World Lens by WTCI

Troy LeMaille-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO, joins host Michelle Evans to challenge everything we think we know about economic development. From $50 million partnerships with Taiwan and South Korea to directing 50% of investments toward historically under-invested markets, Troy reveals TEDCO's strategy for transforming Maryland's federal dependency from one of reliance to something more sustainable. Plus: the four S's of economic development, why cyber-agriculture is the next frontier, and how a digital concierge will soon guide Maryland entrepreneurs through their growth journey with 95% predictive accuracy.

When the U.S. boycotted the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, it wasn't just a diplomatic snub—it was a transfer of influence. In this episode, Michelle Evans and Bruce McIndoe break down how Trump's absence has handed the Global South the opportunity to shape the global agenda, why South African President Ramaphosa's refusal to hand the gavel to a junior diplomat signals a new era of middle-power assertiveness, and what it means when BRICS expands. From debt restructuring promises to de-dollarization strategies, this conversation explores whether we're witnessing a temporary power vacuum or the emergence of parallel governance structures.

WTCI member Pete Menzies, President of The Terminal Corporation, joins host Michelle Evans to unpack what it takes to run a multigenerational logistics powerhouse in Baltimore. From weathering the Key Bridge collapse to navigating tariff turbulence, Pete reveals how family-owned flexibility outperforms corporate rigidity, which tech innovations have actually delivered (and which were all hype), and why the Howard Street Tunnel project is poised to reshape the Port of Baltimore. 

With Europe pulling back and the US preparing to exit the Paris Agreement for a second time, COP30 meets in Brazil as global climate goals face a serious reality check. Michelle Evans and Bruce McIndoe examine who's actually leading on climate now that usual powerhouses are stepping away, and what happens as the 1.5°C target moves out of reach. We'll explore how AI's massive energy appetite conflicts with climate commitments, why the insurance crisis is reshaping coastal markets, and whether we're witnessing a temporary setback or a permanent shift in how the world approaches climate action.

In this Season 3 opener of The World Lens, Michelle and Bruce explore the high-stakes global competition for AI supremacy and the tiny chips that power it all. From U.S. export bans to China’s counterstrategies, from “chip diplomacy” to rare earth dominance, they explore how semiconductors have become the new currency of power. As the U.S. and China vie for control of the AI future, the conversation delves into what’s truly at stake: economic might, national security, and the global talent race that could determine who leads the next tech revolution.

Join us for an update on all the topics we visited across season two - Tariffs, Tiktok Ban (or not), Canada Annexation, de-dollarization, and more!

No one wants to be a refugee. Being forced to leave your home can be traumatic. Luckily, there are organizations at work to help refugees, like Baltimore-based Global Refuge. But what happens when the Federal Government focuses on your organization? Michelle sits down with Andrew Steele, Chief Development and Mobilization Officer to learn more.

The recent fighting between India and Pakistan is just the latest in a long conflict. Not only are geopolitical issues flaring, this conflict was a showcase of modern technological parity on both sides. What does it tell us about war when both sides are roughly equivalent and using the same modern systems? Bruce McIndoe breaks it down, and offers a peak into the ceasefire discussions.

Alicia Wilson is one of the names to know in Baltimore City. The Vice President for Civic Engagement and Opportunity at Johns Hopkins University has had a distinguished career and worked with luminaries and influencers from all sorts of fields. Meet Alicia and learn about her leadership style.
Women Spanning the Globe is June 4th. Tickets are now available. Register today: https://wtci.org/register-for-2025-women-spanning-the-globe/

Recent market volatility has more people asking - is it time for de-dollarization? The US Dollar has enjoyed a privileged position since the end of World War II. Is that all about to change? Bruce and Michelle talk through what's happening with the dollar and why.