Simply Trade

Pete & Cindy Show: An Unfiltered Conversation on Audits, Refunds, and Broker Value

Host: Cindy Allen - Trade Force MultiplierGuest: Pete Mento, Baker TillyPublished: May 2026Length: ~42 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
CAPE Audits, Broker Value, and the Real Cost of Recovery
Cindy Allen sits down with Pete Mento of Baker Tilly for an unfiltered conversation about CAPE refunds, audits, broker fees, and what importers should really be thinking about as the refund process evolves. Pete shares why importers need to own the accuracy of their data, why audits matter before filing, and why the broker relationship is more important than ever when claims involve tariffs, offsets, and potential corrections. The episode also covers the value of customs brokerage, the debate over fee structures, and the impact of Amazon, reverse logistics, and broader market changes on the future of trade.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
CAPE rollout and audit readinessPete explains why the CAPE system has performed better than many expected and why importers should not assume the filing itself means the hard work is over. He emphasizes that the data behind the filing needs to be accurate before it is uploaded.
Importer responsibilityA major theme of the conversation is that the importer, not the broker, is ultimately responsible for the information in the entry. Pete and Cindy discuss why internal audits, review of stack orders, and entry-level diligence are essential before requesting a refund.
What broker services are worthThe episode digs into broker compensation, including the difference between commodity pricing and value-based service. Cindy and Pete discuss when fee structures feel fair, when they do not, and why brokers should be paid for real work and not treated as a free commodity.
Software, AI, and audit toolsPete and Cindy also explore the role of software in auditing and why technology can help customs professionals focus on higher-value issues instead of repetitive checks. They compare the evolution of ABI to the current rise of AI and automation in trade.
Amazon and the future of logisticsThe conversation closes with thoughts on Amazon, freight forwarding, and reverse logistics, including how major players are reshaping delivery, returns, and consumer expectations. It’s a forward-looking discussion about where trade and transportation may be headed next.
CreditsHost: Cindy AllenGuest: Pete MentoPresented by: Global Training Center
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[Tips] Incoterms, FOB Confusion, and Why Ex Works May Not Be as Easy as It Looks

In this episode of Simply Trade, host Lalo Solorzano is joined by Trudy Wilson, longtime Global Training Center instructor and trade compliance expert, for the first installment of what Lalo calls “Trudy’s Trade Tips.”
This conversation focuses on a foundational topic that continues to create confusion across import and export teams: Incoterms 2020.
Trudy breaks down why companies should not simply default to familiar terms like FOB or Ex Works, especially when containerized freight, export filing, loading responsibility, and risk exposure are involved.
Key Takeaways
Incoterms are voluntary, but they help buyers and sellers clearly define responsibility.
There are 11 Incoterms, but most companies should focus primarily on the 7 “any mode” terms.
FOB, CIF, CFR, and FAS are often misused when goods are moving in containers.
“Ocean shipment” does not automatically mean one of the ocean-only terms applies.
Ex Works may look simple for the seller, but it can create serious compliance and operational risk.
Export filing, proof of export, loading responsibility, and product destination still matter.
AI and automation can help, but trade professionals still need the foundation to validate results.
Featured Discussion
Trudy explains why the four sea and inland waterway terms should generally be reserved for goods that are “pumped or dumped” onto a vessel, such as oil, grain, minerals, or ore.
For most containerized shipments, even when moving by ocean, companies should usually be evaluating the seven any-mode Incoterms instead.
She also cautions against the casual use of Ex Works, reminding exporters that “easy” does not always mean low risk.
Memorable Quote
“If you don’t have the foundation right, you’re going to have issues with the tariffs anyway.”
Hosts
Lalo Solorzano
Trudy Wilson
About Simply Trade
Simply Trade is a podcast by Global Training Center, created for trade compliance professionals, importers, exporters, customs brokers, and supply chain leaders who want practical conversations about global trade.
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Trade Geeks Community

What Trade Media Is Seeing That Others Aren’t with Eric Johnson

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Eric Johnson - Journal of Commerce
Published: May 2026Length: ~34 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
AI, Trade Reporting, and Why the Industry Is Changing Faster Than Ever
Annik Sobing sits down with Eric Johnson of the Journal of Commerce for a wide-ranging conversation about trade media, logistics, technology, and the growing influence of AI across the industry. Eric shares how his reporting career led him from newspapers and ports coverage into trade journalism, why global experience sharpened his perspective, and how the pace of change has accelerated as the industry becomes more connected and more technical. The discussion also explores TPM, how conferences are evolving, and why smart technology still depends on smart people.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Eric’s backgroundEric shares how he moved from sports journalism into trade reporting after covering the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. He explains how travel, international exposure, and a love of writing shaped the career path that brought him to the Journal of Commerce.
How trade reporting worksEric explains that trade journalism is built on conversations, sources, and a wide horizontal view of the industry. He discusses how reporters learn from brokers, forwarders, shippers, carriers, and consultants to build a clearer picture of what is happening across the supply chain.
The impact of culture and perspectiveThe conversation explores how working and traveling abroad changed Eric’s writing style and made him more sensitive to different communication styles, especially when covering people across regions and languages. He talks about the importance of being accurate, fair, and empathetic in reporting.
How the industry has changedEric reflects on how the core work in logistics and trade has stayed mostly the same, even as technology, internet access, and media coverage have transformed the way information moves. He argues that AI is speeding up the pace of change, but not replacing the underlying work itself.
TPM and the future of eventsThe episode also covers TPM’s evolution from a shipping-focused conference into a broader industry gathering shaped by technology, geopolitics, and operational complexity. Eric explains why TPM still matters most as a place where people meet face-to-face to solve real business problems.
AI, investment, and resilienceAnnik and Eric also discuss how different types of companies should think about investing in technology. Eric notes that asset-light companies, asset-heavy companies, and shippers all face different incentives and risk levels when deciding how aggressively to adopt AI and other tools.
CreditsHost: Annik SobingGuest: Eric JohnsonPresented by: Global Training Center
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[Cindy's Version] There is Happiness in Global Trade

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: May 2026Length: ~12 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Trade Complexity, CAPE Rejections, and Why “Happiness” Fits the Moment
In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen steps back from the usual CAPE-only focus to look at the broader trade landscape, from AGOA comments and EU sanctions to OFAC changes, DOJ enforcement, and shipping developments at the FMC. She also discusses the latest CAPE refund updates, including rejection rates, sequencing issues, and the practical steps importers need to take if their entries were filed before guidance was finalized. Using Taylor Swift’s “Happiness” as her theme, Cindy reflects on the complexity of the current trade environment and why both frustration and optimism can exist at the same time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
AGOA and global policy updatesCindy highlights the USTR’s request for comments on AGOA and notes the upcoming expiration deadline at the end of the year. She also touches on revised EU sanctions against Russia and changes in OFAC contracting for sanctioned entities in oil and gas.
DOJ enforcement and supply chain riskThe conversation covers the DOJ’s plywood fraud case and the importance of supply chain diligence, willful blindness, and origin tracing. Cindy emphasizes that buyers need to know who they are dealing with and where goods actually come from.
Shipping and market pressureCindy discusses the FMC’s record award involving OOCL and Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as the continuing Strait of Hormuz blockage and its impact on oil, gas, and jet fuel availability. These developments show how trade, shipping, and geopolitics are all connected.
CAPE refund complexityThe biggest portion of the episode focuses on CAPE refund rejections, especially “unable to calculate duty” and sequencing errors. Cindy explains why importers should work closely with their brokers, review PSCs where necessary, and understand how ACE reports and tariff timing affect eligibility.
The meaning of “Happiness”Cindy uses Taylor Swift’s “Happiness” to reflect the emotional complexity of trade right now. She notes that the industry is experiencing both frustration and opportunity, and that there may be happiness after this difficult season as trade professionals continue to play a bigger role.
CreditsHost: Cindy AllenPresented by: Global Training Center
 
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CAPE: How to Actually Do It, with Bonnie Kersch

🎧 Hosts
Andy Shiles
Lalo Solorzano
🎤 Guest
Bonnie Kersch, Founder of Magnolia Global Trade Solutions
📅 Published Date
April 30, 2026
⏱️ Episode Length
~37 minutes
📝 Episode Summary
IEEPA duty refunds are creating a major opportunity—but only for companies that know how to navigate CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) correctly.
In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy and Lalo sit down with Bonnie Kersch to break down what CAPE actually means in practice and how importers should be preparing to take advantage of potential refunds.
This isn’t theoretical.
The conversation focuses on:
What CAPE is designed to do
How it applies in the context of IEEPA refunds
What importers need to have in place before taking action
With guidance tied directly to CBP’s latest direction—including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection IEEPA refund guidance—this episode helps translate policy into real-world execution.
🔑 Key Topics Discussed
What CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) actually is
How CAPE connects to IEEPA duty refund opportunities
Why many companies may not be ready to take advantage of refunds
The importance of having accurate entry data and documentation
Operational challenges in identifying eligible entries
The role of internal processes vs. external partners (brokers, systems)
What importers should be doing now to prepare
🧭 CAPE in Practice (From the Episode)
1. Understand What CAPE Is—and Isn’t
CAPE is not just a filing mechanism—it’s a structured way to manage and process entries in a consolidated manner.
👉 Misunderstanding this leads to missed opportunities or incorrect filings.
2. Identify Potentially Impacted Entries
To take advantage of IEEPA refunds, companies need visibility into:
Historical entries
Duty payments
Relevant classifications and applicability
👉 If your data is fragmented, this becomes a major barrier.
3. Validate Eligibility for Refunds
Not every entry will qualify.
This step requires:
Careful review of CBP guidance
Alignment with IEEPA applicability
Internal validation before submission
📌 Reference:IEEPA Duty Refund Guidancehttps://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies/ieepa-duty-refunds
4. Coordinate Across Teams and Partners
CAPE execution isn’t done in isolation.
It requires coordination between:
Trade compliance teams
Brokers
Finance
Internal data owners
👉 Misalignment here can delay or derail the process.
5. Ensure Documentation & Audit Readiness
Any refund request will need to stand up to scrutiny.
👉 This means having:
Clear records
Supporting documentation
A defensible position
💡 Key Takeaways
CAPE is an operational process—not just a conceptExecution is what determines success.
Data visibility is criticalIf you can’t easily access and analyze your entry data, you’re already behind.
IEEPA refunds present real opportunity—but also riskCompanies need to be deliberate, not reactive.
Preparation matters nowWaiting until deadlines or enforcement increases will limit your options.
🚨 Why This Episode Matters
IEEPA-related refund opportunities are time-sensitive and complex.
Companies that:
Don’t understand CAPE
Don’t have their data organized
Or rely solely on third parties
👉 may miss out entirely—or expose themselves to compliance risk.
This episode gives a practical lens on what needs to happen next.
🔗 Resources & Mentions
U.S. Customs and Border Protection IEEPA Refund Guidance:https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies/ieepa-duty-refunds
Magnolia Global Trade Solutions
👏 Credits
Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano
Guest: Bonnie Kersch
Produced by Global Training Center
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[TIPS]: From Activity to Impact: Making Trade Strategy Visible

Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Series:
Tactical vs. Strategic (Series 7)
Episode:
Episode 5 – Demonstrating Strategic Value
Length:
~15 minutes
🎧 Episode Summary
In this final episode of the Tactical vs. Strategic series, Renee and Julie focus on one of the most critical (and often overlooked) skills in trade leadership:
👉 Showing the value of strategic trade
Because here’s the reality—many trade teams are already doing strategic work…they’re just not showing it in a way leadership understands.
This episode breaks down how to shift from reporting activity (what you did) to demonstrating impact (what changed because of you). From metrics to messaging, this is your guide to making trade visible, measurable, and tied directly to business outcomes.
🔑 Key Topics Covered
Why strategic work often goes unseen
The difference between activity metrics vs. impact metrics
How to translate trade work into business value
Structuring executive-ready dashboards and presentations
Connecting trade decisions to financial outcomes
Building visibility through communication and reporting
📊 Activity vs. Impact Metrics
Activity Metrics (Tactical):
Entries filed
Classifications completed
Trainings delivered
Impact Metrics (Strategic):
Duty savings achieved
FTA utilization rates
Error rate reduction
Cycle time improvements
Audit outcomes
Reduction in manual work
💡 Executives don’t just want to know what you did—they want to know what changed because of it
🧠 Key Takeaways
Strategic work only matters if it’s visible to leadership
Trade must be:
Operational
Measurable
Defensible
Show trends, not just totals:
Volume increases
Regulatory complexity
Resource constraints
Keep executive reporting:
Simple
Visual
On one slide
Always include:
Goal lines
Status indicators (🟢🟡🔴)
Back up your metrics with clear methodology (especially early on)
💡 How to Communicate Strategic Value
Tie trade activity to:
Landed cost reduction
Risk avoidance
Compliance improvements
Show how trade influences:
Sourcing decisions
Supply chain design
Tariff strategy
Market expansion
Move trade from:👉 Gatekeeper → Strategic Advisor
📈 Ways to Increase Visibility
Quarterly operations reviews
Trade dashboards with key metrics
Executive briefings on regulatory changes
Participation in sourcing & supply chain strategy
Sharing “wins” (a.k.a. unicorn projects 🦄)
💡 If you’re not communicating your value—it’s not being seen
🚀 FIO (Figure It Out) – Call to Action
Pick one metric leadership cares about right now:
Cost savings
Risk reduction
Duty avoidance
👉 Start reporting on it consistently
Whether it’s:
A dashboard
A newsletter
A leadership update
The goal is simple:Shift perception from tactical support → strategic value creation
💬 Join the Conversation
Head over to the Trade Geeks Community and tell us:
What metric did you choose?
How are you reporting it?
Are you starting to see a shift in perception?
🎙️ Credits
Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarelli → https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcastJulie Parks → https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Producer:Lalo Solorzano → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎧 Subscribe & Follow
New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by:Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Connect With Us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
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Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Trade Geeks Community → https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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✉️ Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?
📧 SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com🐦 Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

[ROUNDUP] "CAPE does not stop your entries biological clock" with Cindy DeLeon

Host: Annik SobingGuest: Cindy DeLeon, Founder and Managing Director, DeLeon TradePublished: April 2026Length: ~20 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
CAPE Refunds, ACE Challenges, and What Importers Need to Know Now
Annik Sobing sits down with Cindy De Leon, founder and managing director of De Leon Trade, for a practical conversation about CAPE refunds and the early rollout of CBP’s new process. Cindy breaks down what importers need to know about phase one eligibility, validation rules, common filing issues, and why clean data and strong internal controls matter. The conversation also covers account deactivations, error messages, broker communication, and what importers should monitor after submission so they do not miss key deadlines.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
CAPE basicsCindy explains what CAPE is, who can use it, and which entry types are currently eligible in phase one. She also walks through how the portal works and why it is not as simple as a standard online refund process.
Common filing issuesThe discussion covers some of the most frequent challenges users are facing, including account deactivations, validation errors, and system messages that prevent entries from being processed. Cindy shares practical advice on working through those issues and when to refile.
Internal controls and data qualityCindy stresses the importance of strong internal controls, clean ACE data, and regular audits before submitting a CAPE request. She also explains why companies with inconsistent entry data may need to correct issues before they can move forward.
Broker and importer communicationThe episode highlights why importers need to know whether their broker is filing on their behalf and where refund money will be routed. Cindy also touches on situations where brokers may have advanced duties and why clear communication is essential.
Deadlines still matterOne of the biggest reminders from the conversation is that filing a CAPE refund request does not stop liquidation or protest deadlines. Cindy encourages importers to keep monitoring the “biological clock” of their entries and consult legal counsel when needed.
CreditsHost: Annik SobingGuest: Cindy De LeonPresented by: Global Training Center
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center• Trade Force Multiplier
Credits
Host:• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn• Trade Force Multiplier
Producer:• Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
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New episodes every Friday.
Presented by Global Training Center
• Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn• Global Training Center on LinkedIn• YouTube• Spotify• Apple Podcasts• Trade Geeks Community

[Cindy's Version] CAPE Takes the Crown: A ‘King of My Heart’ Moment in Trade

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: April 24, 2026Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen covers a relatively quiet week in global trade—highlighted by one major development: the successful launch of CBP’s CAPE system for IEEPA duty refunds.
After months of uncertainty, CAPE is now live—and early feedback from the trade community has been overwhelmingly positive. Importers are already seeing duties removed at the entry level and refund amounts becoming visible, marking a significant milestone in the post-IEEPA landscape.
Cindy also touches on ongoing geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz, new developments in Section 232 and 301 actions, and important updates impacting the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.
Inspired by Taylor Swift’s King of My Heart, Cindy reflects on whether CAPE might finally be the solution the trade community has been waiting for.
This Week in Trade
• Continued disruption risks in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global shipping and energy markets• Accelerated movement on Section 232 and 301 investigations• New tariff relief for steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico used in U.S. automotive production• Ongoing developments in pharmaceutical tariffs, including compliance challenges for importers• Industry feedback submitted on electronic export manifest requirements for ocean shipments
CAPE Launch: A Strong Start
CBP officially launched CAPE on April 20, and early results are promising:
• System launched on time and without major disruption• Filing requires only entry numbers• Importers are already seeing IEEPA duties removed at the line level• Refund amounts are becoming visible and trackable
While some minor issues have surfaced—particularly around capped duty scenarios and prior filing instructions—the overall rollout has been widely viewed as a success.
What This Means for Trade
• CAPE is delivering on expectations—at least in its initial phase• Importers and brokers can begin actively recovering duties• Some entries may still require post-summary corrections before filing• The system’s simplicity is enabling broader participation across the trade community
Cindy notes that while not perfect, this is one of the most effective system rollouts seen in recent trade operations.
Key Takeaways
• CAPE is live—and working• Early feedback suggests a smooth and effective rollout• Trade professionals should begin evaluating filing strategies• Broader trade enforcement activity continues to accelerate
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center• Trade Force Multiplier
Credits
Host:• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn• Trade Force Multiplier
Producer:• Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Subscribe & Follow
New episodes every Friday.
Presented by Global Training Center
• Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn• Global Training Center on LinkedIn• YouTube• Spotify• Apple Podcasts• Trade Geeks Community

North American Trade Unity: Inside NACBA’s Mission at NCBFAA Annual Conference

Host: Annik SobingGuests: Federico “Kiko” Zuniga, Kim Campbell & Carlos MartinezPublished: November 2025Length: ~12 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
One Region, One Voice: Strengthening North American Trade Collaboration
In this special Simply Trade Roundup episode recorded live at the NCBFAA conference in San Antonio, host Annik Sobing sits down with leaders from the North American Customs Brokers Alliance (NACBA): Federico “Kiko” Zuniga (Chair), Kim Campbell (Treasurer, Canada), and Carlos Martinez (Co-Chair, Mexico).
Together, they discuss the importance of collaboration between customs brokers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and how a unified industry voice helps shape more efficient and effective border processes. The conversation highlights NACBA’s role in addressing trade barriers, educating the industry, and working directly with all three governments to improve cross-border trade.
From the ongoing USMCA review to evolving customs regulations and real-world operational challenges, this episode underscores why North America must continue working together to remain a strong and competitive trade region.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What NACBA is and how it brings together customs brokers from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Why collaboration across North America is critical for seamless trade flows.
How NACBA identifies trade barriers and works with governments to resolve them.
The current challenges surrounding the USMCA review process.
Key regulatory and operational challenges in Canada (CARM) and Mexico (customs reform).
How education and industry resources help importers better understand cross-border trade.
Key Takeaways
A unified voice across North America is more powerful than individual country advocacy.
Trade in the region goes beyond economics — it also impacts security and long-term stability.
The USMCA review process is a critical moment that will shape the future of regional trade.
Importers often underestimate compliance requirements, especially under USMCA qualification rules.
Strong collaboration between brokers and governments leads to more practical and effective trade solutions.
Resources & Mentions
North American Customs Brokers Alliance (via NCBFAA resources)
NCBFAA — https://www.ncbfaa.org/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
CAAAREM — https://www.caaarem.mx/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
USMCA — https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/united-states-mexico-canada-agreement?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Global Training Center — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Credits
Host: Annik Sobing — https://www.linkedin.com/in/annik-sobing-mba-b226251a2/
Guests:
Federico “Kiko” Zuniga — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiko-zuniga-2570086/
Kim Campbell — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-campbell-ca/
Carlos Martinez — (CAAAREM, Mexico)
Producer: Lalo Solorzano — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/
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New Roundup episodes every week.
Presented by: Global Training Center — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Connect with us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/82507159/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Trade Geeks Community — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comor DM @SimplyTradePod on Twitter/X

[TIPS] When Work Evolves But People Don’t: Managing the Shift to Strategic Trade Teams

Hosts
Renee Chiuchiarelli
Julie Parks
Episode Length
~10 minutes
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips: Hammer & Heels, Renee and Julie tackle one of the toughest realities in transforming trade organizations:
👉 What happens when the work evolves… but the team doesn’t?
As part of the Tactical vs. Strategic series, this conversation dives into the human side of transformation—where automation, delegation, and new expectations shift the nature of work, but not everyone is ready (or willing) to shift with it.
They break down how leaders should think about talent, coaching, and difficult decisions when building a more strategic trade function.
Key Learnings
1. Moving to Strategic Work Is a People Change—Not Just a Process Change
Automation, controls, and delegation don’t just change workflows—they change what’s expected from your team.
👉 Strategic work requires:
Judgment
Communication
Influence
👉 Tactical work requires:
Accuracy
Speed
As programs mature, the balance shifts—and your talent strategy must shift with it.
2. Not Everyone Wants Strategic Work (And That’s Okay)
Some employees:
Prefer predictable work
Are uncomfortable with ambiguity
Don’t want decision ownership
Avoid stakeholder influence
👉 That’s not a flaw—it’s a fit question.
The real leadership challenge is identifying:
Is it a capability issue?
A comfort issue?
Or a willingness issue?
3. Old Habits Pull Teams Back Into Tactical Mode
Even after transformation, teams may revert to:
Manual problem-solving
Email-based approvals
Reworking broker tasks
Hoarding work instead of delegating
Why?
Familiarity feels safer
Fear of losing expertise or relevance
Comfort with being “the expert”
👉 If you don’t actively break old habits, they will quietly take over again.
4. Coaching Comes Before Replacing
Before making talent changes, leaders should:
Clearly explain why roles are evolving
Define new expectations with guardrails
Teach what strategic thinking actually looks like
Pair employees with mentors
Build confidence through repetition and feedback
👉 Strategic capability doesn’t appear overnight—it’s built.
5. Give People Time to Grow
Developing strategic thinkers requires:
More time
More coaching
More interaction
More iteration
👉 If every deadline is urgent, tactical work will always win.
6. When Change Doesn’t Happen
Sometimes, coaching isn’t enough.
Leaders have two options:
Redesign the role toward tactical execution (if still needed)
Replace the role with talent aligned to the strategic direction
👉 Organizations often change faster than people can.
Key Takeaway
👉 Moving from tactical to strategic isn’t just about systems—it’s about having the right people, in the right roles, at the right time.
🎯 FIO (Figure It Out) – This Week’s Challenge
Schedule intentional thinking time on your calendar.
Because if your day is fully reactive:👉 Tactical work will always win.
Block time to:
Think strategically
Analyze
Plan ahead
Then start aligning your schedule with the leader you want to become.
💬 Join the Conversation
Head over to the Trade Geeks community and tell us:Have you made the shift to strategic work—or is your team still stuck in tactical mode?
Credits
Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarelli – https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcastJulie Parks – https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Producer:Lalo Solorzano – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎧 Subscribe & Follow
New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by:Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Connect With Us
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedInGlobal Training Center on LinkedIn
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Trade Geeks Community — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?
📧 SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com🐦 Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod