TradeNerds with Amy Morgan

Chris Rubio on Innovating at UPS and the Future of Global Trade

From starting off as a UPS package driver to becoming the company’s Head of Global Customs Brokerage Strategy, Chris Rubio has spent over 30 years reimagining how trade works at scale. In this conversation with host Amy Morgan, he shares how innovation happens inside one of the world’s largest logistics companies. They break down what it means to lead through disruption amid ACE modernization, the explosion of cross-border e-commerce, today’s de minimis upheaval, and more. Chris also reflects on how technology, collaboration, and curiosity can turn even the most complex challenges into opportunities for progress. Learn more about Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rubio-57b51221/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rubio-57b51221/]

Ann Lister and Lynda Thomas on Turning Compliance into Community

Ann Lister and Lynda Thomas are the co-founders of the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA), one of the most influential organizations in global trade. What started as a simple email list in 2001 has grown into a vibrant community of thousands of compliance professionals worldwide. Together, Ann and Lynda built ICPA on the principles of accessibility, authenticity, and connection. Their vision transformed compliance from a solitary role into a profession defined by collaboration, education, and community support. Over more than two decades, they have created a home for compliance professionals — one that blends serious subject matter with humor and friendship. Visit ICPA’s website: https://www.icpainc.org/home-4-2/ [https://www.icpainc.org/home-4-2/]

Lars Karlsson on Trade Without Limits

Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade & Customs Consulting at A.P. Møller-Maersk, shows why he’s become “the James Bond of trade” and explores lessons from his four-decade career. He recounts pioneering the world’s first AEO program, shaping border modernization at the World Customs Organization, and driving monumental reforms. Lars also shares insights from his new book When Elephants Fly — part leadership guide, part adventure diary — along with lessons on building resilient trade systems, leading through disruption, and even how you can travel like a trade pro. Learn more about Lars: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-karlsson-7372602a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-karlsson-7372602a/]

Christa Wilkins on Being an Intrapreneur and the Compliance Revolution

From a temp job to thought leadership and high-impact consulting, Christa Wilkins shares how she helped redefine compliance as a strategic force in her book The Compliance Revolution — including why she believes trade compliance managers have insights that can steer boardroom decisions, what to do about the growing risk of burnout, and more. As both a practitioner and thought leader in the trade compliance space, Christa Wilkins has established herself as an advocate for transforming compliance from a back-office function into a strategic business driver. Her work at Maersk, one of the world's largest shipping and logistics companies, gives her unique insights into global supply chain challenges and opportunities. Learn more about Christa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christawilkins/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christawilkins/]

Tina Seale on Three Decades of Trade, Transition, and Tenacity

Tina Seale reflects on a trade career that spans 30 years, from her first “hairy coconuts” case to export control at NASA and some of the most complex export environments in the world. With humor and wisdom, Tina shows how trade compliance encompasses both protecting national security and lifting others up. An export compliance leader, Tina Seale has managed global trade programs for companies like Ericsson, ConocoPhillips, and TE Connectivity, building expertise in everything from EAR and ITAR licensing to OFAC sanctions and SAP GTS implementations. Her work has taken her from factory floors to federal audits, often working behind the scenes to navigate risk, build resilient systems, and quietly keep the global economy moving. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-seale/