Olivier Gillier

Expanding internationally requires a localized strategy, regulatory fluency, and a strong operational backbone. You can’t scale into new markets without customizing your execution. This article gives you an executive-level roadmap for entering foreign markets without compromising operational control, brand value, or ROI. You’ll learn which levers to pull—from compliance to capital allocation—to ensure your global expansion strategy remains competitive and risk-aligned. What should you consider before entering a new international market? You need to assess local demand, legal barriers, tax structures, and cultural factors before deploying capital abroad.  Due diligence starts with analyzing product-market fit in the target region. Even if your offering works domestically, cultural and economic differences can reduce effectiveness. For instance, a fintech app successful in Germany might stall in Southeast Asia without compliance tweaks or UX localization. You also need to evaluate l...

You’re dealing with a world that never stops moving—customers, suppliers, freelancers, and partners are spread across continents. But when it comes to paying them, you still face delays, excessive fees, and outdated systems. That’s where blockchain comes in. Blockchain technology is cutting through the clutter of traditional finance, giving you a faster, cheaper, and more transparent way to send money globally. In this article, you’ll explore how blockchain simplifies cross-border transactions, why stablecoins are making digital payments more practical, which companies are already adopting these tools, and how you can get started with minimal friction. Why Traditional Cross-Border Payments Don’t Cut It Anymore If you've ever sent money overseas through a bank or traditional wire service, you know the pain. Transfers can take days, sometimes a week, depending on currency routes and banking hours. You’re also charged multiple times—by your bank, intermediary banks, and sometimes eve...

You might think of giving and investing as two separate paths—one for generosity, the other for growth—but merging them creates opportunities far beyond typical returns or charitable impact. When you approach philanthropy with an investment mindset, you unlock tools that expand your influence, grow your assets, and deepen your connection to the causes you support. These eight benefits show how combining the two disciplines doesn’t dilute either—it multiplies both. 1. Grow Charitable Funds Before You Give You can amplify your giving by allowing your philanthropic capital to grow before distribution. A donor-advised fund (DAF) or charitable investment account lets you contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then invest those assets until you're ready to grant them. While they grow tax-free, you maintain the flexibility to fund causes over time instead of making a single large donation upfront. This not only increases your total impact but also keeps you more engag...

Your time is your most valuable resource. In finance, where decisions have real financial consequences and back-to-back meetings dominate your calendar, staying productive isn't just a goal—it's a requirement. You juggle performance reviews, compliance checks, investor calls, and strategic planning, all while managing a high-functioning team. So how do you keep everything running smoothly without losing your edge? The answer lies in smart, tactical productivity methods tailored to the demands of financial leadership. This article breaks down 10 effective productivity hacks you can apply immediately to gain control over your schedule, work smarter, and protect your mental bandwidth. 1. Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix When you're flooded with responsibilities, knowing what deserves your attention first can be tough. The Eisenhower Matrix helps you break down tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neithe...

If you're operating globally, you're negotiating across cultures—whether you're aware of it or not. Every country has its own rules, rhythms, and relationship expectations, and assuming your default style will land everywhere the same way is a mistake that costs companies both money and momentum. The key isn't just adapting once you’re in the room. It’s preparing before you get there and knowing how to move with both precision and respect. Over time, you learn what works, what stalls, and what builds trust that lasts. These nine moves will help you navigate cross-cultural negotiations with more clarity, confidence, and results. 1. Do Real Research Before You Meet You can't wing it when you're stepping into another culture's business environment. Before any cross-border meeting, you need to understand the social cues, norms, and expectations that will shape the conversation. It’s not just about translation—it’s about meaning. In some countries, interrupting s...

Balancing philanthropy and profit is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business with a purpose-driven mindset. Many assume these two objectives are in conflict, but the reality is they can complement each other when approached strategically. Successful businesses recognize that sustainable giving enhances brand reputation, builds stronger communities, and fosters long-term customer loyalty. Over the years, integrating philanthropy into a business model has evolved from an optional goodwill effort to a core expectation. Companies that get it right benefit from both financial growth and meaningful social impact. These ten reflections offer a practical perspective on how businesses can successfully navigate this balance. 1. Align Philanthropy with Business Values Companies that align their charitable efforts with their core values create a stronger, more authentic brand identity. When giving is tied to a company’s mission, it resonates better with stakeholders and builds c...