Rittener Reflections

Worldwide trade has become increasingly complex, risky and unpredictable. Those who engage in cross-border trade have been forced to change long-standing practices and adjust their supply chain to continue providing the world with desired goods at an optimal cost. This coming year will continue to present those who engage in cross border trade with uncertainty and challenge. This podcast is intended to offer my reflections on this critical topic.

41 episodes

19d ago latest

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Episodes 41

EP33: The Tariff Toolbox
19d ago · 42:42
Inspired by a toolbox passed down from his grandfather, Jeff uses Episode 33 to unpack the real tariff tools the President is reaching for in 2026. With IEEPA gone and decades‑old authorities suddenly back in play, this episode explains how each tool works, why it matters, and what companies should expect next. A clear, structured […]
EP 32: 2026 World Cup: Reflections from the Bay Area
1mo ago · 57:04
This episode follows Jeff’s month‑long experience of the 2026 World Cup as lived across the Bay Area. Along the way, he reflects on a World Cup journey that now spans twelve tournaments, connecting early memories from Switzerland with the sights and sounds of this one. He enjoys matches with friends, family, and fans from around […]
EP:31 Part 2 Geo‑Strategy: Operational Realities
2mo ago · 34:07
Geostrategy is an inflection point; a way for companies to think strategically, act proactively, and neutralize surprises. In Part II, Jeff and Jeannette shift from the strategic environment to the operational realities inside companies, where resilience depends on the systems, decisions, and relationships built long before a crisis hits. Join us as we explore choke […]
EP:31 Geo‑Strategy: Survival in a Geopolitical World
2mo ago · 31:14
Jeff Rittener sits down with national‑security strategist Jennette Chu for a two‑part conversation on geo‑strategy; the discipline of connecting geopolitical reality to corporate decision‑making. Together, they explore how national security, economic statecraft, and technology leadership are reshaping the global operating environment. Part I examines the strategic forces driving this shift, while Part II turns to the operational realities companies face as they navigate rapid geopolitical change. This series offers leaders a clear framework for operating in a world where geopolitics is now par
EP30: Airbnb and Me. Tales of a New Airbnb Owner/Host
3mo ago · 48:07
In this solo episode, Jeff records from inside his own Airbnb condo on Main Street in Fuquay‑Varina, North Carolina, to mark one year as a short‑term rental owner and host. He tells the full story: what led him to buy the condo in the first place, the scramble of those first bookings, the guest moments that made him laugh and problem‑solve on the fly, and what he’s learned about hospitality, systems, and people along the way. He also touches on a few practical takeaways for both future hosts and guests. If you’ve ever stayed in a short‑term rental, thought about hosting, or simply enjoy a good
EP29: When Europe Stopped Following Washington – Export Controls in Europe: An Insider View
3mo ago · 39:59
Europe's export control system is evolving quickly, creating new challenges for global companies operating across borders. In this episode, Jeff speaks with Anna Goncz, founder of the Export Compliance Academy, for an inside view of how EU rules are developing — from the post-Ukraine shift in European posture to the practical realities of dual-use licensing, member state divergence, and the growing tension between EU and U.S. approaches. Anna brings a rare ground-level perspective from inside the European system, helping global trade professionals understand what's changing, why it matters, an
EP28: Part Two: Riding It with Confidence
4mo ago · 42:32
With clarity on the forces shaping the profession, this second episode turns to what it takes to ride the rollercoaster with confidence in 2026. Bruce Jackson and Karen Murphy return discussing the capabilities, leadership qualities, hiring priorities, and practical improvements that define strong trade teams today and what it now means to lead with clarity, judgment, and strategic influence in a rapidly shifting environment.
EP28: Part One: The New Rollercoaster Moment
4mo ago · 33:33
Cross‑border trade is being reshaped by geopolitical tension, new regulatory demands, and rising expectations inside global companies. In this opening episode, Bruce Jackson and Karen Murphy join Jeff Rittener to explore the new rollercoaster moment facing trade professionals — why the role is shifting, what’s driving the volatility, and how teams can navigate a profession that now sits closer to strategy, risk, and the business than ever before.
EP27: Know Your Data: Trade’s New AI Reality
5mo ago · 35:28
Trade has become a strategic driver of the bottom line, and the team's leading it are being asked to move faster with greater accuracy than ever before. In this episode, Angela Aaron, Vice President of Trade Compliance at KlearNow.AI, joins Jeff to explain why “knowing your data” is now the core requirement for efficient, compliant, and resilient trade operations. They explore how modern technology—especially AI‑enabled tools for structuring and validating data—is reshaping the work of trade professionals, strengthening compliance, and unlocking new strategic value for companies.
EP26: Trustworthy AI for a Fragile Supply Chain
5mo ago · 32:13
In this episode, Jeff sits down with Baz Khuti, CEO of Sustain360, to explore what trustworthy AI really looks like in a world where supply chains are becoming more fragile and more exposed. They discuss why traditional tools can’t keep up with climate shocks, policy volatility, ownership complexity, and critical‑minerals risk — and how agentic and sovereign AI offer leaders transparent, system‑level intelligence they can actually trust. From the explosion of AI tools to the growing role of governments, this conversation cuts through the hype and gives trade, supply‑chain, and C‑suite leaders
25: Tariffs, Refunds, and Uncertainty
5mo ago · 47:09
This episode examines the Supreme Court’s decision striking down the IEEPA‑based tariffs and the confusion it created for importers. Jeff Rittener speaks with Beth and Evelyn about what the Court decided, why refunds remain unresolved, and how companies should navigate protests, PSCs, liquidation, and exposure. The episode also looks ahead at the tools shaping the next phase of U.S. trade policy — Sections 122, 232, and 301 — offering clear, practical guidance for leaders operating in a fast‑moving environment.
24: Super Bowl LX – An Unforgettable Day at Levi’s
6mo ago · 21:27
I captured five live moments from Super Bowl LX with my daughter as we moved through the day at Levi’s — from arriving early to the final whistle — and added my reflections to bring the story together. A thread that began in Episode 14 comes full circle as a champion is crowned just ten miles from home.
23: Intentional Leadership in Global Trade
7mo ago · 40:41
2025 kept global trade on its heels. 2026 demands a different posture — one built on intentionality, clarity, and smart offense. In Episode 23, I break down the forces reshaping global trade and the mindset and moves leaders need to navigate the year ahead.
21: Part 2 People in Portugal
7mo ago · 32:06
Portugal has become one of the world’s most talked‑about destinations — and after spending time there, I understand why. Last week, I shared Pathways in Portugal, a reflection on how Lisbon and Porto revealed themselves through movement and stillness. This week, I’m focusing on the people — the conversations, small moments, and unexpected connections that shaped the experience in ways no itinerary ever could. What stayed with me long after I returned home wasn’t the architecture or the food, but the people. These encounters revealed something about Lisbon, something about Porto, and something
22: 2025, the Year of the Unexpected
8mo ago · 22:22
The final episode of Rittener Reflections for 2025. When I launched this podcast back in January, I opened with five certainties I believed would shape cross‑border trade in the year ahead. What I didn’t anticipate—what none of us anticipated—was just how unpredictable 2025 would become. If Episode 1 was about preparing for volatility, this episode is about living through it. With this episode, I will close the loop. I’ll revisit those five certainties, reflect on what actually happened, and then share some personal reflections on why, for me, 2025 became the year of the unexpected.
21: Pathways to Portugal
8mo ago · 1:04:30
Portugal has become one of the world’s most popular destinations — a place people are visiting, revisiting, and in many cases choosing to call home. After hearing so much about it, especially from my daughter who traveled there last year, I finally had the chance to explore it myself. Her insights shaped how I planned the trip and how I approached each day, and in many ways this episode continues that conversation.
20: Victory In Valencia
8mo ago · 53:57
This one is special: I share my journey from San Francisco to Valencia, Spain — culminating in my victory at the Valencia Marathon.
19: The Ugly Mug
9mo ago · 21:40
Episode 19 arrives just before Thanksgiving: lessons from a lopsided mug and a turbulent year.” A lopsided mug from my childhood has become my metaphor for this ugly year in trade and in life. In this episode, I share its story, the turbulence of 2025, and five lessons worth keeping. I’ll leave you with a gentle invitation: What “ugly mugs” have you kept? What stories do they hold? And stay tuned—Episode 20 may come to you from Spain, as I run the Valencia Marathon and reflect on what’s next.
18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 3 I Can See Clearly Now (Not!)
10mo ago · 52:46
Welcome back to Rittener Reflections Episode 18 and to Part 3 of our series on export controls which I have called, “I can see clearly now” (Not!) You see, we’ve looked back, we’ve looked around—and now we look ahead. But clarity is elusive. Will the world split into two economic spheres? Can AI help automate classification? Should we revive old licensing models? And what is the key to success in creating some means of predictability in a world of geopolitical uncertainty? Once again, I am joined by Bruce Jackson and together we will explore these questions with candor, curiosity, and maybe a
18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 2 Reality Check
10mo ago · 50:36
Welcome back to this three-part series of Rittener Reflections where we seek to understand the complex, critical and ever-changing world of export controls, the past, present and the way forward. In Part 1, which I called The Long Strange Trip, we explored the historical arc of export controls. Today, we turn to the present—and it’s complicated. From China’s tech ambitions to Russia’s impact on multilateral regimes, from AI’s promise and peril to the post-COVID compliance landscape, exporters face a maze of challenges. I am again joined by Bruce Jackson, whose depth of experience helps us make
18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt: 1 The Long Strange Trip
10mo ago · 51:04
The Long Strange Trip. In this first session, I’m joined by Bruce Jackson*, a longtime practitioner and friend whose depth of experience spans government, industry, and the multilateral frameworks that define this space. Bruce has not only witnessed the evolution of export controls—he’s helped shape how companies and policymakers respond to it. We will trace the long, strange trip: from the Cold War’s COCOM era to the post-Berlin Wall regulation rewrites, from the rise of multilateral controls to the relaxation of those same controls, and into the regulatory shifts of the past two administrati
17: Two lives. One legacy. A tribute to my parents, Patricia and Eric Rittener
10mo ago · 30:06
Welcome to a special episode of Rittener Reflections. Today, I’m stepping away from my usual format to share something deeply personal. Last month, my mom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. A few days later, I gave a talk at her memorial service—a tribute honoring her faith, family, and the things she loved most. This episode begins with that recording. It’s also about my dad, who passed away in March 2022. I’ve re-recorded his tribute—not only to preserve his memory but to reflect on the themes that shaped his life: his past, his patriotism, and his passions.
16: Special Edition: Doing the Difficult Things
11mo ago · 30:45
One year ago today, I testified before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. I was still with Intel. The topic: export controls, diversion risk, and the role of U.S. technology in global conflict. This week on my podcast, I’m telling the story—not of what I said, but of what it meant. It’s about showing up when the stakes are high.
15: – Doing Something “Wonderful” Again
12mo ago · 56:00
For this episode, I revisit the topic of layoffs. Many individuals globally are affected by decisions made by corporations and governments to reduce their workforce. While layoffs can be challenging, they may also lead to new opportunities. It can be traumatic and uncomfortable, but it can be positive and liberating, opening new opportunities never imagined.
14: It Begins and Ends at Levi’s
1y ago · 33:37
From training camp dreams to Super Bowl destiny, the road to glory doesn’t just pass through Levi’s Stadium—it starts and ends here.

Episodes

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Rittener Reflections

Episodes 41

EP33: The Tariff Toolbox

EP 32: 2026 World Cup: Reflections from the Bay Area

EP:31 Part 2 Geo‑Strategy: Operational Realities

EP:31 Geo‑Strategy: Survival in a Geopolitical World

EP30: Airbnb and Me. Tales of a New Airbnb Owner/Host

EP29: When Europe Stopped Following Washington – Export Controls in Europe: An Insider View

EP28: Part Two: Riding It with Confidence

EP28: Part One: The New Rollercoaster Moment

EP27: Know Your Data: Trade’s New AI Reality

EP26: Trustworthy AI for a Fragile Supply Chain

25: Tariffs, Refunds, and Uncertainty

24: Super Bowl LX – An Unforgettable Day at Levi’s

23: Intentional Leadership in Global Trade

21: Part 2 People in Portugal

22: 2025, the Year of the Unexpected

21: Pathways to Portugal

20: Victory In Valencia

19: The Ugly Mug

18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 3 I Can See Clearly Now (Not!)

18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 2 Reality Check

18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt: 1 The Long Strange Trip

17: Two lives. One legacy. A tribute to my parents, Patricia and Eric Rittener

16: Special Edition: Doing the Difficult Things

15: – Doing Something “Wonderful” Again

14: It Begins and Ends at Levi’s

Episodes

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Episodes 41

EP33: The Tariff Toolbox

EP 32: 2026 World Cup: Reflections from the Bay Area

EP:31 Part 2 Geo‑Strategy: Operational Realities

EP:31 Geo‑Strategy: Survival in a Geopolitical World

EP30: Airbnb and Me. Tales of a New Airbnb Owner/Host

EP29: When Europe Stopped Following Washington – Export Controls in Europe: An Insider View

EP28: Part Two: Riding It with Confidence

EP28: Part One: The New Rollercoaster Moment

EP27: Know Your Data: Trade’s New AI Reality

EP26: Trustworthy AI for a Fragile Supply Chain

25: Tariffs, Refunds, and Uncertainty

24: Super Bowl LX – An Unforgettable Day at Levi’s

23: Intentional Leadership in Global Trade

21: Part 2 People in Portugal

22: 2025, the Year of the Unexpected

21: Pathways to Portugal

20: Victory In Valencia

19: The Ugly Mug

18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 3 I Can See Clearly Now (Not!)

18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 2 Reality Check

18: Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt: 1 The Long Strange Trip

17: Two lives. One legacy. A tribute to my parents, Patricia and Eric Rittener

16: Special Edition: Doing the Difficult Things

15: – Doing Something “Wonderful” Again

14: It Begins and Ends at Levi’s

Podcast 森辺一樹のグローバル・マーケティング〜すべてはアジアで売るために〜