podcast | Business Diplomacy Today

Africa’s Economic Rise: Opportunities and Lessons for German Business

23/04/2026

In this episode, host Dr Matthias Catón is joined by Dr Tevin Tafese, development economist and research fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), to assess the dynamic economic landscape of Africa and its meaning for international business. Together they unpack the continent’s diversity, growth prospects, and innovation potential, as well as the misconceptions and opportunities that shape external engagement.

Climate Change and Maritime Security

31/03/202626/03/2026

This episode, presented by the German Maritime Centre, examines the profound interplay between climate change and maritime security within a shifting geopolitical landscape. The conversation uncovers how environmental pressures are increasingly influencing global trade, security policies, and industrial competitiveness, drawing on Dr. Kira Vinke’s extensive fieldwork and policy expertise.

Business Disruption and Change in 2024

23/07/202416/06/2024

In this episode, host Matthias Catón join Christina Rabe, the Market Unit Lead for Accenture in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. They delve into the Pulse of Change Index developed by Accenture.

Asia After Europe

09/09/202509/05/2024

In Episode 29 Matthias Catón is joined by Sugata Bose, Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs at Harvard University. Following Sugata’s recent publication “Asia After Europe: Imagining a Continent in the Long Twentieth Century”, Matthias and him discuss the how Asia’s history has been defined by Europe and what the current century brings.

Achieving Financial Equality

02/04/2024

In Episode 28 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking. Matthias and Mary Ellen examine the persistent gender gap in financial inclusion and its linkages to digital inclusion.

The EU AI Act

14/03/2024

In Episode 27 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Till Klein, Head of Trustworthy AI at appliedAI. Matthias and Till explore the forthcoming EU AI Act, including an investigation of its core principles and implications for businesses.

Geopolitical Intelligence and Corporate Planning

22/02/2024

In Episode 26, host Matthias Catón is joined by Lewis Sage-Passant, Global Head of Intelligence at Novo Nordisk and founder of EncyclopediaGeopolitica. Matthias and Lewis delve into the intricacies of how multinational corporations navigate geopolitics and international relations.

US-German Transatlantic Relations

08/02/2024

In Episode 25 host Matthias Catón is joined by Simone Menne, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany. In their discussion, Matthias and Simone address the intricacies of transatlantic relations between the US and Germany and how this relationship is shaped by geopolitics.

The Digital Euro

25/01/2024

In Episode 24 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Karel Lannoo, CEO of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS). In their discussion, Matthias and Karel dive into the complexities of implementing a digital currency and its impact on the financial landscape; in this episode, specifically on the case of the Eurozone and the Digital Euro.

2024 Trends to Watch

11/01/2024

In Episode 23 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Tom Standage, Deputy Editor of The Economist and editor of its future-gazing annual, The World Ahead. Timely, with the start of the new year, Matthias and Tom delve into global trends and predictions for 2024; as well as their implications for businesses and global affairs.