From Spreadsheets to Sanity: Fixing Trade Data Chaos with AI with Brian Glick

🎧 Hosts

• Andy Shiles
• Lalo Solorzano

🎤 Guest

• Brian Glick, CEO of Chain.io

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📅 Published Date

April 16, 2026

⏱️ Episode Length

~31 minutes

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📝 Episode Summary

What happens when your trade data is everywhere… and nowhere at the same time?

In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy and Lalo sit down with Brian Glick, CEO of Chain.io, to unpack one of the biggest hidden challenges in global trade: data fragmentation.

From managing dozens of brokers and freight forwarders to dealing with inconsistent data, missed red flags, and mounting compliance pressure—Brian explains why the real problem isn’t just systems… it’s visibility and control.

The conversation dives into how modern tools (including AI) are helping companies:

• Connect disconnected systems
• Identify costly errors before they become violations
• Strengthen compliance in an increasingly unpredictable trade environment

But this isn’t just a tech conversation. It’s a reality check.

With shifting regulations, evolving enforcement, and increasing expectations from Customs, the message is clear:

👉 If you don’t control your data, you don’t control your risk.

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🔑 Key Topics Discussed

• The “hidden problem” in global trade: moving and managing data
• Why companies struggle with multiple brokers, forwarders, and systems
• How data mapping used to work—and why it no longer scales
• The role of AI in identifying anomalies and compliance risks
• The difference between automation vs. decision-making in compliance
• Why Customs scrutiny and expectations are increasing
• The importance of maintaining “ground truth” data internally
• Risks of relying too heavily on third parties for critical compliance data
• Real-world examples of valuation mistakes and data inconsistencies
• Why discipline and strong compliance foundations still matter

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💡 Key Takeaways

• Data is your foundation
  If you don’t own and understand your data, you can’t adapt when rules change.
• AI should support—not replace—human decision-making
  The safest use of AI today is reviewing and flagging issues, not making final compliance decisions.
• You can’t rely on “we’ve always done it this way”
  Trade is changing too fast. Old processes won’t hold up under new scrutiny.
• Compliance isn’t just about clearing shipments
  The real risk often shows up later—during audits and reviews.
• Discipline matters more than ever
  Shortcuts might solve today’s problem but create tomorrow’s penalty.

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🚨 Why This Episode Matters

Trade professionals are being asked to do more—with more data, more complexity, and less margin for error.

This episode highlights a critical shift:

👉 From manual processes → to connected systems
👉 From reactive compliance → to proactive risk management

If your organization is still relying on spreadsheets, disconnected systems, or third-party data without validation… this conversation is a wake-up call.

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🔗 Resources & Mentions

• Chain.io 
• Concepts discussed:
  • Data mapping
  • SOP-driven compliance
  • AI-assisted anomaly detection
  • Customs audits & enforcement trends

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👏 Credits

• Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano
• Guest: Brian Glick
• Produced by Global Training Center

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Produced by: Global Training Center

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