Wheel of Risk: A podcast by Allianz Trade

Bringing Baltimore Back Oct 31, 2024

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 media.

That’s why this special season finale episode of Wheel of Risk is dedicated to the city we call home here at Allianz Trade in North America. Host Alix McCabe is joined by two leaders from Baltimore City Hall — Charlyn Nater, the Director of Main Streets in the Mayor’s Office of Small Minority Business Advocacy & Development, and Christopher R. Lundy, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development, for a comprehensive conversation about efforts to reinvigorate the local economy. They also discuss what they love the most about the city, which stereotypes they can’t stand, and share invaluable advice for business owners in both Baltimore and beyond.

Beyond Swiftonomics: The Effect of Marquee Events Oct 17, 2024

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 McCabe sits down once again with Dan North, the Senior Economist for North America at Allianz Trade, for a deep dive into the ripple effect that occurs whenever a famous musical act, high-stakes playoff game, or big business conference comes to town. They explore how — ticket sales aside — these marquee events also generate spending on everything from lodging and transportation to restaurants, retailers, and much more. They also discuss what local businesses can do to ‘get on the bandwagon’ and take advantage of all those juicy opportunities when they do arise.

Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Women in Leadership Oct 03, 2024

“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 two women with compelling stories about their own experiences climbing the corporate ladder: speaker, talent coach, and author, Roberta Matuson, and Allianz Trade’s CEO for UK & Ireland, Sarah Murrow. Over the course of their conversation, they discuss both the progress that’s been made in recent years as well as the societal norms that are still holding women back. They also explore how having women in leadership roles can benefit a company both financially and culturally, why underperforming organizations tend to have fewer female leaders, and why companies that ignore gender diversity do so at their own peril.

Artificial Intelligence / Natural Opportunity Sep 19, 2024

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 Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined by Aaron Lindstrom, the Regional Head of E-Commerce for Allianz Trade Americas, to discuss the impact AI is having on business operations, as well as the potential it holds for enhancing engagement, effectiveness, and resilience. They explore how companies can shore up their defenses against evolving cyberthreats that are also AI-powered, and why business owners and leaders shouldn’t sit on the sidelines as the technology becomes more ubiquitous. You can even play along as Alix and Aaron test their ability to distinguish AI voices from real ones, in a special quiz at the end of the episode.

Unsung Heroes: Surety Bonds Sep 05, 2024

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 offering with the help of three members of Allianz Trade’s “surety squad”; Nick Verna, Regional Head of Surety for Allianz Trade Americas; Nicole Beck, Underwriting Director, Commercial Surety at Allianz Trade in the U.S.; and David Brehm, Underwriting Director, Contract Surety at Allianz Trade in the U.S. Together, they explain the role of surety bonds across a variety of industries, answer the most commonly-asked questions, and arm business owners and contractors with the knowledge they need to decide if a surety bond is something they should talk to their broker about.

Putting the ‘E’ in ESG Aug 22, 2024

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 Group Head of Sustainability at Allianz Trade, for a crash course in ESG, with a particular focus on the environment and what companies can do to improve their sustainability practices. Together, they explore the origins of the movement, the business case for sustainability, as well as potential stumbling blocks to implementation. Piril also provides clear, actionable advice for organizations that are either just starting their sustainability journeys or well down the road and looking to increase their impact.

The Impact of Change: Elections & the Economy Aug 08, 2024

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 have a broad range of impacts on the U.S. economy. Host Alix McCabe is joined by Allianz Trade’s Head of Economic Research, Ana Boata, for a comprehensive exploration of presidential economic policies, past and present, including predictions of what to expect if Donald Trump secures a second term. You can even play along as Alix puts her political knowledge to the test in a special presidential pop quiz.

The Dynamics of DEIB Jul 25, 2024

What does Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging mean to you? There’s been a lot of talk about DEIB in corporate America over the last few years, but in too many cases, those conversations haven’t resulted in concrete change.

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe dives headfirst into the complicated, nuanced topic, with the help of two experts on the subject: Clayton Corley, the Chief of Staff for Commercial and DEIB Officer at Allianz Trade in North America; and Josh Saterman, the CEO and co-founder of Saterman Connect. Their frank discussion covers a lot of ground, from the origins and intent of the DEIB movement, to myths, current roadblocks, and strategies for implementation. They also get into the business case for DEIB initiatives, and how they can help companies large and small boost their bottom lines and enhance employee engagement.

Walking on Sunshine: The Business of Summer Travel Jul 11, 2024

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 economic ups and downs associated with summer travel. They’ll explore which types of business and which industries tend to see a seasonal spike in spending, and what companies can do to cash in on those juicy, tourist dollars. They’ll also explain why some goods and services tend to get more expensive over the summer, and how individual travelers can maximize their time and their money. Listen until the very end for a special ‘Hot or Not’ segment, where Dan shares his take on recent summer travel trends.

The Eureka Effect Jun 27, 2024

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 “aha” moments, when entrepreneurs and business leaders make a powerful mental shift to reframe risk as opportunity. With the help of leadership coach and clarity expert Al Herrera, and long-time Wheel of Risk contributor Justin Seedorf, Allianz Trade’s Regional Vice President for Southwest America, Alix explores everything from why humans tend to default to fear, to the difference between known and unknown risks, to actual Eureka moments behind some real-life success stories. They also discuss the benefits of that shift in thinking to uncover why a simple change in perspective can often lead to better business outcomes.

Wheel of Risk Season Three Jun 20, 2024

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 DEIB initiatives and the economic impact of elections, to women in leadership, how artificial intelligence will change eCommerce, and much, much more.

So go ahead, give the wheel a spin! Season three of Wheel of Risk is coming soon, everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Predict, Prepare, Persevere Jan 11, 2024

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 winner for Team USA, Daniel Romanchuk. With a focus on prediction, preparation, and perseverance, their conversation ranges from Daniel’s early life in Maryland and his discovery of wheelchair racing, to his journey to the Rio Games in 2016 and on to Tokyo in 2020, where he faced unexpected challenges but still emerged victorious. The episode also highlights the importance of partnership, showcasing Daniel's support network and his collaboration with Allianz Trade, the Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

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The Circle of Life Dec 28, 2023

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 Senior Economist for North America at Allianz Trade, for a deep dive into the cyclical nature of the U.S. economic system. One part history lesson, one part economics lesson, with a pinch of prognostication on the side, this podcast is essential listening for any business owner or manager who’s concerned about the toll that tough economic times can take on their organization’s bottom line.

We'd also love to learn more about you and what you'd like to hear on future episodes, so please take two minutes to fill out this survey.

Spot the Hazards Dec 14, 2023

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 Allianz Trade, and two members of his risk team; Teresa Matney and Matt Cobo. Together, they break down the specific risks and opportunities facing a wide swath of businesses that operate in two key sectors of the economy; the tech and manufacturing industries. The team also highlights which key indicators to watch in the coming months and years, and shares expert advice about what businesses can do to weather — or benefit from — any peaks and valleys in the economic cycle.

We'd also love to learn more about you and what you'd like to hear on future episodes, so please take two minutes to fill out this survey.

Too Big to Fail Nov 30, 2023

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 Trade Americas. Together, they explore why doing business with large corporations or customers is no guarantee that your company won’t run into trouble. They’ll also dive into the potential ripple effects that can occur when a supposedly ‘fail-proof’ company does indeed collapse, and provide some invaluable food for thought for any business owner who believes they’re on solid financial footing because they only deal with “the big guys.”

Frightful or Delightful? Nov 16, 2023

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 a timely deep dive into the importance of the holiday shopping season. Together, they examine the specific risk factors facing seasonal retailers, and discuss which economic conditions, like inflation, food costs, and gas prices, may affect or help predict how much money shoppers are going to spend. Dan will also share his forecast for the 2023 holiday shopping season in particular to help anyone with ties to the retail sector know what to expect.

The Cost of Growth Nov 02, 2023

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 credit insurance, and discuss how U.S. companies in particular may be missing out on opportunities overseas. They’ll also dig into the numbers to explain why a policy’s price tag pales in comparison to the value it provides — not only as a safety net, but as an engine for growing your business beyond what you previously thought possible.

Dawn of the Debt Oct 19, 2023

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, Regional Vice President, Northwest Region at Allianz Trade. Together, they discuss just how common these types of businesses are, how to spot the warning signs, and how to prevent your own organization from becoming ‘infected.’ They’ll also hear from Allianz Trade’s Senior Economist for North America Dan North, who shares his own expertise and insights on the risks these zombie companies present to other businesses.

Break Out the Bailing Bucket Oct 05, 2023

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 Seedorf, Southwest Regional Vice President at Allianz Trade Americas, for a comprehensive look at the cause and ramifications of the situation at SVB. They’ll also hear from Dan North, Allianz Trade’s Senior Economist for North America, who breaks down the long-term outlook for banks, their customers, and the economy in general, as they contend with the new regulatory environment in which they find themselves.

Wheel of Risk Season 2 Sep 14, 2023

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 misconceptions about trade credit insurance, and bring you expert advice and actionable insights designed to help you keep your business safe, secure, and profitable — even in challenging times. Listen for season two of Wheel of Risk, coming soon to all the major podcast platforms.

Troubled Times: Staying solvent in an uncertain economy Feb 23, 2023

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 President of Sales, General Division, at Summar Financial — a Florida-based factoring firm that has its finger firmly on the pulse of the global situation, thanks to a vast network of clients and contacts in more than 24 different countries. Together with Carlos Garcia, Sales Vice President at Allianz Trade in Americas, they discuss the various options available to companies to help them stay solvent even when economic conditions aren’t entirely favorable, and share some personal predictions about just how long the current storm will last.

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Russian Trade Embargo: What to do when political risk turns into credit risk Feb 09, 2023

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 Operating Officer of Ronald A. Chisholm Limited, which had more than $10 million worth of meat en route to a customer in Russia when the embargo came down. It could have been a devastating blow for the Toronto-based company, but thankfully Chisholm was prepared for just such an eventuality. Alix and Joe will also hear from Steve Georgetti, Director of Risk Underwriting for the Americas at Allianz Trade, who explains what other companies can learn from Chisholm’s story, and which red flags to watch out for to avoid ending up in a similar situation.

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Supply Shock: Turning a domestic product glut into a global opportunity Jan 26, 2023

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’s Chief Financial Officer, Craig Wellen, that spike forced the plastic resin distributor to turn increasingly to international markets to find buyers, which presented a whole host of challenges. Alix and Craig will also be joined by Al Reytan, Senior Director at Allianz Trade in North America, who shares his expert advice for navigating those challenges, and some tips to minimize your company’s risk, regardless of the industry in which you operate.

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We're Going to Need a Bigger Boat: Weighing risk and reward when scaling your business Jan 12, 2023

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, to discuss the challenges the New York-based wire and cable distributor encountered in trying to scale up its business. They’ll also be joined by George Pipala, an Account Underwriter at Allianz Trade, who shares his insights on what business leaders can do to overcome those challenges. Be sure to listen to the end and you may even gain a new appreciation for the concept of a ‘backseat driver’, at least within the context of trade credit insurance.

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When the Going Gets Tough: Trust versus red flags for a family business in Texas Dec 29, 2022

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 Texas, who has an unusual story about a client that owed his company more than a million dollars, and started treating every single payment as a noteworthy occasion. Also joining the conversation is Justin Seedorf, Southwest Regional Vice President at Allianz Trade, to offer his perspective on managing risk, and the importance of doing your due diligence on any potential partners, customers, or clients before signing on that dotted line.

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A/R Concentration Risk: How to remain calm when an important client can't pay Dec 15, 2022

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 a situation. They’ll also hear from Allianz Trade’s Senior Economist for North America, Dan North, as they explore the surprisingly high-risk world of scrap metal recycling, where fluctuating commodity prices can be the difference between feast and famine. Listen to the very end for Dan’s expert analysis on the current economic situation, including the looming likelihood of recession, and for Tim’s ‘parting gift’ to listeners; some important advice to help other businesses avoid the same snags his company has faced.

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Welcome to Wheel of Risk Nov 14, 2022

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 Trade – designed to help you keep your business safe, secure, and well ahead of the competition. Every episode, host Alix McCabe talks to business leaders and experts who’ve faced, and overcome, real trade-related challenges to keep their businesses alive and thriving. They know what it means to truly protect their organizations and themselves. They learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.
So go ahead – spin the wheel – we’ve got you covered!

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