Business Beyond Borders

Many companies focus on market entry strategy when expanding internationally. But even the best plans can fall apart when the operational realities of moving goods across borders are overlooked. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by La Chang, a global logistics expert, to explore the critical but often invisible role logistics plays in international growth. Drawing on deep, real-world experience, La shares what actually happens behind the scenes of global trade—and why so many companies underestimate its complexity. Together, Cynthia and La Chang unpack the operational side of international expansion, including: Why logistics is often the deciding factor in global success or failure How “Murphy’s Law” shows up in cross-border operations The most common mistakes companies make when managing global supply chains Why unpredictability is the norm—and how to plan for it The realities of shipping, customs, and regulatory complexity across markets How strong operational execution becomes a competitive advantage internationally They also discuss what happens when things go wrong—from delayed shipments to unexpected disruptions—and how businesses can build resilience into their global operations rather than reacting when problems arise. This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who are serious about international growth and want to understand what it really takes to operate across borders—not just strategically, but operationally. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Know: Think Global Logistics(00:00:42) - What is the worst logistics disaster you've ever had to fix up(00:05:47) - The life of a Logistics worker(00:08:16) - What's the riskiest thing you've ever transported?(00:09:37) - The secret to success in the logistics industry(00:12:41) - Start Your Own Business(00:18:24) - Experiencing failure first hand(00:20:08) - In the Elevator With a Multinational(00:23:17) - Think Global Logistics: The mission and culture(00:27:52) - TGL Logistics: The Challenges of Growing in Asia(00:31:05) - Malaysia: Why I'm moving up to the country(00:33:48) - The constant state of disruption in the logistics industry(00:39:07) - What Do You Think is the Truth About Going Global?(00:40:25) - A Chat With Lorraine

Many companies invest heavily in global strategy and market research before expanding internationally. But even the best strategy can fail if the people responsible for executing it aren’t set up to succeed. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by Gerald Garcia, workforce strategy lead at Dearin & Associates, to explore why international growth is so often limited not by opportunity - but by leadership, talent, and culture. Drawing on decades of experience building and managing cross-border teams, Gerald explains why global expansion succeeds or fails on the strength of the people behind it. Together, Cynthia and Gerald unpack the human side of international growth, including: Why global expansion strategies fail when the team isn’t designed to deliver them The importance of local talent and on-the-ground experience in new markets How cultural differences shape leadership, communication, and performance management Why emotional connection and trust are essential to building effective global teams The changing workforce landscape after COVID and the rise of hybrid, remote, and distributed teams Practical models mid-sized companies can use to build international teams without massive overhead They also discuss common mistakes companies make when entering new markets - from assuming domestic success will translate internationally to overlooking local pricing, talent dynamics, and cultural expectations. This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who understand that international growth isn’t just about strategy or market opportunity - it’s about building the right team to execute it. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders(00:00:34) - Cynthia's story of workforce development(00:05:15) - What is the role of local people in the organisation?(00:07:20) - The Talent of Expansion(00:08:57) - Australian and French Business Culture(00:11:52) - The Middle Way: Working From Home or Remote?(00:16:07) - How to Connect Emotionally with Your Staff(00:18:01) - In the Elevator With Purpose(00:20:01) - The biggest mistake companies make in international expansion projects(00:26:21) - Deering & Associate: How to grow your team internationally without breaking(00:32:46) - What are the core values of a global team?(00:34:58) - How to Manage the People

Europe is often described as a single market of 450 million consumers. In reality, it is one of the most complex, politically dynamic, and highly regulated regions in the world. In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia Dearin speaks with D&A Senior Advisor, Kathryn Read about what has fundamentally changed in Europe and what global executives are still getting wrong. From Brexit and the war in Ukraine to tightening regulatory regimes and shifting geopolitical alliances, Europe is no longer the predictable environment many companies once relied upon. Political risk has moved from the margins to the boardroom. Kathryn brings deep expertise in European policy, trade dynamics, and regulatory systems, unpacking: Why “Europe” is not one market — and never really was How Brexit reshaped UK–EU commercial relationships The impact of the war in Ukraine on trade, energy, and political stability The rise of economic security, sanctions, and strategic autonomy What increasing regulation means for non-European companies How to think about compliance not as a cost, but as a competitive advantage Why geopolitical literacy is now a core executive skill For companies expanding into Europe — or already operating there — this conversation is a masterclass in understanding the political and regulatory forces shaping commercial success. Because today, international business strategy can’t sit apart from geopolitics. It has to anticipate it. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders: Europe(00:00:24) - Brexit and the EU's trade landscape(00:03:40) - The European Union's border controls(00:06:25) - Trade Risk: Asia vs Europe(00:17:47) - Cold Supply Chain Story(00:20:11) - Other assumptions that people make about the snack industry(00:23:06) - DW: European trade policy(00:26:36) - Austrian-UK trade friction(00:31:14) - EU Mercasure(00:39:19) - Brexit and the UK export market(00:45:54) - Top European Business Leaders' Advice for the EU in 2021

We talk a lot about strategy, compliance, and execution in international expansion. But one of the biggest make-or-break factors in global growth is often overlooked: how your brand shows up in a new market. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by Kelly-ann Maxwell, Brand and Marketing Strategist at Dearin & Associates. With a background spanning journalism, creative agencies in the UK, and brand strategy in New Zealand, Kelly-ann brings a sharp perspective on how language, positioning, and clarity determine whether a company gains traction abroad — or gets ignored. Together, Cynthia and Kelly-ann unpack what brand really means in an international context, including: Why brand is far more than a logo or visual identity The critical difference between brand identity and brand strategy How unclear positioning stalls international expansion before it starts Why language, narrative, and messaging must translate — not just linguistically, but culturally The risks of cutting marketing too early when entering new markets How strong brand systems support operational scale and commercial growth This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who are preparing to enter new markets — and want to ensure their brand works as hard internationally as it does at home. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=15337 Chapters (00:00:00) - International Branding: The Secret to Success(00:00:18) - How to Build a Global Brand with a Kiwi(00:02:48) - Brand Experience: South African, New Zealand and(00:07:58) - What Does It Take to Succeed in an International Market?(00:09:22) - Brand Coherence(00:14:46) - Exporting your Business internationally(00:20:23) - What type of content does your brand need to create?(00:22:15) - Brand Strategy: Not Being Ready to Scale(00:26:13) - The Role of Brand in Growth(00:30:28) - Build a Brand That Transports Across Borders

Many companies invest heavily in global strategy. Far fewer succeed in turning that strategy into sales once they hit real markets, real partners, and real complexity. In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, host Cynthia Dearin is joined by Mike Todd, international growth strategist at Dearin & Associates and the execution lead who works with clients when strategy turns into action. Mike has led international sales and execution across multiple regions, and he’s seen first-hand why good strategies fail without clear ownership, systems, and relationships on the ground. Together, Cynthia and Mike unpack what execution really means in international expansion, including: Why strategy is just theory until it’s tested in-market Where global strategies most commonly break once execution begins Why systems and frameworks matter, but relationships ultimately drive traction How accountability (or the lack of it) determines whether sales momentum builds or stalls What separates companies that scale internationally from those that never quite get thereThis conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who already have a strategy — and now need to make it work in the real world. This conversation is for founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who already have a strategy — and now need to make it work in the real world. Want a clearer path from strategy to results? The conversations on Business Beyond Borders are grounded in the same framework we use with clients at Dearin & Associates. You can explore it in the Blueprint for International Success — a practical guide to navigating global expansion with clarity, momentum, and commercial discipline. Access the Blueprint here: www.dearinassociates.com/blueprint Podcast Partner Global growth also means managing global money. OFX supports businesses operating internationally with competitive FX rates, streamlined payments, and better visibility over cross-border cash flow. Learn more or sign up via our partner link: https://app.ofx.com/registration?pid=... Chapters (00:00:00) - Business Beyond Borders: The Real Strategy(00:00:23) - What is the biggest threat to international trade?(00:02:50) - Elon Musk: I'm an Optimist and a Pessimist(00:03:32) - The Importance of International Sales and Execution(00:07:52) - Back in the days of selling washing machines(00:13:22) - How Did I Get From Curry's to(00:16:07) - International Expansion(00:21:24) - Oak CEO on his time at Ugg(00:23:33) - Steve Ballentine:(00:26:52) - Going international: The risk and reward(00:29:20) - Getting to know a brand's founder(00:31:08) - How to Build a Business in France(00:34:03) - The blueprint for international success(00:35:53) - Levering into the CEO's plans(00:39:17) - Australia's unique culture and challenges

In this episode I talk to global supply chain expert, Kim Winter. Kim is the Group Managing Director of the Logistics Executive Group. He leads a global consulting, corporate advisory, M&A and executive search and media organisation from his base in Dubai, UAE. Today we’re talking about the current landscape for global supply chains and what that means for international business. Tune in to find out: • How the pandemic affected supply chains in the Middle East and elsewhere• What impact the war in Ukraine has had on supply lines• What global supply chain trends Kim is seeing in 2022 To find out more about how Kim and his team can help you navigate global supply chains, visit the Logistics Executive Group website.I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Kim. If you know someone who would benefit from this interview, please share this episode with them.

In this episode, I have a second conversation with Tom Griffith, Co-founder of Emma and Tom’s, which makes all-natural juices and other healthy drinks. In our previous conversation we spoke about Emma and Tom’s genesis story and Tom’s experience with growing an international brand. This time around, we got into further detail about running an international business with a focus on Enterprise Resource Planning and how to effectively manage the resources within a company to scale internationally.Tune in to find out:• About Enterprise Resource Planning• How to use ERP to manage resources within your company more effectively• Why data is the new oil• How to ensure that the priorities within the business are in order… and more!As usual, the conversation was highly informative and an absolute pleasure to record… remember to share it with a friend who needs inspiration this week. Please Enjoy! You can connect with Tom on LinkedIn or find out more at emmaandtom.com/

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, my guest is Kathryn Read, an international sales and marketing consultant with more than 20 years’ experience developing niche products in emerging markets.Kathryn helps small and medium companies to break through international barriers and she joins me today from Austria.Join us to find out:• How Austria handled the pandemic• The current relationship between Europe and the UK post Brexit• The importance of research when working internationally• How not to choose an international market• How to build an international network when you can’t travelThe importance of research is highlighted here, and Kathryn explains what can go wrong when you make snap judgements when it comes to choosing a new international market.When you make ad-hoc decisions in the world of international business it becomes very easy to lose focus which then leads to frustration, wasted resources and disappointment. All this can be avoided by doing the research and building a network of people that align with your vision.I had a great time recording this, and if you are interested in taking your company global, I have no doubt that you will get a huge amount of value from tuning in.Please enjoy!You can connect with Kathyrn on LinkedIn or find out more at https://kathrynread.com/.You can also download a copy of How to Decide Which International Market to Enter here: https://colossal-leader-525.ck.page/c1c1dbf454

In this episode I am joined by Tatiana Miron as we discuss how to go about choosing the right market to launch your company and why having the right data is so important in that process.Based out of Marseilles, France, Tatiana is not only one of our Senior Advisors here at Dearin & Associates, she is also the founder of Prime Target, a firm that provides advisory, business intelligence services and solutions for international development.Join us to find out:• The importance of doing your research before tackling a new market• The current relationship between France and the UK post Brexit• How companies and SMEs should use data to select a new international market• Why going by ‘gut-feel’ can be detrimental to your international growth• How to go about market selection and market segmentationMany companies enter a new market with little to no research, and as we highlight in this episode, jumping in without the right information can cause huge problems for an international venture before it even gets off the ground. The importance of research cannot be understated, as the entire market entry strategy will be based on assumptions as opposed to quality data, and that is a recipe for disaster.Taking your business global is certainly a massive opportunity that is available to most, and if you want to take that jump, join us to find out what kind of data you should be seeking when it comes to market selection, and how to go about finding it. You can also check out the sample market report here. Please enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by my friend David McCredie OBE, CEO of the Australia British Chamber of Commerce. David is an experienced and thoughtful leader of people and business. He interacts regularly with a wide range of businesses providing him with a unique insight into government, large corporate entities and SME’s. His ability to gain cut through and give insights into the opportunities for businesses to perform better, to grow and to reach the right markets has made him a key asset to many of the companies that he has worked with.Join us to find out:• What has been happening in the UK over the last 18 months in relation to international trade and relations• How the Australia British Chamber of Commerce helps companies expand their reach into the UK• How the UK is working towards bouncing back from the pandemic• The future of trading between the EU and the UK• The bi-lateral trade relationship between Australia and China• How Brexit has affected the way that the UK and Australia interactHaving led the Chamber for over a decade, David has witnessed many changes and considerable growth in this space during this time, including stock of investments between the UK and Australia going up by more than 100 billion dollars.We focus on the relationships between some of the largest economies in the world… and all things considered, it is looking positive despite all the chaos over the last 18 months.This is an eye-opening episode for anyone looking to understand the current relationships between the EU, the UK, Australia and China.Please enjoy!

In this episode I chat to Zach Person who works closely with the team here at Dearin & Associates and is an expert when it comes to sales and business strategy. Zach is on the ground in Chicago and we explore the US market, why foreign companies often struggle to get traction there and what you can do to break ground in what is often considered the “holy grail” for businesses around the world.Join us to find out:• What is happening in the United States right now• How B2B sales work in the US, compared to elsewhere in the world• The differences between each region and what you can do to branch out• Why copy and pasting your strategy is just not going to work when expanding within the United States markets• The top mistakes that companies make when entering the USAlthough there are some key similarities across the US, there are some fundamental differences between each region, and Zach breaks down what you will need to do to adapt and succeed from a marketing and sales perspective.The US has enormous potential for many international companies, but only for those that do it right. If the United States is on your list of countries you want to expand to, then this episode will highlight what you need to know to get started on the right foot.Please enjoy!

In this episode I speak with Jason Hood, Founder of BourkeHood and his colleague Eva Dobrzabska, Head of Operations about research and development grants and how COVID-19 has sparked a wave of innovation across the globe.While the global economy has been hit with this pandemic, governments around the world are finding ways to support and encourage growth through tax incentives and government grants.Tune in to find out:• What exactly are Research and Development Grants,• Which industries can claim these incentives,• How Research and Development Incentives work and who can access them,• How Research and Development Schemes apply in the context of international expansion,• The preparation you can do to make sure that your business is eligible for a Research and Development Grant in the future.Both Jason and Eva have a wealth of knowledge, and they highlight that although most business owners think these incentives are only available in the Tech and Science space, this is a common misconception.If taking your business to the next level is dependent on some form of research or development, then this episode is for you.Please enjoy!

In this episode I catch up with Ram Gorlamandala, Founder and CEO at Tat Capital, which facilitates trade and investment between Australia, New Zealand and India through capital raising, M&A and international business development. Ram founded Tat Capital in 2013 with a vision to help companies in Australia and the Indian sub-continent to engage in cross-border trade and investment, and to power growth with purpose.Tune in to find out:• Current trends that are shaping Australia’s relationship with India• What’s going on in the political space at the moment• What the key opportunities are for Aussie companies wanting to go to the region• What Australian companies need to do (and avoid) to be successful in India… and lots more!Speaking to Ram was a real treat and I hope you get a buzz from this episode… remember to share it with a friend who needs inspiration this week!

It’s Cynthia Dearin here. Welcome to the Business Beyond Borders podcast and to our special series on COVID-19, how it’s affecting industries and businesses around the world and what it means for you. As part of our special series on COVID-19, I’m talking to Rick Roache, Managing Director of Ebury, Australia about foreign exchange and why it’s so important, especially right now.Tune in to find out: • How COVID-19 is affecting currency markets• The big mistakes that companies make when it comes to FX• The right time for a company with international plans to think about FX… … and lots more! If COVID-19 has created challenges or opportunities for your company, check out the Crisis Support Package, which I’ve put together for businesses looking to make the most out of this very challenging time. And if you enjoyed the show, remember to share it with a friend!

I hope you’re surviving the madness, wherever you are in the world today. This week, to keep you powering through lockdown, I wanted to bring you something a little lighter and more inspirational than what you’ll get on mainstream channelsIn this episode, I’m talking to Tom Griffith, Co-founder of Emma and Tom, which makes all-natural juices and other healthy drinks. After a high-flying career as a CFO in London and Melbourne, Tom turned his back on the corporate world and started a juice company with his childhood friend, Emma Welsh. 16 years later, Emma and Tom is an international brand, sold in Jordan, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.Tune in to find out:• How the company started on the ski slopes of Aspen • What to do when you have 8,000 bottles of juice and no customers• The strategies that Tom and Emma use to launch into new international markets• Tom’s tips for building great partnerships… and lots more!Speaking to Tom was a real treat and I hope you get a buzz from this episode… remember to share it with a friend who needs inspiration this week! If COVID-19 has created challenges or opportunities for your company, check out the Crisis Support Package, which I’ve put together for businesses looking to make the most out of this very challenging time.

Market selection is a critical phase when it comes to international expansion.Get it wrong, and you can tank your whole business… get it right and you can catapult it to new heights.In Part Two of this episode around choosing the right market, we delve a little deeper into the market selection process, outlining what to consider before making the decision, and the questions you should be asking to assess the risk and increase your chances of success.Tune in to find out:• How to implement systems that will allow you to expand with ease• The questions to ask before entering a new international market• The market-entry strategy that will best suit your business• Which trends and data to consider moving forwardAnd if you enjoyed the show, remember to subscribe so you don’t miss another episode and share it with a friend!

Welcome to our special series on COVID-19, how it’s affecting industries and businesses around the world, and what it means for you. In this episode, I chat to Steve Hui, Founder and Chief Executive of I Fly Flat, about how the global pandemic is changing the way we do international travel. Tune in to find out: • How COVID-19 has affected airlines and travellers around the world • What the long-term impact of decreased air travel is likely to be • How business leaders can make the most of a period in which they can’t travel • What to do with all those spare frequent flyer points If COVID-19 has created challenges or opportunities for your company, check out the Crisis Support Package, which I’ve put together for businesses looking to make the most out of this very challenging time. And if you enjoyed the show, remember to share it with a friend!

Welcome to our special series on COVID-19, how it’s affecting industries and businesses around the world, and what it means for you. In this episode, I chat to Callan Anderson from Hong Kong Corporate Services Group, about how the global pandemic is affecting business in Hong Kong. Tune in to find out: • Why Hong Kong’s infection rate is so low • How the crisis is affecting business in Hong Kong • Callan’s advice for companies doing business in Hong Kong If COVID-19 has created challenges or opportunities for your company, check out the Crisis Support Package, which I’ve put together for businesses looking to make the most out of this very challenging time. And if you enjoyed the show, remember to share it with a friend!

This is the first in a series of special episodes on COVID-19, keeping you updated on how the pandemic is affecting industries and businesses around the world, and what it means for you. In this episode I talk to global supply chain expert, Tim Gray. Tim’s firm, Prophit Systems works with business leaders in Australia and Asia to solve complex supply chain process problems. Today we’re exploring how COVID-19 is affecting global supply chains and how to mitigate supply chain risks. Tune in to find out: • What the slowdown in China’s manufacturing sector means for global supply chains • Which sectors will be hardest hit be shortages of goods and materials • How COVID-19 is accelerating China’s move away from low value manufacturing • What kind of opportunities global supply chain disruptions will create • How retailers dealing with a surge in demand can mitigate their riskTo find out more about how Tim and his team can help you navigate global supply chains, visit the Prophit Systems website.I really enjoyed this conversation with Tim, and I hope you do too. If you know someone who would benefit from this interview, please share this episode with them.

One key area that many business owners struggle with when it comes to expanding internationally is successfully choose the right market. On this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Maher interviews Cynthia as she speaks about the market selection process and highlights the common mistakes that companies make when looking to enter a new international market.This is Part One of a two-part interview, so keep an eye out for the next episode where we delve a little deeper into the market selection process, outlining what to consider before making the decision, and the questions you should be asking to assess the risk and increase your chances of success.

Over the last decade, digital marketing has had a profound impact on the way companies promote themselves and sell to their clients, both at home and in global markets. In this episode I caught up with Andrew Raso, founder of Online Marketing Gurus, one of Australia’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies.Andrew and his friend Mehrdad set up the company in 2012, not long after they left university. By 2019 they had 500 clients and almost $20 million in revenue and Andrew decided to start looking for growth opportunities offshore.Andrew was kind enough to share the experiences he’s had in the international space and some of the lessons he’s learned.Join me to find out:•Why OMG chose the US and Singapore as its initial international markets•How digital marketing varies from country to country•Which digital marketing channels generate the best results in international markets•Why it’s crucial to test an international market before jumping in I had fun recording this conversation with Andrew, and I hope you get great value from it. If you know someone who would benefit from this interview, please share the episode with them.

In this episode, I chat to Bryan Santos, an investment banker with a difference. He helps businesses grow - at home and abroad, by taking a holistic approach to solving the challenges faced by individual companies.Bryan and his team at the National Diversified Funding Corporation specialise in mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances and capital raising, but they don’t use a cookie-cutter approach.Bryan has also developed his own program for small companies looking to grow. It’s called Grow by Acquisition and you can find it here. Tune in to find out:• How a company can grow internationally with very little funding of its own,• Why understanding the gaps in your business is key to creating successful solutions for growth,• Key criteria for sourcing funding for your company,• How smaller companies can leverage funding for growth...• and so much moreI really enjoyed this conversation with Bryan, and I hope you do too. If you know someone who would benefit from this interview, please share this episode with them.

Everybody’s talking about the Libra, a new cryptocurrency proposed by Facebook, which advocates claim could transform the businesses and the lives of billions of people around the world. So … what’s it all about?I caught up with Heath Behncke, the Founder and Managing Director of HolonGlobal Investments, and the Executive Chair of the Libra Association, to get his thoughts on why we need Libra, what it could mean for companies doing business internationally and whether the currency will become a reality, given the challenges it has faced in recent months. Tune in to find out:• Why Facebook decided to launch the Libra• How the Libra is different to other crypto currencies • How the Libra could transform the shape of global business, especially for SMEs• When Libra is likely to launch, given the controversy around it in 2019.I really enjoyed this conversation with Heath, and I hope you do too. If you know someone who would benefit from this interview, please share this episode with them.

In Episode 43, I talk to Alan Oppenheim, CEO of Ego Pharmaceuticals, an Australian company that exists to improve people’s lives through the science of healthy skin and sells its products around the world including the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the UK.Ego has won numerous awards for it performance in the export space and it is one of Australia’s great international success stories.Join Alan and I as we talk about:• How Ego began on a kitchen table in Victoria, Australia • Why Alan’s father, Gerald Oppenheim took the company global• What to look for when choosing a new market to enter• How to choose an international distributor for your product…… and much more.This is an episode with loads of value for anyone working with physical products, especially in the consumer space. Alan is generous with his insights and very easy to listen to.I hope you enjoy our conversation - it was a pleasure to record.

For many companies looking to scale internationally, funding the expansion is one of the biggest challenges they face.Without a strong track record, it can be hard to convince banks and financial institutions to back an international venture and in lots of places, finance is just downright hard to come by, especially if you’re small.In Episode ?? of Business Beyond Borders, I talk to Les Szekely, a professional venture capitalist and angel investor, who focuses on start-ups, especially those with plans to take on the world.Les and I talk about finding investment for your international expansion, so if that’s you, join us to find out:• Which kinds of companies have the most potential to scale internationally• The ‘right time’ for a company to scale internationally• What investors look for• The formula for the perfect pitch• Key mistakes that founders making as they look for investmentI really enjoyed talking to Les, he had lots of great insights and practical tips for companies looking for investors. Don’t miss this episode!

It looks as though Brexit is nearly upon us … and there are still loads of unanswered questions and lots of uncertainty.I checked in with our London-based Senior Advisor, Michael Barron, to get his take on what’s likely to happen next and what it will mean for the UK and for companies looking to do business in Britain.

What do you do when you uncover fraud at your workplace? Do you speak up, or brush it under the carpet and hope it will go away?That was the question that faced Sylvain Mansotte, the day he uncovered one of Australia’s largest-ever corporate frauds.Sylvain didn’t hide what he knew and went on to found Whispli, a platform that enables anonymous trusted conversations. A few years on and Whispli is in markets around the world, especially in places where there is whistleblowing legislation.Join me to find out:• The catalyst behind Sylvain’s decision to set up Whispli• How Whispli won international clients within six months of opening• Sylvain’s thoughts on the best time to take a company global• The challenges Whsipli faced as it went to new countries• How being a ‘Fraussie’ has influenced Sylvain’s approach to international business.I really enjoyed recording this episode with Sylvan and I hope you enjoy it too!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware that the US and China are locked in a bitter trade battle.Over the past year, the world’s two largest economies have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of one another’s goods.US President Donald Trump has long accused China of unfair trading practices and intellectual property theft.In China, there is a perception that the US is trying to curb its rise.Negotiations are continuing but have proven difficult, and the two sides remain far apart on issues including how to roll back tariffs and enforce a deal.So what does it mean for Australia? Is this a crisis or an opportunity? Follow the link in the comments to read my latest thoughts on the conflict.

Brexit is getting weirder by the day … so what are the causes and what is the likely impact on businesses selling to Britain, or using the UK as using as a springboard to Europe?Join my colleague, Gary Garner and I as we chat about the latest Brexit developments, the Northern Ireland backstop, what sorts of opportunities Brexit is likely to generate … and what it might mean for your business.

How would it be if you could jump online, find a business partner and launch a global business - just like that! …..Well, that’s what my guest today did. Wayne Richard is the Director of Global Operations at Bean Ninjas, a company that provides Xero bookkeeping, financial reporting, and training for digital entrepreneurs and online businesses.He spent most of his career as a corporate accountant and worked at Hewlett Packard. But when he found out that he and his wife were expecting triplets, Wayne quite the corporate world and became a freelance accountant… and then something little wild happened. We’ll talk about that today.Today, Wayne is on a mission to lead his distributed team to create time,location & financial freedom for coaches, consultants, and owners of e-commerce businesses.Tune it to find out:• How Wayne struck an international partnership without meeting his business partner in person.• How bean ninjas grew from two solopreneurs working in different countries to a global firm.• How Bean Ninjas acquired its global clients.• The key levers that companies need to pull to grow globally.• How Bean Ninjas has built and empowered its global team.

After 14 consecutive weeks of civil unrest, Hong Kong is in a state of turmoil - if you believe the mainstream media.But what’s it actually like on the ground? And what do the ongoing protests mean for international businesses operating in Hong Kong, or considering opening there?In Episode 36 of Business Beyond Borders, I talk to our Associate, Callan Anderson, Executive Director at Hong Kong Corporate Services Group. Callan helps foreign companies to enter Hong Kong, China and other markets in Asia and we chat about how the situation in Hong Kong is affecting day-to-day life and local and foreign businesses.Join us to get a local perspective on what’s really happening in Hong Kong this week!

Your business is successful at home, so is there really any reason to consider going global? Why expose yourself to all that risk? In this episode, I highlight three global trends that are reshaping the global business landscape, and why there’s never been a better time to look to internationally for growth opportunities.Tune in to find out:• Why even micro-business are playing in global markets.• How global value chains have created international opportunities. • Why Earth’s 3-4 billion new consumers pose a threat, as well as an opportunity.Got a question about the episode? Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn to get the answer.

For most companies ‘going global’, geopolitics is just background noise - it doesn’t affect how international business plays out day-to-day.But occasionally, big things happen on the international stage and companies have to take notice.In this episode, I talk to Gary Garner, our Senior China Advisor at Dearin about how to decide which geopolitical events to pay attention to and what the ongoing civil unrest in Hong Kong means for companies operating there.

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders I chat to Dai Williams, Chief Growth Officer at SiteMinder.Siteminder started as a two-person operation working out of a rental home on Sydney’s northern beaches. Just over a decade later it employs more than 800 people and services more than 35,000 hotels around the world. Today, SiteMinder generates more than AU$100 million in annual recurring revenue and is considered one of the 20 greatest pioneering technology companies to come out of Australia and New Zealand. Dai is responsible for SiteMinder’s entry into new markets, and the growth and diversification of the disruptive Software-as-a-Service model that has made SiteMinder a technology pioneer. Tune in to find out:• How to know when to ‘go global’• The best way for software companies to choose an international market• Why knowing the size of your Total Addressable Market is key to international scale-up success• Strategies that Siteminder has used to overcome cross-cultural challenges in global markets• Why a defined go-to-market strategy and processes is central to understanding how your international expansion is trackingDai has loads of great insights and practical tips for founders of software companies ‘going global’, so you’ll definitely want to be taking notes on this episode.If you’d like to learn more about SiteMinder's journey of growth, visit www.siteminder.com.

Lee Hackett is CEO of BluprintX, a company which helps CMOs, CROs and CEOs of mid-to-large-sized businesses to grow revenue by using data and technology. Lee set up the firm in the UK 2013 and has expanded its footprint to four countries. Before Bluprint X, Lee played a leading role in creating and scaling seven startups in four continents over the last decade. Several of these startups became market leaders within 1-3 years, and were sold to FTSE 200 organisations and global companies. But Lee hasn’t always been an entrepreneur and before he got into business, he was a professional footballer with Wigan Athletic FC, in the UK. In this episode, Lee and I are chat about Brexit, his transition from football to business, the creation of BluprintX and how Lee took it global. Tune in to find out: Why every company needs to think about ‘going global’ How Lee made the transition from athlete to entrepreneur What football taught Lee about leading a company Top tips on dealing with the distraction created by global growth How to build a culture that enables a company to be globally sustainable Lee’s favourite books include, Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio.You can find it at https://www.principles.com/

Today, we’re doing something a little different. I’m talking to my colleague, Zach Selch, the Global Sales Mentor. Zach is the VP Global Sales for a high tech medical company and has spent his career solving international sales challenges that CEOs can’t fix. He’s passionate about driving incremental improvement across every inch of the sales process and every nut and bolt in the sales organization. Zach is the person that companies have called in, time and again, when they have tried to grow a market or their international division and simply haven’t been able to get off the ground. Over the past almost 30 years, Zach has built up the international sales of several companies, from start-ups to publicly traded companies, four times growing sales by more than 1000%, three times bringing in the single largest purchase order in a product’s history; adding hundreds of millions of dollars to the value of mid-market companies by increasing their international footprint. Zach has sold in more than 135 countries and lived in six. He is an ex-paratrooper, a father of 3 and boxes, he smokes brisket and runs a soup kitchen when he isn’t on the road. Zach was in Germany when the wall went down, in Jordan when peace with Israel was signed, has had breakfast with the Dalai Lama, and has been in the right place for a surprising number of right times. In this episode, Zach and I trade ideas on the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of international business expansion and there’s loads of practical advice and “how-to” tips for founders and CEOs looking to scale up overseas. Tune in to find out: •Why there’s no better way to raise the value of your company than by expanding your global footprint •The biggest mistakes that companies make as they try to ‘go global’ •Why getting on a plane can be a smart way to sound out a new international market •How to trial your product at an international trade show … without getting an exhibition booth •The most important questions to ask your potential distributor, and •How to create a sales process that works almost everywhere And if you’re keen to attend Zach’s upcoming Global Sales course this North American fall, you can check it out at www.globalsalesmentor.com.

In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, I caught up with Vanessa Garrard who has been ranked in Australia’s Top 30 Female Entrepreneur list every year since 2010. Vanessa’s entrepreneurial journey started by selling lollies and sweets at the ripe old age of 12 to now establishing Adventure Operations, a group consisting of 17 companies providing consumer products to retailers all over the globe. Currently, 1 in 2 Australians own a product that Vanessa’s company has produced and her group continues to expand its global footprint with offices in Australia, China and the US. Her experience has led her to share her journey to inspire other women in business to scale up, build confidence and think bigger. As a result of her passion for business, she has also received countless awards and is internationally recognised for her entrepreneurial achievements. Tune in to my interview with Vanessa to hear her share: • Her experience as a woman in business • The things to look out for when ‘going global’ • The importance of having a solid network to bounce ideas off • Why you should consider international expansion Vanessa also speaks about the importance of understanding the market you are entering, the need for innovation and what it takes to succeed when ‘going global’. A truly inspiring story and an episode I would highly recommend you take the time to tune in to! Expand Your Vision on May 23, 2019 Registration Page -https://www.internationalbusinessaccelerator.com/may-2019-eyv-ofx-direct-invites/

This week Cynthia Interviews Angus Raine, leading real estate commentator and fourth generation member of the family that created the Raine & Horne Group. After starting his career outside the company Angus came back, joined the family business and has been instrumental in expanding the company’s vision and taking it overseas. At 135 years old, Raine & Horne is one of the oldest privately-held companies in the Southern Hemisphere, and now has over 12 offices throughout Australia, Malaysia, The UAE, India, Fiji and Vietnam. Tune in and find out: • Why being part of a family-held company is an advantage in Asian markets • Why having the right team is key to ‘going global’ Raine & Horne’s strategies for choosing new international markets • How Raine & Horne maintains its culture across international offices. • How Angus uses his ‘brains trust’ to solve tough challenges. Angus shares his thoughts on what it takes to make it when going global with your business, with an emphasis on the importance of building and nurturing relationships, and the need for developing a solid team when bringing your vision to life.

It’s all too easy to get carried away with new ideas and menial tasks when building your international business. We see it all the time with our clients. In the second part of a series dedicated to Time Excellence, Cynthia talks about the three things you need to do to get the most out of your time, improve your productivity and start getting results:1. Prioritise2. Delegate3. OrganiseWith clear direction on how to implement these steps, this episode is full of useful hints and tips dedicated to giving you the time to focus on what’s most important when going global.

In this week’s episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia talks about Time Excellence, an area that many business owners and entrepreneurs struggle with as they start to take on international expansion.Having the skill to use time to your advantage and maximise your productivity is key to running a successful international business.In the first of a number of episodes around Time Excellence and utilising this precious resource, Cynthia introduces 3 simple yet effective hacks that will allow you to make the most of your time and accelerate your results.Check out this episode if you want to:• Learn how to invest your time effectively• Accelerate your results when going international• Reclaim more time during your days• Increase the time you have to focus on what’s importantSo if you really want to take back control of your time, have a listen then get out there and make it happen!

In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Hughes, Founder of Digital Leadership Associates.In a previous life, Tim was a corporate star who was responsible for adding $100 million value to Oracle. Seeing the potential of talking to customers and building relationships through social media, he wrote his first book, Social Selling as a practical handbook to implementing social media into marketing and sales strategy. Soon after, he left the fast track to launch his own business, which he took international within two years. Tune in to my interview with Tim to find out:•How Tim made the switch from employee to entrepreneur•How sales and marketing has evolved in the digital age•How social media can increase your inbound leads for next to nothing•Why you need to build authority to succeed in your industryTim is a master at creating inbound leads and if you are serious about increasing your online presence, connecting with new customers through social media and improving your sales and marketing strategy, this episode is for you.If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow, practical guide to implementing social media in your business, check out Tim’s best-selling books Social Selling and Smarketing. If you’re considering social media as a way to reach more people or want to find out more about Digital Leadership Associates, visit https://www.social-experts.net/.TIM’S FAVOURITE BOOKS:Stop Selling, Start Leading - Deb CalvertThe Perfect Close - James MuirBe More Pirate - Sam Conniff Allende

It’s that time of year where people get excited about making resolutions and have high hopes for the year to come. Unfortunately, many business owners don’t realise their dreams, because they set their goals and go on with business as usual, without taking the steps to make them a reality.In the first episode of 2019, Cynthia speaks about goal-setting, why people get it so wrong and what you can do to achieve your goals this year.Tune in to this episode to learn how you can:• Get clear on what you really want and way before you set a goal to achieve• Get excited about the mastering goal-setting and doing the essentials until you’re great at them• Work on your goals consistentlyWith plenty of hot tips to get you started with a bang, you will want to listen to this episode if you are serious about achieving your goals.

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia interviews Lee Featherby, Founder of Powerful Points.From a Perth boy with hopes to join the family business, to starting his own business helping companies share their message effectively, Lee’s story is a perfect example of how you don’t need to know everything to get started or become an international success. With a background in marketing and management, Lee understood that getting your message across effectively is a necessity when sharing your product/service with the world.Now, through the use of creative presentations and training, Powerful Points helps their clients, the likes of McDonalds and The Commonwealth Bank, do just that.Tune in to this interview to find out:• How Lee found himself starting his own business • The story behind Powerful Points• Tips to penetrate a new international market• The importance of recognising cultural differences• Why you need to develop and nurture relationshipsEntrepreneurship and international business is not for everyone, but if you are looking to be inspired to pursue your dreams, considering international expansion or want an insight into what it takes to make an international business successful, this episode is for you.If you are looking to get heard and want results, or just want to find out more about Powerful Points visit: https://powerfulpoints.com.au

In this episode of Business Beyond Borders, Cynthia interviews Chris Jankulovski, Founder of Remote Staff™.Established in 2007 after a visit to the Philippines, Remote Staff™ provides offshore recruiting solutions to a variety of SME’s and has expanded to a team of 70 in-house staff. The company has placed 8000+ professionals and helped support the growth of more than 2000 businesses all over the world.Chris’ story is truly inspiring. He struggled with dyslexia throughout his childhood and didn’t learn to read until he was 24. He has survived cancer and multiple major surgeries, and deals with a hereditary condition which makes him prone to recurring tumours. None of this has stopped him.Realising how short life is, Chris saw no other option but to make every second count and relentlessly chases his dreams, showing no signs of slowing down.Tune in to this interview to find out:•How Chris overcame extreme adversity to become a highly successful entrepreneur•The story and journey behind Remote Staff™•How to overcome challenges of taking a company global•The importance of recognising cultural differences•Why you need to develop and nurture relationships•How to approach international expansionEntrepreneurship and international business is not for everyone, but if you are looking to be inspired to pursue your dreams, considering international expansion or want an insight into what it takes to make an international business successful, this episode is for you.If you are looking for cost effective staffing solutions for your business or just want to find out more about Remote Staff™ visit www.remotestaff.com.au.

In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, I interview Justin Dry, Founder of Vinomofo.Justin is an entrepreneur, business owner, mentor, public speaker, and co-founder and joint CEO of Vinomofo, one of Australia’s fastest-growing companies. Launched in April 2011 from a garage in Adelaide, Vinomofo has expanded quickly and profitably to a run rate of more than $50m revenue, 500,000 plus members, and a team of over 100 employees.Tune in to my interview with Justin to find out: • The story and journey behind Vinomofo • The importance of making short term sacrifices for long term gains • How to have fun while building your international business • How seeking advice can save you when times get tough • Why you should never give up on your visionThis was one of the funniest and most entertaining episodes I’ve ever recorded. Justin has loads of great stories and he isn’t afraid to share the struggles and challenges he’s had along the way, as well as the successes. That kind of candour is a rarity in the business world and it makes for great conversation - and I hope great listening for you. We spoke for more than an hour, but I suspect we could have gone on for much longer …. Especially if we’d had a bottle of great Vinomofo wine at hand.Justin’s episode will be an inspiration for lots of people, but especially those of you who are just starting out and wondering whether they can really make it in business and on the international scene. I hope you have as much fun listening to it as I had recording it.

In the last of this four-part series, Cynthia Dearin reveals the checklist that she provides small to midsize businesses when looking to take their business overseas and how it has helped business owners and entrepreneurs avoid costly and fatal mistakes.The checklist covers every aspect of the expansion process and Cynthia discusses the key points that all businesses should consider before diving in head first into a new market. Cynthia also explains why she has committed herself to helping businesses amplify their impact by expanding internationally.

In this episode, Cynthia clarifies why undertaking market research and collecting data before going global is so important for small to mid-sized businesses. Cynthia gives you the questions you need to ask yourself when looking to go overseas with your product or service and how they help you set yourself up for success. Cynthia also shares her tips for avoiding analysis paralysis and what kind of research to conduct in order to get the answers you need so you don’t have to learn through trial and error.

Eric interviews Cynthia as she points out some of the common mistakes that people make when taking their business overseas and how to avoid them.Cynthia highlights the importance of having self-awareness around the current success of a business in their domestic market, understanding a business’s core-competencies and the need to set S.M.A.R.T goals when venturing into new markets.

In this episode, Dearin & Associates Managing Director, Cynthia Dearin talks about why going global is now a viable option for many small to mid-sized businesses.Cynthia shines a light on Dearin & Associates signature program, The International Business Accelerator and how it helps serious business owners and entrepreneurs develop a customized strategy, build confidence and create momentum when taking their business international.

In this episode of the Business Beyond Borders podcast, I interview Corinne Bot, Founder, CEO & Chief Disruptor of Polyglot Group, a leading global boutique consultancy dedicated to helping businesses expand globally and optimise their growth journey. Polyglot Group was born 23 years ago, when Corinne realised that creating her own business was one way to have the career she wanted while raising a family. Today the company has a global network of expert partners and an international team spanning 9 time zones. Polyglot Group provide comprehensive solutions in business setup, HR consulting and outsourcing, talent acquisition, translation and interpreting and payroll outsourcing.Corinne is a strong advocate for diversity and firmly believes in the necessity for leaders to be active in their community. She is a Trade Adviser for the French Government and a leader of the French community in Australia. With over 20 years of experience in multicultural HR consulting, recruitment as well as business solutions, it is no surprise that Corinne successfully expanded her business to Europe, the United States and Asia. Tune in to my interview with Corinne to find out about:•How she started her career as a hairdresser before becoming an entrepreneur.•How she created Polyglot Group as a new migrant to in AustraliaCorinne’s strategy for taking Polyglot Group international, some of the challenges she encountered, and how she overcame them.•How Polyglot helps clients all around the world to expand globally and addresses the challenge of working with cultural differences from country-to-country.•How she manages Polyglot now that it’s crossing the 100-person mark all over the world.•How Corinne juggled family life and being a business owner, over the years.•How reading books like Le Petit Prince, The Little Prince by Saint-Exupery, The Brave New World from Aldous Huxley, and Helen Keller’s Life, influenced her life. •Corinne’s advice to women entrepreneurs who want to take their business international.I had a fantastic time interviewing Corinne and left our conversation feeling inspired and motivated to continue my own entrepreneurial journey. I loved her focus on building and empowering a team and on leaving a legacy. Her observation that she believes she has been successful in business because she is “not obsessed by it” also challenged and prompted me to think more deeply about my own beliefs and approach to being an entrepreneur.If you’re a small business thinking of going global, check out the International Business Accelerator - an end-to-end solution that helps micro-to-medium businesses build and implement an international strategy: www.internationalbusinessaccelerator.com