Episodes

  • [ROUNDUP] Building a Career Through Opportunity and Resilience with Laura DiBella, Chairman at the Federal Maritime Commission

    [ROUNDUP] Building a Career Through Opportunity and Resilience with Laura DiBella, Chairman at the Federal Maritime Commission
    May 11 2026
    Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Laura DiBella, Chair, Federal Maritime Commission Published: May 2026 Length: ~27 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center From Resilience to Maritime Leadership Annik Sobing sits down with Laura DiBella for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the path that brought her to the Federal Maritime Commission. Laura shares how her upbringing as a first-generation American, her family’s financial hardships, and the loss of her brother shaped her values and her drive to serve. The conversation also explores her career journey through real estate, economic development, ports, and maritime leadership, as well as what the industry needs now to move forward with clarity and support. Who This Episode Is Valuable For This episode is especially valuable for young professionals who are still figuring out their path and want to hear how resilience, adaptability, and being open to unexpected opportunities can shape a career. Laura’s story is also meaningful for leaders in her position or anyone at a senior level, because it offers a reminder of where they came from and how personal experience can influence the way they lead, serve, and make decisions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Laura’s early life Laura talks about her Sicilian family background, the example her parents set, and how watching her father build a business from nothing shaped her understanding of hard work and perseverance. She also opens up about the hardships her family faced during the early 1990s recession. How adversity shaped her path The episode explores how personal loss and financial instability influenced Laura’s outlook on life and service. She explains how running, school, and later work became ways to channel that energy into something productive and meaningful. Career growth across industries Laura traces her path from real estate into economic development, then into port leadership, maritime work, and ultimately her current role at the FMC. Her story shows how one opportunity can lead naturally into the next when you stay open to learning and growth. What maritime needs now Laura gives a clear message that the maritime industry needs coordinated support, policy clarity, and real follow-through. She emphasizes that maritime priorities should not be stalled by politics and need urgent attention because of their impact on economic and national security. Why her story resonates The conversation is honest, thoughtful, and personal, making it one of the most memorable episodes of the show. Laura’s openness about her past and her willingness to keep showing up for the industry make this a powerful listen for anyone in trade or logistics. Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Laura DiBella Presented by: Global Training Center Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • 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? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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    27 mins
  • [Cindy's Version] It's time to go (Back To a Traditional Trade Process)

    [Cindy's Version] It's time to go (Back To a Traditional Trade Process)
    May 8 2026

    Host: Cindy Allen Published: May 2026 Length: ~12 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

    It’s Time to Go: Refunds, Trade Policy, and What Comes Next

    In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen walks listeners through a busy week in international trade while using Taylor Swift’s “It’s Time to Go” as the theme. She covers the latest Court of International Trade ruling on Section 122, the ongoing CAPE refund process, Section 301 hearings, possible changes to Section 232 tariffs, and new concerns around CPSC data requirements. The episode also touches on fraud prevention, ACE help desk issues, and why it may be time to return to more traditional trade processes with clearer timelines and checks and balances.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    Court and tariff updates Cindy explains the recent CIT ruling on Section 122 and how it may affect future trade actions. She also discusses the possibility of further appeals and what that could mean for importers.

    CAPE refund progress The episode shares encouraging news that CAPE refunds are reportedly hitting bank accounts. Cindy also covers the 45-day review window and the safeguards CBP is using to catch duplicate or mistaken filings.

    Fraud and cybersecurity concerns Cindy highlights CBP’s webinar and CSMS update about fraud in the CAPE process, including the need to verify bank details and watch for duplicate filings. She notes that many of the problems CBP is seeing are clerical or procedural rather than outright fraud.

    New compliance pressure The conversation shifts to the upcoming CPSC data requirements and why many importers may not yet be prepared. Cindy explains that the timeline is tight and that companies should work closely with brokers to get ahead of the new filing expectations.

    Why “It’s Time to Go” fits Cindy uses the Taylor Swift song to reflect the need to move away from overly novel tariff approaches and back toward more traditional trade processes. Her message is that trade needs time, structure, and predictability in order to plan and adjust effectively.

    Credits Host: Cindy Allen Presented by: Global Training Center

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    • 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    • 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    • ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    🤝 Connect With Us

    • Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?

    Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?

    Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
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    13 mins
  • How AI Product Passports Are Changing Trade Compliance; with Evan Smith

    How AI Product Passports Are Changing Trade Compliance; with Evan Smith
    May 7 2026
    Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles Guest(s): Evan Smith Published: May 7, 2026 Length: 43:23 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Global trade is changing fast, and compliance teams are being asked to do more than ever before. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome back Evan Smith of Altana to discuss how artificial intelligence, supply chain visibility, and product passports are reshaping the way importers, brokers, forwarders, and governments approach trade compliance. Evan explains why traditional customs entry data is no longer enough for today’s regulatory environment, especially as forced labor enforcement, tariff stacking, rules of origin, carbon requirements, and geopolitical risk all demand a deeper understanding of the full value chain. The conversation explores how product passports can help companies move from reactive problem-solving to proactive trade assurance, allowing importers to document, validate, and communicate product and supply chain information before goods arrive at the border. This episode matters because it highlights a major shift: trade compliance is no longer just a back-office function. It is becoming a strategic business capability that can reduce risk, improve speed to market, and create competitive advantage. Transcript source: Main Topic / Discussion The episode focuses on the rise of AI-enabled product passports and how they can help companies manage modern trade compliance challenges. Evan Smith explains how Altana’s technology maps value chain networks, supports regulatory attestations, and helps businesses better understand supplier relationships, origin data, forced labor risk, tariff exposure, USMCA qualification, and other trade requirements. A key theme is the shift from transaction-based compliance to network-based compliance. Instead of relying only on individual customs entries, companies are being encouraged to build a deeper, ongoing view of their products and supply chains. This allows trade teams to identify risk earlier, respond more effectively to government inquiries, and potentially gain trade facilitation benefits through pre-validation and stronger documentation. The discussion also emphasizes leadership’s role in elevating trade compliance across product design, sourcing, procurement, logistics, and overall business strategy. Key Takeaways • Customs authorities are increasingly focused on full supply chain and value chain visibility, not just entry-level transaction data. • Product passports can help importers proactively document product identity, supplier networks, origin details, and compliance evidence. • AI is not replacing trade professionals; it is giving them better tools to manage growing complexity. • Trade compliance should be involved earlier in business decisions, including design, sourcing, procurement, and logistics planning. • Companies that understand and manage their value chain networks can reduce risk, improve clearance outcomes, and create competitive advantage. • Leadership must provide trade teams with the authority, budget, tools, and organizational access needed to respond to today’s trade environment. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Altana Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Andy Shiles – LinkedIn Guest(s): Evan Smith – LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • 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? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com
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    44 mins
  • Pete & Cindy Show: An Unfiltered Conversation on Audits, Refunds, and Broker Value

    Pete & Cindy Show: An Unfiltered Conversation on Audits, Refunds, and Broker Value
    May 6 2026

    Host: Cindy Allen - Trade Force Multiplier Guest: Pete Mento, Baker Tilly Published: May 2026 Length: ~42 minutes Presented 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 readiness Pete 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 responsibility A 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 worth The 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 tools Pete 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 logistics The 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.

    Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest: Pete Mento Presented by: Global Training Center

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    Stay up to date with the latest in global trade:

    • 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    • 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    • ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    🤝 Connect With Us

    • Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?

    Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?

    Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
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    41 mins
  • [Tips] Incoterms, FOB Confusion, and Why Ex Works May Not Be as Easy as It Looks

    [Tips] Incoterms, FOB Confusion, and Why Ex Works May Not Be as Easy as It Looks
    May 5 2026

    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.

    📢 Subscribe & Follow

    Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

    🎧 Listen on:

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Spotify

    • YouTube

    💬 Connect with us:

    • Simply Trade on LinkedIn

    • Global Training Center on LinkedIn

    • Trade Geeks Community
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    18 mins
  • What Trade Media Is Seeing That Others Aren’t with Eric Johnson

    What Trade Media Is Seeing That Others Aren’t with Eric Johnson
    May 4 2026
    Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Eric Johnson - Journal of Commerce Published: May 2026 Length: ~34 minutes Presented 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 background Eric 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 works Eric 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 perspective The 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 changed Eric 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 events The 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 resilience Annik 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. Credits Host: Annik Sobing Guest: Eric Johnson Presented by: Global Training Center Subscribe & Follow Stay up to date with the latest in global trade: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 🤝 Connect With Us Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 🎙️ Want to Be on the Show? Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution? Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
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    34 mins
  • [Cindy's Version] There is Happiness in Global Trade

    [Cindy's Version] There is Happiness in Global Trade
    May 1 2026

    Host: Cindy Allen Published: May 2026 Length: ~12 minutes Presented 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 updates Cindy 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 risk The 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 pressure Cindy 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 complexity The 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.

    Credits Host: Cindy Allen Presented by: Global Training Center

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    Stay up to date with the latest in global trade:

    • 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    • 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    • ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    🤝 Connect With Us

    • Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
    🎙️ Want to Be on the Show?

    Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution?

    Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
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    11 mins
  • CAPE: How to Actually Do It, with Bonnie Kersch

    CAPE: How to Actually Do It, with Bonnie Kersch
    Apr 30 2026
    🎧 Hosts Andy ShilesLalo 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 doHow it applies in the context of IEEPA refundsWhat 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 isHow CAPE connects to IEEPA duty refund opportunitiesWhy many companies may not be ready to take advantage of refundsThe importance of having accurate entry data and documentationOperational challenges in identifying eligible entriesThe 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 entriesDuty paymentsRelevant 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 guidanceAlignment with IEEPA applicabilityInternal validation before submission 📌 Reference: IEEPA Duty Refund Guidance https://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 teamsBrokersFinanceInternal 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 recordsSupporting documentationA defensible position 💡 Key Takeaways CAPE is an operational process—not just a concept Execution is what determines success.Data visibility is critical If you can’t easily access and analyze your entry data, you’re already behind.IEEPA refunds present real opportunity—but also risk Companies need to be deliberate, not reactive.Preparation matters now Waiting 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 CAPEDon’t have their data organizedOr 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-refundsMagnolia Global Trade Solutions 👏 Credits Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuest: Bonnie KerschProduced by Global Training Center 🔔 Subscribe & Follow Stay up to date with the latest in global trade: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 🤝 Connect With Us Global Training Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast 🎙️ Want to Be on the Show? Have insights on trade compliance, enforcement trends, or real-world execution? Reach out—we’d love to have you on.
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    37 mins