Episodios

  • [TIPS] Self-Branding: Defining Your Image and Influence in Trade

    [TIPS] Self-Branding: Defining Your Image and Influence in Trade
    Oct 7 2025

    Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks Published: [Insert publish date here] Length: ~7 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

    In this Career mini-series episode, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) unpack one of the most underrated skills in a trade professional’s toolkit — self-branding. Whether you’re defining your personal image or shaping how your department is viewed, your brand determines how others trust, engage, and value your work.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Who Are You (or Your Department)? – Identify your values, authenticity, and risk profile. How do you show up in your organization and community?

    2. What Do You Do? – Define your scope: import, export, compliance, or operations — and what sets you apart.

    3. Who Do You Work For? – Understand how company size, industry, and complexity influence your brand and the story you tell.

    4. How Do You Operate? – Highlight what makes you passionate and effective. Use AI tools to refine your personal branding statement and showcase your strengths.

    Renee and Julie share practical examples, including using AI to craft branding statements that truly capture who you are. Julie’s own example:

    “Turning global trade complexity into a strategic advantage — from borders to bottom line.”

    Julie’s FIO (Figure It Out)

    👉 This week’s action item: Answer the four branding questions for yourself (or your department). Revisit how you and your team are perceived, and refresh your personal or professional brand statement to match where you are today.

    Keep the Conversation Going

    Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:

    • Did you go through the four branding questions?

    • How would you describe your personal or departmental brand?

    • What’s one thing you’ll change to strengthen that brand?

    Credits

    Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli – LinkedIn Julie Parks – LinkedIn

    Producer: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

    Subscribe & Follow

    🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

    Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.

    Connect with Us

    • Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

    • Global Training Center on LinkedIn

    • YouTube

    • Spotify

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Trade Geeks Community

    Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

    Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
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    7 m
  • [EVENTS]: Mexico & Texas — two must-attend trade events this fall

    [EVENTS]: Mexico & Texas — two must-attend trade events this fall
    Oct 6 2025
    Hosts: Annik Sobing & Andy Shiles Guests: Alyson Hachey, Elisabeth Sherrell, Bonnie Kersch, Lila Landis & George Reid Published: October 5, 2025 Length: ~29 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center In this episode Annik Sobing and Andy Shiles are joined by a panel of conference organizers and long-time trade educators — Alyson Hachey, Elisabeth Sherrell, Bonnie Kersch, Lila Landis and George Reid — to preview two upcoming events: the MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference in Mexico City and the ICPA Fall Trade Days in Grapevine, Texas. The conversation covers who should attend, the unique focus of each event, practical tips for getting the most out of the conferences (including networking and bringing cross-functional colleagues), and fun details like the opening reception, themed activities, and opportunities for virtual networking before and after the in-person gatherings. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The purpose and format of the MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference (Mexico City, Nov 5–6). The schedule and special programming for ICPA Fall Trade Days (Grapevine, TX): opening reception Oct 26, main conference Oct 27–28, plus ITAR-related sessions following the conference (Oct 29, 30 and 1 as discussed). How the two events differ in content and audience (Mexico conference = Mexico-focused trade & cross-border issues; Grapevine = broader trade + ITAR programming). Practical networking tips (how to approach meals/sessions, what to bring, and how to translate conference takeaways into a short briefing for leadership). Why practitioners should bring colleagues from finance, purchasing, sourcing and logistics to get cross-functional value from the sessions. Key Takeaways The Mexico conference and the Grapevine Fall Trade Days serve different but complementary needs — both are valuable depending on your role and geographic focus. Networking is one of the highest-return activities at these events; intentionally meet new people and use pre/post virtual networking opportunities. Bring one or two colleagues from other functions (finance, purchasing, logistics) so you can turn conference insights into actionable company plans. Prepare a short, snappy 2–3 slide summary to brief leadership when you return — the panel recommends focusing on risks, decisions needed, and quick wins. The events mix serious compliance content with community-building (receptions, line dancing, games) — plan to learn and connect. Resources & Mentions ICPA Trade Days 2025 MIC Customs / ICPA Mexico Conference Global Training Center Credits Hosts: Annik Sobing Andy Shiles Guests: Alyson Hachey Elisabeth Sherrell Bonnie Kersch Lila Landis George Reid Producer: Lalo Solorzano Subscribe & Follow New Roundup episodes every week. Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com Connect with us: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions? 📩 Reach us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
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    30 m
  • [Cindy's Version] The Life of a Trade Girl

    [Cindy's Version] The Life of a Trade Girl
    Oct 3 2025
    Host: Cindy Allen Published: October 3, 2025 Length: ~13 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center The Life of a Trade Girl: Shutdowns, Tariffs, and the Struggle of Country of Origin In this week’s episode, Cindy Allen draws inspiration from Taylor Swift’s brand-new album The Life of a Show Girl—and reimagines it as The Life of a Trade Girl. With new Section 232 tariffs on lumber, cabinets, and vanities, plus looming duties on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, Cindy unpacks why navigating layered tariffs and multiple country-of-origin rules has trade professionals feeling the weight of confusion. From the ongoing government shutdown to CBP’s enforcement posture and the uncertainty surrounding free trade agreements, this episode highlights both the resilience and the frustration of today’s trade community. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How the current government shutdown is affecting CBP operations and other government agencies New Section 232 duties effective October 14 on lumber, kitchen cabinets, and vanities The administration’s delayed rollout of 232 duties on pharmaceuticals and medical devices The role of exemptions for companies breaking ground on U.S. manufacturing facilities Why brand-name vs. generic pharmaceuticals will matter for tariff application How Ireland and Switzerland could be most affected by pharmaceutical tariffs The growing complexity of country-of-origin determinations across: • HTS reporting • Free trade agreement qualification • Section 232 applicability • Multi-layered duties on aluminum and steel Why brokers and importers are struggling with multiple overlapping tariff annexes Key Takeaways: CBP trade processing is continuing with minimal disruption despite the shutdown, though delays may occur with other government agency inspections. Importers face new uncertainty as layered tariffs create multiple, conflicting country-of-origin determinations. Pharmaceutical tariffs remain unclear, but exemptions may apply for U.S.-based or expanding manufacturers. Ireland and Switzerland are key pharmaceutical exporters likely to be heavily impacted. Customs brokers must navigate increasingly complex 232 annexes, requiring spreadsheets and case-by-case analysis. Resources & Mentions: Federal Register – Section 232 Notices U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. Department of the Treasury U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Credits Hosts: Cindy Allen – LinkedIn Trade Force Multiplier Producer: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday. Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 Connect with us: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
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    13 m
  • Bonds Are Not Boring: Tariffs, Risk & Sureties with Colleen Clark

    Bonds Are Not Boring: Tariffs, Risk & Sureties with Colleen Clark
    Oct 2 2025

    Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles Guest: Colleen Clark, Vice President, Roanoke Insurance Group Published: October 1, 2025 Length: ~25 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

    📚 Why Bonds Matter More Than Ever

    Think bonds are boring? Think again.

    In this episode, Andy and Lalo welcome Colleen Clark of Roanoke Insurance Group for a deep dive into how customs bonds and sureties are being reshaped by tariffs, trade policy, and financial risk.

    From insufficiency reviews to billion-dollar bond capacity, Colleen explains how importers and brokers can better project their bond needs, protect cash flow, and manage rising risk exposure. You’ll also learn why collaboration with brokers, sureties, and trade associations is essential to navigating today’s dynamic environment.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How tariffs directly impact bond amounts and importer risk
    • Why CBP insufficiency reviews have surged, and what that means for your bond
    • How bonds protect company cash flow vs. upfront duty payments
    • Tips for forecasting bond sufficiency and avoiding multiple increases
    • How ATA Carnets and trade associations can be valuable tools in today’s environment

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • Tariff hikes mean higher duty payments — and bigger bond requirements.

    • CBP issued 58 insufficiency notices in 2025 (vs. nearly 5,000 in 2024).

    • Importers should project forward and regularly review bonds, ideally quarterly.

    • Breaking out separate bonds (e.g., for divisions or anti-dumping products) can mitigate risk.

    • ATA Carnets remain a powerful tool for stimulating trade while protecting cash flow.

    • Sureties and brokers are critical partners in planning bond sufficiency.

    📌 Resources & Mentions:

    • Roanoke Insurance Group – Tariff & Bond Resources

    • Roanoke Bond Calculator

    • NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America

    • AAEI – American Association of Exporters & Importers

    • CBP – Bonds Overview

    • ATA Carnet – USCIB

    • Global Training Center

    🎧 Credits

    Hosts:

    • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

    • Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

    Guest:

    • Colleen Clark – Vice President, Roanoke Insurance Group | LinkedIn

    Producer:

    • Lalo Solorzano

    📢 Subscribe & Follow

    New episodes every week.

    Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com

    Connect with us:

    • Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

    • Global Training Center on LinkedIn

    • YouTube

    • Spotify

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Trade Geeks Community

    Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
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    25 m
  • [TIPS] Managing Up: Communication, Visibility & Proposals

    [TIPS] Managing Up: Communication, Visibility & Proposals
    Sep 30 2025

    Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks Published: [Insert publish date here] Length: ~5 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

    In this episode of the Career mini-series, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) dig into the art of managing up — giving trade professionals practical strategies to strengthen relationships with senior leadership and gain visibility within their organizations.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Communication is Key – Learn your leader’s communication style. Do they want a three-word answer, a PowerPoint deck, or a bulleted summary? Adapting your style to theirs is critical.

    2. Gain Visibility – From joining task forces and delivering presentations to starting a customs council, visibility is about showing up, taking risks, and getting into the boardroom.

    3. Make Strategic Proposals – Frame your big ideas with the triangle of scope, money, and time. Balance priorities, gain stakeholder support, and don’t be afraid to push forward proposals you’ve been sitting on.

    Julie’s FIO (Figure It Out)

    👉 This week’s action item: Roll your chair back and ask: What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to change in your trade function? Use the tools of communication, visibility, and strategic proposals to move it forward.

    Keep the Conversation Going

    Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:

    • What’s your go-to strategy for managing up?

    • How have you gained visibility in your organization?

    • What’s one proposal you’re ready to dust off and reintroduce?

    Credits

    Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli – LinkedIn Julie Parks – LinkedIn

    Producer: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

    Subscribe & Follow

    🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

    Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.

    Connect with Us

    • Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

    • Global Training Center on LinkedIn

    • YouTube

    • Spotify

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Trade Geeks Community

    💬 Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

    🎧 Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? 📩 Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com 🐦 DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
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    6 m
  • [ROUNDUP] Mexico’s 2026 Customs Reform and Its Impact on Trade

    [ROUNDUP] Mexico’s 2026 Customs Reform and Its Impact on Trade
    Sep 29 2025

    Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Manuel Muñiz – Global Trade Expert Published: September 29, 2025 Length: ~37 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

    Mexico Aligns With the U.S. on Customs Reform

    In this Roundup episode, host Annik Sobing welcomes Manuel Muñiz, an expert in global trade, to unpack President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ambitious 2026 proposals for Mexican customs reform. These reforms, introduced as part of the 2026 economic package, aim to reshape tariff codes, increase compliance obligations, and strengthen Mexico’s alignment with the United States.

    Together, Annik and Manuel discuss what these sweeping changes mean for importers, customs brokers, and international businesses navigating U.S.-Mexico trade. From increased penalties to tariff hikes on over 1,300 products, this conversation offers a timely look at what companies should expect as Mexico seeks to tighten compliance and revenue collection.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why Mexico is reforming its customs and tariff laws in 2026.

    • How customs brokers’ responsibilities and liabilities will expand.

    • What businesses importing from China should prepare for under the new tariff regime.

    • The potential impact of higher penalties for misclassification and noncompliance.

    • How these reforms tie into the upcoming 2026 USMCA renegotiation.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Mexico is aligning customs and tariff policies more closely with the U.S. ahead of USMCA renegotiations.

    • Customs brokers will face greater accountability for ensuring accurate declarations.

    • Importers could see penalties of up to 300% of the goods’ value for violations.

    • Roughly 1,371 tariff codes will be affected, with duties rising between 10% and 50%.

    • Businesses need to prepare now with compliance programs, technology, and proactive supply chain strategies.

    Resources & Mentions:

    • Mexican Customs Authority – SAT

    • Global Training Center

    • USMCA Agreement

    Credits

    Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Manuel Muñiz Producer: Lalo Solorzano

    Subscribe & Follow

    New Roundup episodes every week.

    Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.

    Connect with us:

    • Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

    • Global Training Center on LinkedIn

    • YouTube

    • Spotify

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Trade Geeks Community

    Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

    Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions? Reach us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
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    37 m
  • [Cindy's Version] 22: Confusion, Change, and Community in Trade

    [Cindy's Version] 22: Confusion, Change, and Community in Trade
    Sep 26 2025
    Host: Cindy Allen Published: September 26, 2025 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 22: Confusion, Change, and Community in Trade This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — channels 22 from the Red album to reflect on a trade environment that feels happy, free, confused, and lonely all at the same time. From new Section 232 tariffs announced by the Trump administration to the ripple effects on pharmaceuticals, trucks, furniture, and cabinetry, Cindy breaks down what these measures mean for importers, customs brokers, and compliance teams. She also highlights the EU deal implementation, the role of trade associations, and the looming Supreme Court case over IEEPA tariffs. At the same time, Cindy reminds trade professionals of the importance of staying connected and leaning on the trade community as we navigate rapid changes together. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Details of the Trump administration’s latest Section 232 tariffs: • 100% on branded drugs (with exceptions for U.S. manufacturing) • 25% on heavy trucks • 50% on kitchen cabinets and bath vanities • 30% on upholstered furniture Why generics from India and China were not included in the new duties The pharmaceutical trade role of Ireland and Switzerland The EU trade deal rollout and CBP’s reliance on Chapter 99 numbers How limited government communication impacts brokers and importers Why joining NCBFAA, AAEI, or ICPA helps importers and brokers stay informed Updates on the IEEPA Supreme Court case and its potential impact on tariff policy Key Takeaways: Importers must prepare for higher duties on pharmaceuticals, trucks, furniture, and cabinetry. CBP’s use of Chapter 99 numbers provides technical implementation but leaves policy questions unresolved. Switzerland and Ireland remain critical players in pharmaceutical imports — and targets for tariff discussions. Trade associations are vital for getting timely answers and shaping FAQs. The IEEPA Supreme Court case could reshape tariff authority and compliance strategies. Resources & Mentions: Federal Register – Tariffs & Trade Notices U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America AAEI – American Association of Exporters and Importers ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association Supreme Court of the United States – Docket Information Credits Hosts: Cindy Allen – LinkedIn Trade Force Multiplier Producer: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday. Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 Connect with us: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
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    15 m
  • Storytelling Your Way Through Trade Compliance

    Storytelling Your Way Through Trade Compliance
    Sep 25 2025
    Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles Guest: Belinda Sissom, MBA, LCB – LinkedIn Published: September 25, 2025 Length: ~41 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 📚 From Regulations to Stories — A Fresh Take on Compliance In this episode, Andy and Lalo sit down with Belinda Sissom, a compliance leader who has worked across industries from food and pharma. She shares how she uses storytelling, creativity, and simple communication tools to bring trade compliance to life for colleagues and executives. Instead of long manuals and jargon-heavy training, Belinda leans on Wednesday Quizzes, Friday Quotes, and storytelling to make compliance approachable, relatable, and memorable. She also explains how to position your trade function as a “small business inside a big business” to build credibility, trust, and influence across departments. This conversation is all about showing how trade compliance can move from the back office to the front lines — by speaking in the language people actually understand. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why storytelling can transform compliance from boring to engagingHow to use current events and relatable examples to explain trade issuesDifferent approaches for executives vs. operational teamsWhy treating compliance like a small business inside a big company drives resultsCreative engagement tools like quizzes and quotes that get people paying attention 🔑 Key Takeaways: Storytelling makes compliance stick better than technical explanations. Positioning compliance as a partner (not a “police force”) builds cross-department trust. Creativity and humor are powerful tools for engagement and retention. Leaders need to adapt their messaging: high-level vision for executives, practical context for teams. Compliance is most effective when it feels like part of the business, not a silo. 📌 Resources & Mentions: Lead With a Story – Paul Smith – The book referenced by Lalo on using storytelling in business Global Training Center – Accredited trade education provider Simply Trade Podcast Archive CBP – Informed Compliance Publications – Free CBP compliance guidance Harvard Business Review – The Irresistible Power of Storytelling as a Strategic Business Tool ICPA – International Compliance Professionals Association 🎧 Credits Hosts: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Andy Shiles – LinkedIn Guest: Belinda Sissom, MBA, LCB – LinkedIn | Trade Compliance Leader Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow New episodes every week. Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com Connect with us: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!
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    30 m