Beating Sisyphus: How Emerging Markets Overcome the Impossible
Claim This Podcastby Cañizares Center for Emerging Markets
Podcast Overview
<p>Emerging markets and developing economies are rewriting the rules of global growth. Beating Sisyphus goes deep with economists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and reformers across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the Global South. We hold long-form conversations uncovering the strategies, mindsets, and systems behind lasting change in frontier markets. For investors, students, and policy thinkers who believe the next great leap starts outside the G7.</p>
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Publishing Since
11/23/2025
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Recent Episodes
July 4, 2026
From Aid to Investment: Roland Siller on the Future of Development Finance
<p>In this episode of Beating Sisyphus, hosts Anastasiia Ryshytiuk, Lourdes Casanova, and Konrad Hartung sit down with Roland Siller, CEO of DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft), one of Europe’s leading development finance institutions.With over three decades of experience, Roland dives into the core objective of development finance: maximizing "human returns" over financial returns. The conversation explores the geopolitical shift from traditional aid to sustainable investments, how institutions assess risk in emerging markets, and the role of DFIs in supporting countries during crises like war and natural disasters. Finally, Roland shares profound career advice for young professionals striving to make an impact in international development, balancing passion with pragmatism.Topics Covered:The fundamental difference between commercial and development finance.Geopolitical shifts in foreign aid and the rising need for co-created investments.How DEG navigates risk, currency volatility, and information asymmetry in Africa and other emerging markets.Evaluating success and failure using the "Impact Triangle" (Return, Climate, and Impact).Career advice on embracing the complexity and purpose of working in global development.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Welcoming Roland Ziller, CEO of DEG(01:52) Defining Development Finance: Maximizing "Human Returns"(03:58) Roland’s Journey: Inspiration from Senegal to the Fall of the Berlin Wall(07:08) The Paradigm Shift: Moving from Aid to Investment for Development(10:12) Navigating Risk, Volatility, and Obstacles in Emerging Markets(13:32) Aligning Social Value with Commercial Returns & The Role of EU Guarantees(16:57) Crisis Management: How DFIs Support Countries Through Wars and Disasters(20:33) Soft Power, Global Partnerships, and Cooperation with Governments(23:38) DEG’s Investment Strategy and Regional Focus(26:00) Measuring Success and Failure: The Impact Triangle(29:17) The Catalytic Role of DFIs and the Next 10 Years(31:57) Career Advice: Embracing Purpose, Complexity, and Pragmatism(35:52) A Look at Promising Emerging Markets(37:42) Final Thoughts on Building a Meaningful Career</p>
June 30, 2026
Why Venezuela Collapsed & Costa Rica Thrived | Laura Chinchilla (Former President of Costa Rica)
<p>Former President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, sits down with Konrad Hartung, Thomas Riveros, and Professor Lourdes Casanova from the EMC2 to discuss the defining choices that shaped Costa Rica’s unique development model. From her early days backpacking through war-torn Central America to her executive decisions navigating the 2008 financial crisis, combating organized crime, and pushing Costa Rica to join the OECD, President Chinchilla shares a masterclass in public policy.Timestamps:00:00 - The Tragic Collapse of Venezuela’s Economy00:31 - Intro & Welcoming President Laura Chinchilla01:48 - Backpacking Through War-Torn Central America06:46 - Tackling Costa Rica’s Security Crisis & Reducing Crime11:00 - Why Costa Rica Abolished Its Military16:55 - Fighting Organized Crime Without Weakening the Rule of Law19:46 - Surviving the 2008 Financial Crisis & Attracting Investment23:15 - The Bold Decision to Join the OECD28:37 - Eco-Tourism & Balancing Economic Growth with Sustainability33:15 - Emerging Market Economies to Watch Right Now36:38 - The Venezuela Warning: Why Wealth Needs Strong Institutions39:03 - Final Thoughts & Outro#venezuela #economicanalysis #emergingmarkets #laurachinchilla #cornelluniversity</p>
June 13, 2026
Will the US Dollar Survive? Lord Jim O'Neill on BRICS and the Global Economy
<p>In 2001, he coined the term "BRIC" to predict the massive economic shift toward Brazil, Russia, India, and China. 25 years later, Lord Jim O'Neill sits down with Thomas Riveros and Lourdes Casanova to grade his predictions and explore what's next for the global economy.In this episode of Beating Sisyphus, Lord Jim O'Neill (former Head of Global Economics Research at Goldman Sachs) shares the defining moments of his career—from discovering the social unifying power of football in Manchester to fundamentally reshaping how the world views emerging markets. The conversation dives deep into the "commodity curse" holding back Brazil and Russia, why the US Dollar might finally face real challengers in the Euro and Digital Yuan, and why the IMF must fundamentally change how it views spending on healthcare and education. Plus, hear why Lord O'Neill believes Nigeria could be the most important emerging market of the next 50 years.Lord Jim O'Neill earned his PhD in economics from the University of Surrey before becoming the Head of Global Economics Research at Goldman Sachs, where he published his renowned 2001 paper identifying the BRIC nations. Since 2015, he has served in the House of Lords and is a founding trustee of Shine, an educational charity, as well as co-president of the Northern Powerhouse Initiative.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Predicting China's Growth 25 Years Ago01:28 – Upbringing, Social Divides, and the Power of Football07:18 – PhD Research, OPEC Cartels, & the Limits of Forecasting12:04 – The Origin of the "BRIC" Acronym Post-9/1116:15 – Grading the BRICs: China's Trajectory & the Commodity Curse19:45 – Floating Currencies vs. Inflation Targeting in Latin America25:29 – Will the US Dollar Lose its Dominance?41:49 – Reforming the IMF: Why Healthcare & Education are Investments, Not Deficits46:22 – The Next 50 Years: Why Nigeria is the Ultimate Emerging MarketMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/neozoic/cold-fireLicense code: JLFLDLRHZHS6YJ7C</p>
20 total episodes available
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- What is Beating Sisyphus: How Emerging Markets Overcome the Impossible?
<p>Emerging markets and developing economies are rewriting the rules of global growth. Beating Sisyphus goes deep with economists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and reformers across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the Global South. We hold long-form conversations uncovering the strategies, mindsets, and systems behind lasting change in frontier markets. For investors, students, and policy thinkers who believe the next great leap starts outside the G7.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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