International Trade Resources Podcast

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Patricia Leebove about what global process improvement really looks like inside international organizations. In this episode, Patricia breaks down how improvement work can range from small, high-impact fixes to full-scale projects — and why the size of the initiative doesn’t determine its value. She and Kim explore how lean principles, thoughtful measurement, and cross-functional collaboration help teams reduce waste, improve customer outcomes, and accelerate revenue.Patricia also shares the human skills behind successful process improvement, including: facilitation, listening, data literacy, and an ability to translate across functions. She and Kim discuss why the humble spreadsheet is still one of the most used platforms in global organizations. Kim digs into the overlap between process improvement and project management, including practical examples of aligning stakeholders and managing scope.The conversation then expands into the complexities of global work — from country-specific regulations to cultural norms that shape how teams collaborate. Patricia gives vivid examples, including how compliance expectations differ in Germany and how vacation practices shift dramatically across borders. The episode closes with her framework for assessing improvement maturity using a simple matrix, along with Kim’s invitation for listeners to reflect on their own processes and next steps. Listen now to learn how to apply these global process improvement insights to your own organization! Key Takeaways●       Process improvement can be anything from a kaizen-style quick fix to a full project rollout: impact matters more than scale.●       Cultural norms and regulatory environments vary widely and meaningfully shape global improvement efforts.●       A maturity matrix offers a straightforward framework for assessing progress and identifying next steps.Episode Sponsors:If you liked this episode - Buy Me a Coffee - it’s a great way to help us cover the out of pocket costs.  LINK:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kimkirkendallAcclime China:https://china.acclime.com/Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for China.Website: www.intltraderesources.com Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. We provide no guarantee for the accuracy of the information provided. Reproduction or transmission of this podcast is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Ervis Micukaj, owner and general manager of Jet IT in Shanghai, about the practical realities of cloud backup, data security, and compliance for international companies— especially those operating in China and the broader APAC region. Ervis explains why backing up data and keeping it secure aren’t opposing goals but parts of the same strategy, and why companies need local expertise that understands both global cloud options and regional regulations.The conversation demystifies what “the cloud” actually means and lays out the three common deployment models while stressing the single most important control point: who holds the encryption keys. Ervis breaks down a set of simple, practical safeguards: encrypt data at the source, keep full control of your own keys, apply Zero Trust principles, and build both local and redundant backups to ensure you meet performance and compliance requirements when operating across borders.Kim and Ervis also map the regulatory landscape that affects backup decisions: China’s cybersecurity and data security requirements, Europe’s GDPR, and U.S. industry-specific rules. Rather than viewing compliance as a burden, Ervis reframes it as a quality framework that drives better practices and builds trust with regulators and partners. Tune in now and get the download on Cloud Backup and the future of AI-driven models!Key takeawaysBackup and security are complementary.Know your cloud models: public, private, and hybrid each have trade-offs.The 3–2–1 ruleCompliance varies by region: compliance strengthens resilience and trust.Prepare for the future: AI governance is the next big security conversation. Episode Sponsors:If you liked this episode - Buy Me a Coffee - it’s a great way to help us cover the out of pocket costs.  LINK:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kimkirkendallAcclime China:https://china.acclime.com/Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for China.Website: www.intltraderesources.com Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. We provide no guarantee for the accuracy of the information provided. Reproduction or transmission of this podcast is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall sits down with Ann Shipherd, owner of A.C. Ship Global Trade Law and a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in customs brokerage and trade compliance. Together, they tackle one of the most pressing and confusing issues in international trade today: understanding tariff announcements.When headlines announce a new tariff or policy shift, where can importers and trade professionals turn to separate fact from speculation? Ann walks us through a step-by-step process for finding accurate, up-to-date information - starting with presidential executive orders, then moving through CBP’s Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS), the Federal Register, and beyond. She also emphasizes the practical role of customs brokers and industry colleagues in interpreting rapidly changing guidance.The conversation dives deep into tariff stacking, the challenges of conflicting or delayed announcements, and the growing reliance on tools like ACE to verify the real-world application of tariffs. Ann and Kim highlight the importance of industry collaboration, CBP rulings, and staying proactive in a landscape where regulations shift quickly and sometimes retroactively.If you’ve ever wondered how to make sense of tariff updates—or how to protect your company from unexpected costs—this episode is packed with insights and practical strategies.Key Takeaways:Where to find the most reliable sources of tariff information (executive orders, CSMS, Federal Register, ACE).Why your customs broker should be your first call when announcements are made.How to use CBP rulings and industry associations to clarify uncertainties.What tariff stacking is and why it complicates landed cost calculations.The risks of delayed duty bills and why trade professionals must stay vigilant.Tools like newsletters, websites, and LinkedIn can help professionals stay up to date on rapidly changing trade issues.Storytelling is a powerful tool in influencing policymakers—companies that speak up can shape the future of trade. Episode Sponsors:If you liked this episode - Buy Me a Coffee - it’s a great way to help us cover the out of pocket costs.  LINK:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kimkirkendallAcclime China:https://china.acclime.com/Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for China.Website: www.intltraderesources.com Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. We provide no guarantee for the accuracy of the information provided. Reproduction or transmission of this podcast is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Ed Brzytwa, Vice President of International Trade at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). With experience spanning the Department of Commerce, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and multiple trade associations, Ed brings deep insight into the intersection of trade policy and industry interests. The episode focuses on the often-overlooked power of trade associations—not just as event hosts, but as strategic connectors, advocates, and policy influencers.Ed explains how trade associations like CTA provide businesses—especially small ones—with critical access to policymakers, tools for advocacy, and insider knowledge on fast-evolving trade developments. Listeners will learn how associations help shape trade policy through structured member engagement, regular working group meetings, and coordinated storytelling efforts that bring real-world impact to the attention of decision-makers.Kim and Ed also explore ways companies can leverage their trade associations to not only stay informed, but to actively influence trade outcomes. From participating in policy committees and fly-ins, to responding to surveys or telling their own tariff-impact stories, Ed emphasizes that member engagement is what makes advocacy successful. The episode wraps with tips on how to stay current in a rapidly changing global trade landscape—from LinkedIn networking to AI-powered info-gathering tools.This is a must-listen episode for any business involved in international trade or looking to understand how to influence trade policy more effectively through their association.Key Takeaways:Trade associations go far beyond events—they provide research, advocacy, networking, and policy influence.Active member participation in working groups and policy discussions is essential to shaping effective trade advocacy.Small businesses can—and should—play a critical role in informing trade policy by sharing their experiences.Tools like newsletters, websites, and LinkedIn can help professionals stay up to date on rapidly changing trade issues.Storytelling is a powerful tool in influencing policymakers—companies that speak up can shape the future of trade. Episode Sponsors:If you liked this episode - Buy Me a Coffee - it’s a great way to help us cover the out of pocket costs.  LINK:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kimkirkendallAcclime China:https://china.acclime.com/Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for ChiWebsite: www.intltraderesources.com Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. We provide no guarantee for the accuracy of the information provided. Reproduction or transmission of this podcast is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of the International Trade Resource Podcast, host Kim Kirkendall chats with Ying Lu, founder of Blue Lake Packaging and former global operations leader at Apple. With a rich background in industrial engineering and a passion for sustainable design, Ying brings a practical, design-forward perspective to a topic many companies overlook: packaging. But this isn’t just about logos and pretty boxes—this conversation dives into how packaging can be a powerful lever for reducing costs, improving sustainability, and navigating complex tariff structures.Ying shares the three guiding principles her team uses to help clients streamline packaging: reducing unnecessary materials, designing packaging as a product itself, and simplifying manufacturing processes. Along the way, she gives real-world examples—from replacing instruction booklets with QR codes to optimizing shipping volumes and reducing tariffs by rethinking where and how packaging is applied. She also underscores how small changes in design can yield big savings, both financially and environmentally.Kim and Ying go beyond theory to discuss how companies can make meaningful strides in sustainability without compromising brand identity or functionality. They break down what recyclable really means in practice, how to tailor packaging messaging to resonate with customers, and why visiting a recycling facility might just change the way you approach your next product launch. Whether you're a trade professional, supply chain leader, or brand manager, this episode will get you thinking outside the box—literally.Key Takeaways:●      The three core principles of cost-saving packaging design●      How smart packaging choices can reduce landed costs and tariffs●      What companies get wrong about sustainability—and how to fix itTune in to learn how packaging can be more than just a container—it can be a competitive advantage. Episode Sponsors:If you liked this episode - Buy Me a Coffee - it’s a great way to help us cover the out of pocket costs.  LINK:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kimkirkendallAcclime China:https://china.acclime.com/Corporate Services and full Accounting/CPA/Tax for China. Website: www.intltraderesources.com Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. We provide no guarantee for the accuracy of the information provided. Reproduction or transmission of this podcast is strictly prohibited.