Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and one of China’s most prominent businessmen, has recently returned to China after spending two years maintaining a low profile abroad. This event has not only reignited interest in Ma’s activities but also coincides with a series of important changes within the Alibaba Group. 


Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss Jack Ma’s return to China and Alibaba’s restructuring.

Why was Jack Ma keeping a low profile over the past two years? 
What are the details behind Alibaba’s restructuring? 
What prompted Softbank to sell off their position in Alibaba? 

Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and expand your range of business English words and phrases.

Alibaba’s Big Break up and the Return of Jack Ma

A podcast for people who use English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) in their work environment and want to improve their overall language skills. In each episode, hosts Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan, and Samantha Vega discuss Business news making headlines around the world. Through their discussions, Skip, Dez and Samantha introduce English vocabulary & phrases related to business, review grammar, and identify cultural differences found in International business situations. An excellent way to improve listening comprehension skills, keep up with business trends, and advance your career.

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The Body Shop, once a leader in ethical consumerism and a pioneer in brand activism within the cosmetics industry, has faced a dramatic downturn. This episode of Down to Business English examines the rise and fall of a company that set the standard for corporate responsibility but has recently struggled with bankruptcy and ownership changes. 

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega unpack the history of The Body Shop, from its humble beginnings in 1976, through its global expansion, to its recent financial struggles and restructuring. The episode not only covers the company’s business strategies but also highlights the impact of its ethos on the industry and what happens when a brand loses its way.

Episode 313 of D2B offers a comprehensive look at the history of The Body Shop and the importance of adapting to changing market conditions and staying true to one’s brand values. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of business ethics, branding, and corporate history.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.

Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

Beauty in Distress: What went wrong at The Body Shop?

Learn how sports betting went from being a national concern to a booming industry in the USA, all while picking up sports-related idioms and expressions that cross over into business English.

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega look at the world of sports betting in the USA. From the 1919 World Series scandal to the monumental shift in 2018 when sports betting became legal in many states, they cover the evolution of this billion-dollar industry. Along the way, they explore the crossover of sports idioms into business English, enriching listeners’ business vocabulary.

This episode offers an educational journey through the world of US sports betting, highlighting its impact on language and the economy. It also provides insights for those interested in enhancing their business English vocabulary and listening comprehension and deepen their understanding of business trends.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.

Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

The Wide World of Sports Betting in the USA

Discover the latest economic developments in Japan, focusing on the Nikkei 225 index reaching a new high and the opening of a TSMC semiconductor plant in Kumamoto. This episode is a great chance to learn business English vocabulary related to important economic changes.

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega examine recent economic milestones in Japan, including the Nikkei index’s unprecedented performance and the strategic opening of TSMC’s semiconductor fab. They discuss the implications of these events for Japan’s economy and what it means for the global economic landscape, all while enhancing listeners’ business English skills through insightful commentary.

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of key developments in Japan’s economy and their implications for global commerce. Ideal for those interested in economic trends or looking to improve their business English, this episode provides a deep dive into Japan’s potential economic resurgence.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.

Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

Soaring Stocks and Semiconductor Success

The Air Cargo and Freight industry has faced many challenges over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, increasing operational costs, and fluctuating customer demand have all been issues the industry has had to deal with. In this episode of Down to Business English we look at all of these factors.—perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of global trade dynamics while improving their business English skills.

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega examine the state of the air cargo and freight industry. Their discussion offers an insightful look into the sector’s response to unprecedented times, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in e-commerce, and the evolving needs of global supply chains.

This episode is essential for anyone wanting to learn more about the intricacies of global logistics and trade, especially in the context of the air cargo industry. It serves as a valuable tool for business professionals and students aiming to expand their business English vocabulary and enhance their listening comprehension with insights into current, real-world developments in the global economy.


Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.

Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

Turbulent Skies: The Shifting Winds of Air Freight and Cargo

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the world of digital nomads in this enlightening episode of Down to Business English. As the concept of digital nomadism gains traction worldwide, this is a timely and relevant conversation. Listeners will gain valuable insights into this lifestyle choice while improving their business English vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. Ideal for those curious about remote work and eager to refine their English in a business context.

Skip and Samantha delve into the digital nomad trend, highlighted by Japan’s recent introduction of a 6-month work visa for digital nomads. They cover what it means to live a nomadic lifestyle in the digital age, the technological advancements facilitating this shift, and its broader implications for societies and economies globally. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of work, lifestyle, and technology, particularly from the perspective of digital nomads. It’s also an excellent resource for business professionals and students looking to broaden their business English vocabulary and improve listening skills against the backdrop of real-world, global trends.


Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.

Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

Alibaba’s Big Break up and the Return of Jack Ma

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