Simply Trade
Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
Episodes
![[CANADA] Tariffs, Retaliation, and the Road to the 2025 IE Canada Summit](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Cover_2026_300x300.png)
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
[CANADA] Tariffs, Retaliation, and the Road to the 2025 IE Canada Summit
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Host: Warrington EllacottGuest: William Pellerin – Partner, International Trade & Investment Law, McMillan LLPPublished: October 2025Presented by: Global Training Center
🇨🇦 From Tariffs to Trade Diversification: The Canadian Perspective
In this Simply Trade: Canada Edition, host Warrington Ellacott from the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (IE Canada) sits down with returning guest William Pellerin of McMillan LLP for a candid conversation about how the shifting trade landscape is reshaping Canada’s import–export community.
From IEEPA tariffs and Canada’s retaliatory measures to new tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and countervailing duty cases, Warrington and Will break down the latest developments affecting manufacturers, exporters, and importers across the country.
They also explore how global supply chains are being redrawn along new geopolitical lines — and how Canadian provinces, policymakers, and the private sector are responding with trade diversification, infrastructure investment, and a renewed focus on internal collaboration.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How U.S. IEEPA and Section 232 tariffs are impacting Canadian sectorsThe rise of TRQs and their effect on the steel and aluminum industriesWhy Canada is experiencing a surge in anti-dumping and countervailing duty casesThe ripple effects of China’s retaliation on Canadian agriculture and seafood exportsHow Canada’s trade diversification strategy and new FTAs are reshaping global positioning
Key Takeaways
Tariff wars are evolving, and Canada is adapting by pursuing trade diversification and new bilateral agreements.
Canada’s TRQ system and retaliatory tariffs are forcing companies to reassess sourcing and supply strategies.
China’s countermeasures on canola and seafood illustrate the fragility of global market dependencies.
Despite challenges, there’s momentum behind domestic collaboration, with provinces working together to fast-track major infrastructure projects.
The upcoming IE Canada Summit in Ottawa is the place to hear directly from Canada’s trade leaders and policy voices.
Resources & Mentions
2025 IE Canada Summit – Event Details & Speakers (PDF)→ Use Promo Code: SIMPLYTRADE to receive a special discount when registering!
Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (IE Canada)
McMillan LLP – International Trade & Investment Law
House of Commons CIIT Committee – Trade Hearings
Global Affairs Canada – Trade Diversification Strategy
Global Training Center
🎧 Credits
Host:
Warrington Ellacott – President, IE Canada
Guest:
William Pellerin – Partner, McMillan LLP
Produced by:
Lalo Solorzano, Global Training Center
📢 Subscribe & Follow
Presented by Global Training Center — your source for trade education, compliance training, and professional resources.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
YouTube
Spotify
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Trade Geeks Community
![[TIPS] Self-Branding: Defining Your Image and Influence in Trade](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Cover_2026_300x300.png)
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
[TIPS] Self-Branding: Defining Your Image and Influence in Trade
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: [Insert publish date here]Length: ~7 minutesPresented 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:
Who Are You (or Your Department)? – Identify your values, authenticity, and risk profile. How do you show up in your organization and community?
What Do You Do? – Define your scope: import, export, compliance, or operations — and what sets you apart.
Who Do You Work For? – Understand how company size, industry, and complexity influence your brand and the story you tell.
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 – LinkedInJulie 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.comDM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
![[EVENTS]: Mexico & Texas — two must-attend trade events this fall](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Cover_2026_300x300.png)
Monday Oct 06, 2025
[EVENTS]: Mexico & Texas — two must-attend trade events this fall
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Hosts: Annik Sobing & Andy ShilesGuests: Alyson Hachey, Elisabeth Sherrell, Bonnie Kersch, Lila Landis & George ReidPublished: October 5, 2025Length: ~29 minutesPresented 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.comor DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
![[Cindy's Version] The Life of a Trade Girl](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Cover_2026_300x300.png)
Friday Oct 03, 2025
[Cindy's Version] The Life of a Trade Girl
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Host: Cindy AllenPublished: October 3, 2025Length: ~13 minutesPresented 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!

Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Bonds Are Not Boring: Tariffs, Risk & Sureties with Colleen Clarke
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuest: Colleen Clarke, Vice President, Roanoke Insurance GroupPublished: October 1, 2025Length: ~25 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
📚 Why Bonds Matter More Than Ever
Think bonds are boring? Think again.
In this episode, Andy and Lalo welcome Colleen Clarke 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 Clarke – 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!
![[TIPS] Managing Up: Communication, Visibility & Proposals](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Cover_2026_300x300.png)
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
[TIPS] Managing Up: Communication, Visibility & Proposals
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: [Insert publish date here]Length: ~5 minutesPresented 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:
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.
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.
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 – LinkedInJulie 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
![[ROUNDUP] Mexico’s 2026 Customs Reform and Its Impact on Trade](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog14879952/Annik_News_Logo7liz1_300x300.jpg)
Monday Sep 29, 2025
[ROUNDUP] Mexico’s 2026 Customs Reform and Its Impact on Trade
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Host: Annik SobingGuest: Manuel Muñiz – Global Trade ExpertPublished: September 29, 2025Length: ~37 minutesPresented 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 SobingGuest: Manuel MuñizProducer: 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.comor DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod
![[Cindy's Version] 22: Confusion, Change, and Community in Trade](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Cover_2026_300x300.png)
Friday Sep 26, 2025
[Cindy's Version] 22: Confusion, Change, and Community in Trade
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Host: Cindy AllenPublished: September 26, 2025Length: ~15 minutesPresented 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!

Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Storytelling Your Way Through Trade Compliance
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuest: Belinda Sissom, MBA, LCB – LinkedInPublished: September 25, 2025Length: ~41 minutesPresented 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 engaging
How to use current events and relatable examples to explain trade issues
Different approaches for executives vs. operational teams
Why treating compliance like a small business inside a big company drives results
Creative 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!
![[TIPS] Leadership in Trade: Mentorship, Management Style & Perception](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/14879952/ST_Cover_2026_300x300.png)
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
[TIPS] Leadership in Trade: Mentorship, Management Style & Perception
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: [Insert publish date here]Length: ~6 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
In this episode of the Career mini-series, Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) explore what it means to step into leadership in the world of trade and customs. From mentorship to management style, and even the importance of perception, they share practical insights for both aspiring leaders and seasoned managers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Mentorship Matters – Whether formal or informal, mentoring is a responsibility for leaders and a growth path for practitioners. Document progress, close knowledge gaps, and give back to the trade community.
Know Your Management Style – Get feedback on how your team experiences you. Are you empathetic, authentic, and respectful? Does your style align with your personal brand?
Evaluate Perception & Work Mix – Leadership isn’t just about tasks; it’s about how others perceive you and how your responsibilities shift as you move up the ladder.
Julie’s FIO (Figure It Out)
👉 This week’s action item: Take a pause and evaluate how others perceive you as a leader. Ask for feedback — whether through a formal 360 review or simple conversations — to understand the impact of your style and adjust where needed.
Keep the Conversation Going
Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:
Do you have a mentor or are you mentoring others?
How would your team describe your management style?
What feedback surprised you the most about your leadership approach?
Credits
Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarelli – LinkedInJulie 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 or DM us on LinkedIn.

Why Simply Trade
We have been in the business of educating companies and trade professionals in all things trade since 1991. In that time we have helped thousands with meet their trade compliance challenges face on.
Because trade changes almost daily and not all topics could be covered in a full day of training, we created the Simply Trade podcast to continue to educate and inform the trade community about current changes, new information, or just about anything trade related.
We would like your feedback on what we are doing right or wrong to make the show better. Also, if you, or someone you know, would like to be a guest on the show, or would like to sponsor the show, or just want to suggest a topic for us to cover on the show, please reach out to us via email at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or via Twitter @SimplyTradePod.
We hope you enjoy the show and do not hesitate to reach out to us.




