Rittener Reflections

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  • EP 11 – Involuntarily Separated

    EP 11 – Involuntarily Separated

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    EP 11 – Involuntarily Separated
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    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.

  • EP10 “Techno Nationalism” with Alex Capri: Examining global transformation

    EP10 “Techno Nationalism” with Alex Capri: Examining global transformation

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    EP10 “Techno Nationalism” with Alex Capri: Examining global transformation
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    Join Alex Capri and me for episode 10 of Rittener Reflections, discussing how Techno Nationalism is shaping global transformation. Alex, who teaches at the National University of Singapore’s Business School and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, has extensive experience in China and Asia. He led KPMG’s Asia Trade & Customs Practice and worked as a trade specialist with the U.S. Treasury Department and Customs Service.
    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.
    Listen to this episode and get Alex’s book, *Techno Nationalism*, to learn more about these current issues.
  • EP 9: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!

    EP 9: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!

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    EP 9: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!
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    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.
    By way of introduction, Robb served as the Senior Advisor and Managing Counsel for the International Government Affairs Group at Intel. He joined Intel in 1999 as a lawyer, supporting various global business units. He contributes to U.S.-China thought leadership and speaks at industry panels. Currently, he is a consultant and Franklin Fellow at the U.S. State Department.  Robb has lived, worked, and studied in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China, and speaks Mandarin. He now lives in Utah, enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid long-distance runner, having completed 12 marathons and 60 half marathons.
    You won’t want to miss this engaging and honest conversation.
  • EP8: Scenario Planning in a time of Uncertainty

    EP8: Scenario Planning in a time of Uncertainty

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    EP8: Scenario Planning in a time of Uncertainty
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    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. Specifically, our conversation covered:

    • Scenario planning, game boarding, and “war games”
    • The importance of anticipating risks and preparing for worst-case scenarios before crises arise
    • Identifying opportunities to readjust and perform ongoing scenario planning during a crisis

    I trust you will find this discussion valuable as you navigate through your own uncertainties.

  • EP7 PT3: BIS Update Conference: Day 3

    EP7 PT3: BIS Update Conference: Day 3

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    EP7 PT3: BIS Update Conference: Day 3
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    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!

  • EP7 PT2: BIS Update Conference: Day 2

    EP7 PT2: BIS Update Conference: Day 2

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    EP7 PT2: BIS Update Conference: Day 2
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    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.

  • EP7: BIS Update Conference Day 1

    EP7: BIS Update Conference Day 1

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    EP7: BIS Update Conference Day 1
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    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.
     You will hear from Julie Whitt who is an inspiring leader in global trade compliance, expertly navigating the complexities of business, regulatory, and operational challenges in the semiconductor industry. You will also hear from Jose Vega who is a Trade Compliance Specialist at Intel and has over 20 years of experience in Trade compliance within the tech industry. And finally, Robert Kearsley who has over 25 years of experience in U.S. and multilateral export controls and sanctions, including a background in government, law, consulting, and industry.
     Listen each day for this timely and important conversation.
  • EP6: Tariff Wars pt. 2

    EP6: Tariff Wars pt. 2

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    EP6: Tariff Wars pt. 2
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    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.
    In my career, I have learned the hard way the importance of always seeking first to understand. Considering our present circumstances, I have decided to examine more closely the rationale behind President Trump’s decision to pursue this highly disruptive and controversial approach. Specifically, I will explore the philosophy and perspectives that underpin his turbulent tariff strategy.
    Finally, I will introduce an upcoming conference on export controls that will be held this week in Washington, DC. It promises to be an engaging and informative event.
    I hope you will find value from this addition of Rittener Reflections and will listen to each session this week.
  • EP5: Tariff Wars

    EP5: Tariff Wars

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    EP5: Tariff Wars
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    Brian White is the Senior Director of Global Trade Compliance and Facilitation at Intel Corporation. He 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.
    Brian is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker with over 25 years.

  • EP4: Delightful Distraction

    EP4: Delightful Distraction

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    EP4: Delightful Distraction
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    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.