In today’s episode, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development Robin van Puyenbroeck is joined by the five winners of the 2022 WTCA Champions Awards. Together they discuss what it means to be a winner, what makes each of their World Trade Centers unique, perspectives on global trade, and more.
In today’s episode, Executive Director-Business Development Robin van Puyenbroeck is joined by Bethann Rooney, the Port Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, for a discussion on her background and the development of her career, the dramatic increase of cargo during the pandemic, how small issues have a big impact in supply chain management, and the fluid flow of logistics within the industry.
In today’s episode, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development Robin van Puyenbroeck is joined by Ambassador Louise Blais, Senior Advisor, Business Council of Canada, and former Deputy Permanent Representative for the United Nations, for a discussion on her diplomatic service for the United Nations, Canadian trade, and the problematic areas in today’s environment.
In today’s episode, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development Robin van Puyenbroeck is joined by Sade Shofidiya, founder and CEO of Foster Beelief, for a discussion on her passion for bees and background in the foster care system that led her to found an organization that is impacting others’ lives for the better. Foster Beelief was the winner of the 2019-2020 WTCA Foundation “Peace Through Trade” Student Competition – more info can be found here.
In this special episode, Executive Director-Business Development Robin van Puyenbroeck is interviewed by António Manuel Silva Santos, the anchor of RTP Portugal and the national broadcast system for Africa. Together they discuss how World Trade Centers® are partnering with Africa to assist in areas of crisis and grow in areas rich with opportunity.
In this Quick Wins episode, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development Robin van Puenbroeck is joined by Ed Allison-Wright, Director at Fairhomes Group (World Trade Center Gibraltar), to discuss how headline news issues are affecting the real estate market. From economic distress to a new generation of potential homeowners and remote work, Robin and Ed discuss how the state of society and various shifts are impacting real estate and creating opportunities.
In today’s episode, Rose Sager, Trade Representative for the Kingdom of Bahrain, joins us for a discussion on the diversity, economy and majesty of Bahrain. Rose shares her background of growing up in Bahrain and studying in the U.S., and how that has shaped her role as Trade Representative following the Free Trade Agreement between the kingdom and the U.S. in 2006. From her experience of living in both countries, Rose also shares her perspective on the omnipresence of technology today and how each individual needs to seek out a work-life balance. As a key spokesperson for Bahrain, Rose provides insights into the business advantages of partnering with and investing in Bahrain.
In this Quick Wins episode, Robin welcomes back Dr. Peter Rajsingh to discuss the issue of goods not being able to ship around the world and the crunch caused by global supply chain congestion. From today’s current situation to what the future looks like, Robin and Peter provide clarity on the uncertainty of this global supply chain issue.
In today’s episode, Zabihullah Ziarmal, the former Director-General of the Afghan National Standards Authority (ANSA) and President of World Trade Center Kabul, joins us for a discussion on nation-building and the current conditions in Afghanistan. Zabihullah shares his background in government work and how that led him into his role as the Director-General of ANSA. He also shares his experience on the ground and what business has looked like as he provides insight into the collapse of the Afghan government, dealings with the Taliban, the future of the country and its people, and more.
In today’s episode, John E. Drew, Chairman of the Drew Company and also Chairman of the WTCA Board of Directors, joins us for a discussion on partnerships, public service and how the WTCA has transformed over the years as it meets the needs of its members around the world. John shares his background in government work and how that led him into his roles in real estate and development. He also shares his experience on the ground at the World Trade Center towers in New York City on September 11, 2001. As a major player in the development of the city of Boston and also in the development of three World Trade Center businesses, John provides insight into trade, partnerships and the future of business.
In this episode, Congressman August Pfluger joins us for a discussion on trade, energy and national security. Specifically, he discusses the role that tariffs are currently playing and possible solutions for strengthening trade relations; and also delves into energy and renewable energy sources, and how this impacts national security in the United States. Congressman Pfluger shares his background in the Air Force and what inspired him to pursue this career. Lastly, he also delves into energy and renewable energy sources, and how this impacts national security in the United States.
In this episode, Robin van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director-Business Development at the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), and Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO of World Trade Center Winnipeg, join together with the Rady JCC and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg for a conversation on trade in the world of digital globalization. Mariette and Robin share ways that the WTCA can benefit companies — specifically with B2B interactions. Robin details how his team moved the WTCA General Assembly (GA) to a virtual event this year and highlights ways that they provided “matchmaking” opportunities for businesses that he believes will continue well into the future. The episode concludes with a discussion on supply issues and inflation.
In today’s episode of Trade Wins, Parag Khanna, author, strategist and founder of FutureMap, joins us for a conversation about the concept of “Civilization 3.0,” what that might look like, and the best ways to get there. Parag discusses his new book MOVE: The Forces Uprooting Us and how strategic planning can now make a difference in the stability of civilization in the future. Parag also discusses generational viewpoints, the evolution of sovereignty and the global passport.
Today’s episode of Trade Wins features an interview conducted by Anna Ge, media personality and host of China Plus News regarding the 2021 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). During his interview, Robin discusses the common goals of the WTCA and CIFTIS as well as the WTCA’s role in this year’s CIFTIS, which was held in Beijing, China from September 2-7, 2021. Robin also shares the appeal of participating in CIFTIS, the impact of digitalization on service trade, China’s role in the service trade industry, what the WTCA is doing to encourage trade and relationships with China, and his thoughts on China’s trade relationship with the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode, Andres Valenciano, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, joins Robin as they explore measuring happiness in countries, growth of trade, the impact of conservation and building relationships with other countries to expand trade. Minister Valenciano shares insight on the “Pura Vida” of Costa Rica, their long history of democracy, their recent joining of the OECD and his thoughts on the future of the WTO.
Ramu Damodaran, Former Chief of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), is our guest on today’s episode. He discusses the UNAI and his role in creating this branch of the United Nations and updates us on the impact that it is making. Ramu shares how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting students of various age ranges and how it has also provided opportunities for further growth. Ramu concludes with an anecdote by sharing a “Trade Win” that occurred during his career and the power of communication and pragmatism in global trade.
In this episode, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development Robin Van Puyenbroeck speaks with Dimitri de Vreeze, Co-CEO & COO and Member of the Managing Board, Royal DSM; Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Co-Chair, UHC2030 Committee; Honorary President of the IPU; MEP at the Mexican Congress; and Usama Malik, Former CIO, Pfizer; and current CEO, Fore during the 2021 RELX SDG Inspiration Day held on June 22. Together they discuss the impacts of business and government on the future of global health. They also look at how SDGs play a part in this global impact, and how governments and businesses can work together to achieve these goals.
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. The podcast will also be shared with President Biden.
Roberto Rigobon, Professor of Applied Economics at the MIT Sloan School of Management, is our guest in today’s episode which is our seventh and final episode in a special series of interviews conducted as part of the WTCA’s General Assembly, held April 26-30, 2021. Roberto’s study of measurements is our focus in this episode as he explains their relevance, his “PROMISE” framework for identifying necessary measurements and the four errors often used in measurements. He then provides challenges to help companies see how measurements can affect their decision-making processes and, in return, their profits and the overall well-being of their country and the world. Roberto wraps up the interview with a discussion on inflation and the impacts of COVID-19 on inflation around the world.
Today’s episode of Trade Wins is the sixth episode in a special series of interviews conducted as part of the WTCA’s General Assembly, held April 26-30, 2021. Sharif El-Gamal, Chairman, Founder and CEO of Soho Properties, is our guest as we explore the ways that COVID-19 has impacted the real estate market as well as innovative ideas to refresh the real estate market going forward. Sharif shares how changes in where and how people work and interact will affect real estate, his current project Margaritaville Resort Times Square in New York City opening June 10, focuses for both residential and commercial buildings, and changes in technology that will continue to impact real estate planning.
Peter De Keyzer, founder and managing partner of Growth, Inc., is our guest during this fifth episode in a special series of interviews conducted as part of the WTCA’s General Assembly, held April 26-30, 2021. Peter describes how the world economy has been deeply affected due to the pandemic, how stimulus packages have and will continue to impact the economy, and how climate change efforts could be the catalyst that launches worldwide economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Global trade is at a turning point. As the world is experiencing a transformation into digital globalization, key fundamentals of trade such as notions of competitive advantage, freedom, and mitigating surpluses and deficits are being challenged. Competing value systems are putting the international trade equilibrium under tremendous pressure.
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.
