How could initiatives and programs aimed at rejuvenating Baltimore serve as positive examples to other cities across America? After all, it’s the birthplace of the nation’s oldest railway. It’s where the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner were written. It’s home to some of the earliest National Historic Districts in the country. And it’s the most populous independent city in the country. But for all its beauty, history, and diversity, Baltimore often gets a bad rap in TV shows, movies, and the m...
Oct 31, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 10
When even The Federal Reserve takes note of your economic impact, you know you’re a big deal. And that’s just one of the many accomplishments attributed to Taylor Swift, whose 2023-2024 Eras tour has become the highest-grossing of all-time, and the first ever to rake in more than $1-billion in revenue, boosting local businesses across the country. But Swift isn’t the only musician, athlete, or organization with an oversized impact on the economy. On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCab...
Oct 17, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 9
“An intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions.” That’s how Merriam-Webster defines the term “glass ceiling”, which was first coined by writer, consultant, and diversity advocate Marilyn Loden during a speech way back in 1978. But even today, despite decades of effort and attention, the glass ceiling remains a clear obstacle to women vying for leadership positions. On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined by tw...
Oct 03, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Ready or not, the AI revolution is upon us. Global spending on artificial intelligence in e-commerce is expected to top out at $8 billion this year, with companies large and small rushing to explore the productivity gains and cost reductions they could achieve by automating repetitive tasks and data entry. The rise of generative AI in particular also represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve the way businesses understand and interact with their customers. On this episode of Wheel of Ris...
Sep 19, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 7
They’re a form of insurance that’s been around for millennia. Here in the U.S., they’ve been mandatory on all federal public works projects since 1894. They’re also integral to the importation of goods by foreign companies and ensuring that essential public services like garbage collection keep running smoothly. But despite how much we depend on surety bonds every day, most people don’t know much about them. On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe explores the often-overlooked offerin...
Sep 05, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 6
They’re three little letters that can have a huge impact, in terms of both business performance and being a good corporate citizen: ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance. And in a world that’s experiencing the increasing effects of climate change, the ‘E’ is particularly important right now. But what can organizations do to ensure they’re actually walking the walk when it comes to the environment? On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe sits down with Piril Kadibesegil, the Gr...
Aug 22, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Have you ever noticed how often the economy comes up in campaign speeches and promises from our political leaders? The economy consistently ranks as the main policy issue for most Americans, but just how much does economic performance hinge on the occupant of the Oval Office, and what happens when there’s a change at the top? Just ahead of the presidential election in November, this episode of Wheel of Risk is aimed at navigating the uncertainty and changes caused by election cycles, which can h...
Aug 08, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Higher gas prices. Limited air travel options. Packed cruise ships. Hotel rooms and campsites booked up months in advance. Yes, it’s that time of year again — summer vacation season! And that means a bevy of both risks and opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. Anyone else get thirsty at the mention of a ‘bevy’? On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined once again by series stalwart and Senior Economist for North America at Allianz Trade, Dan North, to dive into the...
Jul 11, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 2
It’s an expression that dates back to ancient Greece, attributed to mathematician, physicist, and astronomer Archimedes. In modern times, it’s defined as a cry or shout of satisfaction when someone finds or discovers something. And in the world of business, it can be the difference between seizing an opportunity, or walking away out of fear, uncertainty, or a lack of information. On this season premiere episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe focuses on the importance of those “Eureka” or “ah...
Jun 27, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 1
What do you get when you combine invaluable business insights, actionable intelligence, and a pinch of irreverent fun? Season three of America’s premiere podcast about risk and reward, of course! Wheel of Risk, proudly presented by Allianz Trade, is coming back — featuring a whole new series of thought-provoking and informative conversations about timely, big-picture topics in the world of business. Join host Alix McCabe and her team of experts as they explore everything from the importance of D...
Jun 20, 2024•1 min0
It’s a defining characteristic of American culture; we love sports, we love business, and we love the people who excel at either endeavor. Both billionaires and top-level athletes are household names in this country. And it turns out, the values and mindset it takes to succeed in athletic competition are identical to those you need to rise to the top in the world of business. On this very special season finale of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined by two-time Paralympic athlete and medal ...
Jan 11, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 8
It’s a term that’s seen a lot of use and prompted plenty of anxiety over the past few years: recession. Ever since the start of the pandemic, there’s been a barrage of media coverage about the state of the economy and where it’s headed. But it turns out, recessions may not be the economic bogeymen they’re made out to be… they’re simply part of a boom-bust cycle that dates back hundreds of years. On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined by series stalwart Dan North , the Senio...
Dec 28, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 7
From supply chain disruptions, bank failures, and labor disputes to inflation, interest rate hikes, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no secret that businesses have faced an unprecedented confluence of challenges over the past few years. Unfortunately, they may not be out of the woods just yet. On this special episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe moderates the show’s first-ever roundtable discussion, featuring Steve Georgetti , the Director of Risk Underwriting for the Americas at...
Dec 14, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 6
How well do you remember the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007? It led to the collapse of many of America’s largest financial institutions, and an unprecedented, $700 billion government bailout of banks, insurance companies, and other lenders. It also popularized a phrase that is still widely used to this day; “too big to fail.” On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe digs into the dangers of that expression with the help of Justin Seedorf , Southwest Regional Vice President at Allianz...
Nov 30, 2023•18 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Have you ever noticed that there tends to be a spike in retail bankruptcies every January? It’s no coincidence. It’s because the preceding period from Black Friday to Christmas is among the most critical times of the entire year for many retailers, the suppliers with which they do business, and the U.S. economy in general. On this special seasonal episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is again joined by regular contributor Dan North , Allianz Trade’s Senior Economist for North America, for ...
Nov 16, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Sure, it would be another expense at a time when many businesses are already stretched thin. But instead of asking yourself if you can afford to buy trade credit insurance, this podcast may get you wondering if your organization can afford to do business without it. On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined by the Chief Commercial Officer at Allianz Trade Americas, Christina Montes de Oca , to bust some common myths and misconceptions about the value proposition of trade credi...
Nov 02, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 3
They are companies that don’t turn a profit, they only make enough money to service their existing debt and stave off bankruptcy. To the casual observer they’re doing OK, but if you’re savvy enough to dig a little deeper, it becomes clear; something isn’t quite right. And if you happen to make a deal with one of them, they could drag your business down too. On this Hallowe’en-themed episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe tackles the topic of zombie firms, with the help of Allen Gebarowski , ...
Oct 19, 2023•18 min•Season 2Ep. 2
How can you confidently continue to do business with companies that could lose funding from their banks? That’s a question many organizations have been grappling with since the historic situation in the U.S.financial sector. The much-publicized failure of Silicon Valley Bank was actually one of three bank collapses in March of 2023, and the fallout could continue to pose a challenge for some time to come. On this season premiere episode of Wheel of Risk , host Alix McCabe sits down with Justin S...
Oct 05, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 1
America’s premier podcast about the risk and reward of doing business in uncertain economic times is back! Welcome to season two of Wheel of Risk , proudly presented by Allianz Trade. Over the course of eight episodes, host Alix McCabe and her team of experts is set to explore a whole new series of timely and relevant topics, from bank failures and rising interest rates to the threat of zombie firms and the cyclical nature of recession and recovery. They’ll also tackle some common myths and misc...
Sep 14, 2023•2 min0
It’s no secret that the past few years haven’t exactly been the best, or most predictable for the economy. From inflation and stock market tumult, to political volatility and recession rumors, many business owners and investors have been justifiably spooked about the stability of global trade networks. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a pathway to prosperity. On this season finale episode of Wheel of Risk, presented by Allianz Trade, host Alix McCabe sits down with Luis Mondragon, Vice Pr...
Feb 23, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Even in our increasingly global economy, it‘s something that doesn’t happen very often — but when it does, can cause a cascade of both financial and logistical challenges: a trade embargo. And although this story may seem ripped right from today’s headlines, it actually unfolded almost 10 years ago, when Russia enacted an embargo against several western nations back in 2014. On this episode of Wheel of Risk, presented by Allianz Trade, host Alix McCabe is joined by Joe Pernica, the Chief Operati...
Feb 09, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In the world of trade and business -- you might think it’s a good problem to have. But it turns out, a sudden production increase in one of your company’s key commodities can still pose a big challenge; namely, what to do with all that extra product! On this episode of Wheel of Risk, presented by Allianz Trade, host Alix McCabe looks at the incredible growth trajectory of MGI International Llc, fueled in part by a spike in plastic production in the U.S. over 10 years ago. As you’ll hear from MGI...
Jan 26, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 4
It’s a riff on one of the most memorable lines in movie history -- but in this case, the team at Nassau National Cable Corporation wasn’t worried about sharks -- it was whale-sized clients they were after. And in the tumultuous world of international business and trade, bigger clients can mean bigger risks, and potentially bigger rewards. On this episode of Wheel of Risk, presented by Allianz Trade, host Alix McCabe sits down with Karellys Mattos, the President of Operations at Nassau National, ...
Jan 12, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 3
It used to be a foundational part of any business relationship. But in our increasingly digital, modern world -- where many deals are made without even meeting people in person -- trust has become an increasingly rare commodity. So at what point should you let gut feelings or red flags begin to erode the trust you have in a client or customer? On this episode of Wheel of Risk, presented by Allianz Trade, host Alix McCabe is joined by Aaron Sanders, the founder of Red River Logistics in Dallas Te...
Dec 29, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2
It's one of those scenarios almost any business owner can relate to: one of your critical customers -- who accounts for a big chunk of your revenue -- is falling further and further behind on their payments, then stops meeting their deadlines altogether. What can you do, other than panic? On this series premiere episode of Wheel of Risk, presented by Allianz Trade, join host Alix McCabe as she sits down with Tim Nemec, the Chief Financial Officer of M. Lipsitz & Co. LTD, to discuss just such...
Dec 15, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Picture this: It’s the middle of the night and your company’s shipment is stuck halfway around the world, hopelessly snarled due to an unexpected trade embargo. You’re hemorrhaging money. Wide awake, worried, your mind goes round and round in circles like some high stakes wheel of fortune. In the world of international trade, there’s no shortage of things that can keep you up at night. But here’s the good news – you’re not alone. "Wheel of Risk" is a brand new podcast – brought to you by Allianz...
Nov 14, 2022•58 sec
