Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Rittener Reflections

Jeff welcomes author Ker Gibbs for a candid conversation about China, drawn from decades of living and working between two worlds. They trace the experiences that led Ker to write his new book, explore the strengths and vulnerabilities he sees in China, and dig into how they shape the US-China relationship, from trade to business. […]

Matt Bell Episode 36 brings Jeff together with Matt Bell, founder of TradeCompliance.Software, for a timely look at the fast‑changing trade tech landscape. After two decades in consulting and enforcement, Matt built Matt’s List as a passion project — mapping more than 200 compliance tools and AI solutions to a resource designed to help companies […]

Event details and registration for the: WIT‑NC, TTRA, & PAEI 2026 Global Trade Compliance Best Practices Conference — October 14, 2026: Leading the Trade Community brings together three respected association leaders — WIT‑NC, TTRA, and PAEI — for a candid conversation about the trade profession today. Host Jeff Rittener speaks with Gabrielle Griffith, Ken Montgomery, and […]

Jeff previews the 2026 NFL season with a ten‑point primer, a training‑camp field clip, and a warm, story‑rich conversation with two close friends, Robin and Scott. Together they reflect on decades of 49ers history, unforgettable games, and remarkable personal moments that emerged naturally as the discussion unfolded. It’s an episode filled with authenticity, nostalgia, and […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 part of the job.

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 story, this one offers a candid look behind the scenes.

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, and what comes next. This conversation adds the essential European lens to Jeff's ongoing series on the evolving trade profession.

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.

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.

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.

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 a clear view of the capabilities they’ll need for the decade ahead.

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.

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.

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.

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 about myself. I hope you enjoy meeting them.

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.

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.

This one is special: I share my journey from San Francisco to Valencia, Spain — culminating in my victory at the Valencia Marathon.

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.

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 little humor. Because in export controls, déjà vu isn’t just a feeling—it’s a forecast.”

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 sense of this shifting terrain and brings deep insight into how companies are adapting, what regulators are prioritizing, and where the real risks lie. This is the reality check.

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 administrations—including entity list, Huawei, and semiconductors.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

2025: I am certain you need no reminder, but we are squarely in the middle of a trade war! Every day and all day there are news reports of some action, counter action, speculation of a pending action or threats to take an action involving global trade.

Please join me for episode 12, part 2 of “Rittener Reflections,” where I am joined by Ken Wilcox, the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) from 2001 to 2011, and the CEO of SVB’s joint venture with the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank in Shanghai until 2015.I hope you enjoyed listening to Ken and me […]

Please join me for episode 12, part one of Rittener Reflections as I am joined by Ken Wilcox the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) from 2001 to 2011 and CEO of SVB's joint venture with the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank in Shanghai until 2015. Ken is also the author of two books. The first published in 2020 is "Leading Through Culture: How Real Leaders Create Cultures That Motivate People to Achieve Great Things" and the second published in 2024 is "The China Business Conundrum: Ensure That "Win-Win" Doesn't Mean Western Companies Lose Twice. In the first segment of Episode 12, Ken and I will explore his perspective that culture takes precedence over strategy and will discuss several key leadership practices that inspire individuals to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Involuntary separation, also known as layoff, termination, job elimination, or sometimes dismissal, is the outcome of corporate decisions to reduce their workforce. It has been exactly six months since my involuntary separation from Intel Corp. In episode 11 of Rittener Reflections, I provide a concise update on my activities over the past six months. More importantly, I will discuss the realities associated with involuntary separation and offer five tips for effectively navigating through such an experience.  

In this episode, we explore various topics in geopolitics, technology, and trade, including supply chain weaponization, export controls, tariffs, decoupling, nearshoring, tech diplomacy, and twelve strategic technology power multipliers.

Join me for Episode 9 of Rittener Reflections featuring Robb Gordon who is a good friend and former colleague from Intel. Rob and I worked together and often ran together when we were at the same place at the same time. In this episode I will reflect on two of my favorite topics: Trade and Running. In addition to describing some of our memorable running adventures we dive into some timely and important geopolitical topics including US/China relations, Taiwan, Intel and more. I also offer some reflections on running marathons and provide a real time update on the iconic Boston Marathon.

In this episode of Rittener Reflections, I had the honor of spending a few moments with Sheldon Bernard, who is the founder of A440 Management LLC, a firm focused on Special Situations and decision making under uncertainty. He is a trailblazer in the world of applied decision sciences. With over 15 years of experience in "special project" work for Fortune 100 boards and executive teams, Together, we discussed the critical necessity for entities to engage in scenario planning during times of uncertainty.

Today is March 20 and I am publishing the third and final part of this special episode of Rittener Reflections.  I am excited to have Julie Whitt, Jose Vega and Robert Kearsley with me as we wrap up our conversation on the last day of the Bureau and Industry's Annual Update Conference on export controls and policy in Washington DC.   Listen to hear these amazing experts provide more in-depth analysis of key topics and their final assessment of the conference.  Thank you for joining!

Today is March 19th and this is day two of my special three-part episode where we are enjoying real-time daily report outs, analysis, and insights from three export control experts who are on the ground in Washington DC attending the Bureau and Industry's Annual Update Conference on export controls and policy.  You will want to listen in as they offer key take aways from the plenary sessions on multilateral controls and export enforcement.

Please join me for a special three-part episode of Rittener Reflections where I receive real-time daily report out, analysis, and insights from three export control experts attending the Bureau and Industry's Annual Update Conference this week in Washington DC.

As the title of this episode suggests, I intend to keep the discussion of tariffs front and center as the Tariff War continues to escalate and has become even more relevant and turbulent since my last episode. I will catch you up on where we stand with tariffs, explore the rationale behind President Trumps obsession with tariffs and at the end announce plans for a series of updates next week.

Welcome back to Rittner Reflections, a forum to address the dynamic, complex, and essential nature of cross border trade in our world today. For this episode, we will focus our discussion on one of the hottest, most controversial, and potentially disruptive topics of our day. Tariffs. Given the fluidity of the situation under the Trump administration, details and use of tariffs around the world may have changed multiple times before we get a chance to listen. However, let us go ahead and jump in with where we are at currently. I am really excited to have with me today, Brian White. Who is the Senior Director of Global Trade Compliance and Facilitation at Intel Corporation. Brian is responsible for leading a team of global customs and trade facilitation professionals to ensure barrier free trade while identifying strategic global customs opportunities. Assessing risk and advocating in government and industry forums.

After reflecting on the three months since I left Intel and the opportunities that await me, I take us down a path of “delightful distractions.” The last 30 days have left us feeling exhausted, confused, and at times overwhelmed as we digest the ongoing, around-the-clock news cycle. The issues are so important that none of us can afford to look away in case we miss something significant. However, we need to find ways to take a mini break and focus our attention on something more positive, enjoyable, and relaxing. I will use this episode to take a break from the news and all the focus on trade and tariffs and talk about something different. Join me as I consider distractions including my amazing trip to NOLA to watch Super Bowl LIX.

 Welcome back to this third episode of Rittener Reflections. Today, I offer my reflections about this incredibly challenging moment in our history regarding cross border trade. And then I will share with you an amazing conversation I had with someone who I admire and 40 years immersed in the ever changing world of global trade.

 Hello, everyone. It is great to be back with you for episode number two of Written Reflections. The last two weeks have been quite busy for me. When I left Intel, I was worried that I would have little to do and in no time at all I would be bored. But fortunately, that is not the case, as you will hear in today's podcast. To begin with, though, I would like to express my sorrow and the horror of watching the Relentless wildfires ravage parts of Los Angeles. It is heartbreaking to witness and to consider the loss. of life and property of so many. All of us in this ultra connected world are likely to know someone impacted.

Hello and Happy New Year 2025. My name is Jeff Rittner and I am excited to start the new year by posting my first podcast. I am the former Chief Trade Officer, Vice President and General Manager of the International Trade Group at Intel. Over my 34 year career, I had the privilege of leading numerous global teams, working with some of the most brilliant and talented people at Intel.