Many people don’t fully grasp business on a global scale until they begin running one themselves. For Nathaly Mesa, CITP, years of running small businesses opened the door to international opportunities—and sparked a new fascination. As she applied her business management background in a global context, it became clear that international trade was the natural next step in her career.
“I began my journey in international trade out of a deep interest in global markets and how businesses expand across borders,” she explains, adding that, while running businesses, “I often encountered opportunities that involved international clients and suppliers. This sparked my curiosity and motivated me to explore the field further.”
To advance her expertise, she pursued the FITT Diploma in International Trade, a transformative step that, in her words, “gave me both practical tools and strategic insights into global business operations.”
Combining two passions: global trade and sustainability
Nathaly is a fan of international business and green practices, so when she had the opportunity to work with a sustainable furniture company, she jumped at the chance.
“One of my favourite stories from my career was working with a furniture company whose concept immediately caught my attention,” she says.
“Their main material was recycled wood, which really resonated with me because it combined two of my biggest passions: international trade and supporting businesses that contribute to environmental conservation.”
Being involved in their international expansion was both exciting and meaningful, she says. She had the opportunity to support them in navigating logistics, understanding trade compliance, and building relationships with overseas partners. Recognizing that her contributions helped a sustainable business scale internationally, while also promoting eco-conscious practices, made the experience “incredibly fulfilling,” she adds.
Championing Colombian craftsmanship around the world
Nathaly reflects on another project with pride, one that was significant to her—not only from a business perspective but on a cultural and personal level too.
Working with artisans from her home country, she led internationalization campaigns for their handcrafted products:
“I worked closely with local artisans, whose incredible craftsmanship reflects Colombia’s rich cultural heritage. Through hard work, strategic planning, and a deep respect for their work, we were able to introduce these unique products into demanding international markets in Europe and North America.”
“Seeing them embraced abroad was incredibly rewarding,” she reflects. “It confirmed my belief in the value of combining international trade with cultural preservation and ethical business practices.”
This work underscores her approach to trade not simply as a means of profit, but as a platform to elevate culture, sustainability, and community empowerment.
A career shaped by cross-cultural intelligence
Looking back, Nathaly now understands the importance of cultural competence and relationship-building in business. It is a lesson she wishes to impart to new professionals in the field of trade.
“One piece of advice I wish I had known when I started working in international trade is the importance of building strong cross-cultural relationships from the very beginning.”
She goes on to explain that, early on in her career, she placed heavy focus on logistics, compliance, and strategy, “which are, of course, critical,” she emphasizes. “But I later realized that understanding cultural nuances and building genuine trust with international partners can be just as important for long-term success.”
Now she takes the time to learn about different business practices, communication styles, and cultural expectations, and this, she believes, has helped her avoid misunderstandings, strengthen partnerships, and ultimately close better deals. “If I had embraced that earlier, I believe some challenges could have been turned into opportunities more quickly,” she says.
How FITTskills shaped her global expertise
Nathaly describes her FITTskills experience as “extremely valuable,” particularly the practical frameworks that helped transform her hands-on experience into strategic expertise. She felt the courses gave her a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in international trade.
“What I appreciated most was the practical, hands-on approach that helped bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.”
“The knowledge I gained has been directly applicable to my career, especially in internationalization projects and supporting businesses looking to expand globally. It has enhanced my ability to navigate complex global markets with confidence, and the courses have given me the tools to better assess risks, opportunities, and strategies in international trade,” she adds.
Though she loved all the courses, two in particular stood out to her.
The Feasibility of International Trade course, she says, helped her understand how to evaluate whether international expansion is a viable and strategic move for a business. It also gave her the tools to conduct detailed market, financial, and operational assessments.
She also enjoyed the International Market Entry Strategy course, finding that it complemented her feasibility knowledge by guiding her through the process of selecting the most appropriate entry methods, tailoring strategies to different markets, and managing associated risks.
“Together, these two courses significantly enhanced my ability to support businesses in making informed and successful decisions when entering global markets.”
Why Nathaly pursued the CITP designation
For Nathaly, earning her Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation was an intentional step to solidify her place in the global trade community:
“I chose to apply for the CITP designation because I see it as a mark of excellence and credibility in the field of international trade. After completing the FITTskills program and gaining hands-on experience in global business, I wanted to formalize my expertise with a designation that is recognized and respected worldwide.”
Earning it was deeply meaningful: “It felt like the recognition of years of dedication… and represents a milestone in my professional journey.” She also takes pride in knowing that her work and knowledge met the high standards required for the designation. She describes it as more than just a credential; it also reaffirms her passion for global business and motivates her to keep growing and contributing to the field with integrity and purpose.
Leadership and supporting global business expansion
With her CITP in hand, Nathaly is focused on expanding her leadership roles in international business while supporting companies pursuing global growth through new networks.
“With this designation, I feel more confident pursuing leadership roles in
“It also connects me to a respected community of professionals, which I believe will open new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and continuous learning throughout my career.”
Her blend of cultural insight, sustainability-driven values, and business management expertise makes her a powerful force in international trade. She is shaping connections that benefit not just international companies, but also local artisans, the environment, and countries steeped in deep heritage.
LinkedIn: Nathaly Mesa, CITP
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