India's May Trade Gap Narrows as Exports Rise

©iStock/ADITCHAROENKUL 

India's merchandise trade ⁠deficit ⁠narrowed marginally in May as higher exports ⁠offset part of the import bill, while firms navigated volatile energy prices, Middle East disruptions and ​ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.

The data underscores pressure on India to sustain exports and contain import costs as ​it seeks greater U.S. market access, with April-May goods exports nearly flat at $17.29 billion versus $17.21 billion a year earlier.

Today in Global Small Business: The Global Women Presidents Organization

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Making sure the world knows about the global peer advisory group the Women Presidents Organization for women business owners generating $2 million (USD) in gross annual sales for a product-based business or $1 million for a service-based business.  If that is you, discover what a WPO membership could mean for your business.  Note: I ([Laurel Delaney] have been a WPO Chicago Chapter Chair since 2003 so I know first hand how exceptional the organization is.
• IMF Chief:  We can't repeat the mistakes of globalization with AI.
• Alternatives to the major powers must play a larger role, no matter if the aim is preservation of the existing global order, reform of its institutions, or transformation into a new model of governance.
• Quote of the week:  “These incredible women [business owners] have inspired me every single day. Their drive, resilience, and impact have shaped not only the economy but also communities and generations to come. It has been the honor of my life to help support this global movement for women’s economic development and leadership." – Camille Burns (second from left in photo), CEO, at the Women Presidents Organization
• The Qatar lesson:  In the age of globalization, new tools of influence have entered the arena. In the past, a country’s power was measured by the number of tanks, aircraft, and soldiers at its disposal.
• According to the World Economic Forum, globalization isn’t over. It’s being rebuilt around resilience, regions and intelligence.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of May, 2026, we average between 700,000-900,000 readers a month.  Thank you for your engagement! 

Swimmers On Parade on the Mag Mile in Chicago

©2026 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

In the tradition of the legendary “Cows on Parade” installation, “Monuments of Stillness” consists of 10 sculptures of swimmers along Michigan Avenue by New York artist Carole A. Feuerman.

Cool App: Bouncy Calm Smileys

©2026 Studio B42.  All rights reserved.

This global app is designed to bring smiles to your day and rest to your night.  It's called Bouncy Calm Smileys.

Bouncy Calm Smileys is designed with humanity and kindness in mind with easy to use selections of mindfulness objects that bounce dance play on screen to help bring a playful peaceful mood. Bouncy Calm Smileys is a friendly retro lo-fi affirmation mindfulness app. Choose circles, marbles, raindrops, emojis, affirmations to lighten the day or find rest at night. You choose whether the circle (ball), marble, raindrop, emoji or affirmation solos around the screen or has object friends join in. You can turn on tranquil music or nature soundscape by SoundSei to find a personal sensory meditation. The exclusively built for iOS app's goal is for calm, comfort, ease sleep, find focus, help in relaxation or rejuvenation.

Bouncy Calm Smileys offers full access during the trial, so you can explore all features before deciding whether to purchase it for just $0.99.

Check it out here and bounce your way to smiley play.

The Global Trade Effects of the AI Infrastructure Boom

©iStock/pingingz

According to the Federal Reserve, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key driver of the global economic outlook, underscored by the unprecedented scale of announced investment commitments aimed at expanding AI-related infrastructure. The AI boom is also increasingly influencing international trade by boosting demand for critical inputs and intermediate goods needed to build data centers. This surge in AI-related investment has already supported international trade since early 2025, with strong demand for critical components boosting exports in key supplier economies.

Looking ahead, AI-related trade is likely to remain an important feature of the global trade landscape as investment in AI infrastructure continues to scale.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of May, 2026, we average between 700,000-900,000 readers a month. 

Not Her Mother's Cookies

©iStock/VeselovaElena

Meet Ashley Fields. She is one of the five daughters of Debbi Fields, the founder of the namesake cookie brand, has all of the family’s sweet treat recipes memorized by heart.

But those classic recipes are of little use in her very own baking journey. With her college roommate, Kimberly Anderson, she has co-founded Fields Good cookies, which are slightly healthier than her mother’s and contain ingredients that appeal to wellness-focused consumers.  One variety contains protein, and others claim to boost brain performance or aid sleep.

She's on to something because a recent McKinsey report found that two-thirds of global consumers were willing to pay 10 percent more for healthier alternatives to their regular snacks.

Your next favorite (global) cookies just found you.

Touch the Sky with The Himalayas (Video)

Today in Global Small Business: Iran War Disrupts US Global Small Businesses

©iStock/Tatiana rico

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Iran war disrupts US small businesses with shipping complications and higher costs.
• The seven OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on June 7, 2026, to review global market conditions and outlook.
• 6 ecommerce trends that are reshaping online store performance.
• Quote of the week:  “We sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it again. They wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it." – a statement from Trump on Iran strikes
• Global economy in the shadow of the war (April, 2026).
• How SMEs are struggling with new trade restrictions in 2026.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of May, 2026, we average between 700,000-900,000 readers a month. 

See the Sunset

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"That was her magic – she could still see the sunset, even on the darkest days.” – Atticus 

EXIM Bank's Key Priorities: U.S. Small Businesses and Exporters

©iStock/klenger

EXIM equips American exporters with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. Whether you need protection from commercial or political risks, access to cash flow, or help with credit terms, EXIM has you covered.

Are you ready to begin your export journey?  Then explore EXIM's offerings.

Space X, The World's Largest IPO Is Coming Up. Champagne's On Ice – Now What?

©iStock/Walter Cicchetti

SpaceX, the rocket maker and artificial intelligence company, set a price for its initial public offering on Wednesday of $135, which would value it at $1.77 trillion and crown it the largest I.P.O. ever – which is poised to exceed the 2019 initial public offering of Saudi Aramco in both valuation and money raised.

At that price, SpaceX would raise $74.4 billion from the offering, and its valuation would be more than 40 percent higher than the $1.25 trillion that it valued itself at in February.

Champagne's on ice – now what?

If you're sitting on a windfall from today's historic SpaceX IPO filing, first: congratulations. Second: we have a thought.

Put some of that rocket fuel to work for women.

Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global (wegg®) educates women business owners worldwide on how to take their companies global – because economic opportunity shouldn't stop at any border.

A gift to wegg® (a nonprofit organization) is the kind of investment that pays forward. Smart money knows that.

👉 Donate at wegg®:  https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/donate/

Expand Your Business Reach Through Smart Translation With Susanne Evens (wegginar® 6/3/26)

©2026 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

What makes an overseas visitor buy when they visit your website? Does your messaging resonate across cultures?  Is your design offering a seamless experience for your international customers?  Find out the answers to all these questions and more at Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global's upcoming wegginar® with Susanne Evens, Founder & CEO, AAA Translation on Wednesday, June 3rd at 11 AM CT (LIVE).

Susanne will be discussing – Going Global:  How Smart Translation Expands Your Business Reach

To learn more (Susanne's bio and expected takeaways) and to register (free of charge thanks to wegg's generous sponsors), visit:  https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2026/05/13/going-global-how-smart-translation-expands-your-business-reach/.

McDonald's Accelerates Its Global Expansion

©iStock/spflaum1

International growth has become a strategic priority for McDonald’s, especially in regions where the brand’s penetration still has room for expansion.

That said, McDonald’s intensified its global growth strategy in 2025 with the opening of nearly 2,300 new restaurants, strengthening its international presence and moving closer to its ambitious goal of reaching 50,000 locations worldwide by 2027.  

Find out what this global growth does for McDonald's.

Today in Global Small Business: World's Most Admired Man's Image Is Cracking

©iStock/guru86

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Bill Gates spent years crafting his image.  Now it's cracking.
• What to pay attention to: Trump hits the stalemate phase of his international interventions, and it stings.
• What are frontier markets – and what do they matter for the global economy.
• Quote of the week:  “It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure." – Bill Gates
• A good data center by the International Trade Administration – from automotive industry to aluminum to energy.  Check it out. 
• Chief economists' outlook: May, 2026.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of February 1, 2026, we average between 700,000-900,000 readers a month.

Outside of a Dog

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." – Groucho Marx

Heal Mind, Body and Soul

AI Prompts to Help Grow Your Global Business

©iStock/Supatman

ChatGPT has quickly become a household name, with businesses of all sizes leveraging the AI-powered tool to automate tasks and advance their workflows. While its adoption has been rapid, understanding the best practices to maximize its benefits takes time.

Here are 13 useful prompts for ChatGPT, along with methods for fine-tuning them to get high-quality results that help grow your business.

Note from Laurel:  I imagine you can use these same prompts with Claude.  Just insert 'global' in some of your prompts to think beyond your own borders. 

Global-e Acquires Passport Shipping (5/26/26)

iStock/gorodenkoff

Global-e Online Ltd., the platform powering global direct-to-consumer e-commerce, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Passport Global Inc., a US-based cross-border e-commerce logistics and solutions company.

The acquisition expected to deepen Global-e’s standard logistics capabilities and improve the post-purchase experience for merchants and shoppers.

Read the news release.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  In April, 2026, we had more than 2,920,000 – yes, 2.9 million – readers visit our blog.

Pope Leo XIV is Safeguarding Humanity

©iStock/Antonio Ernesto Martilotti

Pope Leo XIV’s major new teaching on safeguarding humanity in the age of artificial intelligence is a forward-looking document, arriving at the precipice of what many see as a new technological age that will profoundly reshape human life.

In his letter, the first American pontiff called for putting care for humans at the heart of technological change.

“Magnifica Humanitas,” or “Magnificent Humanity,” is the American pope’s first encyclical, a document that is considered one of the most significant papal teachings. 

May We Always Remember Them

©iStock/pamelasphotopoetry

"Their sacrifice was the ultimate act of love for their country.  May we always remember them.” – Unknown 

With Freedom Comes Responsibility

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility." –  Eleanor Roosevelt 

Decide On Your Waterfront Getaway This Memorial Day Weekend

©iStock/StockStudios

If you’re still deciding which waterfront getaway is right for you this Memorial Day weekend, we’re here to help.  From the Pacific to the Atlantic, the Great Lakes to the Gulf, millions of Americans will head to the beach this weekend, the unofficial start of summer.

Here are six of the NY Times' favorite U.S. beaches to explore this weekend, from a pristine white-sand stretch of the Hawaiian coast to gently rolling dunes along Lake Michigan and a wild barrier island in Georgia.

How AI Will Transform Marketing

©iStock/HAKINMHAN

Artificial intelligence can automate and streamline many basic marketing functions, but the real opportunity lies in AI's ability to help CMOs reinvent their entire operating model.

• Although AI can automate basic marketing processes, CMOs who focus exclusively on productivity gains are missing the bigger picture.
• Marketing leaders who fully embrace AI can transform their entire operating model in ways that were previously impossible.
• The challenge for CMOs is to sell their marketing vision to the C-suite and to their own teams while forging new partnerships with outside agencies.

Read more here.

Claude For Small Businesses

©iStock/Robert Way

Small businesses make up nearly half the American economy, but they've never had the resources of bigger companies. AI is the first technology that can finally close that gap, which is why Claude is launching Claude for Small Business, alongside training and partnerships to make sure AI shows up for the entrepreneurs and communities who need it most.

Grievances and Drama On the World Stage in Artificial Intelligence

©iStock/pingingz

A jury rejected Elon Musk’s claims against OpenAI, finding that he brought his lawsuit against the company and Chief Executive Sam Altman after the statute of limitations expired.

The verdict brings to a close a case that fixated the tech world on the grievances and drama of some of the most powerful personalities in artificial intelligence. 

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of February 1, 2026, we average more than 900,000 readers on a monthly basis.

Today in Global Small Business: A Christmas Carol Can Never Come Too Early

©iStock/RockingStock

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Ferrell, the “Saturday Night Live” alum, appears 5/16/26 with James Austin Johnson as President Trump in a sendup of “A Christmas Carol.” Paul McCartney provides the music.
• Search LIVE goes global.
• Exposing marketing tactics and strategies driving the global growth of nicotine pouches.
• Quote of the week:  “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” – Charles Dickens
• HEINEKEN appoints new global marketing agencies to drive next phase of brand growth.
• If AI can translate instantly, why learn another language?

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of February 1, 2026, we average more than 900,000 readers on a monthly basis.

Keep Calm, Head to Key West

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Keep calm, head to Key West." – Unknown

Accelerated Global Growth

©iStock/Robert Way

Roblox is announcing five new roles to position the company for accelerated global growth. John Ciancutti is joining as Roblox’s first Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Also joining are four regional General Managers (GMs): Joost Hagesteijn for Europe, Sunil Rao for India, Diego Dzodan for Latin America, and Mohamed El Sheakh for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye. 

Read more here. 

Dear U.S.A. Government, Please Return the $160 Billion ASAP

©iStock/thitivong

The government must return about $160 billion, plus interest, collected from duties deemed illegal and potentially more if it loses a related tariff case.

The money is reserved largely for businesses that imported goods, not for American families, though both have faced rising costs as a result of Mr. Trump’s trade war. 

The refund process comes at a difficult political moment for Mr. Trump, who arrived in China on Wednesday, 5/13/26, for high-stakes trade talks. Just last week, a panel of federal judges found that the president broke the law when he replaced his illegal duties with a 10 percent tax on nearly all imports.

Customs officials indicated in a court filing on Tuesday that they had taken steps toward sending billions of dollars in additional, approved refunds to the Treasury Department for payment. The Trump administration has said it is still working to expand its system for processing refund requests.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  As of February 1, 2026, we have more than 900,000 readers on a monthly basis.

A Fast-Melting Antarctic Glacier at the End of the Earth

©iStock/staphy

Ten people.  Eight weeks.  Three-thousand feet to pierce a fast-moving Antarctic glacier.  The hole in the ice at the end of the earth.

How to Prepare, Approach, and Sell Your Products to the World's Leading Retailers with Jim Debetta

©2026 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Up next, 5/13/26 at 11:00 AM CT – free of charge wegginar® with Jim Debetta, President of DeBetta Enterprises, "How to Prepare, Approach, and Sell Your Products to the World's Leading Retailers." 

To learn more and to register visit here.

Today in Global Small Business: How Starbucks Is Turning Around

©iStock/M. Suhail

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Here’s what most turnaround stories get wrong: They focus on the result and skip the method.  Not Starbucks.  They did things differently.  See how.
• Key US export controls considerations for global data center projects.
• State of US tariffs (as of 4/8/26).
• Quote of the week:  “Growth doesn't require us to become something new, it requires us to be exceptionally good at who we already are." – Mike Grams, Chief Operations Officer, Starbucks, on the focus of the turnaround
• AI and the self you left behind.
• Advancing communications skills in the age of AI.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  In April, 2026, we had more than 2,920,000 – yes, 2.9 million – readers visit our blog.

Everything Has Beauty

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." –  Confucius

Find Your Calm

Global Expansion Simplified

©iStock/peshkov

“Internationalization” can seem an overwhelming concept for SMEs, but the relationship between the two has never been so significant. In the face of worldwide economic disruptions, SMEs’ role in the global trade ecosystem has remained resilient, contributing significantly to economic growth, innovation, and job creation.

In this article, find out:

• How to develop a structured pathway for business growth
• Nine key building blocks for international expansion
• Free whitepaper: Global Expansion Simplified: The Ultimate Guide for SMEs

It's all here.

There Is No Silver Bullet

©iStock/Nikolay Chekalin

President Trump keeps looking for the magic formula that will deliver him victory in Iran.  There is no silver bullet here.

Risks to the Global Supply Chain: Critical Raw Materials

©iStock/BJP7images

Critical raw materials are facing rising export restrictions, increasing risks to the global supply chain.

The annual update of the OECD Inventory of Export Restrictions on Critical Raw Materials tracks export restrictions and supports analysis of their impact on availability, prices and global supply chains. 

The OECD continues to monitor these measures over time.

Today in Global Small Business: First Female Trainer to Win the Kentucky Derby 2026!

©iStock/Thomas Kelley

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• On Saturday, 5/2/26, Golden Tempo sprinted to victory at the 2026 Kentucky Derby, becoming the latest long shot to win. But the impressive win was also a historic one: With Golden Tempo beating out co-favorite Renegade at the finish line, trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win at the Kentucky Derby.
• One of the world's remote nations opens up.
• Spirit Airlines loses its spirit and ceases operations after escalating financial struggles.
• Quote of the week:  “Horse racing is a sport that transcends all boundaries. It's a celebration of speed, strength, and the indomitable spirit of the horse." – Anonymous
• What would the founding fathers say about Trump?  A guest essay by Stacy Schiff.
• AI isn’t a substitute for human skills. It’s a multiplier.

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  In April, 2026, we had more than 2,920,000 – yes, 2.9 million – readers visit our blog.

Stick With Love

©2026 Laurel J.Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." – MLK

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  In April, 2026, we had more than 2,920,000 – yes, 2.9 million – readers visit our blog.

The U.A.E. Pulls Out of OPEC

©iStock/Dmitrili Pichugin

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAEs') decision to withdraw from OPEC marked a new alignment in the Middle East, where the tiny but fantastically wealthy Persian Gulf country becomes more tied to Israel and the U.S. than the Arab world.

The U.A.E. has practical reasons to pull out of OPEC. 

Note:  The Global Small Business Blog has been in operation since 2004 and is ranked number one in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global.  In April, 2026, we had more than 2,920,000 – yes, 2.9 million – readers visit our blog.

She Builds: Stories of Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs

©iStock/subkontr

Three initiatives within McGill Desautels, the Laidley Centre for Business Ethics and Equity (LCBEE), the Desautels EDI Team and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Initiative (E&I) joined forces to co-host She Builds: Stories of Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs on March 19, 2026.

The event opened with a screening of How She Dares by McGill alumna and Vietnamese-Canadian filmmaker Zoonie Nguyen (BEng’89). The film traces Nguyen’s extraordinary journey from war refugee to corporate leader and global advocate for women entrepreneurs, a deeply empowering story that set the tone for the discussions that followed. 

As the event concluded, Nguyen encouraged audience members to share their stories, no matter how small, because “by doing so,” she said, “you may give courage to people who need to hear it.”

Drawing the Line On Price Increases

©iStock/gokhanilgaz

Yesterday, I debated on whether to buy a box of De Cecco 16-oz. premium, authentic Italian linguine for $3.79!  I couldn't believe it.  I can get a similar box of pasta for 99¢ at Walmart.  Not made in Italy mind you but pretty darn good.  

Take this story. When Shannon Johnson-George’s personal laptop went bust in February, she decided not to spend the roughly $1,000 it would cost to replace it. She plans to rewear an old dress for her son’s college graduation next month after being shocked by the $100-plus prices at the online retailers she frequents. Yet over the next five months, the 40-year-old from Cincinnati has a Disney cruise, a visit to Lake Erie and a trip to New Orleans for a Bruno Mars concert booked.  

Struggling?  Not so much.  Cutting back?  Yes.  

People are spending money on things they will remember, precious memories, like a Disney cruise or Bruno Mars concert.

Across the American economy, consumers are making similar calculations.

Having De Cecco pasta doesn't fall into the bucket list of a precious memory for me so I skipped that brand and went for the 99¢ product. The wine made all the difference 😋.

If Convicted, Cole Allen Faces the Prospect of Life In Prison For Attempt to Assassinate the USA President

©iStock/Nandani Bridglal

Secret Service agents responded to a shooting at the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening (4/25/26).  President Trump and other administration officials were rushed out, and a suspect, Cole Allen, was arrested.

Federal prosecutors formally charged the alleged gunman Cole Allen at the White House correspondents' dinner with three counts on Monday, including attempting to assassinate the president.

Read on to learn some very surprising facts about Cole Allen.

Today in Global Small Business: You Don't Have to Be Rich to Enjoy An Airport Shower Worldwide

©iStock/Tanut Nitkumhan

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Affordable arrivals lounges offer amenities like nap pods and showers where weary passengers can freshen up. You may never start a vacation the same way again, nor do you have to be rich to enjoy an airport shower on that worldwide vacation.
• The hottest ticket in town according to Trump, turned deadly. All I see is a lot of women left unprotected.
• International tourists are turning away from the United States despite a global travel surge.
• Quote of the week:  “Everyone who's ever taken a shower has an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it who makes a difference." – Nolan Bushnell
• Tariff refunds put businesses on the spot.
• What Americans are worried about.  CEOs need to pay attention. 

Geese Always Support Each Other

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Geese always support each other. When a goose gets injured two birds always accompany it down to the ground. Just as geese do, we must support each other." – Emma Hayes

Times Are Changing: TikTok Drives American Expats to Southeast Asia

©iStock/monticelllo

Chad Dunn used to spend his days on the floor of a Hyundai plant in Savannah, Ga., watching the clock, feeling the pressure, and wondering how long he could keep going.

"Life in America was pretty unfulfilling and pretty stressed out," he said. "Like most folks, just in a rat race."

Now, he lives in Da Nang, a coastal city in Vietnam, and makes a living helping other Americans leave.

Find out why.

Becoming an Emotionally Intelligent Global Business Leader

©iStock/PranithanChorruangsak

Booth’s Advanced Management Program helped Deepa Sethi, business development lead at Elevo Global, build a diverse global network and further grow as an emotionally intelligent, mindful leader — something she sees as critical in these complex times. She shares some of her key takeaways from the program here. 

Brilliant Global Marketing Move For the Day

©iStock/tang90246

Last week, more than 1,000 people received PR packages from Lancôme. Many were content creators who had received free products from the [French-based] L’Oréal-owned beauty brand before.  But something was different this time: the mailers were addressed to A-list actresses Demi Moore and Zoe Saldaña.

If you received a package with Demi Moore's name on it, would you open it?  Or, if you ignored the addressee's name, opened it accidentally and realized quickly it was for Demi Moore, what would you do?

Find out why Lancôme's global marketing strategy worked.

What You Should Know About Filing for IEEPA Refunds Using CAPE

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Law firm Foley & Lardner has received numerous requests for guidance on Phase 1 of the CAPE system. CAPE is the platform that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is beginning to use to process refunds of the IEEPA tariffs that the Supreme Court has ruled unlawful. Unlike standard tariff refunds, which generally are pursued through post-summary corrections or protests, refunds for entries that fall in Phase 1 must be sought through CAPE. 

Read on to learn more about key points.

Today in Global Small Business: The Human Side of AI Adoption

©iStock/Dragos Condrea

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• The human side of AI adoption:  Lessons from the field.
• Why great ideas come from nowhere.
• One of these Trump threats is not like the others (requires free trial subscription to read full story).
• Quote of the week:  “Artificial intelligence will be the most transformative technology of the 21st century." – Jensen Huang, CEO, NVIDIA
• The decline of daily dialogue.
• Are factories the new frontier of big tech?