World Lens by WTCI

Most businesses don't realize they're stuck — until they are. In this episode of World Lens, host Michelle Evans sits down with Doyin Adewodu, founder of INFRASI, a new WTCI member delivering tailored IT and IoT solutions across healthcare, education, and government sectors. Doyin breaks down why a "good enough" infrastructure is the silent killer of global ambition, what it actually means to view technology through a full life-cycle lens, and how legacy systems are quietly blocking companies from capitalizing on AI and 5G.

What happens when climate ambition collides with high borrowing costs, Middle East conflict, and a fragmenting global order? Bruce McIndoe, president of McIndoe Risk Advisory, joins Michelle Evans to break down why fossil fuels are still thriving, how China quietly crossed a clean energy milestone, and what businesses should actually be doing to build energy resilience in a world where there is no longer one rule book.

Every product on a store shelf took a journey to get there — and right now, that journey is more expensive, more uncertain, and more politically charged than it's been in a generation.   In this episode, host Michelle Evans sits down with Chris Schramm (Nexterus) and Justin Lipsky (First Link) to untangle what the Supreme Court's IEEPA ruling actually means for importers, why the Strait of Hormuz closure hits industries far beyond energy, how a 400% air freight spike ripples from factory to consumer, and why the businesses navigating all of this best started planning before the disruption hit. From pharmaceutical cold chains to polyester made from petroleum — nothing is as simple as it looks, and everything is connected.

The conflict in Iran has moved far beyond a bilateral standoff — and its ripple effects are already hitting supply chains, gas prices, and global trade alliances. In this episode, host Michelle Evans sits down with WTCI board member and President of McIndoe Risk Advisory, Bruce McIndoe, to break down what's really at stake.   From the double-chokepoint crisis blocking both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb to the GCC's escalation ladder, stagflation risk, and the emergence of a "coalition of the hesitant," Bruce offers a clear-eyed framework for understanding what business leaders should actually be watching. His verdict? Ignore the rhetoric. Track the tankers.

What if the biggest cybersecurity risk isn't the threat you know about — it's the one you never thought to look for? In this episode of World Lens, host Michelle Evans sits down with Jill Shapiro, VP of Global Government Affairs at Tenable, the exposure management company headquartered right here in Columbia, Maryland. Jill breaks down why counting vulnerabilities is the wrong game entirely, how AI is simultaneously supercharging attackers and defenders, and why Maryland's cyber ecosystem punches well above its weight.

While Beijing celebrates hitting a 5% GDP growth target, the view from the ground tells a story of systemic fracture. In this episode, Michelle Evans sits down with risk advisory expert Bruce McIndoe to go beyond the headlines and examine the "new normal" for the world’s second-largest economy.   Whether you are a global investor or a business leader, this episode offers a sobering look at how China is preparing for a future defined by a shrinking workforce and a "brain drain" of its most educated talent.

Shannetta Griffin didn't just become the first African American woman to lead Maryland Aviation Administration—she's redefining what a major airport can be. The former FAA Associate Administrator discusses BWI's competitive strategy in a three-airport market, navigating Southwest's 70% market share, and why the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program represents accessibility as innovation rather than compliance. From sustainable aviation fuel reality checks to the crucial difference between mentors and sponsors, Griffin reveals how 40 years of breaking barriers taught her that infrastructure isn't just about moving people—it's about transforming lives. If you think airports are just terminals and runways, this conversation will change your perspective.

WTCI board member Bruce McIndoe breaks down the January 3rd U.S. military operation in Caracas that captured President Nicolás Maduro. We examine the tactical execution, Venezuela's oil reserves and economic recovery challenges, the choice of leadership transition, and what this precedent means for international relations—from Latin American partnerships to NATO dynamics and the emerging global order.

Troy LeMaille-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO, joins host Michelle Evans to challenge everything we think we know about economic development. From $50 million partnerships with Taiwan and South Korea to directing 50% of investments toward historically under-invested markets, Troy reveals TEDCO's strategy for transforming Maryland's federal dependency from one of reliance to something more sustainable. Plus: the four S's of economic development, why cyber-agriculture is the next frontier, and how a digital concierge will soon guide Maryland entrepreneurs through their growth journey with 95% predictive accuracy.

When the U.S. boycotted the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, it wasn't just a diplomatic snub—it was a transfer of influence. In this episode, Michelle Evans and Bruce McIndoe break down how Trump's absence has handed the Global South the opportunity to shape the global agenda, why South African President Ramaphosa's refusal to hand the gavel to a junior diplomat signals a new era of middle-power assertiveness, and what it means when BRICS expands. From debt restructuring promises to de-dollarization strategies, this conversation explores whether we're witnessing a temporary power vacuum or the emergence of parallel governance structures.

WTCI member Pete Menzies, President of The Terminal Corporation, joins host Michelle Evans to unpack what it takes to run a multigenerational logistics powerhouse in Baltimore. From weathering the Key Bridge collapse to navigating tariff turbulence, Pete reveals how family-owned flexibility outperforms corporate rigidity, which tech innovations have actually delivered (and which were all hype), and why the Howard Street Tunnel project is poised to reshape the Port of Baltimore. 

With Europe pulling back and the US preparing to exit the Paris Agreement for a second time, COP30 meets in Brazil as global climate goals face a serious reality check. Michelle Evans and Bruce McIndoe examine who's actually leading on climate now that usual powerhouses are stepping away, and what happens as the 1.5°C target moves out of reach. We'll explore how AI's massive energy appetite conflicts with climate commitments, why the insurance crisis is reshaping coastal markets, and whether we're witnessing a temporary setback or a permanent shift in how the world approaches climate action.

In this Season 3 opener of The World Lens, Michelle and Bruce explore the high-stakes global competition for AI supremacy and the tiny chips that power it all. From U.S. export bans to China’s counterstrategies, from “chip diplomacy” to rare earth dominance, they explore how semiconductors have become the new currency of power. As the U.S. and China vie for control of the AI future, the conversation delves into what’s truly at stake: economic might, national security, and the global talent race that could determine who leads the next tech revolution.

Join us for an update on all the topics we visited across season two - Tariffs, Tiktok Ban (or not), Canada Annexation, de-dollarization, and more!

No one wants to be a refugee. Being forced to leave your home can be traumatic. Luckily, there are organizations at work to help refugees, like Baltimore-based Global Refuge. But what happens when the Federal Government focuses on your organization? Michelle sits down with Andrew Steele, Chief Development and Mobilization Officer to learn more.

The recent fighting between India and Pakistan is just the latest in a long conflict. Not only are geopolitical issues flaring, this conflict was a showcase of modern technological parity on both sides. What does it tell us about war when both sides are roughly equivalent and using the same modern systems? Bruce McIndoe breaks it down, and offers a peak into the ceasefire discussions.

Alicia Wilson is one of the names to know in Baltimore City. The Vice President for Civic Engagement and Opportunity at Johns Hopkins University has had a distinguished career and worked with luminaries and influencers from all sorts of fields. Meet Alicia and learn about her leadership style. Women Spanning the Globe is June 4th. Tickets are now available. Register today: https://wtci.org/register-for-2025-women-spanning-the-globe/

Recent market volatility has more people asking - is it time for de-dollarization? The US Dollar has enjoyed a privileged position since the end of World War II. Is that all about to change? Bruce and Michelle talk through what's happening with the dollar and why.

It seems like everything today is stored "in the cloud." But the cloud is a real place, powered by high tech Datacenters. Nancy Novak from Compass Datacenters joins us to talk what it takes to power our digital world. Register for the upcoming AGILE Innovation Series on April 15, 2025: https://wtci.org/events/agile-global-innovation-series-2/register/

Ask around how people are doing and you might hear that, "the vibes are bad." But unemployment numbers are down, the job market is competitive! Can both things be true at the same time? Michelle and Bruce chat about why, even when we're doing well, things feel just so off right now.

The Northeast corridor is connected by railway, but there's a company looking to change the way we think about rail travel in the United States. Northeast Maglev wants to make train travel between DC and Baltimore take just 30 minutes. We're joined by Bill Scott, Maglev's President and Chief Operating Officer, who walks us through this exciting project.

Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs. They'll destroy the economy! They'll save the economy! Maybe they'll do both? We're joined by Alex Koff, a partner at Venable, to understand just what's going on with all these tariffs - and what you can do to prepare your business.

Bruce McIndoe is not just the co-host of this podcast, he's a renowned professional that advises businesses on how to avoid risk. Bruce takes us inside his company, McIndoe Risk Advisory, and details why he's the go-to for what's happening in the world.   Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcindoe/

President Elect Donald Trump is making news already. Could Greenland be the next state? Can the US retake control of the Panama Canal? We're talking (potential) US territories today - is any of this possible, and why is Greenland such a big deal?

It's one specialized part, how hard could it be to make? It can be hard, very hard. And that's where WTCI member Root3 Labs comes in. We're joined by founder and CEO Chad Schneider who walks us through what it takes to design some truly outrageous products.

Join us as we explore the increasing trend of social media bans worldwide and delve into the complex situation in Georgia.

Phillips Foods specializes in seafood, especially crab meat. But when you notice that, year after year, the crabs are getting smaller, what do you do? Brice Phillips joins us to discuss his work as Chairman of the NFI Crab Council - a group dedicated to preserving crab through sustainability efforts.

Note: This episode was recorded on October 31, 2024. Two candidates, one winner. What do their policies mean for the future of the United States of America?

Working at a family business can be tough. Taking over the family business? Even tougher. But Ryan Polakoff, the next CEO of Nexterus (and WTCI member) has been preparing for this moment his whole life. Join us for an inside look at what it takes when it's time to take the reins.

Welcome to Season 2 of the World Lens Podcast! I’m sure nothing significant happened during the summer break, right? Stalwart co-host Bruce McIndoe is back to chat about some of the major news stories we missed. From the Paris Olympics to exploding pagers, we’re back to look at what’s happening in the world through a global business lens.

It's time for our summer break! But before we go, let's revisit some topics we covered and see what's changed. From TikTok to China to the Francis Scott Key Bridge, this episode revisits many of the topics we covered over the course of the last 20 episdoes.

Congratulations to Mexico's newly elected president Claudia Sheinbaum! What does a new president mean for the US - Mexico relationship? Are there any other changes on the horizon?

How do you protect your home when there aren't any insurers left? It's a real problem in states like Florida and California, and it could be a harbinger for other states. As insurers pull out, and devastating weather events increase, what happens to insuring your home?

What does it take to recognize a new nation state? What happens when some countries do and some don't? This week, we're looking at Palestine, specifically in regards to what happens when a country decides to recognize a Palestinian State.

America's power grid is aging. Extreme weather events are causing more frequent blackouts, solar panels are forcing negative energy prices, and political battles are shaping how we think of energy. Is our energy future secure?

You may have seen the reports about doors falling off of airplanes mid-flight, or quality control issues at Boeing. The headlines are grabby, but do you really need to be looking up what type of jet you're traveling on the next time you fly?

Yes! But the beautiful lights aren't the only side-effects of this solar activity. Electronics and communications devices are at risk when major solar events happen.

It's not just you, there are more severe weather incidents each year. Massive floods, ongoing droughts. Things are getting scary. But even as our climate changes, there is hope.

This description, however, was written by ChatGPT: "Step into the future with WTCI World Lens, where we explore the cutting-edge realm of artificial intelligence. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of AI's impact on society, from revolutionary advancements to ethical dilemmas. Dive deep into the world of machine learning, automation, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology. With expert insights and thought-provoking discussions, this podcast is your gateway to understanding the AI revolution shaping our world. Tune in to WTCI World Lens, your premier destination for all things AI."

Are Electric Vehicles the future? There's more competition in the space than ever, but there are signs that the market is weakening. Layoffs, slowing sales, and full car lots signal some sort of slowdown, but it's all just part of the story.

The South China Sea contains some of the most disputed islands in the world. Countries are setting up military installations, airports, and even building artificial islands to strengthen their claims. Recent flare-ups in the region beg the question - why is this such a big deal?

An embassy is supposed to be inviolable - a little piece of your home country in a foreign land. But recent events have shattered that sense of security and have us asking what's next?

A much discussed TikTok "ban" finally passed the US House of Representatives in March. What is the likelihood this bill passes the Senate, and what would be the knock-on effect for everyone that uses the social media app? All this and more on today's episode of World Lens.

In this week's episode of World Lens, we are zooming in on Baltimore and the tragedy of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse. We know this is still a fresh wound for many, as we are only a few days removed from the catastrophic event, and our hearts go out to all those families still experiencing the day's agony. Still, we felt it was necessary to discuss the various impacts this has on the future of Baltimore's economy. With the Port of Baltimore suspending operations, what's to come of the 140,000 people who depend on it for their livelihoods? What will happen with the businesses that use the port to connect and distribute to the rest of the country? Listen in as we sit down with Peter Bowe, Publisher of DredgeWire, a leading digital newspaper for people in the maritime, dredging, and related industries, and former CEO of Ellicott Dredges, to gain some insight on the economic ramifications to the state and all who rely on the Port of Baltimore.

India just signed a massive Free Trade Deal with the European Free Trade Association. This landmark deal could set the standard for trade deals of the future.

Japan's stock market just broke its historical high point - originally set back in 1989. What's driving this increase and is it sustainable? We're tackling those questions and more as we look to Japan in this episode.

A recent CNN article dubbed 2023, "the Year of the Strike." With a rising labor movement hot off of a year of successes and publicity, what does the future hold?

Museums around the world are filled with treasures - some stolen from their homelands during colonization. What happens when those former colonies want their treasures back?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is back in the news. Why now? What's the current state of NATO and how could things change in the future?

Which countries import the most goods into the United States? For the first time in 20 years, that answer has changed. We look at why that is, and examine where things are trending in the future.