In this episode of It’s More Than Grit, Mariana is joined by Jim Hake, the founder and CEO of Spirit of America. Mariana and Jim pay tribute to the show's late co-host Andrew Schwartz, who was a close friend of Jim and Spirit of America. Jim discusses the origin and mission of Spirit of America, how the U.S. is perceived around the world, and his journey from tech entrepreneur to non-profit founder.

In this episode, Mariana speaks with Peggy Yu, founder and Executive Chairwomen of DangDang, the largest e-commerce book seller in China. They speak about how China has changed from a country that had very little to a country filled with competition and ambitious entrepreneurs fighting in a saturated market. They also discuss the challenges she faced while starting DangDang when credit card penetration was very low to the different obstacles she faces today to stay relevant and sustain market share. Peggy describes some of the mistakes she made along the way and how important culture is to create loyalty among employees. They also discuss how she is using AI and how businesses like hers could benefit from the technology. 

Mariana and Andrew are joined by Gopi Kallayil, Google’s Chief Business Strategist for AI, to explore what he calls “the most profound technology ever created by human beings.” Gopi shares how AI’s evolution is reshaping industries while amplifying human cognition and creativity. They discuss the tightrope between AI’s promise and risks, including the need for new “checks and balances” and emerging defenses against malicious AI. Gopi offers a nuanced take on AI’s impact on jobs, the skills future generations need, and why uniquely human traits will always matter. He also reflects on AI’s explosive rise in public awareness and the trillions in economic value it could unlock—offering an optimistic vision of a smarter, more prosperous world

Mariana sits down with Arnaud Vaissié, co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of International SOS, a leading provider of health and security services around the world. Arnaud shares how he and a childhood friend founded the company in the 1980s and reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped its growth. Mariana and Arnaud also explore the advantages of remaining a private, independent company after 40 years, the role of innovation in staying ahead, and the regulatory challenges facing business owners in Europe.

This is part-two of Mariana's discussion with Evan Greenberg—Chairman and CEO of Chubb Insurance, a CSIS Trustee, and her husband. The pair breaks down the state of the insurance industry, Evan's experience operating in China, his experience as an entrepreneur, and his outlook for the future.

In this episode, Mariana sits down with Evan Greenberg—Chairman and CEO of Chubb Insurance, a CSIS Trustee, and her husband. They discuss Evan's journey from cook to CEO and how he built Chubb into what it is today. Evan dives into the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, recognizing market conditions, and the critical role of having a great team. Stay tuned for part two with Evan, coming soon!

Mariana sits down with Andrés Díaz Bedolla, the CEO and Co-Founder of Yumari, a B2B platform connecting international buyers to manufacturers in Latin America, and the recent winner of the Early Stage Entrepreneurship World Cup 2024 in Riyadh.

They discussed Andrés’ journey from a young entrepreneur inspired by the offshoring boom to an advocate for sustainable, value-driven regional integration in Latin America. Drawing from his experience working with Alibaba and learning from Chinese entrepreneurs, Andrés shares how those lessons shaped his mission to help Latin American manufacturers join and compete in global supply chains. Together, they explore the challenges of nearshoring, the need for technology transfer and investment in local talent, and the transformative potential of building a more integrated and resilient North American manufacturing hub.

In this episode, Mariana is joined by Sarah Calhoun, founder of Red Ants Pants, a Montana-based retailer meeting the needs of working women across the country. Together, they discuss the power of serendipity, the value of mentorship, and the experience of starting a business in a state with more entrepreneurs per capita than any other in America. They also delve into the challenges of expanding from rural Montana—navigating the dilemma of manufacturing abroad, transitioning from brick-and-mortar to digital platforms, and raising sufficient capital. Additionally, they reflect on mistakes made along the way and examine the profound impact a single person can have in strengthening a community.

Mariana and Andrew are joined by Billy Blaustein, the co-founder and COO of Vammo, a Brazilian electric mobility company.

The trio discusses Billy’s journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, his experience launching a business in Brazil, and his mission to electrify the vehicles of Latin America.

Andrew and Mariana sit down with Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen, a pioneering nonprofit venture capital fund. Jacqueline shares her journey from Wall Street to working in Africa’s most underserved communities, offering insights on how entrepreneurship, combined with the power of markets and philanthropy, can drive meaningful and lasting change in the fight against poverty.