In this episode, Wendy sits down with Jessica Reynolds, Senior Director for the Office of International Investment and Trade at the Maryland Department of Commerce, to uncover how Maryland has become a powerhouse for helping companies scale internationally.
Jessica breaks down the state’s innovative programs — from the Global Gateway soft-landing initiative to its publicly sponsored Innovation Lab — and shares real stories of startups, exporters, and industry leaders who transformed with the right support. Whether you’re entering the U.S. market, exploring foreign expansion, or navigating fears around IP, regulations, culture, or investment, this conversation gives you a roadmap for taking the leap with confidence.
You’ll learn:
- How Maryland attracts and accelerates global companies through programs like Global Gateway, Soft Landing Exchange, and its state-run Innovation Lab: the first of its kind in the U.S.
- Common pitfalls and fears companies face when going international (IP protection, regulations, readiness, investment hesitations) and the real resources available to overcome them.
Where businesses should start when expanding abroad or entering the U.S. market, and why there’s “no wrong door” when tapping into export councils, government agencies, and trade partners
Wendy Pease is the owner and president of Rapport International, a language services company that provides high quality translation and interpretation services with a specialty in global marketing, legal, employee communications, and medical services. Throughout her career, she has worked with hundreds of companies to help them communicate across more than 200 languages and cultures.
Wendy is a frequent speaker, writer, blogger, trainer, advisor, and master networker. She’s the author of the book “The Language of Global Marketing”, the host of the “Global Marketing Show” podcast, which features experts on opportunities and challenges in increasing multilingual lead gen and revenue.
Wendy’s passionate about connecting people across languages and cultures. She lived in Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines where she fell in love with differing cultures and came to understand that we are all human, no matter the language we speak.
