses. With 15 years of on-the-ground experience in China advising technology, manufacturing, and consumer companies, Art discusses investment structuring, legal risk management, and the practical challenges international headquarters face when operating in the Chinese market. Drawing on his background as Asia Pacific General Counsel at Cadence Design Systems for six years, Art offers deep insights into the cultural gaps and operational complexities that define legal risk in China.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2022, Leonardo speaks with Sally Maier-Yip, founder and managing director of 11K Consulting, the UK's leading China luxury PR boutique. Sally is a trusted advisor and thought leader dedicated to helping businesses fulfill their China ambitions in high-end sectors including real estate, interior design, architecture, and luxury goods. She discusses market entry strategy, brand positioning, and the unique challenges of building Western brands in China's competitive luxury landscape. Beyond her work, Sally mentors young Chinese business leaders and students across China and the UK.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2021, Leonardo speaks with Julien Moll, General Manager in the aerospace industry with over 15 years of experience since 2005. Julien discusses his strategic work developing the aerospace and fuel cell electric vehicle markets in China, navigating the complexities of scaling international operations in emerging sectors, and the leadership approach required to build market presence in one of the world's most competitive and rapidly evolving industries.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2021, Leonardo speaks with Evelyn Li, Senior APAC Recruiter at Proclinical Staffing, a global recruitment firm specializing in middle to senior-level hiring in healthcare and life sciences. Drawing on years of experience across diverse cultures and continents, Evelyn discusses how multinational companies build their local presence in Asia through strategic talent acquisition, the insights she's gained from working with candidates across the region, and the solutions that help international firms establish and scale their operations in APAC markets.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2021, Leonardo speaks with Marian Danko and Ervis Micukaj, two entrepreneurs building businesses on Chinese soil from different angles. Marian, founder of weHustle and creator of TECOM Conf, works to connect local and international tech communities to build a diverse innovation ecosystem—work that earned him recognition on Forbes China. Ervis, managing partner at JET IT Services, leads a team of Western and Chinese IT professionals providing international-grade enterprise solutions for companies operating in China. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in China, from building community infrastructure to managing complex IT networks across borders.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2021, Leonardo hosts the very first live talk of The International Business Podcast at the Expat Summit, featuring three seasoned intercultural experts sharing their experiences in front of a live audience with Q&A. Gabor Holch, founder of Shanghai-based Campanile Management Consulting and an East-West leadership specialist; Tom Roberts, founder of Cranberry Leadership International; and Francis Kremer, a flexible expat working in China's EV industry and host of the China Flexpat Podcast, discuss how expat working conditions will evolve over the next five years and why building effective collaboration across cultures remains so difficult. A rare live recording with direct audience engagement.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2021, Leonardo speaks with Tom Roberts, founder of Cranberry Leadership and a veteran of over 30 years in global business. Tom has completed five international assignments across 11 different countries, managing teams and P&L responsibility at every level. He discusses the real complexities of leading abroad—beyond the preparation and the strategy—including the stakes for your career, your company's objectives, and your family. Tom founded Cranberry Leadership to help make every expat assignment succeed for everyone involved.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode, Leonardo speaks with Ervis Micukaj, a Shanghai-based partner at JET IT Services. Ervis and his team of Western and Chinese IT professionals provide international-grade enterprise IT solutions for companies operating in China, navigating everything from local infrastructure constraints to the expectations of global headquarters. Originally recorded in 2020.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2021, Leonardo speaks with Xavier Sanz, Branch Manager of Across Logistics’ new Hangzhou office and a specialist in logistics, international trade, and finance. Xavier breaks down when container supply might normalize, which trade routes saw the sharpest price increases, and what practical advice he gives to companies that need to book cargo in the middle of a global shipping crunch.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this archive episode from 2020, Leonardo speaks with Robert Franklin, a digital and international marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience across the US, China, and Japan. They discuss how international marketing strategies work in practice across these three markets, and why business can become one of the quiet antidotes to rising nationalism.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, co-host Stefano Santelmo speaks with Stephan Thaerigen, founder and CEO of GQC.io, a Shenzhen-based third-party inspection company operating across China’s main manufacturing hubs. From consumer product inspections and factory audits to factory improvement and technical troubleshooting, Stephan explains how quality control on the ground in China can save companies time, money, and costly mistakes. Recorded in 2022, this conversation is a practical look at what international businesses often misunderstand about sourcing, inspections, and operational reliability in China.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, Leonardo speaks with Bernard Hor, entrepreneur, storyteller, strategist and co‑founder of Hatio Group. As Group CEO, Bernard leads the expansion of Hatio across Southeast Asia with a clear mission: helping local SMEs digitise their operations and modernise their supply chains. Drawing on deep supply chain best practices, he and his team have driven sustainable change and significant operational improvements through large‑scale digital transformation projects in telecommunications, healthcare, and logistics. Recorded in 2022, this conversation explores what digital transformation really looks like on the ground for Southeast Asian SMEs.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, Leonardo speaks with Andy Klump, a renewable energy executive with more than 20 years in solar, storage, and technology — including 18 years operating on the ground in China. Andy is the founder and CEO of Clean Energy Associates, a technical due diligence and engineering services firm with over 170 professionals across 13 countries and completed solar and storage projects in more than 60 markets worldwide. Recorded in 2021, this conversation dives into how China became the centre of the global solar supply chain, what foreign investors often misunderstand about doing clean energy business with China, and where the next opportunities and risks are emerging across Asia.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, Leonardo speaks with Kimberly Kirkendall, founder of International Resource Development, Inc., about what it really takes to run and align operations between the U.S. and China. With over 30 years in international business — a decade in operations, manufacturing and supply chain, a decade in accounting, and the last ten years as a consultant and interim executive — Kimberly shares practical lessons on fixing communication, building trust and improving performance in cross-border teams. Recorded in 2021.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, Leonardo speaks with Jason Durkee, President of workplace learning and performance consulting firm Idea Development and co‑founder of Practical Training Transfer. Since the 1990s, Jason has designed and delivered cross-cultural awareness, innovation, leadership, and communication programs for more than 40,000 participants across Asia, and Idea Development is recognized as a leader in learning transfer, dynamic training design, and the effective use of technology in Japan. Recorded in 2021, this conversation dives into what actually works when you train people to collaborate across cultures in Asian workplaces today.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, Leonardo speaks with Francis Kremer about what it really takes to build a career in China — how to get there, what most foreigners get wrong, and how to find a path that actually fits your skills and ambitions in one of the world's most competitive and culturally distinct job markets. Recorded in 2020, when China was already reshaping what an international career could look like.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, Leonardo speaks with Evelyn Li, talent and recruitment professional, about how COVID-19 turned international hiring upside down — from frozen hiring pipelines to remote onboarding across time zones, and what companies recruiting in and out of Asia had to do differently to survive the crisis. Recorded in 2020, when the disruption was still unfolding in real time.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode, Leonardo speaks with Stefano Santelmo, Europe Sales Manager in the dental industry, about how COVID-19 and Brexit simultaneously disrupted supply chains and forced global businesses to rethink how they source, sell, and ship across borders. Originally recorded in 2020, this conversation remains sharply relevant for anyone navigating Asia–Europe trade today.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the ⁠Asia with Leonardo newsletter ⁠for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.

In this episode Leonardo interviews Gabor Holch, intercultural leadership coach, consultant, speaker and author specialised in East-West leadership. He supports corporate executives and public-sector leaders in succeeding across national and cultural boundaries instead of getting lost in translation. This conversation was recorded during the midst of COVID19.From the Asia with Leonardo Archive — 21 essential episodes on Asia, originally recorded between 2020 and 2025 on The International Business Podcast.Join the Asia with Leonardo newsletter for cross-cultural business insights for foreigners navigating Asia in study, careers, and business.