Shows
Rittener ReflectionsSuper Bowl LX - An Unforgettable Day at Levi’sI captured five live moments from Super Bowl LX with my daughter as we moved through the day at Levi’s — from arriving early to the final whistle — and added my reflections to bring the story together. A thread that began in Episode 14 comes full circle as a champion is crowned just ten miles from home.
2026-02-1021 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP: 23 Intentional Leadership in Global Trade2025 kept global trade on its heels.
2026 demands a different posture — one built on intentionality, clarity, and smart offense.
In Episode 23, I break down the forces reshaping global trade and the mindset and moves leaders need to navigate the year ahead.
2026-01-2740 min
Rittener ReflectionsPeople in PortugalPortugal has become one of the world’s most talked‑about destinations — and after spending time there, I understand why.
Last week, I shared Pathways in Portugal, a reflection on how Lisbon and Porto revealed themselves through movement and stillness. This week, I’m focusing on the people — the conversations, small moments, and unexpected connections that shaped the experience in ways no itinerary ever could.
What stayed with me long after I returned home wasn’t the architecture or the food, but the people. These encounters revealed something about Lisbon, something about Porto, and something about myself.
I hope you enjoy meetin
2026-01-0632 min
Rittener Reflections2025, the Year of the UnexpectedThe final episode of Rittener Reflections for 2025.
When I launched this podcast back in January, I opened with five certainties I believed would shape cross‑border trade in the year ahead. What I didn’t anticipate—what none of us anticipated—was just how unpredictable 2025 would become. If Episode 1 was about preparing for volatility, this episode is about living through it.
With this episode, I will close the loop. I’ll revisit those five certainties, reflect on what actually happened, and then share some personal reflections on why, for me, 2025 became the year of the unexpected.
2025-12-3022 min
Rittener ReflectionsPathways to PortugualPortugal has become one of the world’s most popular destinations — a place people are visiting, revisiting, and in many cases choosing to call home. After hearing so much about it, especially from my daughter who traveled there last year, I finally had the chance to explore it myself. Her insights shaped how I planned the trip and how I approached each day, and in many ways this episode continues that conversation.
2025-12-261h 04
Rittener ReflectionsVictory In ValenciaThis one is special: I share my journey from San Francisco to Valencia, Spain — culminating in my victory at the Valencia Marathon.
2025-12-1153 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP.20 – Victory In ValenciaThis one is special: I share my journey from San Francisco to Valencia, Spain — culminating in my victory at the Valencia Marathon.
2025-12-1100 min
Rittener ReflectionsThe Ugly MugEpisode 19 arrives just before Thanksgiving: lessons from a lopsided mug and a turbulent year.”
A lopsided mug from my childhood has become my metaphor for this ugly year in trade and in life. In this episode, I share its story, the turbulence of 2025, and five lessons worth keeping.
I’ll leave you with a gentle invitation: What “ugly mugs” have you kept? What stories do they hold?
And stay tuned—Episode 20 may come to you from Spain, as I run the Valencia Marathon and reflect on what’s next.
2025-11-2421 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP. 19 The Ugly MugEpisode 19 arrives just before Thanksgiving: lessons from a lopsided mug and a turbulent year.”
A lopsided mug from my childhood has become my metaphor for this ugly year in trade and in life. In this episode, I share its story, the turbulence of 2025,
2025-11-2400 min
Rittener ReflectionsExport Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. - Pt. 3 I Can See Clearly Now (Not!)Welcome back to Rittener Reflections Episode 18 and to Part 3 of our series on export controls which I have called, “I can see clearly now” (Not!) You see, we’ve looked back, we’ve looked around—and now we look ahead. But clarity is elusive. Will the world split into two economic spheres? Can AI help automate classification? Should we revive old licensing models? And what is the key to success in creating some means of predictability in a world of geopolitical uncertainty? Once again, I am joined by Bruce Jackson and together we will explore these questions with candor, curiosity, and maybe...
2025-10-2952 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP. 18 Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 3 I Can See Clearly Now (Not!)Welcome back to Rittener Reflections Episode 18 and to Part 3 of our series on export controls which I have called, “I can see clearly now” (Not!) You see, we’ve looked back, we’ve looked around—and now we look ahead. But clarity is elusive. Will the wor
2025-10-2900 min
Rittener ReflectionsExport Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. - Pt. 2 Reality CheckWelcome back to this three-part series of Rittener Reflections where we seek to understand the complex, critical and ever-changing world of export controls, the past, present and the way forward. In Part 1, which I called The Long Strange Trip, we explored the historical arc of export controls. Today, we turn to the present—and it’s complicated. From China’s tech ambitions to Russia’s impact on multilateral regimes, from AI’s promise and peril to the post-COVID compliance landscape, exporters face a maze of challenges. I am again joined by Bruce Jackson, whose depth of experience helps us make sense of t...
2025-10-2250 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP. 18 Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt. 2 Reality CheckWelcome back to this three-part series of Rittener Reflections where we seek to understand the complex, critical and ever-changing world of export controls, the past, present and the way forward. In Part 1, which I called The Long Strange Trip, we explor
2025-10-2200 min
Rittener ReflectionsPt: 1 The Long Strange Trip | Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path ForwardThe Long Strange Trip. In this first session, I’m joined by Bruce Jackson*, a longtime practitioner and friend whose depth of experience spans government, industry, and the multilateral frameworks that define this space. Bruce has not only witnessed the evolution of export controls—he’s helped shape how companies and policymakers respond to it. We will trace the long, strange trip: from the Cold War’s COCOM era to the post-Berlin Wall regulation rewrites, from the rise of multilateral controls to the relaxation of those same controls, and into the regulatory shifts of the past two administrations—including entity list, Huaw...
2025-10-1551 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP. 18 Export Controls: Past, Present, and the Path Forward. – Pt: 1 The Long Strange TripThe Long Strange Trip. In this first session, I’m joined by Bruce Jackson*, a longtime practitioner and friend whose depth of experience spans government, industry, and the multilateral frameworks that define this space. Bruce has not only witnessed the
2025-10-1500 min
Rittener ReflectionsTwo lives. One legacy. A tribute to my parents, Patricia and Eric RittenerWelcome to a special episode of Rittener Reflections. Today, I’m stepping away from my usual format to share something deeply personal. Last month, my mom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. A few days later, I gave a talk at her memorial service—a tribute honoring her faith, family, and the things she loved most. This episode begins with that recording. It’s also about my dad, who passed away in March 2022. I’ve re-recorded his tribute—not only to preserve his memory but to reflect on the themes that shaped his life: his past, his patriotism, and his pa
2025-10-0730 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP.17 Two lives. One legacy. A tribute to my parents, Patricia and Eric RittenerWelcome to a special episode of Rittener Reflections. Today, I’m stepping away from my usual format to share something deeply personal. Last month, my mom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. A few days later, I gave a talk at her memori
2025-10-0700 min
Rittener ReflectionsSpecial Edition: Doing the Difficult ThingsOne year ago today, I testified before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
I was still with Intel. The topic: export controls, diversion risk, and the role of U.S. technology in global conflict.
This week on my podcast, I’m telling the story—not of what I said, but of what it meant.
It’s about showing up when the stakes are high.
2025-09-1030 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP:16 Special Edition: Doing the Difficult ThingsOne year ago today, I testified before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
I was still with Intel. The topic: export controls, diversion risk, and the role of U.S. technology in global conflict.
This week on my podcast, I’m tellin
2025-09-1000 min
Rittener ReflectionsDoing Something "Wonderful" AgainFor this episode, I revisit the topic of layoffs. Many individuals globally are affected by decisions made by corporations and governments to reduce their workforce. While layoffs can be challenging, they may also lead to new opportunities. It can be traumatic and uncomfortable, but it can be positive and liberating, opening new opportunities never imagined.
2025-09-0356 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP. 15 – Doing Something “Wonderful” AgainFor this episode, I revisit the topic of layoffs. Many individuals globally are affected by decisions made by corporations and governments to reduce their workforce. While layoffs can be challenging, they may also lead to new opportunities. It can be tr
2025-09-0300 min
Rittener ReflectionsIt Begins and Ends at Levi’s.From training camp dreams to Super Bowl destiny, the road to glory doesn’t just pass through Levi’s Stadium—it starts and ends here.
2025-07-2933 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP.14 It Begins and Ends at Levi’sFrom training camp dreams to Super Bowl destiny, the road to glory doesn’t just pass through Levi’s Stadium—it starts and ends here.
2025-07-2900 min
Rittener ReflectionsEP 13 – BIS 50% Rule – The Sayari Solution2025: I am certain you need no reminder, but we are squarely in the middle of a trade war! Every day and all day there are news reports of some action, counter action, speculation of a pending action or threats to take an action involving global trade.
2025-07-1500 min
Rittener ReflectionsBIS 50% Rule - The Sayari Solution2025: I am certain you need no reminder, but we are squarely in the middle of a trade war! Every day and all day there are news reports of some action, counter action, speculation of a pending action or threats to take an action involving global trade.
2025-07-1549 min
Rittener ReflectionsThe China Business ConundrumPlease join me for episode 12, part 2 of “Rittener Reflections,” where I am joined by Ken Wilcox, the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) from 2001 to 2011, and the CEO of SVB’s joint venture with the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank in Shanghai until 2015.I hope you enjoyed listening to Ken and me […]
2025-06-2326 min
Rittener ReflectionsIs Culture more important than Strategy?Please join me for episode 12, part one of Rittener Reflections as I am joined by Ken Wilcox the former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) from 2001 to 2011 and CEO of SVB's joint venture with the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank in Shanghai until 2015.
Ken is also the author of two books. The first published in 2020 is "Leading Through Culture: How Real Leaders Create Cultures That Motivate People to Achieve Great Things" and the second published in 2024 is "The China Business Conundrum: Ensure That "Win-Win" Doesn't Mean Western Companies Lose Twice.
In the first segment of Episode 12, Ken and I will explore...
2025-06-1028 min
Rittener ReflectionsInvoluntarily SeparatedInvoluntary separation, also known as layoff, termination, job elimination, or sometimes dismissal, is the outcome of corporate decisions to reduce their workforce. It has been exactly six months since my involuntary separation from Intel Corp. In episode 11 of Rittener Reflections, I provide a concise update on my activities over the past six months. More importantly, I will discuss the realities associated with involuntary separation and offer five tips for effectively navigating through such an experience.
2025-05-2732 min
Rittener Reflections"Techno Nationalism" with Alex Capri: Examining global transformationIn this episode, we explore various topics in geopolitics, technology, and trade, including supply chain weaponization, export controls, tariffs, decoupling, nearshoring, tech diplomacy, and twelve strategic technology power multipliers.
2025-05-0650 min
Rittener ReflectionsIt's a Marathon, Not a Sprint!Join me for Episode 9 of Rittener Reflections featuring Robb Gordon who is a good friend and former colleague from Intel. Rob and I worked together and often ran together when we were at the same place at the same time. In this episode I will reflect on two of my favorite topics: Trade and Running.
In addition to describing some of our memorable running adventures we dive into some timely and important geopolitical topics including US/China relations, Taiwan, Intel and more. I also offer some reflections on running marathons and provide a real time update on the iconic Boston...
2025-04-2241 min
Rittener ReflectionsScenario Planning in a time of UncertaintyIn this episode of Rittener Reflections, I had the honor of spending a few moments with Sheldon Bernard, who is the founder of A440 Management LLC, a firm focused on Special Situations and decision making under uncertainty. He is a trailblazer in the world of applied decision sciences. With over 15 years of experience in "special project" work for Fortune 100 boards and executive teams, Together, we discussed the critical necessity for entities to engage in scenario planning during times of uncertainty.
2025-04-0838 min
Missing ConversationsEpisode #43: Developing and Elevating Teams to Think Bigger and Achieve Meaningful Impact with Jeff RittenerThe best leaders do more than drive results—they transform how their teams think, evolve, and collaborate to create meaningful impact. Over his 34-year career at Intel, Jeff Rittener, former Chief Trade Officer, redefined what it means to lead. Instead of controlling outcomes, he empowered his global team to focus on value. Instead of treating compliance as a box to check, he inspired strategic thinking. And instead of seeing leadership as a top-down function, he made it about listening, trust, and shared vision. In this episode, hosts Dan Winter and Kobe Bo...
2025-03-2753 min
Rittener ReflectionsBIS Update Conference: Day 3Today is March 20 and I am publishing the third and final part of this special episode of Rittener Reflections. I am excited to have Julie Whitt, Jose Vega and Robert Kearsley with me as we wrap up our conversation on the last day of the Bureau and Industry's Annual Update Conference on export controls and policy in Washington DC. Listen to hear these amazing experts provide more in-depth analysis of key topics and their final assessment of the conference. Thank you for joining!
2025-03-2022 min
Rittener ReflectionsBIS Update Conference: Day 2Today is March 19th and this is day two of my special three-part episode where we are enjoying real-time daily report outs, analysis, and insights from three export control experts who are on the ground in Washington DC attending the Bureau and Industry's Annual Update Conference on export controls and policy. You will want to listen in as they offer key take aways from the plenary sessions on multilateral controls and export enforcement.
2025-03-2037 min
Rittener ReflectionsBIS Update Conference: Day 1Please join me for a special three-part episode of Rittener Reflections where I receive real-time daily report out, analysis, and insights from three export control experts attending the Bureau and Industry's Annual Update Conference this week in Washington DC.
2025-03-1921 min
Rittener ReflectionsTariff Wars pt. 2As the title of this episode suggests, I intend to keep the discussion of tariffs front and center as the Tariff War continues to escalate and has become even more relevant and turbulent since my last episode. I will catch you up on where we stand with tariffs, explore the rationale behind President Trumps obsession with tariffs and at the end announce plans for a series of updates next week.
2025-03-1728 min
Rittener ReflectionsTariff WarsWelcome back to Rittner Reflections, a forum to address the dynamic, complex, and essential nature of cross border trade in our world today. For this episode, we will focus our discussion on one of the hottest, most controversial, and potentially disruptive topics of our day. Tariffs. Given the fluidity of the situation under the Trump administration, details and use of tariffs around the world may have changed multiple times before we get a chance to listen. However, let us go ahead and jump in with where we are at currently. I am really excited to have with me today, Brian...
2025-03-0447 min
Rittener ReflectionsDelightful DistractionAfter reflecting on the three months since I left Intel and the opportunities that await me, I take us down a path of “delightful distractions.”
The last 30 days have left us feeling exhausted, confused, and at times overwhelmed as we digest the ongoing, around-the-clock news cycle. The issues are so important that none of us can afford to look away in case we miss something significant. However, we need to find ways to take a mini break and focus our attention on something more positive, enjoyable, and relaxing. I will use this episode to take a break from the news and...
2025-02-1820 min
Rittener ReflectionsThe Dept of KNOW Welcome back to this third episode of Rittener Reflections. Today, I offer my reflections about this incredibly challenging moment in our history regarding cross border trade. And then I will share with you an amazing conversation I had with someone who I admire and 40 years immersed in the ever changing world of global trade.
2025-02-0447 min
Rittener ReflectionsFasten Your Seat Belt Hello, everyone. It is great to be back with you for episode number two of Written Reflections. The last two weeks have been quite busy for me. When I left Intel, I was worried that I would have little to do and in no time at all I would be bored. But fortunately, that is not the case, as you will hear in today's podcast.
To begin with, though, I would like to express my sorrow and the horror of watching the Relentless wildfires ravage parts of Los Angeles. It is heartbreaking to witness and to consider the loss. of li...
2025-01-1830 min
Rittener ReflectionsCross Border Trade Certainties 2025Hello and Happy New Year 2025. My name is Jeff Rittner and I am excited to start the new year by posting my first podcast. I am the former Chief Trade Officer, Vice President and General Manager of the International Trade Group at Intel. Over my 34 year career, I had the privilege of leading numerous global teams, working with some of the most brilliant and talented people at Intel.
2025-01-0414 min
EE Times CurrentSeismology 1: Nvidia & Arm | Seismology 2: US IC Manufacturing on the ReboundThe Weekly Briefing podcast: The semiconductor industry is negotiating two seismic events. First, Arm Holdings, one of the most important suppliers of semiconductor IP in the world, is reportedly up for sale, and the likeliest buyer is Nvidia – with Kevin Krewell (Tirias Research). Second, in the midst of a pandemic, a trade war, and supply-chain disruption, US politicians are working on legislation to encourage more domestic semiconductor technology development – with Dan Hutcheson (VLSI Research), James Lewis (Center for Strategic and International Studies), and Jeff Rittener (Intel).
2020-08-0732 min