Global eCommerce Leaders Podcast

Navigating Global Trade Chaos with Jes Crownover, VP e-Commerce & Digital Solutions, Livingston International

In this episode of the Global eCommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura welcome Jes Crownover, Vice President, e-Commerce & Digital Solutions, to discuss the rapidly changing world of cross-border e-commerce. From tariffs and customs compliance to de minimis, data readiness, AI, and reverse logistics, this episode offers a masterclass for brands navigating global trade disruption. With 25 years of experience across UPS, FedEx, customs brokerage, and global trade management, Jess describes her career path from UPS operations to advising brands on complex international commerce. She illustrates Livingston International’s Canadian roots, global reach, and capabilities in customs brokerage, trade consulting, freight, and technology-enabled solutions around the world. A major theme of the episode is how much global e-commerce has changed since 2020. Jes explains that the pandemic permanently accelerated online shopping behaviour and cross-border demand, while 2025 has emerged as another turning point due to tariffs, shifting sourcing strategies, and the end of de minimis advantages in key markets. For brands, that means rethinking supply chains, market participation, warehousing, returns, and cost structures. She notes that not every company will survive the next 12 to 18 months unchanged, and those that do will be the ones willing to adapt quickly and strategically. The episode zeroes in on a central theme in global commerce: the critical role of data. Jes emphasizes that accurate, complete, usable product and shipment data are the key to success in customs, compliance, and technology. She notes that marketing descriptions aren't customs descriptions, and brands unaware of this distinction risk delays, penalties, or extra costs. Good data, she adds, is the foundation for AI, automation, and scalable border clearance. Michael, Jim, and Jes focus on the importance of partnerships, regulatory expertise, and reverse logistics in global trade. Jes emphasizes that strong partners are vital in an unpredictable landscape driven by tariffs, evolving regulations, and consumer demands for transparency and speed. She issues a direct warning and call to action: brands must immediately understand their goods, data, and cross-border operations to prepare for ongoing disruption. This episode is essential for anyone selling internationally. About: Michael LeBlanc [https://www.meleblanc.co/] is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Global Leaders Reunite: Insights from the GELF NYC Dinner and What’s Ahead for 2026

In this episode of The Global Ecommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura deliver a comprehensive deep dive into the state of global retail and ecommerce, anchored by insights from the recent GELF NYC reboot dinner—the first major in-person gathering of the community in some time. With global executives from leading international brands in the room, the event served as both a reunion and a reality check on the forces reshaping cross-border commerce. Jim and Michael reflect on the energy in New York—highlighted by lively discussions around brand integrity, organizational design, and the rising complexity of global go-to-market strategies. Leaders shared how they manage brand consistency across distributors, marketplaces, and wholesale partners, while simultaneously navigating volatile regulatory environments and shifting tariff structures. The hosts explore how pricing—once a simple currency-conversion exercise—has become a multidimensional challenge as identical goods now carry drastically different landed costs depending on origin, routing, and trade agreements. AI also dominated the conversation. Executives compared notes on AI-enhanced content creation, its accelerating demand for high-quality assets, and the tension between efficiency and brand protection. Michael highlights how generative AI is already intersecting with marketplaces, reshaping purchase journeys, and raising questions about attribution, KPIs, and data governance. Jim adds perspectives from his Ebeltoft global meetings, where consultants from Europe, APAC, and beyond echoed similar themes: AI is advancing faster than any previous digital disruption, and brands worldwide are preparing for what many are calling the first true “AI-powered holiday season.” The episode also previews GELF’s next six months. First up: a Canada-focused virtual event in early December to analyze cross-border performance and help U.S. brands calibrate their 2026 strategies. Then, an LA reboot dinner in February to reconnect with West Coast leaders, followed by planning for a Global Experts Workshop in early 2026—a hands-on symposium for senior global executives managing complex international networks. Finally, Michael and Jim touch on the growing role of NRF’s global shows, the rise of NRF Europe and APAC, and the renewed international momentum behind retail innovation gatherings. As always, they close by inviting brands to reach out, share their challenges, and help shape future GELF programming. This episode is a rich, timely resource for anyone navigating global ecommerce, cross-border growth, trade uncertainty or the accelerating influence of AI on international retail.   About: Michael LeBlanc [https://www.meleblanc.co/] is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

From TikTok Shops to Target Plus to AI Tools: Jessie Chen of ChannelEngine on Social Commerce and the Latest Seller Trends

In this dynamic episode of the Global eCommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura welcome Jessie Chen, Go To Market Lead at ChannelEngine, to explore the evolving landscape of global marketplaces, omnichannel integration, and the rise of AI-powered commerce. Jessie begins with her unexpected career path—from special education teacher and humanitarian program designer in rural China to thriving SaaS and eCommerce professional in New York City. Now leading business development for ChannelEngine's North American operations, she shares how the Dutch-based company evolved from a European marketplace integrator to a fast-growing global player connecting brands with shoppers across Amazon, Walmart, Target Plus, TikTok Shop, and beyond. The conversation dives into fresh insights from ChannelEngine's two major 2025 reports: the Consumer Behavior Study and the Global Marketplace Seller Trends Report. Jessie reveals how shoppers are increasingly treating marketplaces as search engines, beginning their discovery journeys directly on Amazon, Macy's, or TikTok, rather than relying on Google. Meanwhile, sellers are diversifying faster than ever—listing on six to ten marketplaces on average—and bracing for AI to emerge as the next major transactional channel. Jessie and the hosts also explore how traditional retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot are reinventing themselves through third-party marketplaces, creating new opportunities for brands to reach customers in unexpected ways. The conversation shifts to the explosive growth of social commerce, led by TikTok Shop, where the buying power of older consumers has surprised many brands. Jessie breaks down why success on TikTok has little to do with paid advertising and everything to do with authentic, data-driven content and consistent product storytelling. Looking ahead to the upcoming GELF ReBoot Dinner in New York City, Jessie predicts lively debate on three hot topics: * The shift toward hybrid 1P/3P marketplace strategies * The diminishing ROI of custom integrations versus modern SaaS solutions * How brands can responsibly adopt AI tools to scale operations without losing human touch or data integrity Jessie concludes with actionable advice for e-commerce leaders: stop over-customizing, start vetting partners based on shared growth incentives, and approach AI thoughtfully. Whether you're a DTC brand or an enterprise seller, this episode delivers a roadmap for thriving in the new era of global marketplace commerce. Download their Marketplace Seller Trends Report https://www.channelengine.com/lp/marketplace-seller-trends-report [https://www.channelengine.com/lp/marketplace-seller-trends-report] About: Michael LeBlanc [https://www.meleblanc.co/] is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Global Trade Uncertainty, GELF’s Reboot, Dinner in The Big Apple, and the Road to 2026!

In the latest episode of The Global eCommerce Leaders Podcast, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura return to the mic to tackle one of the most pressing issues in international retail: uncertainty in global commerce. From the shifting dynamics of tariffs and the elimination of de minimis thresholds to the resilience of brands doubling down on cross-border strategies, this conversation is essential listening for executives navigating today’s volatile environment. Jim reflects on a busy summer spent speaking at industry events, including Shoptalk, the Parcel Forum, and gatherings hosted by international trade groups. Across these forums, the message was consistent: brands and retailers need a dedicated community to share strategies, find new growth opportunities, and adapt to disruptive policy shifts. This insight has energized the GELF team to reimagine the role of the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum (GELF) in 2026 and beyond. The episode revisits GELF’s origins over a decade ago, when it first brought together a niche group of international retail leaders in a whiskey bar to discuss global expansion. Since then, GELF has grown into the only U.S.-based conference and community fully dedicated to international retail growth, serving as the go-to destination for executives seeking best practices in eCommerce, wholesale, licensing, and franchising. Today, GELF is widening its lens beyond eCommerce alone to focus on the broader landscape of global commerce strategies, from DTC and marketplaces to partnerships and distribution. The conversation dives into the financial impact of policy changes on major brands like Lululemon and Coach (Tapestry Group), who are navigating steep tariff hits and recalibrating inbound and outbound supply chains. Yet despite these headwinds, international VPs remain resolute: global expansion is still a top strategic priority. As Jim notes, companies are treating tariffs and policy shifts not as reasons to retreat but as problems to solve on the road to growth. Looking forward, Michael and Jim unveil plans for a Global Experts Workshop in early 2026, designed to serve advanced global brands with deep-dive sessions on issues such as brand integrity, pricing architecture, and international organizational design. But before that, GELF is reactivating the community with a private executive dinner in New York City on October 22, 2025, co-hosted with Channel Engine [https://www.channelengine.com/] and Livingston International. [https://www.livingstonintl.com/] This intimate gathering will set the stage for GELF’s 2026 agenda and reconnect leaders in a collaborative environment. Ultimately, this episode captures the spirit of GELF’s mission: providing a trusted platform where global retail executives can share experiences, address challenges, and build the strategies that will define the future of global commerce. About: Michael LeBlanc [https://www.meleblanc.co/] is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Global e-Commerce Leaders Forum Reset: Jim Okamura, Co-Founder of GELF, with a tribute to Kent Allen and sharing "What's Next"

In this insightful new installment of the Global e-Commerce Leaders Podcast, host Michael LeBlanc reconnects with Jim Okamura, Co-Founder of the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum (GELF), to discuss the future of global retail, the evolving mission of GELF, and how the community is responding to today’s rapidly changing international marketplace. They begin by reflecting on the legacy of the late Kent Allen, a fellow GELF Co-Founder whose passing deeply impacted the organization and the broader e-commerce sector. Jim shares stories of Kent’s passion for connecting people and forging solutions, highlighting how Kent’s genuine commitment to global growth laid the groundwork for GELF’s unique blend of community and expertise. Throughout the conversation, Jim explains the necessity of reimagining GELF’s programming and events calendar to address the latest complexities in worldwide commerce. From evolving trade regulations and tariffs to the shifting needs of both established and emerging brands, he stresses the importance of gathering global retail leaders more frequently to tackle pressing concerns in real time. This rethinking involves a deeper focus on segmentation—recognizing that seasoned international brands need more advanced strategies, while newcomers require foundational guidance on cross-border logistics, market entry, and localized marketing. Listeners will learn about planned workshops, digital channels, and in-person meetups designed to foster constructive dialogue and knowledge sharing. Jim previews how GELF aims to partner with complementary associations—such as those in logistics, language translation, and supply chain—to further expand the ecosystem of global practitioners. By diving into topics like cross-border wholesaling and franchising, along with direct-to-consumer e-commerce, GELF is poised to address a full spectrum of global commerce opportunities. Finally, Michael and Jim look ahead, encouraging community members—ranging from enterprise veterans to rising DTC players—to share feedback, collaborate on new initiatives, and join a reinvigorated conversation about global retail expansion. The episode concludes with a heartfelt dedication to Kent Allen’s memory, reminding listeners of the spirit of connection and innovation that underpins the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum. Whether you’re a seasoned multinational brand or exploring your first international venture, this episode provides invaluable insights and a roadmap for thriving in the ever-evolving world of cross-border commerce. Support the GoFundMe for Kent Allen's memorial bench here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-bench-for-kent-at-golden-gate-park     About: Michael LeBlanc [https://www.meleblanc.co/] is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.