Bridging International Growth Through Business with Rick Stilgenbauer

In this episode, Tim Fergestad sits down with Rick Stilgenbauer, a global policy expert at the international law firm Squire Patton Boggs. From his early days working for Congressman Jim Kolbe and Senator John McCain, to advising Ukrainian leaders during wartime and forging cross-border opportunities in the UAE, Rick shares an eye-opening journey of how Arizona companies are making a global impact.

Rick discusses how business and diplomacy intersect when building international relationships in conflict zones like Ukraine. He explains how U.S. companies can help rebuild war-torn regions, why economic cooperation is a powerful form of support, and what it takes to navigate government systems, corruption challenges, and the practical hurdles of doing business in active war zones.

He also shares insights into his current efforts to build lasting trade partnerships between Arizona and countries like Ukraine, the UAE, and the Baltic states, along with the personal toll and rewards of this demanding work.

--------------------------------------------- Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!