Episodios
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Mickael Dang is co-founder of Synakis, a biotech startup developing groundbreaking technology for the treatment of retinal detachment. Still in startup mode, the company is part of UTEST, the University of Toronto’s Early Stage Technology Program, which helps deep tech entrepreneurs go from lab to market. Mickael and Wendy connected at the Redefining Early Stage of Investment (RESI) Conference in Boston, where Synakis was among the highest-scoring companies in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge. (The RESI conference is hosted by Life Science Nation and Wendy recently interviewed Dennis Ford, founder and CEO of Life Sciences Nation, which specializes in fundraising for life sciences companies.)
Mickael’s journey is fascinating. When he arrived in Canada from France six years ago, he could barely string together an English sentence. Today, we find him at the intersection of scientific innovation, entrepreneurship, and global market expansion, having started Synakis while earning a PhD and serving as President of the Student and Young Investigator Section (SYIS) of TERMIS (Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society). He is also multilingual; he speaks French, English, and some Mandarin.
“The PhD is the same concept as being an entrepreneur,” he says. “You need to be very self-driven, very independent as well. You have to come up with your own experiment and come up with the next predicted results. I had this entrepreneurial mindset from the get-go and wanted to do a PhD for purpose, to really get the company out there."
Incubated in the laboratory of renowned biomedical engineering professor Dr. Molly Shoichet, Synakis is developing a revolutionary hydrogel-based technology called SNK125. This innovation promises to transform the recovery process for patients suffering from retinal detachment, a serious condition that requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Current treatments for retinal detachment involve using silicon oil or heavy gases to push the detached retina back into place. While these methods work, they come with significant drawbacks. Patients experience blurry vision during recovery and must maintain exhausting, face-down posturing for hours, sometimes for months. In addition, the materials used aren't biodegradable, requiring a second surgery for removal. Synakis's hydrogel technology eliminates all of these challenges, while reducing recovery time from months to just days.
The Global Path to Market
Equally interesting is the company’s approach to global market entry. Based in Canada, the company has already laid the groundwork for international expansion; in 2019, Mickael proactively filed patents across multiple territories, including Europe, Australia, Canada, and China, to ensure protection of its intellectual property globally. And rather than attempting to tackle multiple markets simultaneously, Synakis will initially focus on North America before expanding to Europe and China. This staged approach allows them to establish a strong foundation in their home market while building the partnerships and relationships required for international expansion.
Throughout, Mickael and his team have been actively seeking partnerships with established industry giants like Alcon or Bausch & Lomb. There are high costs associated with clinical trials these companies – companies that "own the entire market," according to Mickael – have the expertise and distribution networks necessary for successful commercialization.
Funding the Future
Synakis is concurrently seeking seed investment and focusing on several critical milestones: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) setup, FDA regulatory filing, and preparation for clinical trials. While its primary focus is on North American investors for practical reasons like time zone alignment and ease of communication, they're keeping their options open for international investment, particularly in regions like China, which possess significant market opportunity. Mickael has constructed a targeted and strategic approach to investor outreach. At the RESI conference, for example, he prioritized meetings with specialized investors like ExSight Ventures, who focus specifically on ophthalmology. These are the meaningful conversations with investors that will ask the hard questions and offer solutions.
Looking Ahead
Synakis is currently preparing for its next phase of growth. Plans include moving out of the university incubator, creating new jobs in Toronto, and expanding their product pipeline beyond retinal detachment treatments to include drug delivery solutions for other eye conditions.
Mickael’s key takeaways from his Synakis journey are relevant for any company planning international expansion:
Strategic IP Protection: Early patent filing in target markets will protect future opportunities. Staged Market Entry: Starting with familiar markets before expanding globally can help manage resources and risk effectively. Strategic Partnerships: Recognizing when to partner with established players can accelerate market entry and provide access to crucial resources. Targeted Investor Outreach: Focusing on investors who understand your industry can lead to more productive relationships. Cultural Adaptability: Language skills and cultural understanding are invaluable assets in building a global business.Going from lab to market can be, as Mickael says it in French, a "casse-tête" (a “head-breaker”), but the right approach, persistence, and strategic thinking can ultimately turn scientific innovation into global market success. Listen to the full episode to hear more about Synakis's journey from university lab to potential global market player, plus more real-world advice for expanding internationally.
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickael-dang/
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/synakis/
https://utest.to/
https://termis.org/index.php?q=termis-syis-am
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Emilio Sacristan is the chief scientific officer of Vacere, a company working to eliminate brain damage and death caused by ischemic stroke and vasospasm. The company's CEREFAST™ medical device proved successful in initial human trials, and the team is now conducting multicenter testing in the US via a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant.
CEREFAST™ significantly improves blood flow to the brain at the earliest interventional opportunity by stimulating facial nerves during a two-minute, non-invasive procedure. “Time is brain,” explains Emilio, and in addition to almost immediate treatment for stroke, the product has been shown effective for the treatment of vasospasm (a potential fatal result of post-aneurysm treatment), and migraines.
Emilio and Wendy connected at the Redefining Early Stage of Investment (RESI) Conference in Boston, hosted by Life Science Nation. (Wendy recently interviewed Dennis Ford, founder and CEO of Life Sciences Nation, which specializes in fundraising for life sciences companies.)
From “Crazy Idea” to Modern Medical Device
Emilio is also a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalap (UAM-Iztapalapa) in Mexico City. He holds dual Spanish citizenship and speaks four languages (Spanish, English, French, and German) and holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Yet even with such a storied background, Emilio found himself at first skeptical of the whole concept. When his partner first floated the idea, Emilio said “it’s never gonna work.”
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. In the US, at least 800,000 people suffer a stroke each year, resulting in over 140,000 deaths. Worldwide, those numbers reach 15 million and 7 million, respectively. And these numbers ignore the lifelong disabilities affecting the survivors.
As such, the global implications of CEREFAST™ are profound, representing more than just a medical innovation; it signals a potential paradigm shift in emergency neurological care. In many regions, especially those with limited medical infrastructure, stroke patients often receive minimal treatment at the time of the incident and, as Emilio repeats, “time is brain.”
Navigating Global Markets with Linguistic and Cultural Expertise
And just as Emilio and his partner had to jump through interdisciplinary regulatory and engineering hoops to secure approval for human trials, the company’s go-to-market strategy was built upon a deeply nuanced cross-cultural understanding and attention to linguistic details. Emilio’s linguistic arsenal lends him a significant competitive advantage, allowing him to navigate complex international negotiations, build relationships, and understand subtle communication cues.
Except in China, one of Vacere’s primary target markets, where even English-speaking colleagues can be unreliable in their written translation and spoken interpreting. Emilio admits that he works with a professional language services company for dealings in China, adding that he more than occasionally finds himself translating or reviewing documents in one of his three fluent languages, time that could be better spent on the company’s core competencies.
“Of course we’re going to do this worldwide," Emilio says, starting with expansion into Europe and the start of a migraine study in Latin America next year. When approaching new markets and potential investors, he adds, follow a deliberate and thoughtful cultural playbook, strategically avoiding potentially divisive topics like politics and history, and instead focusing on universally engaging subjects that foster positive dialogue. "Innovation is a topic that everybody likes," he notes. "Everybody has their own definition, but everybody wants to talk about it."
The Multilingual Entrepreneur's Toolkit
For any entrepreneur looking to expand globally, Emilio suggests keeping these skills at the ready:
Strong multilingual communication skills Cultural intelligence and adaptability A repository of positive, forward-looking conversation topics Networking An open mind for unconventional, innovative ideas Diverse, international teamsListen to the full episode for more practical advice on securing international funding, and the language and cultural requirements for successful global expansion and marketing.
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliosacristan/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Catalina Vasquez is co-founder and COO of Nanostics Inc., a Canadian biotechnology company that develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic tests. Established in 2017, Nanostics leverages machine learning to generate biomarker-driven improvements to patient care. Its larger aim is to revolutionize personalized medicine through early and accurate disease detection.
Catalina and Wendy connected at the Redefining Early Stage of Investment (RESI) Conference in Boston, hosted by Life Science Nation. (Wendy recently interviewed Dennis Ford, founder and CEO of Life Sciences Nation, which specializes in fundraising for life sciences companies.)
At the heart of the company's origin story is Frank Sojonky, a visionary whose late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis proved a pivotal moment of transformation, both personally and professionally. His life’s work became an extraordinary commitment to advancing research to prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating experience.
Through strategic fundraising and a partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Sojonky's vision took root. His legacy became the cornerstone of what would evolve into ClarityDX Prostate (known as CDX Prostate in the US), a blood test more precise and reliable alternative than existing methods.
The Science Behind the Innovation
At its technological core, Nanostics represents the cutting edge of medical artificial intelligence. The company’s proprietary approach harnesses machine learning to integrate complex clinical data with standard and proprietary biomarkers. The result is a sophisticated algorithm that generates a precise risk score, predicting the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer with unprecedented accuracy. So the advantage of ClarityDx Prostate is that it is a software as a medical device. It's an algorithm.
What sets Nanostics apart is its ability to differentiate between aggressive prostate cancer and indolent forms of the disease, meaning cases that are asymptomatic or marked by slow progression. By providing a percentage-based risk assessment, the technology empowers both patients and physicians to make more informed decisions about potential biopsies, which come with “significant adverse effects,” even death. “For the family to find out later on that the patient did not have prostate cancer,” Catalina continues, “that's what we want to avoid.”
Global Validation Through Rigorous International Research
The company’s strategy included a comprehensive international validation strategy designed to recruit over 3,400 patients across multiple countries, including Canada, the US, and Europe. This ambitious approach involved collaborations with prestigious institutions like UCLA, Johns Hopkins University, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, and Thomayer University in Europe.
As soon as the company launched its clinical trials, the COVID-19 pandemic happened, temporarily halting patient recruitment at multiple sites. Catalina and her team were unfazed, however, and she says:
In reality, after COVID abated it was actually quite easy to recruit for this study because patients really, really wanted to help. So out of a hundred patients, 97-98 of the patients would agree to participate in the study. Because of that, the recruitment was super quick. We were able to recruit 1500 patients in less than a year.
There is a worldwide need for improved prostate cancer screening. The company’s recruitment strategy originated in English only, but quickly expanded to attract participants from South America and the Middle East, concurrent with a search for more diverse candidates domestically. Marketing in different regions requires a nuanced understanding of cultural differences in healthcare.
As such, the company doesn't simply deploy a one-size-fits-all solution but carefully adapts its technology and messaging to specific regional contexts:
In Colombia, where men often pursue biopsies out of extreme cancer anxiety, Nanostics offers a way to reduce unnecessary medical procedures In the Middle East, where cultural taboos can prevent men from seeking medical examinations, their technology provides a less invasive alternative to traditional screening methods In North American markets, they offer comprehensive models that incorporate multiple standard-of-care diagnostic approachesCatalina emphasizes that global expansion isn't just about scientific adaptation but also about communication strategies. Marketing materials are meticulously tailored to local sensitivities. In more conservative regions like the Middle East, messaging becomes more discreet, while markets like Alberta allow for more playful, witty approaches.
Expanding Global Reach
Nanostics continues to expand its global footprint, including recent partnerships with:
Protean BioDiagnostics for the U.S. market OncoHelix, serving the Middle East and North Africa Prime Diagnostics covering Latin America Laboratory partnerships across multiple Canadian provincesTheir software-as-a-medical-device model provides remarkable flexibility, allowing integration with existing laboratory infrastructures worldwide, and the potential impact is profound.
Nanostics’s improvement in PSA testing predictive values could prevent up to 47% of unnecessary biopsies. This isn't just a statistical achievement but a deeply human one – reducing patient anxiety, preventing potential medical complications, and ultimately saving lives.
Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catalina-vasquez-994371b4/
Website: https://www.nanosticsdx.com/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Akeem Gardner is the CEO of Canadian biotech startup Canurta, a Canadian-based biotech company that specializes in extracting and enriching rare molecules found in nature and developing them into botanical therapeutics to help patients who are suffering from major neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
More specifically, botanical drugs rely on a variety of technologies to gather and upcycle plant waste, and Canurta has created processes for creating purified standards and molecules that can eventually go to market:
“But what many people don't know is that the FDA actually gives you a botanical drug development guidance of how you could handcraft or properly formulate molecules from plants to get specific ingredients that target specific mechanisms that can help patients with the neuroprotection that they need to extend their lifespan but also live more healthy lives across a longer lifespan.”
Akeem and Wendy connected at the Redefining Early Stage of Investment (RESI) Conference in Boston, hosted by Life Science Nation. (Wendy recently interviewed Dennis Ford, founder and CEO of Life Sciences Nation, which specializes in fundraising for life sciences companies.)
In this episode, Akeem describes how his company leverages global connections and diverse perspectives to drive growth and innovation, especially for its most advanced program, dedicated to the treatment of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Building International Partnerships
Akeem has made it a priority to cultivate international partnerships, recognizing the need for a global patient pool. To facilitate these global connections, he tapped into resources available to Canadian companies: federal and provincial governments subsidize attendance at industry events and make introductions to key organizations. "They create spaces for Canadian companies, so that I just have to get on a flight, get to where the opportunity is, or the event is, and then they help us with matchmaking and making introductions to the organizations that we need to meet," he explains.
Akeem's own diverse background also contributes to his global mindset. Having studied law in the UK before founding Canurta, he is comfortable navigating different cultures and languages, “always so excited about how people are living in different places in the world," he adds.
Leveraging Language and Culture
Akeem encourages his team to embrace existing technologies to mitigate the barriers that language and culture sometimes creates. He lauds the practical uses of generative AI and Google Translate, but only for translating signs or navigating public transportation in foreign countries. Clinical trials, regulatory documents, and sensitive information require professional translation, however, and Akeem relies on his experienced team for translation management so that he can focus on building relationships with key opinion leaders and patients.
He has learned along the way that fostering that focus in other areas of the company is also important. For example, managing cash flow rather than chasing every opportunity that presents itself is key to long-term success, especially during difficult economic times when capital is scarce.
Another lesson Akeem has learned is to trust his own instincts and his team’s capabilities, rather than relying solely on advice from outside experts. "Everyone has an opinion, but they're not always experts in the day-to-day of what you're doing," he said. Staying grounded in the realities will help you navigate the complexities of biotech development with confidence.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
His background as a non-traditional biotech founder has also taught him the value of embracing diverse perspectives. With a background in law and agriculture, he initially grappled with imposter syndrome, feeling that he lacked the scientific credentials of his peers.
Since, however, he has come to see his unique perspective as a strength: "I used to have a lot of imposter syndrome because I'm not a scientist by nature. Or by formal training, I'm a learning scientist now because I'm doing it on the day-to-day," he says. This “outsider” viewpoint also means he can ask fresh questions and challenge assumptions, ultimately driving innovation within his company.
In fact, companies with diverse teams have been shown to increase a company’s revenue, drive growth, and heighten retention. Novel problem-solving and varied perspectives contribute to open lines of communication and a healthy working environment.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Globally, Staying Focused
Canurta is in the process of recruiting patients for its registration trials in Australia, Europe, Canada, and the US. By embracing internationalization, biotech companies are leaders in bringing life-changing and life-saving products to the world as it truly looks today, one consisting of vastly differing backgrounds and expectations yet united in the quest for better, more healthful living.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate language and cultural barriers, build strategic partnerships, and challenge industry conventions will be key differentiators for biotechnology startups committed to making a lasting impact. Canurta is leading the way, alongside the rest of the Canadian biotech community, and their journey is inspiring.
Links:
Website: https://www.canurta.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeemgardner/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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In this episode, we hear from Tom Gallagher, CEO of Diversified Automation and a former Penn State classmate. Who'd have thought we'd reconnect all these years later via a podcast? Listen for Tom's real-world insights and career advice shaped by his global business experience.
Tom recently stepped into the role of CEO at Diversified Automation following its acquisition by Leadec, a German powerhouse in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Their newfound, shared vision leverages Leadec’s international scale to develop opportunities for innovative and advanced automation in manufacturing and package handling. The companies have worked with Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Chevy, Amazon, DHL, FedEx, UPS, and more.
Tom regrets not having learned German, though he couldn’t have predicted the country’s influence on his career at the outset. He explains how government-mandated work safety and life balance requirements mean German citizens can only work so many hours a day. During one visit, he and his associates were not allowed back in the building after an evening meal!
His global experience yielded other surprising customs:
When traveling for business internationally, your hosts may expect you to dine and socialize outside the office. In Germany, people like to walk for fresh air and exercise before and after dinner. His colleagues often pick a restaurant 15 to 20 minutes away to enjoy the time together. Breakfasts can vary widely worldwide! Some European breakfasts feature an array of meats and cheeses, completely unlike typical American fare. Singapore's charming "Toast" shops offer avocado toast and matcha tea, showcasing the city-state's unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.Like many in global business, Tom grappled with common concerns: How do you pick the right partners in unfamiliar territories? How can you anticipate trade limitations varying wildly from country to country? He recounts instances where equipment from China was barred entry into Korea and Vietnam, causing unexpected delays. In every case, a good and knowledgeable partner will help to avoid these issues.
Similarly, Tom's experiences underscore the value of expertise in translation, interpreting, and communication across language barriers. He found bilingual professionals with relevant industry knowledge invaluable for technical discussions and high-stakes negotiations. Their nuanced understanding of language and subject matter far outperformed general translators or AI solutions, especially in technically complex fields.
His final, best advice:
“If you have the opportunity to do international work, do not hesitate to say ‘YES!’” You will learn so much through travel, the interactions with local people, the experience of seeing how people live, and exposure to different cultures. Don’t worry about failing,” he adds. “You may. That’s OK. You will learn from it.”
Links:
Website: https://diversified-automation.com/
https://usa.leadec-services.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-gallagher-5b52934/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Dennis Ford is founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, a sourcing platform for market intelligence and prospect pipeline development for life sciences companies.
An expert in the art of international fundraising, he is also the author of The Life Science Executive’s Fundraising Manifesto. In this episode, Dennis shares real-world insight into how fundraising in life sciences has evolved, and why you’ve got to “go global” to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.
The Four Pillars of Life Science
Put simply, the life sciences industry can be broken down into the “four Ds”: Drugs, Devices, Diagnostics, and Digital Health. Each category has its own timeline and development path – from the lengthy 15-20 year process for drugs to the relatively quick development cycle for digital health solutions. Typically, startup companies need to target 600 to 800 potential investors to run an effective 9-18 month fundraising campaign. This number isn’t arbitrary – Dennis has seen even established health tech funds vetting 800 companies just to make three investments in a year.
Similarly, the global life sciences market can be divided into three main regions:
Asia Pacific (including China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, and Australia) Europe and the UK North America (U.S. and Canada)While there is activity in other regions like Africa and South America, these three markets represent the primary playing field for life sciences innovation and investment.
This new reality means going global isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Dennis explains: “There just aren’t enough investors in a particular region to allow them to play that numbers game.” Even in rich ecosystems like Boston/Cambridge or Silicon Valley, staying local severely limits opportunities.
The Language Myth
One common concern about going global is the language barrier. Dennis easily counters that notion as an obstacle, explaining that English typically serves as the universal language in the field, particularly among academic and research institutions. Investors, licensing partners, and other stakeholders are often comfortable communicating in English, “and I have not seen in my conferences or any of my trips that me not speaking the native language is a deal killer,” he adds.
Interestingly, while language should never stop you from expanding globally, Dennis discovered an unexpected cultural challenge: the persistence required in following up with potential investors. Entrepreneurs from certain cultures are hesitant to make multiple attempts to reconnect, viewing it as inappropriate or “spammy.” Dennis emphasized that success often comes after numerous attempts – sometimes even on the twentieth contact.
He describes in detail how syndicated investments typically work, with a lead investor taking primary responsibility for oversight and management of the company through regular meetings and milestones. Even with a diverse group of investors from different countries (e.g., Chinese, European, and American investors), the lead investor – often chosen based on geography or similar criteria – handles the day-to-day management while other investors participate at key milestones and funding calls. To facilitate these international connections, Life Science Nation holds RESI (Redefining Early Stage Investment) conferences every few months, providing regular engagement beyond one’s local region.
Once a company secures international funding, Dennis advises companies to source investors from different regions because they have “footprints” in a particular region; more than just capital, diversity provides valuable regional expertise, connections to distributors, and insights into local markets when it’s time to commercialize.
True Stories Translate
Ultimately, what matters most to investors? While scientific validity is crucial, Dennis explains, investors are equally – if not more – interested in the human story behind the science. He shares a powerful story of an experienced pharma executive who was initially reluctant to share the story of how her son’s illness inspired her work. Once she finally embraced the storytelling, she went on to win Australia’s top entrepreneurial pitch competition.
Key Takeaways for Global Success:
Start with a comprehensive target list of 600-800 potential investors Implement a proper CRM system to manage relationships Develop a compelling narrative that can be told in various time frames (5 seconds to 3 hours) Don’t limit your reach to the local region or even your home country Prepare for a 9-18 month fundraising journey Be persistent in follow-ups, regardless of cultural norms Balance technical expertise with personal storytellingThe Global Life Sciences Opportunity
The life sciences industry has entered a golden age, with innovations emerging from research institutions worldwide. The global distribution of talent and innovation means that neither the best technologies nor the best funding opportunities are confined to any single region.
For entrepreneurs in the life sciences space, the message is clear: thinking globally isn’t just about expanding your market – it’s about survival. Whether you’re developing a groundbreaking drug in Boston, a medical device in Minneapolis, or a diagnostic tool in Singapore, your fundraising strategy needs to be global from day one.
Check out the links below to learn more about global fundraising in life sciences and his book, The Life Science Executive’s Fundraising Manifesto.
Links
Email: [email protected]
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Science-Executives-Fundraising-Manifesto/dp/0990325105
Website: www.lifesciencenation.com
RESI Conference: https://resiconference.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2775813
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Robert (“Bob”) Sinner is President of SB&B Foods, the largest grower of “identity preserved (IP), non-GMO food-grade” soybeans in North Dakota. In this episode, Bob tells us how his family’s 5th generation farm identified a need for soybeans in Asia and how he pursued and won that business.
Bob’s father George served as governor of North Dakota from 1985 to 1992. During his tenure, George Sinner resolutely tried to attract Japanese investment into the state, which inspired Bob to help US companies export into Japan to develop relationships and accelerate the creation of new opportunities.
To start, Bob embarked upon a trade mission to Japan, alongside a hired interpreter. Once there, he found mature markets looking for a consistent and reliable supply of soy beans, the agricultural product needed to produce uniform product like tofu and soy milk.
At Rapport International, we encourage our clients to employ interpreters as “cultural conduits” – native-speaking interpreters are valuable sources of in-country information. In that vein, upon his return, Bob enlisted the help of North Dakota State University professor Dr. Sam Chang, originally from Taiwan, who had previous experience working with soybeans.
Together with a visiting Taiwanese trade team, the group conducted sensory testing, a scientific method for evaluating a food's characteristics – taste, texture, odor, and appearance, for example – to determine which product was of the highest quality. After their visit, the Taiwanese group donated the sensory testing equipment to the N. Dakota State University, which is still in use today!
SB&B is now operating in 16 countries, most of them within Asia because of the high per capita consumption of soybeans. Its customers manufacture over 25 different foods – including the Japanese “natto,” a healthy, fermented food that helps with heart and brain functioning.
Bob says their success is due simply to always paying attention to what the customers want and catering to those wants. The best marketing, he adds, is accomplished by:
Being yourself Staying honest Treating people like you want to be treated Knowing your products Understanding local culture Building trusted relationshipsHis biggest, ongoing challenge involves shipping containers. Most containers coming into the US are 40 feet long and carry bulky yet lightweight consumer products into metropolitan areas.
Shipping heavy agricultural products from a rural area to Asia, where they prefer smaller containers, presents a twofold problem. First, containers are parked in US metro areas and require transport to rural areas. Second, the smaller containers Asian buyers want are closer to 20 feet long, half the size of standard containers, because they unload within smaller and tighter spaces. Bob continues to work with US and foreign officials to find solutions.
His best advice to new exporters:
Understand the market Operate under a set of core values that include integrity, honesty, fairness, and trust Be patient yet persistent in building trust Keep educating yourself Reap the rewards!Listen to the full episode to learn more.
Links
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://sb-b.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bob-sinner-a058322a
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Andrew Jason is Director of Ecosystems at Grand Farm in Fargo, North Dakota, which describes itself as “a collaborative network of growers, corporations, startups, educators, researchers, government, and investors working together to solve problems in agriculture through AgTech and innovation.” Gone are the days when farming was synonymous with the image of a forlorn couple, pitchfork in hand, à la Grant Wood's American Gothic.
In this episode, Jason explains how AI and innovation has inundated the farming industry as much as it has every other, spurring advancements in international agriculture, especially when it comes to sustainability, data collection, and the use of drones and robotics to increase efficiency and production.
Farming is also near and dear to the host, Wendy Pease, whose father was a professor of international agriculture at Penn State in the 1970s. Then, “high tech” meant setting up a computer to monitor her father’s potato research storage facility at Black Moshannon State Park in Pennsylvania. If the temperature dropped, for example, the computer called him at home to alert him. Late one night, Wendy sleepily received a phone call from an old-fashioned computer voice saying: “There is a power outage at the Potato Storage area,” which she found amazing!
Grand Farm sees vast potential in connecting global communities to share ideas and technologies, with the aim of advancing agriculture production. Of late, Andrew has seen a lot of development in AgTech out of Brazil, Ukraine, Europe, Australia, and Japan. In fact, Grand Farm recently announced a partnership with Fukaya City, Japan, whose Deep Valley Initiative is an AgTech thought leader. The collaboration marks a major step toward an international approach to innovation in agriculture.
Every partnership comes with its challenges, and Andrew shares the ones he’s discovered that are particular to international connections:
Cultural balancing act: Integrating local cultural needs with Grand Farm's global vision proved tricky. It's a common tension in multinational ventures, yet it can be managed by enabling cross-functional teams to work together. Navigating time zones: Communication across time differences requires flexibility. Andrew often connects with Japanese partners around 10 p.m. Fargo time, after his kids are in bed. While they've explored asynchronous options like video messages and chat, sometimes a real-time conversation is necessary. Patience in partnership building: The Japanese collaboration took years to finalize. While there's often pressure for quick results in the US, many cultures prioritize building relationships and trust over time. Bridging language gaps: In-country contacts helped set up interpreters to facilitate communication. Andrew notes the importance of employing professional interpreters and translators, especially in Japan and other Asian countries. Finding support: It can be hard to know where to start. The North Dakota Trade Office provided invaluable advice and international introductions. Andrew recommends tapping into your local trade experts for guidance and other free resources.Learn more about Grand Farm and their initiatives by listening to the full episode. And click here to donate to this worthy organization.
Links:
https://grandfarm.com/calendar/
Website: https://grandfarm.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-farm/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Connect with Jason - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-jason-09755161/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Navigating cultural differences while building a company culture or consistent brand voice can be challenging, but it is not insurmountable, says Carole Copeland Thomas, a recent podcast guest on The Global Marketing Show (episode 131), especially with support from knowledgeable experts and a willingness to learn.
Carole is founder of C. Thomas & Associates, a full-service speaking, training, & consulting firm specializing in multiculturalism, diversity, and women’s issues (http://www.tellcarole.com/). In this episode, she outlines how culture – and cultural differences – affect relationships, and she provides real-world advice on successfully navigating and incorporating those differences into local and larger communities.
Carole has found that the definition of “culture” can be nebulous; when asked, we all instantly know what it means, but it’s hard to define. By her description, the concept encompasses the social norms, behaviors, knowledge, arts, beliefs, customs, and habits of a group of people. As an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for over 40 years, she likes to explain it using the “Iceberg Model of Culture” developed by Edward T. Hall in 1976.
The top of the cultural iceberg stays visible to everyone. It contains the community’s fine arts, literature, music, food, games, and dress. People outside the culture see these superficial elements.
The bottom of the iceberg, the biggest part of any culture, hides beneath the surface and influences less quantifiable aspects like:
Eye Contact: In the US, children learn the importance of direct eye contact whereas in Japan, children are taught the opposite, that direct eye contact is considered rude, aggressive, and disrespectful. Time: Some cultures are strict about time and others allow for more flexibility. In Germany and Denmark, for example, meetings start at the appointed time, yet in Japan and China, it’s customary to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. In Latin American and Latin European countries, flexibility is more common. Personal Space: People have varying levels of comfort with touching, standing close together, and holding hands with friends. In North America people typically hold each other at “arm’s length,” while Europeans tend toward “wrist length” and those in the Middle East prefer “elbow length.” Gestures: In India, people will shake or “bobble” their head to mean “I hear you” or “I don’t know,” or to say “yes” or “no.” The closest conversational response in the US would be simply “hmmm.”The examples above illustrate only a small number of all the cultural components that might affect company culture and co-worker relationships. Other areas of potential contention commonly include:
Approaches to problem solving Notions of leadership Tempo of work Patterns of group decision-making Status mobility Ideas about logic and validity Conversational patternsTypically, people understand their own cultural norms yet underestimate how much cultural differences can affect relationships. Listen to the full episode for additional details on these real-world culture-clash situations Carole has managed.
In one instance, a client company’s employee hailed from an island in the Caribbean where non-intimate physical contact was acceptable in the workplace, among all genders. Issues arose when others misconstrued the behavior as inappropriate. By helping the team understand the employee’s cultural context and setting clear expectations, Carole was able to restore respectful, solid working relationships and a unified company culture.
In another instance, a young manager was hired to lead a team of about 25 people, including a dozen employees older than the new hire. Unbeknownst to the new manager, the older Black members of the team expected the manager to address them as “Mr.” or “Ms.” to show respect for the age difference. Resentment within the team grew, until Carole and the manager uncovered the issue and found appropriate ways for the manager to address the workers. As Carole puts it: in some cultures, age commands respect and in others, it’s about one’s status or position. Navigating through this can be difficult.
And even with her expertise in cultural issues, Carole has encountered cultural challenges in her personal life. When she became a grandmother, she wanted a special name instead of being called "grandma" like her mother. Since she frequently travels to Kenya, Carole decided she liked “nyanya,” Swahili for “grandma.” Only after years of her granddaughters calling her nyanya did she learn that the familiar name for grandma in Swahili is actually “bibi.” Throughout, her granddaughters were actually using the formal term for "grandmother,” which is also Swahili for "tomato"!
Solutions
In every cross-cultural situation, Carole first aims to build rapport and alignment. She assesses the manager’s awareness and willingness to improve relationships and if she can work with the individual, she collaborates with them to enhance the team, starting with fundamentals such as:
Developing rapport individually with each team member. That doesn’t mean “getting into that person’s business”; she simply finds it beneficial to get to know each person on an individual and professional basis. Carole recommends scheduling time with people for coffee, lunch, or a conversation, with no set agenda. Even if there are 40 people on the team, it is always worth the time to meet with each person. Reflecting upon the strengths and weaknesses of the team to understand what people contribute. Consider creating a SWOT analysis of personalities to get a bigger picture of the group’s dynamics. Communicating the vision that rallies the team to work together toward shared goals. A shared vision unites people as they focus on achievements together, depend on each other for diverse contributions, and celebrate as they reach milestones.Ultimately, Carole’s best advice for working cross-culturally starts with you:
Learn about your own culture. Raise your awareness about your native culture. We aren’t often aware of the way we do things naturally, without thinking, and how those instincts impact the ways in which we approach every situation. Culture is most invisible to its own participants – just consider any stand-up comedian’s material about “Americans”! Keep trying. Network with others to keep learning. Contact colleagues, ask for introductions at local embassies, companies, or associations to get tips about cultural differences and how to navigate them. Interpreters are a great resource for facilitating conversations and often serve as a cultural conduit to assist with communication beyond words, in real-time. Ask for forgiveness! Reach out, engage, and try, try again. People readily forgive mistakes made by anyone who is friendly and curious.Carole’s experiences are real-world proof that these strategies work to bridge cultural divides and build thriving, cohesive teams and communities. Listen to the full episode for even more excellent advice!
Links:
Website: www.CaroleCopelandThomas.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolecopelandthomas/
Iceberg Model of Culture: https://bccie.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cultural-iceberg.pdf
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Issa Kildani is the founder of Ambrosia Ventures, a life sciences consultancy that provides strategic, regulatory, and quality compliance solutions. He’s consulted with pharma giants, yet over the last 10 years has used his experience to guide startups and small companies toward global market entry with his project management, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs expertise.
In this episode, Issa describes taking M Biologics, a pharma company with a manuka honey-based pet pain reliever, into Canada and Brazil. He advises early-stage companies to evaluate global markets and competitors to determine a way to stand out from competitors. Because Michigan is geographically close to Canada, for example, expansion into Brazil instead might be a better strategy. And always validate the market research, even if it’s your own.
Interestingly, studies show that CEOs that speak other languages or come from other countries are more likely to export. And M Biologics is a case in point – its CEO, born and raised in Egypt, was Issa’s college classmate!
Building blocks for quality and regulatory requirements
For early startups every endeavor must be cost-effective, so Issa has created a regulatory strategy with built-in cost savings. His approach is to streamline and standardize international regulations to reduce redundancies: “instead of doing several independent audits we clump them together methodically,” he says, which in the end saves cost while acquiring customer brand trust, limiting liability, and standing out from the competition.
Issa describes the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as the “international gold standard” for regulatory framework; their requirements are the most stringent and control quality, safety, and efficacy of a device throughout the product lifecycle.
“How I like to approach this, aside from the market credibility of getting the ISO 13485 certificate,” says Issa, “is to take advantage of expanding past that by aligning it with other international standards.” Depending on a company’s maturity, Issa will determine whether to take a risk management approach using ISO 14971, adopt a more stringent European MDR/IVDR strategy, or incorporate WHO requirements for less regulated markets.
Issa adds that pinpointing initial markets provides a roadmap for meeting regulatory requirements, which leads to a more comprehensive audit. The process ultimately positions the brand as a serious player in the industry while “enhancing credibility and attractiveness to eventual strategic partners and global distributors.”
It’s a key differentiator, according to Issa, unlike the common pitfall of starting with less-regulated markets, which “doesn’t help in terms of establishing consumer trust, or even brand reputation.”
Similarly, approach global marketing from a position of solid regulatory compliance to “signal a commitment to quality and safety.” Messaging should emphasize:
Rigorous compliance. A track record of successful compliance boosts a company’s reputation. Consistent interaction with regulatory bodies. Open lines of communication fosters trust with consumers, creating loyalty.The goal is to create messaging with a global eye view, which then makes adherence to ISO standards for translation that much easier.
“Translation is its own beast,” Issa says. He relies on study groups that mirror target populations to ensure that messaging is “global friendly” – messaging used in the US should resonate in Brazil and the EU, for example. Generative AI can be helpful for gist translations, Issa says, but “there are certain words that aren’t easily translatable, and AI won’t register that.” So always consult with an expert to ensure accuracy.
Issa speaks four languages! His favorite word, among the lexicons of English, Spanish, Arabic, and Jamaican Patois is “na’eeman,” an expression generally used to denote cleanliness – “I just had a shower, na’eeman” or “I just got a haircut, na’eeman” – but can also stand in for other, unrelated situations, like “I’m late for a meeting, na’eeman.”
“There isn’t a real definition or description, that’s why I love it so much,” he says, “you can just use it and input it in so many different instances, for ‘that sounds right’ or ‘that makes sense’.” Call it the “lah” of Singapore or the Hawaiian “da kine” – IFKYK!
Links:
Website: www.ambrosiaventures.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikildani/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Christy Brown is CEO of Dr. Noze Best, an innovative pediatric healthcare company committed to bringing hospital-grade respiratory devices into the home. After only two years with the company, Christy already has a plan to launch their direct-to-consumer medical device in 10 countries. She’s a mover and shaker!
The company’s mission is to make sure that every child can breathe – and for parents to feel “confident and supported” when caring for their child’s health. Current offerings include nasal aspirators and accessories, and a full product line designed to help children breathe better is also in development.
To launch globally with purpose and intention, the Dr. Noze Best team developed a proprietary tool – the “Complexity Calculator.” The Calculator measures various elements that could affect a product launch in a new country – population and birth rates, economics, legal frameworks, regulatory requirements, and logistics, for example – so the team could prioritize the countries by opportunity and ease of doing business.
At the outset, Christy describes feeling “isolated” by her lack of connections in global trade – she didn’t know who to turn to for advice and guidance, or how to find partners. A fortuitous post on an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) WhatsApp chat group connected us – my brother Scott suggested Christy reach out to me.
Thereafter, the company worked with the US Commercial Service (USCS) in Atlanta to make connections in their initial target countries. Christy raves about the services they received from both USCS Atlanta and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). With assistance from both agencies, Christy connected with consulates within initial target countries to acquire valuable information about how to enter local markets.
There will be challenges along the way, Christy says. Her team struggled to meet projections when faced with unanticipated and uncontrollable issues and with setting up direct-to-market shipping from their Asian manufacturer, finding capable distributors, and steering the medical device through the various regulatory bodies.
Regardless, her first and best advice for others starting the export journey is simple: “Do it!” Once you do:
Have patience: it can take time for success. Build a good team: you are only as good as your team. Stay tenacious. Find your resources: agencies like the USCS, GDEcD, District Export Councils, and Chambers of Commerce can direct you to meaningful services, support, and in-country connections.Christy’s favorite foreign word is “bonjour”! It’s a welcome “hello” in France and other French-speaking countries, she says, and to share the joy in Atlanta she’s localized the phrase to “bonjour y’all”!
Links:
Website: www.drnozebest.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-brown-a54aa0/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Steve Becker is committed to improving human health by unlocking the power of molecular diagnostics. In the world of medical devices and diagnostics, you might think the latter falls under the purview of the former, says Steve, yet: “from a regulatory standpoint, diagnostics is covered by a lot of the medical device rules.”
Unlike medical devices like implants, however, “diagnostics is really the ability to measure your body, whether you’re healthy or sick; and if you are sick, what’s making you sick. Helping to uncover your health status and what you can do to improve is really the heart of diagnostics.”
In this episode, Steve shares the lasting lessons learned during his stints at Thermo Fisher, Quest Diagnostics, Agilent, and GE Healthcare, where he directed sales, global marketing, business development, and licensing. Learn how to navigate within a constantly changing healthcare business landscape, from the first steps toward launch to the regulatory requirements and cultural differences that can affect development, distribution, and product adoption.
Going to market on one’s own is a big task, says Steve – find the right partners to mitigate the commercial regulatory tasks and technical risks. Ultimately, the company whose name is on the product assumes the liability – “they’re the ones on the hook” – but relying on specialists along the way improves your chances of a streamlined launch.
During his tenure at Quest Diagnostics, the company built a “global diagnostics network,” pooling the capabilities, diagnostics insights, samples, testing and sharing of leading companies into one place. In the end, Quest brought the first Zika test to market, reliant upon colleagues.
In fact, choosing your initial target audiences can come into play even during development, as “diseases become more localized and companies are made for those markets,” Steve adds. Pay attention to “how to get paid for what you do,” your reimbursement strategy. In diagnostics, for example, ask yourself:
Is it going to measure what we say it’s going to measure? (Analytic or clinical validity) Can we do anything with the information? (Utility)Interestingly, reimbursement can often become political; for example, in the US it’s widely accepted that breast cancer can come with a genetic indicator (the BRCA gene) – and the patient can take prophylactic steps or opt for watchful waiting. In contrast, Steve says that:
In a single-payer system, if you were 49 you could take the [BRCA] test; if 50, no test. The calculation includes risk, quality of life, total cost – someone makes a decision, snapped the line, and that’s where it landed.
Add to that differences stemming from culture and tradition, and it makes sense to work with local, in-country partners to navigate your go-to-market strategy, especially with regard to regulatory requirements.
To date, Steve says that European companies would often launch first domestically and then in the US because it was easier, but that’s starting to change as the EU changes its regulatory stance.
Regulations are stricter now in Europe, with liability going as far back as the manufacturer – for translation quality, for example. Diagnostic tests are now treated more like a medical device, including review by regulatory bodies, etc. – it’s a lot more work but it’s a good thing.
Think globally but act locally, Steve adds. You may use the same assay (investigative procedure for qualitatively or quantitatively measuring the presence, amount, or functional activity of an element) as in the US but a local company can handle the technology, packaging, regulatory requirements, approvals, and clinical evidence and market under THEIR brand, with their own branding and local language. This happens consistently, across IV diagnostic companies – Abbott, Siemens, Roche, Thermo Fisher – and all of them have to treat each of their launches “locally,” working with in-country regulatory bodies to get approvals.
And vice versa: one of the first Covid tests distributed in the US was manufactured by a Korean company but marketed as a known American brand. In fact, working with companies around the world has interesting and complex effects on branding – “you’ll get a multi-national brand but lose some efficiencies,” according to Steve.
In the end, Steve’s advice is ever so simple: “You don’t want to take risks in the healthcare world.”
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebecker/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Rapport International President and Owner Wendy Pease was a recent guest on Michael Becker’s Identity Praxis podcast. Michael is a strategic advisor to Fortune 500s, startups, and non-profits worldwide, with a focus on global marketing and product, new market, and business development. In this episode they discuss the importance of translation and interpretation in this interconnected world.
Translation can be traced back to the Rosetta stone, considered the first written translation in history and the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs dating as far back as 196 B.C.E. Things got interesting with the introduction of machines, explains Wendy, especially at the advent of WWII and codebreaking and spying. All of it was word-for-word translation, which didn’t work then and still doesn’t today, she adds. Even adding grammar rules and machine intelligence leaves us with problematic options like Google Translate and ChatGPT.
Think about it: “language is a very dynamic, living thing,” Wendy explains. We’re from New England and California and that’s reflected in our speech patterns, word choices, cultural bents – let alone adding in different languages…. And even large, well-known brands with human translators run into issues; just look up Electrolux, Got Milk?, or Braniff Airlines.
To do it right in this world we can’t continue to do everything manually but we need to do it right. Michael asks: “Can we build IP along the way and elevate our community, too?”
The solution, according to Wendy, is to leverage translation technologies – proven ones that exist today as well as those emerging daily – only under the guidance of a “detail-oriented, qualified, professional linguist with subject matter expertise.”
The efficacy of translation technologies also depends on project requirements – TripAdvisor can use translation memory for certain standardized, repetitive content, for example, like room descriptions and amenities. A large retailer necessarily has more detailed requirements – a handbag to one person is also a purse, pocketbook, satchel, clutch, etc.
As such, large conglomerates are attempting to create IP in the form of customized large language models (LLMs), Wendy adds, not only for increased efficiency but because common options like ChatGPT and Gemini incorporate faulty Google Translate content, Internet disinformation, and even false content in the form of hallucinations.
In fact, the world changes so vastly, and so quickly, that even fundamental services like translation – for the written word – and interpretation – for the spoken word – are now intermingled in the form of live chat, says Wendy. Unlike chatbots and AI chats that rely on translation, translator-interpreters are facilitating a real-time conversation in the written format. In that light, guest and host agree that the future of computer-aided translation is clearly promising, and it’s simply beneficial to proceed with caution.
Links:
Website: Identity Praxis, Inc.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/privacyshaman/
Tinderbox: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6MVDtSfcKxd2XLpenMAd9H4VknDyn6oz
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Connect with Michael - https://www.linkedin.com/in/privacyshaman/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Waseem Kawaf has built over 400 websites and is an expert in global user experience (UX). He’s currently the co-founder of Seicho Syndicate, where he and his partners design and develop great user experiences for their clients.
Prior to Seicho, Waseem served as Global VP of Digital Experience for Stanley Black & Decker and worked in marketing agency roles.
“Seicho” means exponential growth in Japanese, says Waseem, and his company is aptly named. When prospects and clients have good user experiences throughout their journeys, they stay longer and generate more revenue.
UX optimization can be a daunting prospect for companies of any size –Waseem suggests breaking the project up into small steps, to gain insight into your users. Pick data from the call center, chat, trade shows, or your website to analyze and build the “voice” of the customer.
The goal should be to keep every interaction “simple, connected, and frictionless,” he advises. “And rather than starting UX strategy meetings with brainstorming, try an ‘Outside-In’ philosophy instead, which works from the customer’s perspective and gives clear direction for your initial moves, an important lesson he learned while earning an MBA from MIT.
Throughout his career, Waseem has worked in the global arena. That broad experience made it clear to him that companies must consider local markets – not all users around the world consume information, interact, or buy the same way. By taking a collaborative approach rather than an authoritative one, teams can take all users into account. It may take longer but will lead to greater success.
And in the end, the Pareto principal will apply – 80% of the work can be globalized and 20% localized. The Stanley Black & Decker team created content in English and then translated any material deemed important or helpful into local languages.
Waseem’s best advice: “Stay hungry and humble. Develop your emotional intelligence, stay curious, and respect the ‘Power of WE.’ Consider yourself the stirrer in a lovely drink – by bringing all the different tastes and flavors together, you create a magical experience.”
Links:
Website: https://seichosyndicate.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kawaf/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Ivo Verhaegh, founder of Powerhouse AI, came to entrepreneurship through an interesting path. He knew he wanted to start a company, work with a co-founder, and live abroad from his home country, the Netherlands. Since he didn’t have an idea for a business and couldn’t find a co-founder on the same timeline for starting a business, he applied to a program called Entrepreneur First. The organization screens hundreds of applicants, accepting only 1% of the people who apply; a group of 80 are ultimately accepted and work with each other to find co-founders. Venture capitalists sponsor the Entrepreneur First program, through which they find viable businesses with co-founders that click, elevate each other and the business, and are productive.
While in the program, Ivo met his co-founder (and now Powerhouse AI’s Chief Technology Officer) Kushal Pillay – together they worked toward an affordable and manageable robot-driven warehouse environment.
Ultimately, they created an app that automates the counting and checking of inventory and pallets in warehouse storage, maximizing productivity. Since the launch, they’ve won clients including DHL, Unilever, and numerous logistics companies.
Funded and guided by investors, Ivo and Kushal were encouraged to think BIG and globally from the start. Being based in Singapore, which has a small domestic market, they assumed they would sell into Southeast Asia. Market research showed, however, that labor is plentiful and inexpensive in the region, so warehouse operations were satisfactory as-is, unlike in the US, which embraced the technology.
Currently, Powerhouse AI offers its technology solely in English, but will soon translate for their Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and Hindu target markets. Ivo understands how important translation is and that Google Translate or AI are unreliable, so he plans on using professional translators.
Some of the bumps in the road Ivo met along the way include:
Not understanding the southeast Asian market well enough from the start took time away from early success. Not focusing on specific industries or geographies with targeted messaging slowed sales success. Not having in-person meetings with certain clients slowed the closing of sales. The logistics industry is traditional and prefers face-to-face meetings.Currently, the company’s ideal client has over 100,000 square feet of warehousing space and requires precision in inventory management, making Powerhouse AI a clear fit for companies in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, consumer product, and automotive industries.
Ivo’s best advice:
Think Big – surround yourself with other entrepreneurs to open your eyes to possibilities. Build a Superstar Team – hire people that are ambitious, curious, accountable, responsible, and knowledgeable.Ivo’s two favorite foreign words are good ones:
“Bolleboos” – a Dutch word that literally translates to “bright hat” and refers to a “smart person.” “Introspective” – an English word that represents “the superpower of knowing yourself.”Ivo certainly represents both of those words! Engaging, creative, smart, driven and very self-aware, he is a podcast guest to remember!
Links:
Website: https://www.powerhouseai.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivoverhaegh/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Liz Fendt is Global Chief Marketing Director of TÜV SÜD, which specializes in testing, certification, auditing, and advisory services for different industries. There exist only 10 major players in the compliance industry, which ensures safe practices around both goods and services.
As an example, think about airport safety. Proper testing, inspection, and certification means the airport management company must connect all relevant suppliers and vendors – elevator companies, airway manufacturers, builders, and countless other stakeholders – with quality managers to meet and guarantee compliance with safety standards.
Prior to her current role, Liz worked in communications and sales and marketing at TÜV SÜD, with a focus on local, regionalized marketing. Inspiration struck the day she analyzed existing collateral and recognized a critical lack of uniformity in marketing materials for the company’s global markets; the difference in colors, branding, messaging, and myriad other content and design elements pointed at once to the inefficiencies of duplicated efforts and a missed opportunity for global branding.
Senior management agreed and, in that way, Liz created her own Global Chief Marketing Director role, with the goal of increased efficiencies based on a unified corporate global marketing effort and a cohesive international team.
At the start, Liz worked with 120 associates to develop consistent processes and brand/style guidelines. She envisioned the company’s German headquarters as the hub of her global marketing team, with satellite offices as its spokes, deliberately building teams that could move along those spokes, simultaneously integrating her team and realizing larger corporate strategies.
A second hub in Singapore followed and Liz saw opportunity there, too – as one global marketing campaign wound down, the next would begin. The fabric supporting every effort: people. She built her teams by elevating associates from within, and with intention and according to detailed specialty – pay-per-click, social media, website, document management systems – no associate, role, or team was overlooked, resulting in talented and diverse representation within each group.
Liz’s advice on developing global teams with high retention rates: look for people with a positive outlook that like to solve problems. Two associates who started as interns are now heading global teams – if it’s a complex industry get them in and train them so that they can progress. Energized, excited people with a can-do attitude will thrive with support, contributing new ideas and fostering a healthy work environment.
With that approach, in the first five years and with the same budget, the global marketing team increased leads via the on-hand readiness of standardized, culturally appropriate, marketing “in a box.” Content and campaigns could be used globally, and Liz also consolidated the company’s website, from 7-10 countries with 42 separate sites to a single, unified one.
Lessons Learned
Throughout her career, Liz has always turned to her team for inspiration and new ideas. Her best advice is to always do business with a growth mindset, and to keep networking – even with people in different fields and industries – because you will always benefit from expertise and diversity of thought.
The TÜV SÜD community of experts spans the globe, and in 2016, Liz co-founded the Global TÜV SÜD Women's Network – a 1000+ strong network of women across the company, to support and nurture global and local networking, professional mentoring, and role model programs.
Other lessons learned:
One size doesn’t fit all: global marketing for campaigns “in a box,” requires a different mix for different markets. Some audiences want white papers while others value human, face-to-face interaction. Start small: at the start, the company’s largest website was the German one – after starting with that site Liz realized that you should first make sure technology challenges are ironed out, something more easily done in a smaller market. Stay connected with customers and employees: Provide a seamless customer journey by understanding how each department affects the customer experience, and that personas come with variables. Similarly, gather your team periodically for all-hands meetings and marketing sessions and provide channels through which to share information.Liz adds that technology-driven companies tend to underestimate the value garnered from sales and marketing. A unified global strategy reaps greater benefits when viewed as a “general business propellant” rather than an afterthought. Other common challenges may include:
Technology: it’s hard to find tools and IT components for an already robust marketing tech stack. Finding good service providers: Companies will often claim “global influence” but in effect have only regional coverage and loose partnership and affiliations. One-stop solutions are hard to find.Today, Liz’s 120-person marketing team is a global marketing operation equipped with the supports and material to enter any new market. Listen and learn from a global marketing expert!
Links:
Travel photography - https://www.instagram.com/liz_fendt/?hl=en
Website: https://www.tuvsud.com/en
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuvsud/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizfendt/?originalSubdomain=de
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Faruk Heplevent is founder and CEO of The Scope, a company specializing in computer-generated imaging (CGI) for the automotive industry. He is a pioneer in the industry, leading the charge for a more sustainable process for new car reveals; his client list of brand-name manufacturers throughout the world is proof of how The Scope’s approach and technology have inspired change.
The process for planning and executing new car reveals has historically been laborious, costly, and time-consuming, requiring at least six months simply for planning. Since the 90s, when photographers relied on “wet” film rather than “dry,” digital film, every catalog and commercial for every new car launch campaign required what Faruk calls the “cost and time of ‘real life.’”
Locations, permits, staff, meetings, logistics, weather/vegetation changes, sustainability issues due to excessive travel and shipping requirements all came into play in the process, starting with:
At least 6 months for planning Security teams to maintain secrecy Logistics around wrapping the car, shipping it out, and receiving it on location, without it being seen (when a new car was on location, it was referred to as “code red.”) Flying a crew of 5-6 people to the location – typically either Los Angeles, South Africa, or Spain Hiring a local support crewAnd last, but certainly not least, the crew would simply hope for – or wait for – good weather. Altogether a complex, expensive, and time-consuming process, with no privacy guarantee.
The traditional shoot locations were versatile, reliable insofar as terrain and backdrop options, with agreeable weather. Localization and globalization requirements, however, meant the output – the “film” – needed to service launches from countries throughout the world, with cultural understanding. In other words, the images had to stay on-brand while accounting for cultural leanings in Asia, which are markedly different from those in Europe or the US, and be conscious of even regional differences.
Hollywood was the first to adopt CGI technology, for special effects in movies and television; for the latter, it meant using the same sound stage for multiple shows, simply by altering the backdrop. The automotive industry was not far behind and Faruk helped lead the charge.
He spent about 8 years perfecting CGI technology for vehicle images, ones matching the quality of a live, on-site shoot. The advancement meant no more worries around weather or location; and, once the “digital twin” – a 3D representation matching visual fidelity and quality of the car – is rendered, it takes just one week to create a final, working prototype image for the decisionmaker’s review.
The result is “possibly even better” than an actual photograph, says Faruk. You can incorporate “creative choices” and the editing process, previously constrained by weather and other factors, is now relatively instantaneous so even “micro-edits” are incorporated.
The Scope is based in Germany and Faruk’s multilingual, international background means he is well aware of the cultural nuances so important to car advertising. Any global launch first addresses a country’s cultural sensitivities; thereafter, the images and messaging are customized to specific markets.
For example, some generalizations remain consistent across continents:
Europe wants “authentic, not artificial” imagery. What’s accurate and true? Look for “rugged, tangible backdrops” and details. Asian countries prefer pristine, fresh air, clean, “aspirational,” high-end photos, in direct contrast to current climate issues such as smog in Beijing. The US looks for authenticity mixed with idealism. The culture differs enough from English-speaking European countries that it requires attention. What’s accurate and true, but with a hint at perfection.“Authentic – that’s the big word these days,” says Faruk. “It’s not supposed to look artificial. Because everyone’s afraid that CGI is going to look artificial because it is artificial by nature.”
The technology easily adds authenticity, toggling among a library of backdrops and details (like colors, flags, currency, people) that can be instantly implemented (or dismissed). Localization and globalization efforts can be even more tailored to a specific audience or geographic region, as a result – white cars in the southern US, more black cars in the north, and no desert or Nordic forest backdrops in the UK, for example.
Throughout, despite superior technologies and our increasing cultural awareness, Faruk is emphatic about having local people review content for cultural propriety, underscoring the never-ending complexity of translation and cultural adaptation.
Links:
Website: www.TheScope.studio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farukheplevent/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Josh Medow is CEO of Mercury, a healthcare and life sciences shipping company. After years as a leader in the Army Infantry and living abroad, he knew that he had an interest in running a global company. In this episode, he tells the compelling story of how he searched for and found the right company to buy and build.
At first glance, Mercury met Josh’s requirements – global reach, a good culture, clear opportunity for growth, and a trustworthy reputation.
The company specializes in logistics for medical device, diagnostic kit, biotech, life science research, and pharmaceutical companies, offering every shipping option in every geographic location. They are specialists in customs, packaging, import permits, harmonization codes, and dry ice, and positions itself as a dependable partner.
Josh recognizes that many customer recipients have the potential to become Mercury clients, so Mercury is set up to handle shipments around the world, via an active partner network. The company finds potential shipping partners by attending industry trade shows such as the World Cargo Alliance, and also regularly fields inquiries from interested companies, vetting each one by learning about their experience and capabilities, then testing and tracking initial shipments. Companies are thereafter audited periodically to be sure they’re performing to Mercury’s high standards.
Tune in to find out more about the world according to Josh, which includes advice from his lessons learned:
His biggest challenge – running operations globally around the clock. His biggest piece of advice – stay curious. His biggest success – hiring a diverse team. His next steps – to expand Mercury’s marketing into other countries and languages.Links:
Website: www.shipmercury.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-medow/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Have you ever heard the saying: “Not my circus, not my monkeys”? I use it all the time, yet never realized that it is translated from Polish.
Dr. Lynne Bowker, professor of translation technologies and information systems at the University of Ottawa, recently returned from Poland, where she was collaboratively researching ways to make academia more language inclusive. Scholars from around the world are encouraged to publish and attend conferences in English, yet fewer than 10% of the researchers in the world are Anglophones. In fact, for many it’s their second, third, or even fourth language.
Imagine being a world expert in a subject but unable to share your findings and learn from others unless you speak English. With pressing global issues such as food insecurity, global warming, refugees, war, and more, Dr. Bowker set out to find ways in which AI translation or Machine Translation (MT) could help.
Dr. Bowker specializes in language technology. In her recent book, “Demystifying Translation,” she explains why AI and MT translation are today not yet able to solve the issues related to cross-lingual communication – there are limits to what the technology can do and it’s not trustworthy.
The biggest challenges facing authors in academia are the ability to:
Read others’ writings. Write in English.Leveraging AI/MT varies for each of these situations. To tackle the first challenge, the researcher can use automated translation to get the “gist” of what an article says and, with their specialized knowledge, do a pretty good job of figuring out its meaning.
In the second scenario, non-English speaking researchers typically don’t possess English writing skills strong enough to clearly write their findings. This means that they would need to pay someone to write it or have a highly skilled translator edit their original draft. To simplify access to research, the academic community must get to the point of accepting publications in a researcher’s native language, with readers relying on AI/MT for gist translations. Lacking this option, many researchers will continue to opt out of publishing or presenting at conferences to share important research.
At the same time, Dr. Bowker stresses the importance of recognizing that language technology is not perfect and ultimately requires nuanced discussion and experienced judgment regarding where and how to use it. It’s not merely a discussion as to whether AI/MT will replace humans in translation.
Ironically, automated machine technology is old tech. In the 1940s during World War 2, experts developed tools to decipher what the enemy was saying – spying tools, essentially. The technology relied on dictionaries and linguistic rules for grammar to translate, and had particular trouble with synonyms (two meanings for one word) and polysemies (words with more than one meaning – for example “pen,” as in a writing pen or play pen). Ultimately, the technology was used only by professional translators because it was not good enough to release.
Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, the technology in general improved – it became faster, smaller, and required less storage. Programmers started thinking of new ways to process language – by using data-driven approaches instead of linguistic rules. Translation quality improved in general but still fell far short of high quality.
Current advances have changed from data-driven analysis to pattern identification, whereby machine language learning develops a memory by ingesting vast amounts of multilingual text. Without the large amounts of data, the technology is useless.
Dr. Bowker recalls a time when Canadian weather forecasters struggled to hire English-French translators because the work was so repetitive – the words and format were always the same. After a few months, even new undergraduate translators quit from boredom. By leveraging AI/MT, the organization could save time, money, and effort.
Technology still struggles with:
Languages that have less content – languages like Welsh and Danish have fewer speakers, thus less content is produced. It’s challenging enough to develop a machine learning (ML) model that can translate from English to Welsh, let alone from Welsh to Danish. Unusual topics – in research, topics are usually novel and don’t have a gathered history of translation. This challenges the technology to find appropriate translations. Hallucinations – one team set out to test whether AI could properly classify an animal as a huskie or a wolf. After training the model on hundreds of pictures, its responses were mostly accurate; however, upon further inspection the researchers figured out that the model had been trained to identify wolves by snowy backgrounds, versus huskies in backyards. Thus, the model looked at the wrong information. Training for proper identification of skin lesions produced the same outcome – the model identified cancerous lesions by looking for a ruler in the picture. Misogynism and racism – models learn and parrot back what it ingests and, simply put, the Internet provides lots of questionable content.The bottom line, according to Dr. Bowker, is that while we are still far away from a world in which automated translation can replace human translation, the language industry will only benefit from educating people on proper and effective translation methods, in the meantime.
When translating your material, remember the iron triangle (aka project management triangle), which illustrates how the balance among three project constraints – scope, time, and budget – affects quality. Adjusting for any one constraint necessarily affects one or both of the other variables:
Fast and cheap = lower quality Fast and quality = very expensive High quality = pricey and slowFinally, we agree that the industry conversation will turn toward the increasing need for experts in global content strategy. Think about the content along your buyer’s (or stakeholder’s) journey – from first encounter to raving fan. A thoughtfully planned strategy alongside clearly defined processes and technologies will guarantee high-quality content for every audience, while saving your employees time and effort.
Links:
Book: https://www.routledge.com/De-mystifying-Translation-Introducing-Translation-to-Non-translators/Bowker/p/book/9781032109244
With a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA) license: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mono/10.4324/9781003217718/de-mystifying-translation-lynne-bowker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-bowker-0112996/?originalSubdomain=ca
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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Laurent Kahl is an International Export/Import Consultant at the University of Georgia (UGA) Small Business Development Center (SBDC). He brings years of experience as an export manager, export consultant, and international sales expert to this episode, delving into the abundant US state and federal resources available to anyone looking to conduct business across borders.
These free resources exist because the US imports much more than it exports, so the balance of trade is perpetually off balance; by supporting companies that export, the state and Federal government help to mitigate the imbalance for a healthier economy.
Once business owners realize that exporting companies perform better, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Every state has an SBDC, under the jurisdiction of the Small Business Administration (SBA). In turn, SBDCs support US Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) that help companies:
Access capitalDevelop and exchange new technologiesImprove business planning, strategy, and operationsAttain financial and human resource stabilityInitiate global marketing and sales, including translation and other language servicesThe agency focuses on areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity, and innovation. In addition, USEACs will often maintain an international office to better connect small businesses with in-country distributors, partners, and service providers.
Tune in to the full episode to access even more free resources to get you started on the path to international sales!
Links:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1-678-203-0522
Website:
https://georgiasbdc.org/
https://www.georgiasbdc.org/staff-members/laurent-kahl/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurentkahl/
Connect with Wendy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendypease/
Music: Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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