What happens when artificial intelligence doesn’t have access to millions—or even thousands—of data points? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ostadabbas, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Northeastern University and Director of the Augmented Cognition Lab, makes the case for why the future of A.I. depends on learning from small data.

She explains how her team tackles high-stakes problems in healthcare, defense, and autonomous systems by using advanced techniques like transfer learning, domain adaptation, simulation, and collaboration with domain experts. From diagnosing rare diseases with only a few samples to off-road military vehicle training in extreme weather, Sarah illustrates how small data solutions are essential when data is scarce, private, or expensive to label.

We also discuss her upcoming Machine Learning with Small Data course, launching on Coursera in Summer 2025, which teaches industry professionals and researchers how to apply data-efficient A.I. in real-world settings.

About the Guest:

Sarah Ostadabbas leads Northeastern University's Augmented Cognition Laboratory. Her research focuses on building intelligent systems that can learn effectively from limited or imperfect data, with applications ranging from healthcare to military and security domains. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and has received multiple awards for her theoretical and interdisciplinary contributions to machine learning, computer vision, and artificial intelligence.

In this episode of International Business Today, John Hadeed, U.S. Vice President of People & Culture at Primark, discusses how the global fashion retailer thrives amid rapid industry changes. From its sustainability initiative to its commitment to career growth and retention, John shares insights on building a strong, adaptable organizational culture that balances global consistency with local needs.

Discover how Primark invests in people, embraces cultural agility, and leverages innovative onboarding and leadership strategies to remain competitive. Whether you're interested in retail, global expansion, or leadership, this episode provides valuable lessons for navigating a fast-paced industry.

About the Guest: John Hadeed is the U.S. Vice President of People & Culture at Primark, a global retailer renowned for its affordable fashion and commitment to sustainability. With decades of experience in the retail sector, John plays a critical role in shaping Primark's U.S. operations and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation across its growing international footprint.

International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student aspiring to work in a multinational organization—our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.

Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu

Learn more about John Hadeed:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hadeed/

https://www.primark.com/en-us

In today’s fast-changing global landscape, supply chain resilience and adaptability are more critical than ever. How can organizations leverage innovation and human expertise to thrive amidst volatility?

About the Guest:Dr. Nada Sanders, Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at Northeastern University, joins us to discuss the intersection of forecasting, digital transformation, and supply chain strategy. Drawing on decades of experience and her groundbreaking book The Humachine, Nada provides insights into the role of predictive analytics in optimizing supply chains and offers strategies for integrating AI with human talent to drive better outcomes. She highlights the importance of scenario planning as a critical tool for preparing organizations to navigate future disruptions and emphasizes how businesses must rethink their models to stay aligned with a rapidly evolving global market. Throughout the conversation, Nada underscores the significance of soft skills, such as communication and negotiation, alongside technical capabilities, illustrating how these qualities are vital for future-ready leaders and organizations.

International Business Today is a podcast produced by the International Business & Strategy group at Northeastern University. Made for global business professionals—and any student who hopes to work for a multinational organization in the future, our hosts and their guests share what's proven through research and highlight what's really working in practice.

Reach out to us: mailto:IBTpodcast@northeastern.edu