Trade Wins by the World Trade Centers Association

26:Success Stories from the 2021-2022 WTCA Champions Award Winners

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:11:10 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

What it means to be a winner (1:30)
What makes your WTC unique (20:46)
Perspectives on global trade (29:19)
Anecdotes to share (37:42)

Trade Wins is a podcast designed specifically to be thought-provoking and to provide insights from leading experts to help us navigate today’s changing environment. We aim to contribute to the empowerment of our global membership and their business networks in the world of global trade and investment.

25: An American Story Towards Leadership of the Port of New York and New Jersey with Bethann Rooney

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 7 Jul 2022 08:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

Beth’s background and career journey (1:01)
Ports and the global supply chain (8:21)
How to get a large team to work together (13:05)
Managing growth with low staff (19:25)
Recruiting supply chain operatives (24:45)
Reflections on the industry (28:37)

24: A Diplomat’s Journey Promoting Trade with Ambassador Louise Blais

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 08:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

Life after diplomatic service (0:44)
How promoting Canadian trade is different (2:23)
What's happening in today’s trade environment (9:13)
Trade disconnect within the Americas (12:53)
Create opportunities for businesses (17:04)
What Ambassador Blais is doing today (20:02)

23: Honeybees and Peace Through Trade with Sade Shofidiya

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 19 May 2022 08:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

About Sade Shofidiya (0:53)
The importance of bees (1:48)
Where the bee colonies are (2:53)
Decrease in the bee population (4:05)
The root of Sade’s passion (5:52)
Sade’s internship experience at WTC Savannah (9:18)
The shaping influence of foster care (12:36)
Overcoming impostor syndrome (15:19)
To young student entrepreneurs (17:32)

22: Africa: Opportunity & Beauty with Robin van Puyenbroeck

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 12 May 2022 08:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

How World Trade Centers can help drought and famine (1:14)
Investing in Africa without losing money (5:06)
How Africa can support international trade (6:26)
World Trade Center resources for upgrading skill (8:21)
The future of the world economy (10:43)

Quick Wins: What's Next for Real Estate?

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

The effect of wider market stresses on real estate (0:31)
The correlation between commercial and residential markets (2:25)
Shifts out of brick and mortar ownership (4:00)
When the market will be in a good place for you to move (6:17)
Real estate around the world (8:27)

20: Reflections from Bahrain on World Trade and the Role of Culture with Rose Sager

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

Rose’s background and career journey (0:32)
What makes Bahrain special (3:59)
Bahrain’s economy (5:52)
Bahrain’s role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (8:49)
COVID-19’s effect on Bahrain (12:39)
How Rose introduces Bahrain (14:16)
Bahrain’s constitutional monarchy and surrounding countries(16:28)
Security concerns in the gulf (17:28)
Changes in Bahrain and the U.S. (19:10)
The birth of friendship even amidst COVID (26:05)

Quick Wins: Pains in the Global Supply Chain

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation:

What to make of this global supply chain issue (1:16)
Timeline for future issues (6:02)
Impact in reshoring and nearshoring (6:48)
Future outlook (8:28)

19: An Insider Story on Afghanistan with Zabihullah Ziarmal

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 09:30:00 +0000

Highlights from the conversation include:

Zabihullah’s current and former positions (0:49)
What the ground situation looks like for the Afghan people (2:19)
The cash infusion’s effect on the establishment and development of business (9:10)
Zabihullah’s transition from the private sector to government (14:04)
The Peace Deal’s disastrous effects on Afghanistan (15:54)
The inner workings of the final months of the Afghan government (20:57)
Zabihullah’s foreknowledge of the government’s collapse (25:52)
What the future of Afghanistan looks like (30:48)
Afghanistan's absence from the building of their nation (36:03)
Zabihullah’s political business secret (39:14)

18: The Value of Public Service, Partnerships and Building a Stronger WTCA with John E. Drew

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:30:00 +0000

Topics in this conversation include:

John speaks about how support for public service roles has changed from the beginning of his career to today and offers thoughts on why these changes have taken place. 7:13
Stimulus money from the government is flooding the economy and John shows ways that private companies can be involved, benefitting and providing services as a result of the stimulus money. 13:53
John discusses unemployment versus full employment numbers, and his thoughts on redirecting the conversation of higher education toward vocational work that will benefit people and industries in the long run. 17:45
John shares why he joined the WTCA in the 1980s, how it has changed over the years and the continuous value proposition that the association provides. 34:40
September 11, 2001 was a monumental day for the World Trade Centers Association and John shares his personal experience of being on the ground that day at the World Trade Center towers in New York City. 41:35

17: Trade, Energy and National Security Dilemmas with Congressman August Pfluger

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Mon, 6 Dec 2021 15:34:08 +0000

Highlights in this conversation include:

Congressman Pfluger shares his background, detailing his motivation for joining the Air Force, his 20-year military career, what it was like to serve as a combat pilot and several life lessons he has taken from being an Air Force pilot. 1:17
The supply of labor has been impacted by the government stimulus and has created a domino effect impacting inflation and the supply chain. 9:45
Congressman Pfluger discusses his view on the inefficiency of tariffs and also when they can be used positively. 13:11
The United States needs to focus on being a leading voice in trade to ensure post-World War II world order with good business dealings, transparency and low corruption trade. 17:33
Providing reliable energy is a key factor in international relationships, impacting the economy and national security. 19:49

16: The WTCA: Conducting Trade in a World of Digital Globalization, with Robin van Puyenbroeck, WTCA, and Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO of World Trade Center Winnipeg

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:30:00 +0000

Topics in this conversation include:

Mariette discusses the functions of World Trade Center Winnipeg, their history and the services that they provide to businesses as well as the importance of "Peace through Trade," a key philosophy of the WTCA. 2:35
Robin discusses the diversity of the WTCA, specifically in regards to the function and diversity of licensee types that share in the WTCA's mission of facilitating international trade. 6:30
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the WTCA are often confused but vary greatly in purpose, funding and regulation. Robin takes time to explain these differences. 14:22
Robin details the ways that the WTCA made its virtual GA engaging and beneficial for businesses, specifically sharing the AI-powered matching technology used to successfully connect businesses with each other. 18:28
Mariette and Robin discuss the ways that technology could impact trade shows moving forward to allow businesses to make the most of their time and money while reaping better results. 25:11
Robin looks at some of the many causes for the supply chain disruptions being seen around the world and how businesses can take advantage of this opportunity to provide closer-to-home services and products. 42:32

15: Cities of the Future and Civilization 3.0, with Parag Khanna, FutureMap

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 7 Oct 2021 08:30:00 +0000

Highlights of this conversation include:

Parag discusses how he immerses himself in each culture where he lives and becomes part of each one, enabling him to have a better intercultural understanding in both business and social settings. 2:36
Parag shares his vision for the next evolution of urban life, including the recognition of climate oases and sustainability factors that will need to be taken into consideration in order for civilizations to continue long term. 6:18
Parag discusses globalization, the sovereignty of countries, and how these factors will impact the future of migration.14:24
Parag explains his views on the new city movement as well as the track record of various new city efforts that have been conducted around the world. 25:07
Sustainability is a large factor in planning for the future and we already have the technology to be designing and building for the future. 27:59

14: WTCA's 2021 CIFTIS Interview with Anna Ge, China Plus News

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 08:30:00 +0000

Our conversation included topics such as:

China hosting CIFTIS as an in-person event is a demonstration of their confidence in their control of the pandemic and can be used to encourage the recovery of the conference and exhibition industry. 3:54
With digital future as one of the themes of CIFTIS this year, Robin shares how the WTCA is introducing an AI-powered corporate matchmaking platform for orchestrating and coordinating virtual events. 6:38
China may soon become the largest economy in the world, but still has room for growth and opportunity within the service trade industry. 9:42
Robin discusses fostering intercultural understanding and the impact of intercultural relationships on small and medium enterprises. 11:55
The COVID-19 pandemic and the current challenges with the global trade infrastructure have highlighted the issue of globalization, presenting China with the opportunity to play a large role in the stability of the economy of the world. 16:43

For the full China Plus News article, click here.

13: Pura Vida - Costa Rica’s Sustainable Success Story

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 18:05:15 +0000

Topics in this conversation include:

Minister Valenciano explains "Pura Vida" and how that portrays the culture and happiness of Costa Rica as well as how happiness is measured in countries around the world. 2:12
Long-standing democracy and the recognition of the importance of universal education, social security and universal health care have all led to the political and social stability of Costa Rica. 8:01
Minister Valenciano discusses Costa Rica's focus on sustainable development, explaining their work to reverse deforestation, awarding of Payments for Environmental Services and why the people of Costa Rica understand the purpose behind sustainability. 12:53
Costa Rica looks for trading partners who have the same vision for driving job creation, environmental goals, gender equality, digitalization of services and e-commerce. 23:34
The Buyers Trade Mission is a 3-week event that will be hosted by Costa Rica in late September 2021 to showcase the diversity of products that can be found in Costa Rica and to connect potential buyers with exporters of goods from Costa Rica. 30:57

12: UN Academic Impact: A Journey of Engaging Youth and Rethinking Education

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 16:20:11 +0000

Topics in this conversation include:

Ramu describes the UNAI and how it works to unite students toward making an impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).1:33
The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to build a more solid family foundation with parents taking more responsibility for their children’s education while, at the same time, it widened the inequality gap, particularly in developing countries. 6:53
Ramu discusses what he calls the "CC and BCC culture" and how it affects the ability to think and plan for long-term strategies. 18:15
Ramu shares his career path, from being a disc jockey for a radio station created by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to a creator and Chief of the UNAI. 24:13
The UN's focus on SDGs has provided stability for the world during the last 6 years since the SDGs were created. 31:00

11: The Future of Global Health: How Businesses Advance the SDGs with Science and Global Health Diplomacy

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 8 Jul 2021 14:53:13 +0000

Topics in this conversation include:

Usama Malik discusses the changes that have occurred in business over the last 100-150 years with the incorporation of capitalism, the transformation to big business from local business; the growth of businesses to have larger GDP, in many cases, than smaller countries; and how these changes can impact the world for good when companies focus on being purpose-driven. 6:20
Dimitri de Vreeze discusses his role at Royal DSM which has come to stand for “Doing Something Meaningful” and how the public and private sectors joined together during COVID-19 pandemic to produce magical results as well as how that same collaboration can work on behalf of the world to solve other SDGs -- such as zero hunger and climate change -- as companies focus on a balanced combination of people, planet and profit. 15:38
Gabriela Cuevas Barron shares her experience in government and how budget is the most important public policy instrument for core national changes as well as how strategic collaboration between businesses and governments provide the opportunity for changes on a global level. 25:10
Global health must be addressed with consumers taking a proactive approach to their health, which would lower overall healthcare costs -- making healthcare more accessible for all. 32:31
Each speaker shares how their lives and business have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global changes they believe will take place as a result. 46:56

10: The Future Project: Gen Z Kids Speak Out on the Issues of Today

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 08:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of Trade Wins, we don’t have one guest but a group of 20 New York elementary school 5th graders who join WTCA Executive Director-Business Development Robin van Puyenbroeck for a discussion on the biggest challenges facing the world today. This class of 2021 – soon-to-be middle schoolers – speak from the heart and shed light on many of the pressing issues faced around the world – from global warming and hunger/poverty to racism and gender inequality. We are given the opportunity to hear their thoughts on potential solutions to those issues, what they would share with President Biden if they were to meet with him, if they think children should vote and how they would grade adults on how they are taking care of the planet and of working towards a better future for all.

09: Measurement, Social Well-Being and a Way Forward with Roberto Rigobon

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 20:36:01 +0000

Social well-being can effectively be measured by the framework of "PROMISE" which includes personal aspects, relationships, organizations, markets/economy, institutions, social aspects and environmental aspects. 1:28
Roberto discusses the shortcomings of current measurements and how the lack of assessment leads to negative consequences in our personal life, businesses and the world. 6:25
Roberto provides suggestions on measurements and actions that can be taken to improve commerce when the international trade infrastructure is uncertain.15:07
Inflation is a necessary byproduct of the COVID pandemic and, although there will be consequences in the form of increased taxes, Roberto feels that the right decisions were made to provide extra support during these unprecedented times. 18:39

08: Disruption and Innovation in Real Estate with Sharif El-Gamal

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Tue, 8 Jun 2021 16:54:47 +0000

Sharif believes that the next year will bring people back to the cities, offices and communities that they left during the pandemic, and how amenitizing work and living spaces will be an attractive benefit for many. 1:25
Determining differentiators will be key for businesses moving forward, especially in areas of hospitality, travel and leisure. 9:21
Sharif predicts that companies will have great success as they focus on transforming infrastructures and renewable energy sources, and discusses how that will have an impact on real estate. 10:45
Energy, cryptocurrency, digitalization and sustainability are differentiating factors for real estate developers and consumers. 13:45
Amenities such as physical and mental wellness centers, robust gyms, work extension spaces, and recreation spaces are the future of real estate. 17:22

07: Economic Outlook and Growth Opportunities in a Post-COVID World with Peter De Keyzer

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Wed, 2 Jun 2021 18:18:08 +0000

The COVID pandemic ravaged the world economy and forced each country to choose from the trilemma of freedom, health and economy. 1:37
The zombification of companies and even entire industries is a negative side effect of the stimulus packages that governments have given. 6:09
Peter presents the idea of a "New Cold War" due to the value blocs that are emerging around the world and discusses how this will impact the recovery of the economy. 11:55
Peter discusses the concept of influence and how it is a greater force of change than power or violence, giving the example that private companies are an impactful voice of change due to their relationship to consumers, shareholders, clients, employees and civil society. 15:25
Much like the Space Race helped the economy recover after the Cold War, Peter believes that climate change and cleantech could play an important role in helping the world economy recover post-COVID. 21:50

06: Selflessness, Community and Building a Stronger Business with Richard Lui

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Tue, 25 May 2021 15:56:15 +0000

Today's guest Richard Lui, news anchor at NBC/MSNBC, as well as author and filmmaker, joins us in this fourth episode in a special series of interviews conducted as part of the WTCA's General Assembly, held April 26-30, 2021. Richard shares his journey toward living selflessly while challenging listeners to consider how others living selflessly this past year has impacted the world. Richard describes how selflessness has impacted business in the past and how it will continue to impact business in years to come.

Richard shares the pivotal aspect of his journalism career that challenged him to live selflessly. 1:23
The past year of COVID provides poignant examples of people and businesses living and operating selflessly. 3:25
Business was created to function selflessly and for the good of people. 6:19
Richard discusses his book Enough About Me and how having his father diagnosed with Alzheimer's prompted him to consider his purpose and values in life as well as how his parents' lives impact his current values. 15:48
Practicing selfless living in smaller decisions on a daily basis leads to living selflessly in bigger areas of life and in business. 21:03

05: SMEs and Thriving Markets: The Future of Trade with Hamid Mamdouh

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Thu, 20 May 2021 08:30:00 +0000

Today's episode of Trade Wins is the third in a special series of interviews conducted as part of the WTCA's General Assembly, held April 26-30, 2021. Hamid Mamdouh, Senior Counsel at King & Spalding and former Director of Trade in Services and Investment Division at the World Trade Organization (WTO), shares the future of trade as it pertains to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Hamid also explains changes that need to be considered within the WTO and how SMEs can play a role in this reform by actively engaging within the private sector.

Hamid identifies four challenges that SMEs are currently facing including regulatory burdens, access to information, access to financing and digitalization. 1:24
Reform is needed within the WTO’s three legs - dispute settlement, negotiation and the deliberative function - in order to see progress made within the trading system. 8:11
Hamid describes three practical actions that can be taken immediately to support SMEs within the trade industry. 12:50
Creating a political vision is a major first step that can be taken to see reform take place within the WTO. 16:53
The private sector can further the cause of trade reform by actively engaging and supporting trade reform. 22:39

04: Creating Inclusive Global Trade with Bernard Kuiten

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Tue, 18 May 2021 08:30:00 +0000

This second episode in a series of interviews conducted as part of the WTCA's General Assembly, held April 26-30, 2021, is hosted by Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO of World Trade Center Winnipeg, as she interviews Bernard Kuiten, Head of External Relations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Bernard explains the role of the WTO and the role that they play in facilitating trade relations between governments. He also describes how the WTO assists organizations, specifically SMEs, with understanding and working through trade regulations.

Bernard discusses why the WTO exists, its membership, and how they work with various governments around the world to facilitate fair trade. 3:12
Changes and updates are difficult to make the WTO rulebook for fair trade.6:10
The WTO is able to assist organizations in the private sector by providing training and advice, as well as having meetings with their experts to inform organizations on trade regulations. 6:50
Bernard describes two examples where the WTO assisted organizations with information, arming them to be better informed in trade negotiations and decisions. 11:05
The WTO is not the one who makes trade regulations, but instead, it is the country governments who come together and agree on regulations. 15:41
The WTO is playing a role in intellectual property regulations and how this is coming into play with the COVID-19 vaccine.

03: Purpose-Driven Leadership in a Time of Economic Turbulence with Feike Sijbesma

heard@heardpods.com (Robin van Puyenbroeck, Feike Sijbesma) — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:28:20 +0000

This special episode of “Trade Wins” is the first in a series of interviews conducted as part of the WTCA's General Assembly, held April 26-30, 2021. Today's guest, Feike Sijbesma, Honorary Chairman of Royal DSM, explains purpose-driven leadership and its place in companies today and in the future as well as some of the challenges that he faced while transforming Royal DSM into a purpose-driven company.

Feike explains the origin and mindset behind trade and how, at its core, it exists for the good of all. 2:00
Doing good as part of the core of business and not just a side will enable organizations to be future proof. 6:45
Leaders must have guts, transparency, authenticity, and skill to step out and make the necessary changes within their organizations. 10:13
Communication is key to getting people of influence on board with the necessary changes to make an organization purpose-driven. 14:49
Feike discusses some of the challenges that Royal DSM encountered in making their transition and how he worked to overcome these. 16:15
Feike describes the initiatives that Royal DSM has been involved in, specifically in Africa, to fight malnutrition. 21:40

02: Making Impact with Real Life Diplomacy with Ambassador Thomas Lambert

heard@heardpods.com (Robin van Puyenbroeck, Thomas Lambert) — Tue, 4 May 2021 10:02:26 +0000

Thomas Lambert, current ambassador of Belgium to Luxembourg, joins us for Episode 2 of WTCA Trade Wins. Ambassador Lambert describes the role of ambassadors, what work looks like for him on a daily basis during COVID-19, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the country of Luxembourg and his work. Ambassador Lambert also shares his thoughts on the interactions of diplomacy and business, his work while serving as ambassador in the United States, international trade and economic policy, and multilateralism. The conversation also touches on the relationship of China, the United States and the EU.

Topics in this conversation include:

Impacts of COVID-19 on diplomacy as well as European nations where employees often commute between countries on a daily basis for employment 2:21
Challenges of bringing together politics with business and economics 6:48
Current pressures upon the global trade architecture and the role of multilateralism 11:11
Relationship between the United States and China, and why Ambassador Lambert feels that the EU's relationship with both nations should be kept in mind 15:08

01: Global Trade at a Turning Point with Dr. Peter Rajsingh

heard@heardpods.com (Dr. Peter Rajsingh, Robin van Puyenbroeck) — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:46:27 +0000

Episode Notes:

Three planks of trade and the importance of international trade 1:13
How the competing value systems of the United States and China are impacting trade now and will continue to in the future 8:06
Impacts of COVID on trade and life 16:47
What investors are keeping an eye on now and thoughts on inflation 19:25
Global economies and the dollar 24:40
Differences in mindset of students today versus students of years past 26:46

Trailer: Welcome to Trade Wins by the WTCA

heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:16:06 +0000

This podcast is designed specifically to be thought-provoking and to provide insights from leading experts to help us navigate today’s changing environment. We aim to contribute to the empowerment of our global membership and their business networks in the world of global trade and investment.

So, what can you expect from this show?

First of all, you can expect us to challenge the status quo, to challenge conventional thinking, and to discuss how we can make what we do more meaningful.

Each episode, we will host engaging conversations that will educate and inspire our global community of World Trade Centers and constituents active across all industries and sectors around the world.

We will do this by interviewing leaders from business, government, academia, media and international organizations, as well as our very own WTCA members from around the world.

Together we will discuss and dissect the most pertinent news, trends and strategies that are having the greatest impact on our future.

We are very excited to get started. If you have ideas for future episodes, know someone who would be an inspiring guest, or just want to stay apprised of our show, please make sure to connect with our team via email at podcast@wtca.org.