Simply Trade

• [TIPS] Difficult Conversations — When You’re the Catcher

  Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Series: Difficult Conversations (Episode 3) Format: Trade Tip Tuesday | Hammer & Heels Length: ~8 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 🔍 Episode Summary In this Trade Tip Tuesday episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks continue their Difficult Conversations series by shifting perspectives — from the pitcher to the catcher. Not every tough conversation is initiated by you. Sometimes, you’re on the receiving end — caught off guard, underprepared, or unsure how to respond in the moment. This episode provides a practical framework to help trade professionals listen, respond, and lead with clarity when they’re the ones being approached. Using the same GGCC acronym introduced in the previous episode, Renee and Julie walk through how to apply it when you’re the listener, ensuring difficult discussions remain productive, respectful, and solutions-focused. 🧠 Key Learnings When you’re the catcher in a difficult conversation, use the GGCC framework: G — Gratitude Acknowledge the conversation and thank the other person for bringing the issue forward. G — Gravity Recognize the seriousness of the issue and validate the weight of the concern being shared. C — Clarify & Commit Listen fully, reflect back what you heard, and commit to working toward a resolution — even if the answer isn’t immediate. C — Closing (Consider, Comply, or Reject) Be honest and transparent about next steps. You may need time to consider, you may comply immediately, or — in rare cases — reject the request after thoughtful evaluation. 📌 Why This Matters in Trade In trade compliance, logistics, customs, and global operations, difficult conversations are unavoidable — from resource constraints and compliance gaps to performance concerns and project pressures. How you receive these conversations is just as important as how you initiate them. This framework helps: Reduce defensiveness Build trust and credibility Create space for thoughtful, compliant decision-making Strengthen leadership communication skills 🧩 FIO (Figure It Out) — This Week’s Action Item Take a moment to pause and take inventory. Ask yourself: What difficult conversations might be coming my way? What issues may be bubbling up in my team or organization? Where could someone need clarity, support, or a decision from me? Being mentally prepared — even without knowing specifics — allows you to respond with intention instead of reaction. Once you’ve done your FIO, head into the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how it went. 👉 Trade Geeks Community 🔗 Keep the Conversation Going This episode builds directly on the previous discussion about being the pitcher. Be sure to listen to both — and don’t miss the upcoming role-play episode where Renee and Julie bring both perspectives together. 🎧 Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📣 Subscribe & Follow 🗓️ New Simply Trade Tips episodes every Tuesday LinkedIn – Simply Trade Podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 💬 Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Ideas? 📧 [email protected] 🐦 DM us on X/Twitter: @SimplyTradePod Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

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• [ROUNDUP] AI is not what you think it is

  Host: Annik Sobing Guest: John Petitte, Co‑Founder at Trade Insight AI Length: ~27 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center GTC Course Details:  Mergers & Acquisitions Course In this Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing sits down with tech entrepreneur John Petitte to explore what really happens when technology meets trade. Coming from a software and AI background—not customs or logistics, John shares an “outsider” view on how critical, yet invisible, the trade compliance world is, and why it’s such a powerful use case for modern AI tools. The conversation covers how he and co‑founder Hal first targeted classification, where AI genuinely works today, and why current “agent” hype doesn’t match on‑the‑ground adoption. Together, they unpack the difference between true productivity gains and marketing promises, why large language models fit text‑heavy work like trade compliance and law, and how small firms can use AI to punch above their weight instead of fearing job loss. Annik and John also dig into where AI is (and isn’t) a good fit—from code and internal tools to art, music, and marketing—and what trade professionals should focus on as 2026 approaches. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How a technologist first discovered trade compliance and saw opportunity in classification Why trade is “hypercritical” to daily life yet largely invisible to the public The gap between AI/agent hype and actual business adoption and ROI The difference between large language models and other AI types (e.g., world models, robotics) Why text‑heavy fields like trade compliance, law, and coding are prime candidates for LLMs Practical examples of where AI already saves hours per week (e.g., internal tools, newsletters) Why regulators still expect human “reasonable care” between AI outputs and government filings How small brokers, consultants, and firms can use AI to compete with much larger players Strategic tips for picking specific, narrow use cases instead of trying to “AI everything” Key Takeaways AI in trade is best used for focused, well‑defined tasks—not as a magic “replace everything” button. Compliance remains insulated from full automation because regulators still require human oversight. Small firms that ignore AI risk falling further behind large players who are already exploring it. Understanding which type of AI you’re using (and why) is essential to getting real value, not just buzz. Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: John Petitte Producer: Annik Sobing 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 [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod

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• [Cindy's Version] Delicate - A Fragile Trade Moment

  Host: Cindy Allen Published: December 12 Length: ~11 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center In this “Cindy’s Version” news roundup, Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, uses Taylor Swift’s “Delicate” as the backdrop for a candid look at how fragile global trade feels right now. She walks through the latest data points on slowing U.S. imports, resilient China–world trade flows, and small-business confidence, then zooms in on a new Section 301 case against Nicaragua and what it signals about future trade actions. Cindy also breaks down a recent Cato Institute report on effective U.S. duty rates, showing how average tariffs have climbed far above historic norms and why pre‑tariff stockpiling temporarily masks the true cost picture. She explains the mounting complexity of stacked tariffs, derivative duties, and the end of de minimis, as well as the uncertainty created by ongoing 232 and IEEPA actions and the landmark Supreme Court case. Throughout, she stresses how this volatility affects planning, hiring, and cash flow for importers and exporters—leaving many in a “delicate” position heading into the new year.   Key Takeaways Average U.S. duty rates are far above pre‑tariff levels, and the true burden is still emerging. Legal strategy around injunctions and refund rights is now central to trade risk management. Tariff complexity and uncertainty have their own price tag—in planning, inventory, and talent. For many companies, 2025 planning is less about perfect forecasts and more about building resilience in a very “delicate” trade environment. Credits Host: Cindy Allen, TradeForce Multiplier Subscribe & Follow New “Cindy’s Version” trade roundups periodically. 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 [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X @SimplyTradePod

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• The Human Cost of Tariffs: Detroit Axle’s Fight for Survival Under Trump’s Trade Policies

  Episode: #408 Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle Published: Insert date Length: ~39 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary In one of our most powerful and revealing episodes of the year, Andy and Lalo sit down with Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle, to expose the real-world, real-human impact of the accelerated tariff changes implemented under the Trump administration. This conversation is raw, emotional, and brutally honest. It blends economics, politics, business strategy, and human reality into the clearest picture yet of what happens when tariff changes hit industries faster than companies can possibly adapt. Detroit Axle — a family-built, half-billion-dollar U.S. company employing hundreds across Detroit, El Paso, and Juarez — is now facing seismic pressures from massive tariff spikes, sudden de minimis repeal, skyrocketing materials costs, slowed consumer spending, and policy decisions made with little warning. Mike breaks down: How tariffs jumped from $25,000 per $1M of imports… to $625,000–$725,000 Why overnight policy changes destroyed logistics models built over 30 years Why these decisions threaten not just executives, but hundreds of families How Detroit Axle trains returning citizens, rebuilds parts manually, and sustains U.S. jobs Why even supportive CEOs struggle when change comes so suddenly How the company is pivoting toward Canada and Mexico Why Congress vs. Presidential authority may redefine U.S. trade policy And why the Supreme Court’s ruling could make or break this company’s future This episode is the perfect capstone to a year full of tariff discussions — tying everything together through a real, relatable, human story.  Key Learnings & Takeaways 1. Tariff volatility isn’t just policy — it’s people Detroit Axle employs hundreds across three countries. A sudden repeal of de minimis and massive tariff spikes have already paused a 350,000 sq ft Detroit expansion — affecting jobs, families, and local economies. 2. The cost increases are staggering Tariffs on a million dollars of imports climbed: From $25,000 To $625,000–$725,000 Companies cannot absorb increases of this scale without raising prices or reducing investment. 3. Abrupt policy changes destroy planning cycles Congress initially set a 2027 timeline. The administration moved that to 2025, leaving companies with no runway to pivot. 4. De minimis repeal hurts much more than China Small businesses, U.S. e-commerce, border operations in El Paso/Juarez, and consumers all pay the price. 5. Tariffs were intended to bring leverage — but reciprocity hasn’t followed Countries such as India and Vietnam lowered tariffs on U.S. goods… …but the U.S. didn’t lower tariffs in return, creating tension and reducing competitiveness. 6. America’s manufacturing gap is now painfully visible Mike explains the loss of: Machinery Skills Manual trades Technical knowledge Replacing that ecosystem takes years, not weeks. 7. The Supreme Court case could reshape trade authority The outcome may determine: Whether presidential tariff power remains broad Whether Congress must reassert authority And whether companies like Detroit Axle get relief  Episode Resources Detroit Axle – Learn more about Mike’s company: Detroit Axle Website Mike Musheinesh (LinkedIn) Connect with Mike Learn more about Global Training Center programs: Trade Compliance Courses Trade Strategist Training Join the Trade Geeks Community: Trade Geeks Portal Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with Simply Trade and never miss an episode: LinkedIn – Global Training Center Follow GTC YouTube – Simply Trade Podcast Subscribe on YouTube Spotify Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts

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• [NCBFAA] Regulatory Agencies Committee Year in Review

  Episode: NCBFAA Spotlight: Understanding the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): • Michael Lahar – Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) • Adam Lees – Vice Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) • Cindy Thomas – Counsel, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) Published: November 2025 Length: ~34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 🧾 Episode Summary In this special collaboration episode with the NCBFAA, Lalo sits down with members of the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) — the team that engages with all Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) outside of CBP on behalf of the brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics community. Committee Chair Michael Lahar, Vice Chair Adam Lees, and Counsel Cindy Thomas walk through the RAC’s unique role, its 15 subcommittees, and how 2025 proved to be one of the most unusual years in recent memory. From staffing reductions under the Department of Justice’s GOGE initiative, to the still-ongoing government shutdown, to FDA’s surprise launch of the National Entry Review (NER) Program, the RAC has spent the year rebuilding agency relationships, troubleshooting major regulatory changes, and guiding NCBFAA members through rapidly shifting expectations. The conversation highlights the RAC’s critical liaison function — ensuring brokers aren’t left in the dark, building interagency cooperation, and helping PGAs understand how brokers function as “force multipliers” in the import ecosystem. The episode closes with a forward look at 2026, including the CPSC and Fish & Wildlife ACE mandates, the National Marine Fisheries implementation of MMPA requirements, and what brokers need to prepare for now. 🗝️ Key Takeaways RAC represents brokers and freight forwarders across 15 PGA subcommittees, interacting with agencies from USDA and CPSC to FDA, EPA, APHIS, and Fish & Wildlife. Government shutdown impacts varied widely across PGAs — some were fully dark, others partially functioning. Staffing reductions under GOGE hit PGAs hard, creating delays and inexperienced replacements. FDA’s National Entry Review (NER) Program launched with only 30 days’ notice, causing friction but improving week by week. Interagency cooperation is growing, with agencies proactively engaging the RAC for the first time. Brokers are increasingly recognized as “force multipliers” for enforcement efficiency. 2026 will bring major ACE mandates for CPSC and Fish & Wildlife — importers must prepare now. AI is being used across PGAs, often without transparency. Resilience across both industry and government was the defining theme of 2025. 🔍 Topics Covered Structure & mission of the RAC PGA staffing and shutdown impacts FDA NER rollout challenges Rebuilding agency relationships Interagency collaboration wins AI use in trade enforcement 2026 ACE mandates (CPSC, FWS) National Marine Fisheries MMPA enforcement Preparing brokers for regulatory change NCBFAA Annual Conference preview 📚 Resources & Mentions NCBFAA – National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (Website) FDA – National Entry Review (NER) Program (Referenced during the episode) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Website) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – ACE Filing Program (Website) Global Training Center (Website) 🎤 Credits Hosts: • Lalo Solorzano (LinkedIn) Guests: • Michael Lahar – Chair, RAC (LinkedIn) • Adam Lees – Vice Chair, RAC (LinkedIn) • Cindy Thomas – Counsel, RAC (LinkedIn) Produced by: Global Training Center Notes prepared by: The Simply Trade Team 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community: Global Training Center on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/global-training-center Simply Trade on YouTube youtube.com/@simplytradepod Simply Trade on Spotify open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq Simply Trade on Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690 Trade Geeks Community globaltrainingcenter.com/portal

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