International Business Today

Decentralized finance is processing over $50 billion in transactions monthly—without a single bank involved. That's not theoretical anymore. It's reshaping how money moves globally.

Traditional finance relies on intermediaries at every step: banks hold your deposits, brokers execute trades, clearinghouses settle transactions. Each one takes a cut, adds delays, and creates barriers to access. DeFi eliminates the middlemen entirely using blockchain technology, smart contracts, and peer-to-peer networks. The promise? Lower costs, instant settlement, financial services for the 1.4 billion unbanked people worldwide, and 24/7 markets that never close.

In this episode, Professor Ravi Sarathy breaks down the fundamentals of decentralized finance—how it works, what it enables, and why $300 billion in stablecoins are already circulating in the ecosystem. This is the foundation for understanding a financial system that's being rebuilt from the ground up.

You'll discover: → How Fintech evolved into DeFi and the shift to true disintermediation → Smart contracts on Ethereum: automated execution without intermediaries → Real-world applications from digital wallets to decentralized exchanges → Why stablecoins matter: $300 billion tokenizing the US dollar → Cross-border payments without 6% fees and week-long delays → Yield farming, automated lending, and algorithmic portfolio management → How blockchain data enables creditworthiness for the unbanked → Agentic AI + DeFi: the rise of autonomous financial agents → What automated market makers and liquidity pools actually do

Whether you're a business leader evaluating blockchain for payments, an investor trying to understand crypto infrastructure, or simply curious how finance is being reimagined, this episode gives you the essential framework.

RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu

ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. A self-described crypto enthusiast, he follows the industry closely and brings academic rigor to understanding blockchain's business implications.

CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction: Not Financial Advice 0:47 - What is Fintech? Finance Meets Technology 1:40 - The Four Core Objectives of Fintech 2:13 - Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Explained 3:06 - Key Features: Smart Contracts & Automation 4:21 - DeFi Applications: From Payments to Insurance 6:36 - Cross-Border Finance Without Banks 7:23 - Big Data & Creditworthiness Assessment 8:44 - Use Cases: Digital Wallets & Security 9:39 - Stablecoins: $300 Billion and Growing 10:34 - Automated Lending & Liquidation 11:28 - Yield Farming: Building Your Interest Ladder 12:43 - Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) Explained 13:53 - Automated Market Making 14:48 - Portfolio Rebalancing & Agentic AI 15:46 - What's Next: Risks, Regulation & Disruption

ABOUT THE SHOW: International Business Today explores critical issues in global business with top academic experts and thought leaders. Hosted by professors from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business.

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risk. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

#DeFi #DecentralizedFinance #Fintech #Blockchain #Cryptocurrency #SmartContracts #Stablecoins #

In this episode, Professor Ravi Sarathy explains how stablecoins work, what the GENIUS Act changed, and why USDT and USDC now control $300 billion in market cap. He also explores the risks: What happens if everyone tries to redeem at once? Is it healthy for two companies to dominate global digital payments? And why don't stablecoin holders have the same protections as bank depositors?

You'll discover: → How one-to-one reserves create price stability → The Terra LUNA collapse and why it triggered new regulations → What the GENIUS Act requires from stablecoin issuers → Why stablecoins are reinforcing US dollar dominance globally → The "collateral fragility" risk that hasn't been tested yet → How banks are fighting back with deposit tokens

Whether you're a business leader evaluating cross-border payment options or an investor trying to understand the stablecoin landscape, this episode cuts through the complexity.

RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu

ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. He is currently working on a new book on global payments.

ABOUT THE SHOW: International Business Today explores critical issues in global business with top academic experts and thought leaders. Hosted by professors from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business.

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risk. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

#Stablecoins #USDT #USDC #Cryptocurrency #DigitalCurrency #Blockchain #GlobalPayments #GENIUSAct #Fintech #CrossBorderPayments #DeFi #TerraLUNA #Circle #Tether #BusinessPodcast

In this episode of International Business Today, Professor Ravi Sarathy explains what makes Ethereum fundamentally different from Bitcoin, how proof of stake changed the game, and why competitors like Solana are gaining ground. Whether you're trying to understand DeFi, real-world asset tokenization, or just why Ethereum matters for global finance, this episode breaks it down.

You'll discover: → Why Ethereum was designed for business while Bitcoin was designed for payments → How smart contracts automate transactions when conditions are met → The Layer 1 vs. Layer 2 distinction and why it matters for scalability → How proof of stake reduced Ethereum supply and boosted prices → Why Ethereum allows 1.5% annual inflation while Bitcoin has a hard cap → The Solana threat: faster transactions, lower costs, growing developer momentum

Whether you're an investor evaluating crypto assets or a business leader exploring blockchain applications, this episode maps out where Ethereum fits in the digital currency landscape.

RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu

ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. He is currently working on a new book on global payments.

ABOUT THE SHOW: International Business Today explores critical issues in global business with top academic experts and thought leaders. Hosted by professors from Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business.

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and carry significant risk. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

#Ethereum #Cryptocurrency #Blockchain #SmartContracts #DeFi #Solana #DigitalCurrency #CryptoInvesting #RealWorldAssets #Tokenization #ProofOfStake #GlobalFinance #BusinessPodcast #ETH #Fintech

In this episode, Professor Ravi Sarathy breaks down the three motives for holding money—transaction, investment, and speculation—and explains why Bitcoin succeeds at some and fails at others. He also explores why Bitcoin's 21 million cap matters, what Fidelity's cycle analysis reveals about where prices are heading, and whether digital currencies can truly hedge against government debt and currency devaluation.

You'll discover: → Why Bitcoin is a poor means of payment but a compelling long-term investment → The 2008 financial crisis philosophy that still drives Bitcoin today → How ETFs made Bitcoin an "investable class" instead of pure gambling → Why speculators and margin calls create short-term volatility → The Milton Friedman principle that could reshape Bitcoin's future → What Fidelity's price cycle analysis suggests about the $100K floor

Whether you're a long-term holder wondering if you should stay the course or new to crypto trying to understand what Bitcoin actually is, this episode cuts through the noise.

RESOURCES: Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain (MIT Press): https://mitpress.mit.edu D'Amore-McKim School of Business: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu

ABOUT THE HOST: Ravi Sarathy is a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is the author of "Enterprise Strategy for Blockchain" from MIT Press and an expert in global strategy, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. He is currently working on a new book on global payments.

🏛️ Is the era of free-market capitalism ending? 🌍

From Intel's government stake to China's reassertion of state control, governments worldwide are increasingly intervening in markets through ownership, mandates, and ideological influence. For multinational corporations, navigating this shift requires new skills in political strategy and stakeholder management.

🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "The Rise of State Capitalism with Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra," host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Professor Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra, expert on state-owned enterprises and global strategy, to explore:

🎯 How state capitalism differs from free markets and communism 🏢 Why governments use prices, mandates, and ownership to control economies 💼 National champions and sovereign wealth funds as instruments of state power 🌐 How multinationals should adapt when competing against state-owned firms

💡 Whether you're a business executive, policy analyst, or student of international business, this episode reveals how the pendulum is swinging back toward government intervention and what companies must do to succeed in this new reality.

About the guest: Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra is the CEM Chair of Global Sustainability and Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. He is a fellow of the Academy of International Business and editor of The Oxford Handbook of State Capitalism and Firm Strategy. His research examines how institutions and government ownership impact internationalization and firm performance, with a focus on emerging markets and state-owned enterprises.

Learn more about Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/alvaro-cuervo-cazurra/

📺 Watch on Episode: https://youtu.be/hOXRxQ9rMVE 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

#StateCapitalism #GlobalStrategy #StateOwnedEnterprises #Geopolitics #InternationalBusiness #AlvaroCuervoCazurra #Podcast #PoliticalEconomy #BusinessStrategy

US tariffs 2025: How international trade law actually works—and why the WTO isn't dead. Nixon's 10% tariff and Reagan's Section 301 both triggered major multilateral negotiations. History suggests today's trade chaos may catalyze global cooperation.

International trade law expert explains why the US accounts for only 13% of world trade—limiting unilateral tariff power. Learn how regional trade agreements (4,000+ globally), carbon border adjustment mechanisms, and China's surprising pivot toward multilateralism are reshaping global commerce. Real examples from automotive supply chains reveal how swift Chinese retaliation affects American businesses.

In the latest episode of International Business Today, host Paula Caligiuri sits down with Sonia Rolland, Professor of Law and Business at Northeastern University and winner of Northeastern's Excellence in Research award, to explore:

• Why current US tariffs violate WTO rules—and what historical precedent suggests happens next • How Section 301 and unilateral trade actions have historically sparked multilateral negotiations • The rise of 4,000+ regional trade agreements filling the WTO negotiation gap • EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) forcing global climate compliance • China's recent pivot toward supporting multilateralism and international law • Trade facilitation reforms cutting customs processing from 150 hours to 12 • New WTO fisheries subsidies agreement that just came into force

Whether you're a supply chain executive navigating tariff uncertainty, an international business professional tracking trade policy shifts, or a student studying global governance, this episode reveals how international law actually works behind the scenes—and why 2025's trade tensions may ultimately strengthen global cooperation.

About the guest: Sonia Rolland is Professor of Law and Business at Northeastern University School of Law and the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. Her research focuses on international economic law, sustainable development, and global governance, earning her Northeastern University's award for Excellence in Research and Creative Innovation. She is the author of three books, including "Development at the WTO" (Oxford University Press) and "Emerging Powers in the International Economic Order" (Cambridge University Press), and serves as editor of ASIL Insights for the American Society of International Law.

Learn more about Sonia Rolland: https://law.northeastern.edu/faculty/rolland/ Sonia Rolland's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Powers-International-Economic-Cambridge/dp/1107569753 International Law: 100 Ways It Shapes Our Lives (ASIL): https://www.asil.org/resources/100Ways

Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/DYyc8g6Ol6Q https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

AI predictions 2026: Business professors debate whether AI is a bubble, why middle management is being hollowed out, and how China's efficient AI models threaten Western AI companies. Expert roundtable covers AI workforce impact, supply chain risks, geopolitical tensions, and the case for humans becoming more valuable as AI costs rise.

Year in review 2025: Major business disruptions including AI transformation from nice-to-have to must-have, unprecedented tariff volatility, global supply chain uncertainty, and blockchain tokenization of real assets. Four Northeastern professors analyze what worked, what failed, and critical predictions for business leaders navigating 2026.

In this special episode of International Business Today, "2025 Year in Review & 2026 Predictions," hosts Paula Caligiuri and Ravi Sarathy lead a roundtable discussion with Professor Nada Sanders (supply chain expert) and Professor Kwong Chan (AI Strategic Hub director) to explore:

• Is AI investment a bubble similar to 2008 financial crisis?

• Why AI hallucinations are features, not bugs - and how to leverage AI bias strategically

• How workforce skills must evolve: from AI reliance to human creativity and domain expertise

• China's efficient small AI models vs Western AGI race - who wins?

• Supply chain volatility, tariff uncertainty, and geopolitical fragmentation

• Blockchain and biotech breakthroughs beyond the AI hype

Whether you're planning business strategy for 2026, managing AI implementation, or navigating workforce transformation, this roundtable provides expert analysis on the year's biggest disruptions and what's coming next.

About the panel: Paula Caligiuri - Distinguished Professor specializing in global leadership, cultural agility, and organizational psychology at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business.

Ravi Sarathy - Professor of International Business and Strategy, expert in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and biotech innovation at Northeastern University.

Nada Sanders - Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain and Information Management, author of 8 books including the forthcoming "Supply Chain Management with AI for Managers" (January 2026).

Kwong Chan - Academic Specialist in Marketing and Executive Director of the DMSB AI Strategic Hub, co-author of "Break the Wall: Why and How to Democratize Digital in Your Business."

Learn more: Nada Sanders: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/nada-sanders/ Kwong Chan: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/kwong-chan/ Paula Caligiuri: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/paula-caligiuri/ Ravi Sarathy: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/ravi-sarathy/ DMSB AI Strategic Hub: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/ai-strategic-hub/ Graduate Certificate in AI Applications: https://online.northeastern.edu/certificates/ai-applications/

Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pbZ71a3TfeA Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

#AI2026 #BusinessPredictions #SupplyChain #AIBubble #Blockchain #Workforce #YearInReview #Roundtable #BusinessStrategy #GlobalBusiness

🤖 Should your company build its own AI or just buy subscriptions? 💡

Most companies rush to license ChatGPT or other cloud AI services without understanding the strategic implications. But the organizations seeing real success are those treating AI implementation as a problem-solving exercise, not just technology adoption - using proprietary data, running local models, and empowering employees to experiment from the C-suite to first-year hires.

🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "Strategic AI Implementation with Kwong Chan," host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Professor Kwong Chan, Executive Director of the DMSB AI Strategic Hub at Northeastern University, to explore:

🎯 Why companies should run open-source models locally instead of just licensing cloud AI 📊 Understanding AI bias as a strategic advantage, not a problem to eliminate 💼 How proprietary data creates competitive advantage in an AI-driven world 🚀 Building AI capabilities through experimentation and rapid feedback loops

💡 Whether you're a business leader evaluating AI investments, a manager implementing AI solutions, or preparing for an AI-integrated workplace, this episode provides practical guidance on strategic AI adoption that drives real business value.

About the guest: Kwong Chan is Academic Specialist in Marketing and Executive Director of the DMSB AI Strategic Hub at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business. Originally from Tasmania, Australia, he holds a PhD from Michigan State University and previously served as Associate Director at Nielsen's Telecommunication and Technology Practice Group. He has worked with Samsung, Goodyear, Visa, Nike, and General Motors, and co-authored Break the Wall: Why and How to Democratize Digital in Your Business.

Learn more about Kwong Chan: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/kwong-chan/ Book: Break the Wall: Why and How to Democratize Digital in Your Business DMSB AI Strategic Hub: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/ai-strategic-hub/ Graduate Certificate in AI Applications: https://online.northeastern.edu/certificates/ai-applications/

📺 Watch Episode on YouTube: [YouTube URL to be added] 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #MachineLearning #OpenSourceAI #KwongChan #Podcast #TechnologyAdoption #DataStrategy

💼 How can HR evolve from administrative function to strategic business driver? 🚀

The best HR leaders think like CEOs, focusing on business results rather than programs and processes. From navigating remote work debates to developing next-generation talent, HR faces the challenge of creating value while managing rapid workplace change including AI integration, skills-based hiring, and global team dynamics.

🎙️ In the latest episode of International Business Today, "The Future of HR with JP Elliott," host Paula Caligiuri sits down with JP Elliott, host of the Future of HR podcast, to explore:

🎯 Shifting from "HR for HR" to thinking like a CEO and driving business value 🌍 Remote work realities, hybrid strategies, and focusing on outputs over location 💡 Skills-based hiring, workforce planning, and next-gen leadership development 🤖 Where AI fits in recruiting, work design, and employee empowerment

💡 Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or managing teams in today's changing workplace, this episode reveals practical strategies for elevating HR's strategic impact while navigating modern workplace challenges.

💡 Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or managing teams in today's changing workplace, this episode reveals practical strategies for navigating AI disruption while keeping fundamentally human skills at the center.

💡 Whether you're an HR leader, business executive, or managing talent in any capacity, this episode reveals how the best organizations are navigating AI disruption while keeping the fundamentally human aspects of work at the center.

About the guest: JP Elliott is founder and host of the Future of HR podcast and runs programs developing next-generation HR leaders. A former HR executive, he is on a mission to elevate HR's impact and help HR professionals become strategic business leaders who drive organizational success. Through his platform, JP connects HR professionals worldwide with insights and strategies for transforming people management in the digital age.

Learn more about JP Elliott: https://www.futureofhr.com/ 

Future of HR Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hYspAS5g8hzSgFhgncMdi Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpelliottphd/

📺 Watch Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zNUqffxnHYQ 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512

#FutureOfHR #AIinHR #TalentManagement #WorkplaceInnovation #HRLeadership #JPElliott #Podcast #OrganizationalDevelopment #RemoteWork #BusinessStrategy

What if the best leaders aren't the ones with all the answers, but the ones brave enough to admit they don't know?Garry Ridge ran WD-40 Company for over two decades and did something most CEOs can't: he built a workplace where people actually wanted to be. No corporate speak. No fake motivation posters. Just genuine leadership that got 98% of employees saying they loved working there.🎙️ In this episode, Garry sits down with Paula Caligiuri to share the unfiltered truth about building cultures that work. You'll hear about the time he stood up in a boardroom full of executives and said "I have no clue what you're talking about"—and why that moment changed everything. He explains why he stopped calling people "employees" and started calling them "tribe members." Why "learning moments" beat "failures" every time. And why he rode a horse through Times Square wearing chain mail (yes, really).This isn't another leadership guru promising easy answers. Garry's philosophy is simple: great leaders don't have to be brilliant, they have to care. They have to stay curious. And they have to get out of the way so their people can shine.If you've ever wondered what separates toxic workplaces from thriving ones, or how to lead without pretending you know everything, this conversation will change how you think about leadership.About Our Guest: Garry Ridge served as CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company for over 25 years, transforming it into a global brand operating in more than 170 countries. Under his leadership, WD-40 achieved exceptional employee engagement scores and became recognized for its values-driven organizational culture. He holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and is the author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It!: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO. Today, he works as an executive coach and speaker, helping leaders build stronger workplace cultures.Learn more about Garry Ridge: https://www.thelearningmoment.netBook: Any Dumb Ass Can Do It! https://a.co/d/gBnXLYP📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Lvl4c2YE6s 📺 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512#Leadership #GarryRidge #WD40 #OrganizationalCulture #ServantLeadership