Go back to school

One of the best thought leader, low hanging fruit techniques is to get reconnected to your school - be it high school, college, or graduate. 

You need your schools.

Over the last few days, I have been down in Chapel Hill, North Carolina attending alumni weekend festivities for the Kenan-Flagler Business School. I was fortunate to be asked to speak with two marketing classes of current students on the intersection of the retail sector and public policy as well as lead a lecture on retail disruption for the alumni back on campus. You can see the decks here: retail politics and retail disruption.

Talking with students as they are about to embark on their careers is a fantastic opportunity. To answer their questions and share your experience I find to be a most wonderful exchange for all involved. Also, you need to be on your game as your audience has immediate access to the WWW to challenge your ideas in real-time, or worse, you are white noise as they tune you out, so they update their Pinterest pages.

Speaking with the alumni, be it 2017 MBA graduates not even 365 days out of college, or older students who departed the school in the 80s, 70s, and even 60s can't be beaten as a venue to present your ideas. This type of cross-generation audience fosters an exchange of experience and knowledge that is a challenge to replicate on a daily workday.

As you think about upping your thought leadership game as a means to improve your experience and knowledge, think about going back to school. Reach out to that alumni director, speak with a former teacher, or find conference taking place on campus.

The ability to share ideas, speak with students, engage alumni from decades past in a safe and friendly environment is a powerful tool that will help you expand your thought leader capabilities. 

-Marc A. Ross

Marc A. Ross is the founder of Caracal Global and specializes in global communications and thought leader management at the intersection of politics, policy, and profits. Working with boardrooms and C-Suite executives from multinational corporations, trade associations, and disruptive startups, Marc helps business leaders navigate globalization, disruption, and American politics.

Syria, China, Australia, NBA, Tammy Duckworth, Roma, Nordstrom, Mattel

Syria, China, Australia, NBA, Tammy Duckworth, Roma, Nordstrom, Mattel

Marc Ross Daily
April 11, 2018
Curation and commentary from Marc A. Ross

Reporting from Alexandria, Virginia

Marc Ross Daily  = Global Business News at the Intersection of Politics + Policy + Profits

Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/bSQKwA

TOP FIVE

✔️ Trump warns Russia US missiles ‘will be coming’ to Syria

✔️ China accelerates opening to foreign financial groups

✔️ Australia seeks new ASEAN ties as US-China rivalry grows

✔️ In NBA, court, and canvas are intertwined

✔️ Duckworth has baby

GEOECONOMICS

WSJ: Trump warns Russia US missiles ‘will be coming’ to Syria

FT: Trump saysUS poised to take military action against Syria

@spectatorindex: BREAKING: Trump cancels South America trip to focus on response to Syria

Airlines have been warned to steer clear of the eastern Mediterranean over the next 72 hours due to possible air strikes on Syria.

Italy's 5-Star Movement defends guaranteed income pledgehttp://p.dw.com/p/2vmUF

"The 5-Star Movement triumphed in Italy's election and intends to carry through on the promise of a basic income."

Japan hopes rare-earth find will give it an edge against China: WSJ reports, Japan has hundreds of years’ worth of rare-earth metal deposits in its waters, according to new research that reflects Tokyo’s concern about China’s hegemony over minerals used in batteries and electric vehicles.

Nikkei: Australia seeks new ASEAN ties as US-China rivalry grows: Trade and security links make Southeast Asia a natural choice. https://s.nikkei.com/2HbL7Iv

FT: China accelerates opening to foreign financial groups

China takes step toward opening its financial markets to the world: WSJ reports, Beijing pledges to launch stock trading link between Shanghai and London.

LAT: Amid Trump's threats, Xi pledges to slash tariffs, open China's markets

"Certainly we are encouraged by President Xi's kind words but at the same time, we want to see concrete actions from China. We're going to continue moving forward in the process and in the negotiations until those happen," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.

Xi’s vow to cut auto tariffs is less than meets the eye: Politico reports, business leaders and analysts say past Chinese promises to open up its markets have gone largely unfulfilled. Several business leaders were more critical, saying they heard little new and are increasingly frustrated with Chinese pledges to speed up reform with little or no follow-through. “The business community wants to see China move forward with implementing the promised reforms, not just talk about them,” said John Frisbie, president of the US-China Business Council. “The lack of implementation is creating uncertainty and undermining business confidence.”

WP - Isaac Stone Fish OpEd: American companies in China shouldn’t fear tariffs. They should fear a boycott. The nightmare scenario for U.S. companies is a boycott of U.S. goods and services — perhaps targeting an individual company or U.S. products in general. https://wapo.st/2IJSrbn

FT - Martin Wolf: US-China rivalry will shape the 21st century. Beijing’s rising economic and political power poses great challenges to the west. https://on.ft.com/2qpFiNn

IMF chief warns global economy could be ‘torn apart’: FT reports, Lagarde says countries should ‘steer clear of protectionism.’

AMERICAN POLITICS

BREAKING: Axios is reporting Paul Ryan is not running for re-election.

Federal deficit projected to top $1 trillion by 2020: NYT reports, the new analysis from the Congressional Budget Office takes into account the cost of the sweeping tax cuts that Republicans in Congress passed last year. 

Puerto Rico is set to receive $18.5 billion from HUD to help rebuild its battered housing and infrastructure following Hurricane Maria. 

‘How long can we last?’ Trump’s tariffs hit home in the US: NYT reports, a Pennsylvania manufacturer that relies on Chinese steel pipe has few alternative sources — and now its Chinese rival may gain an advantage.

Rare coalition bands together to fight Trump tariffs: Bloomberg, retail, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and other industries say the tariffs on $150 billion in Chinese goods are counterproductive to the goal of holding Beijing accountable for intellectual property theft and other trade practices. The groups are working to keep specific products off the U.S. list and trying collectively to keep levies from being imposed at all.

Zuckerberg concedes Facebook’s missteps in congress testimony: WSJ reports, lawmakers grilled Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg over the company’s handling of user privacy while also signaling they were prepared to embark on a new era of regulation for big tech companies. 

Reuters: Second day of congressional hearings awaits Facebook CEO Zuckerberg

Pompeo on spot to define Trump strategy in confirmation hearing: Bloomberg reports, at his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, Pompeo is likely to be questioned about potential retaliation against Syria over an alleged chemical attack, the administration’s plans to impose tariffs on imports and a planned meeting with North Korea’s leader after months of heightened tensions over nuclear testing. Lawmakers also are likely to ask about deteriorating relations with Russia and whether the administration will pull out of the nuclear pact with Iran.

Duckworth has baby; 1st US senator to give birth in office: AP reports, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has given birth to a baby girl, making her the first US senator to give birth while in office. 

Only 10 women have given birth while serving in Congress.

‘He has unlimited money’: Scott upends battle for the Senate: Politics reports, 'It’s a victory for Republicans outside of Florida as much as it a victory for Republicans in Florida,' one GOP operative says.

ENTERPRISE

Sprint has restarted talks to merge with T-Mobile.

Google is in talks to buy Nokia's airplane broadband business to offer new services to more users by offering high-speed internet during flights. 

Toy maker Mattel is shuttering its New York office: CNBC reports, toy maker Mattel announced on Monday that it is closing its New York office, as part of a previously announced $650 million cost savings plan. The closing, which will take place in phases through the rest of the year, will affect roughly 100 employees.

Amazon spent $22.6 billion in 2017 on research and development, more than any other US company.

Nordstrom is opening its first-ever Manhattan location to woo online shoppers away from their screens with a clubhouse bar, 24/7 store pickup, customized products, and a barber shop. 

Allianz buys $35 million stake in Go-Jek.

TRENDS

Check out Piper Jaffray's semi-annual Generation Z survey of more than 6,000 US teens http://bit.ly/2EDhgDq

Food, beauty and video games continue to dominate teen wallet.

Athletic cycle above historic average but streetwear cycle accelerates.

Teens opt for Snapchat and Instagram as Facebook engagement stabilizes.

CULTURE

In NBA, court and canvas are intertwined: NYT reports, NBA players have become art collectors, out of enthusiasm, as an investment and to have something to pass on to the next generation. https://nyti.ms/2HqfdFT

SOTD

R.E.M. - Finest Worksong http://bit.ly/2GSxL0k

Tears For Fears - The Working Hour http://bit.ly/2qkSdA2

SPORT

Heroic Roma restore Italian pride after World Cup despair: AFP reports, Italy has spent five months grieving over the failure of the national team to take their customary place at the World Cup, but Roma have restored some pride with a heroic victory over Barcelona in the Champions League. The Azzurri, four-time world champions, are not going to Russia, but after Roma won 3-0, to over-turn a 4-1 quarter-final deficit and eliminate mighty Barca on Tuesday night on away goals, the club from the Eternal City can dream of going to a final in Ukraine.

Shohei Ohtani is very clearly not from this planethttp://bit.ly/2Ht7JCc

FIFA looks for $25 billion, 12-year deal for new tournaments: AP reports, FIFA is planning to team up with Saudi Arabian, Chinese and American investors in a $25 billion, 12-year deal that could add two major international tournaments to an already crowded soccer calendar. With preparations for this year’s World Cup in Russia reaching a climax, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is looking to launch an expanded 24-team Club World Cup — played every four years starting in 2021 — and a separate global competition for national teams every two years.

WSJ: Kansas included in expanded NCAA basketball probe

The hockey community is leaving hockey sticks out for the Humboldt boys: LAT reports, many NHL teams paid tribute to the Humboldt Broncos junior ice hockey team, who lost 15 of its players and staff in a crash last week. But that still wasn't enough for many who play and watch the game. https://lat.ms/2Hc5OEi

China, Russia, Taiwan, Norway, Sweden, Germany

China, Russia, Taiwan, Norway, Sweden, Germany

Marc Ross Daily
April 10, 2018
Curation and commentary from Marc A. Ross

Reporting from Alexandria, Virginia

Marc Ross Daily  = Global Business News at the Intersection of Politics + Policy + Profits

Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/bSQKwA

TOP FIVE

✔️ China and Russia go to ends of the earth for Arctic control

✔️ Taiwan under siege from blitz of Chinese cyberattacks

✔️ Cryptocurrency miners seek cheap energy in Norway and Sweden

✔️ Jack Ma’s Ant Financial to raise $9 billion

✔️ Zuckerberg to face sharp questions

GEOECONOMICS

China and Russia go to ends of the earth for Arctic control: Nikkei reports, melting ice and ample resources spark race for supremacy with US.

Taiwan under siege from blitz of Chinese cyberattacks: Asia Times reports, Taiwan has admitted that cyber attacks from China are taking a toll on the island’s digital infrastructure, with government computer systems now subjected to as many as 40 million incidents each month. 

China’s only aircraft carrier appears dovish as USS Theodore Roosevelt sails in: Asia Times reports, the capabilities of the Chinese aircraft carrier are dwarfed by the nuclear-propelled Nimitz-class ship as its US strike group sails into the South China Sea. 

FT: Xi Jinping speech offers no big concessions to Donald Trump

NYT: Xi Jinping urges dialogue, not confrontation after Trump seeks tariffs

Xi Jinping, warning of ‘cold war mentality,’ vows a more open China: WSJ reports, plans are underway to reduce tariffs on imported autos, promote further economic liberalization.

US-China talks broke down over Trump’s demands on high-tech industries: Bloomberg reports, trade talks between the world’s biggest economies broke down last week after the Trump administration demanded that China curtail support for high-technology industries, a person familiar with the situation said, signaling that a resolution may be some ways off.

Chinese investment into US slumps in 2017 on policy changes: report: Reuters reports, Chinese investment in the United States fell more than a third last year to $29 billion from a record $46 billion in 2016, the first major correction in a decade, a report by the Rhodium Group and the National Committee on US-China Relations showed.

In trade fight, China today differs from 1980s Japan: WSJ reports, Tokyo never threatened to retaliate; Beijing says it is prepared to strike back.

Hundreds of years' worth of rare earths found in Japan: Nikkei reports, deposits near remote Japanese island could ease dependence on China.

Reuters: Cryptocurrency miners seek cheap energy in Norway and Sweden

Macron sparks uproar by reaching out to Catholic Church: AFP reports, Remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron that he wanted to repair church-state ties caused uproar Tuesday, sparking charges he was tampering with France's longstanding secular tradition. The Catholic Church and the state were for centuries virtually indistinguishable in France but the 1789 Revolution and 19th-century modernization saw the two formally separated by a 1905 law.

Bloomberg: Britons back holding a vote on May's Brexit deal

DW: Russian spy poisoning: Yulia Skripal discharged from hospital

In the shadow of the civil war in Syria, there is a separate conflict between Iran and Israel that has been intensifying. 

'Smile and nod': Latin American leaders brace for tense Trump visit: Reuters reports, Trump, who has disparaged Latin American countries over immigration, narcotics, and trade, heads to the region this week for a summit that diplomats say is likely to be awkward and tense.

Trump will arrive in the Peruvian capital, Lima, on Friday for the Summit of the Americas. 

AMERICAN POLITICS

Tonight: Frontline goes inside Trump’s high-stakes battle for control of the GOP, examining how he attacked fellow Republicans and used inflammatory rhetoric that rallied his base and further divided the country in his first year as president. Watch the trailer here: https://to.pbs.org/2ExgLL3

For Bannon, tariffs are ultimate test of Trump’s beliefs: NYT reports, if the president stands firm, his former strategist Stephen K. Bannon said, Mr. Trump will fulfill the promise of his campaign. If he retreats, he will demonstrate that the Trump movement wasn’t much of a movement after all.

The winners in Trump’s trade war? This Indiana family. The losers? The same family. WP reports, as Washington and Beijing swap threats in their escalating trade dispute, this Indiana family shows how global commerce is marbled through communities across the country. Local residents compete with, sell to and work for foreign enterprises, a reminder that in trade wars, it’s hard to shoot at the enemy without hitting a friend.

Reuters: Dallas Fed's Kaplan is hopeful rhetoric in US-China trade dispute will de-escalate

Zuckerberg to face sharp questions on Facebook’s data-privacy policies: WSJ reports, lawmakers pressing Facebook on its handling of personal user data turn their sights to Mark Zuckerberg.

Bloomberg: Zuckerberg’s ‘move fast, break things’ strategy faces scrutiny at Congress

LAT: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to apologize for his company's mistakes during his Washington testimony

“We didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake,” Zuckerberg says in prepared testimony.

ENTERPRISE

NYT: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa will stop requiring signatures for credit card transactions

Nine West Holdings, known for its ubiquitous footwear, filed for bankruptcy on Friday mainly for having missed the athletic shoe trend. 

Adidas to close stores in online push: BOF reports, Adidas' chief executive says he expects to close down stores in the coming years as part of a shift towards selling more goods online.

"We will have fewer stores but they will be better" 

"Our website is the most important store we have in the world."

Amazon now sells more than 70 of its own private-label brands.

LAT: H&M's woes mean fast fashion is getting worse, not better

FT: Bayer and Monsanto rise on report DoJ will approve tie-up

German startup Delivery Hero worries about Amazon and Uber encroaching: HG reports, In the future, your favorite restaurant may have a menu but no tables and chairs. It may be just a kitchen with a good phone line. The CEO of Germany’s largest meal delivery service, Delivery Hero, says it is urging restaurants to open in out of the way locations to serve the growing demand for home-delivered meals. http://bit.ly/2uZ8QH9

Uber is embracing two-wheelers, too. The ride-hailing giant pedaled into the bicycle-rental market with the acquisition of New York-based Jump Bikes, reportedly for more than $100m in shares and cash. Jump offers electric bikes for $2 a ride.

Jack Ma’s Ant Financial to raise $9 billion, become world’s biggest unicorn: WSJ reports, Ant Financial, carved out of Mr. Ma’s e-commerce giant Alibaba seven years ago, is preparing to raise $9 billion in a private funding round, up from a previous fundraising target of $5 billion.

TRENDS

Prioritizing: Giving all of your time to what seems urgent will leave you exhausted. Here’s how to know the difference between what is necessary and what is expendable. http://bit.ly/2qhjvYL

In the second quarter of 2018, digital revenue at Conde Nast is set to match print revenue for the first time.

How Germany invented the sharing economy: HG reports, the idea of a sharing economy has gained huge popularity in recent years and led to the rapid growth of disruptors such as Airbnb and Uber. It's hard to believe its roots are in the 19th-century German countryside. http://bit.ly/2GIWbO6

Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, born 200 years ago this month in western Germany, was a rural mayor who in the 1850s hit on the idea of people banding together to conduct their mutual business themselves, as owners, investors, and customers. His principle of self-help, self-governance, and self-responsibility was a sort of halfway house between capitalism and Marxism. 

CULTURE

RIP: Former Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian elected to Congress who served for more than three decades, died Friday. He was 93. 

Nobody walks to LAX https://lat.ms/2GJAixY

A 2015 passenger survey shows that almost every LAX traveler arrives to get on a plane by using some other kind of vehicle. Private vehicles take 88% of them, vans and courtesy shuttles do 11%, leaving just 1% to get there via public transportation such as LAX FlyAway buses or the LAX/Aviation stop on Metro's Green Line.

LAT: Fleetwood Mac ejects Lindsey Buckingham, adds Mike Campbell and Neil Finn

Apparently, Lindsey can go his own way.

This is America’s richest zip code: Bloomberg reports, the richest zip code in America is just as exclusive and elite as the people who live there. Fisher Island, located just off the coast of Miami, is accessible only by ferry or water taxi and is a haven for the world’s richest. The 216-acre island has diverse residents, representing over 50 nationalities and professions ranging from professional athletes and supermodels to executives and lawyers. https://bloom.bg/2Hqmrdd

SPORT

Played 26, lost 26: The story of Antigua Barracuda's record-breaking season: The USL side lost every game of the 2013 season, based in a hotel and playing every game away, but their fighting spirit earned their opponents’ respect. http://bit.ly/2GOlXwh

Woods and Nicklaus are the only draws in golf: 538 reports, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus are the only two players where high finishes have a statistically significant effect on Sunday ratings for the Masters tournament. When Tiger finished in the top 10, the average rating was a 10.0, and when Jack finished in the top ten the average rating was a 9.5.

Duke is No. 1 in way-too-early AP rankings for 2018-19.

Here's the rest of the top ten:

1. Duke
2. Kansas
3. Villanova
4. Kentucky
5. North Carolina
6. Gonzaga
7. Auburn
8. Virginia
9. Tennessee
10. Nevada