Episode 36: Real International Business Challenges from Real Companies Artwork

SLU International Business Now: Conversations That Matter

This podcast series has been developed by the Boeing Institute of International Business in the Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University to extend the impact of our programs. In this series, critical thought leaders from around the world address current key business issues. Series guests share their expert perspectives on a variety of topics ranging from post-Brexit Europe to Covid Market Recovery, Geo-Economic Strategies, the Green Deal, and much more. Through the Podcast format, these unique business conversations will reach beyond the classroom to a global audience. Academic and business listeners will have immediate access to first-hand insights and assessments, with the aim of promoting future discussion across these listener communities and encouraging community action. To learn more about the Boeing Institute of International Business and international business academic programs in the Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University, please visit biib.slu.edu.

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SLU International Business Now: Conversations That Matter

Episode 36: Real International Business Challenges from Real Companies

September 09, 2025 • Boeing Institute of International Business • Season 5 • Episode 2

Featuring X-Culture Program Founder and Coordinator, Dr. Vas Taras

Join host Chris Carril and guest Dr. Vas Taras, founder and coordinator of the X-Culture Project, as they discuss the X-Culture and its mission.

X-Culture is a large-scale international experiential learning project that involves over 6,500 MBA and business students from 150 universities from 70 countries on six continents every semester. As of 2024, over 115,000 students have completed the X-Culture Program. The students are placed in global virtual teams of about seven, each student coming from a different country. Working with people from around the globe and dealing with cultural differences, time-zone dispersion, and global communication challenges, the teams complete a consulting project for a multi-national company.

Dr. Vas Taras is an Associate Professor of International Business at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is the founder and coordinator of the X-Culture Project which he launched in 2010. He received his PhD in Human Resource Management and Organizational Dynamics from the University of Calgary, Canada and his Master’s in Political Economy from the University of Texas at Dallas. He teaches International Business at the Bryan School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His research revolves around cross-cultural and global virtual teams and experiential approaches to international business education. His research team is particularly interested in the potential of large and diverse crowds of amateurs in solving complex business problems. He is an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management, and the Editorial Board member of Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Journal of International Management, and Management Research Review. He is a recipient of numerous research and teaching awards for his work in International Business. He has lived, worked and studied in half a dozen countries and has experience as a manager, businessman, and business consultant.

Visit Guest Dr. Vas Taras’ LinkedIn Profile