Many businesses jump into international markets without doing their homework, which can lead to big mistakes and wasted money. But what if we told you researching new markets isn't just for huge companies? In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets chats with Olga Gvozdyova, a top expert from Ukraine's Entrepreneurship and Expert Promotion office. Olga has tons of experience helping businesses like yours figure out foreign markets and expand internationally. She's here to show ...
Jun 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 45
Are you an exporter eyeing the Netherlands? This episode of our podcast for exporters offers an insider's look into the Dutch market, featuring Geddy van Elburg, Managing Director of MKB Trade Office and owner of Ion Moon International Digital Marketing Agency. With extensive experience in market analytics and understanding Dutch and international customers, Geddy shares invaluable insights on navigating this unique European landscape. Geddy breaks down how to identify the best entry points base...
May 28, 2025•35 min•Ep. 44
Join Dmytro Shvets as he interviews Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol& Pop, about their "magical" entry into the Japanese market. Learn how a chance meeting at a trade show led to a major distribution deal, despite initial doubts and major hurdles. Discover the rigorous testing required in Japan, how Lol&Pop overcame blackouts in Ukraine, and why quality and persistence are key. Listen to the first part of the interview in the episode #42. Key Highlights : Unexpected success story of a Ukrainian c...
Mar 19, 2025•28 min•Ep. 43
This episode features Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol & Pop, a Ukrainian candy company that successfully expanded globally. Olena shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting the company inspired by Martha Stewart to overcoming the challenges of franchising and exporting. Learn how she navigated quality control issues, invested in learning about exporting, and ultimately broke into the US market during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and b...
Jan 29, 2025•26 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets sits down with communication expert David Trafford to explore the art of clear and concise business communication. David, who has extensive experience in preparing startups and companies for pitching their products to international clients, shares his insights on effective communication strategies that resonate with potential customers. Episode Highlights: - The importance of doing thorough research and due diligence before entering a ...
Oct 23, 2024•37 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets sits down with Jorge Etchebehere, former International Sales Manager at Rizobacter Argentina, to explore the intricacies of sales to and from Argentina. Jorge shares his experience in international trade, peculiarities of Argentinian markets and his journey in broadening Rizobacter's reach across continents. Episode Highlights: Insights into the Argentine market, including cultural nuances, negotiation styles, and the importance of loc...
Oct 09, 2024•37 min•Ep. 40
Are international trade shows really worth the investment? In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets delves into the intricacies of participating in global trade fairs, addressing common misconceptions and providing actionable strategies for maximizing your success. Episode Highlights: Understanding the realistic expectations for first-time exporters at trade shows. The importance of preparation: How to effectively plan six months ahead of the trade show. Strategies to engage ...
Jun 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 39
In this episode we will discuss one of the largest markets of Europe with almost 47 million of consumers. The guest of the show is Pedro Jara, an independent consultant from Spain with over three decades of expertise in retail and business consulting. Pedro brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience in management roles within large retail chains, his work in trade with the Extremadura government, and his support for businesses entering the Spanish market. Episode Highlights: An overview of...
May 22, 2024•36 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of Start Global Insights, Maksym Pylypenko, the head of the sales department at Collar, a Ukrainian manufacturer of innovative pet products shares the insights from the company's global journey. With a history dating back to 1995, Collar has grown from a small company into a global powerhouse with 500 employees and distribution to 78 countries. Maksym shares Collar's remarkable journey of international expansion, innovation, and resilience through the challenges of war. Highlight...
May 10, 2024•36 min•Ep. 37
How to enter Japan's retail and start selling your goods in this country? This is the second part of the interview with Rupert Sutton, Director & Partner Director & Partner at Weben Partners. Rupert has more then 30 years of experience in working in consulting, marketing and sales in Asia and Europe, with biggest part of it of living and working in Japan. In the Part 1 of our conversation we have discussed the intricacies of the Japanese retail market its structure and other channels to ...
Apr 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of Start Global Insights about Saudi Arabia, Dmytro Shvets meets Konstantin Gridin, a partner at CFC Big Ideas with over two decades of experience in international business consultancy. Konstantin shares tips and tricks from his extensive work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Highlights from the episode: - Insights into Saudi Arabia's unique business culture. - Essential advice on selecting the right local agents and distributors, avoiding common pitfalls, and the importance of ma...
Apr 10, 2024•32 min•Ep. 35
This time the guest of the podcast is Rupert Sutton, Director & Partner Director & Partner at Weben Partners. Rupert has more then 30 years of experience in working in consulting, marketing and sales in Asia and Europe, with biggest part of it of living and working in Japan. In the Part 1 of our conversation we have discussed the intricacies of the Japanese retail market and other channels to enter Japan with FMCG. Highlights from the episode: Understanding the unique characteristics of ...
Mar 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 34
When you're entering a new foreign market, nobody knows you there. Trust in your brand is low, and your understanding of the target audience is limited to research data. You've got two options: invest in building brand awareness and earning trust over time, or leverage the trust already established by local partners, like dealers or distributors to fast-track your path to initial sales. But finding the right partner is just the beginning of a complex journey. To learn how to effectively build an...
Feb 14, 2024•45 min•Ep. 33
Another year comes to its end and it’s time to wrap up. There were 19 episodes this year. We have explored and virtually travelled with you to 10 countries and got insights from local experts from: Denmark, Ukraine, UK, USA, Israel, Canada, Japan, Lithuania, UAE and finally Colombia. The more interviews I conduct the more I see the commonalities in all markets that we talk about. In this Christmas episode I will go through some points that are similar in all countries. Listen to the Start Global...
Dec 27, 2023•9 min•Ep. 32
My guest in this episode is Rodolfo Móseres Dieppa, he has 30+ years experience in International Trade and Investment, runs RMD & Associates Consulting and helps to Canadian government in assisting Canadian businesses in their expansion. And before that Rodolfo made a career as a Consul and Trade Commissioner to Canada for TPO ProColombia with a mandate to promote and develop SME exports from Colombia into the Canadian Market place and to complete the FTA between Colombia and Canada. And as ...
Dec 13, 2023•34 min•Ep. 31
My guest in this episode is Olga Galyant, the commercial director of Global Swiss Group, a global supplier of vitamins and dietary supplements with headquarters in Switzerland, USA and United Arab Emirates. Olga has almost 20 years of experience in B2B Marketing & Sales in multi-national companies and lived and worked in quite a bunch of countries like Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, UAE and Switzerland. And in this second part of the interview with Olga we’ll discuss h...
Nov 29, 2023•25 min•Ep. 30
My guest in this episode is Olga Galyant, the commercial director of Global Swiss Group, a global supplier of vitamins and dietary supplements with headquarters in Switzerland, USA and United Arab Emirates. Olga has almost 20 years of experience in B2B Marketing & Sales in multi-national companies and lived and worked in quite a bunch of countries like Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, UAE and Switzerland. So, we have an amazing opportunity to get indeed global insights o...
Nov 15, 2023•22 min•Ep. 29
Is there at all the U.S. negotiation culture? Or is it a number of many cultures within this huge country? With the guest of this episode we propose you to use the Harvard interest-based negotiation approach to deal with all of them. This episode is the 2nd part of the conversation with Linda Netsch , the founder of Align Consulting, a general manager at the law firm Flex by Fenwick, a Lecturer on Law at Harvard and Stanford Law Schools and a visiting lecturer at UCU Business School. Linda has m...
Oct 18, 2023•43 min•Ep. 28
Join us in this episode of Start Global Insights as we reveal the potential of Lithuania as a strategic business hub. My guest this time, Saulius Racevicius, a local professional, with 20+ experience in banking and finance, sheds light on the insights of doing business with this interesting country. In this episode we discussed: The resilient economy of Lithuania amidst regional challenges. Lithuania's courageous journey to independence and the impact on its business landscape. The core of Lithu...
Oct 04, 2023•31 min•Ep. 27
No matter if you are selling locally or globally, to establish your presence in the market you need to negotiate. This is a skill that needs constant development and practice. In this episode we will talk about Harvard negotiation approach with Linda Netsch , the founder of Align Consulting, a general manager at the law firm Flex by Fenwick, a Lecturer on Law at Harvard and Stanford Law Schools and a visiting lecturer at UCU Business School. Linda has more than 20 years of experience of helping ...
Sep 20, 2023•28 min•Ep. 26
One powerful gateway to enter the UK market and tap into its vast potential is the London Chamber of Commerce. My guest in this episode is Nick Charles, a Head of Community and Member Relationships at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry For 11 years Nick is helping to almost 7000 members of the chamber to connect to each other and develop business opportunities within the UK and overseas. In our conversation we will discuss: Why businesses from the UK and around the world are drawn to the Lo...
Sep 06, 2023•29 min•Ep. 25
This episode is devoted to trade with Canada. Part 2. Our guest is Maria Guzman, a Senior International Market Consultant at Ontario Ministry of Economic Development. Maria has 15+ years of experience in international business development with Government & Export Development sector, private Companies and Non/for profit organizations. In the second part of the interview with Maria we will discuss: how to approach buyers and clients in Canada is it worth using chambers of commerce and trade sh...
Aug 23, 2023•33 min•Ep. 24
Discover the ins and outs of entering Japan's business landscape. In this episode, we're joined by Satoru Madono, a Japanese expert with over 40 years of experience in international finance and assisting foreign corporations in establishing a foothold in Japan. Join us as Satoru provides valuable insights and strategies for exporters looking to thrive in Japan's unique business environment. From historical influences to modern challenges, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to success. Key...
Aug 09, 2023•38 min•Ep. 23
Almost all foreign experts Start Global Insights podcast interviews say this magical phrase to the exporters: Do your homework and research the market you are going to enter. So, the next episode will be devoted to the topic of Market research. The explainer is split into three easy steps that one should follow to complete systematic market research. Here are some key points from the episode: Set clear goals for your market research. What do you want to achieve with your research? Do you want to...
Jul 26, 2023•9 min•Ep. 22
This episode is devoted to trade with Canada. Part 1. Our guest is Maria Guzman, a Senior International Market Consultant at Ontario Ministry of Economic Development. Maria has 15+ years of experience in international business development with Government & Export Development sector, private Companies and Non/for profit organizations. We will discuss: the multinational business culture in Canada Canada as a gateway to the US market packaging regulations and product adaptation information sour...
Jul 12, 2023•28 min•Ep. 21
In this episode we will talk about Israel, one of my favourite countries in terms of international business that I use as an example in my international expansion strategy courses. My guest in this episode is Or Haviv, a partner, and head of innovation at Arieli Capital. Or has more than 17 years of experience in working with Israeli innovation ecosystem and innovation centres, and will share with you the insights about this side of the country and how to use it to enter the worlds markets. Don'...
Jun 28, 2023•18 min•Ep. 20
Welcome to the podcast episode, where we explore the exciting topic of entering the UK market. Our guest, Anne Gadd, brings a wealth of experience from her two diverse careers in commerce and law firm marketing. Anne shares invaluable insights on the challenges and opportunities that await businesses looking to establish themselves in the UK. From understanding the vastness of the market and choosing the right location to navigating regulatory compliance, Anne emphasizes the importance of thorou...
Jun 14, 2023•21 min•Ep. 19
So, it’s been a quite interesting and exciting time during the first season of the Start Global Insights.We have prepared and recorded 17 episodes of the podcast for exporters, including stories and secrets about 10 different countries.And now it’s time for a small break. We will be back with the new season in one months. And meanwhile you can enjoy listening our episodes about making business in Poland, Romania, Germany, Sweden, Finland, USA, Italy, Estonia, Denmark and of course Ukraine.In the...
Mar 29, 2023•59 sec•Ep. 18
Can the tradeshows be an effective tool for your international expansion? Many would say – no. But it’s like in he old joke about pesto recipe “Your pesto recipe is bad, I did all what you wrote, but I didn’t have pine nuts, olive oil and basil, so I took peanuts, sunflower oil and parsley – nothing close to the real pesto souse” 😊 In this episode of the Start Global Insights I talk to Julia Lisovska, commercial director of the successful Ukrainian family-owned furniture producer Tivoli that ex...
Mar 15, 2023•27 min•Ep. 17
How to generate leads? How to find clients abroad? These are the most common questions from the exporters that I hear in my consulting practice. So I decided to invite the expert in international lead generation, Maryna Solomanchuk, the CEO of Sparklead. Maryna shared her experience in this field, and we will discuss the following: What is the process of lead generation What’s the most important in this process Why you can’t just send out emails and when it becomes a SPAM Why buying a clients da...
Mar 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 16
