From an early age, Audrey Marie-Nely had a deep curiosity about different cultures, languages, and global markets. Born and raised in France, her academic and professional journey took her across continents—from Europe to Canada and South America—where she explored the complexities of international trade and innovation.

Today, as a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and a graduate of the FITTskills program, she leverages her expertise to help businesses navigate the global marketplace.

Building her career foundation with education

Audrey began her academic journey by working towards a Diploma in Business Management, which provided a solid foundation in key business principles. Her growing fascination with international trade led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in International Business. “I’ve always had a strong interest in the world, its languages, and its cultures,” she shares.

“During my studies, the concept of ‘glocalization’—how companies adapt global strategies to fit local markets—really resonated with me. I wanted to be part of helping businesses thrive internationally.”

Recognizing the increasing role of technology in global commerce, she took her education a step further with a Master’s degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

“Technology is revolutionizing trade, from digital marketplaces to blockchain for supply chain transparency. I knew that to stay ahead, I had to understand how innovation intersects with international trade.”

Doing meaningful work supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs

Audrey’s professional journey has been just as global as her education. After completing her studies in France, she moved to Canada, eager to experience a new business environment. There, she immersed herself in the world of entrepreneurship and small business support. “I had the privilege of working with small businesses across various industries, helping them understand the challenges and opportunities of international expansion,” she recalls.

One particularly rewarding experience involved guiding a small Canadian business in its early steps toward global trade.

“The client needed help with logistics, risk assessment, and adapting marketing strategies for different regions. It was incredible to see how foundational knowledge—what seems basic to us in the field—can be transformative for a business owner just starting out.”

Her passion for international business took her further, leading to a stint in South America during her master’s program. There, she explored and connected the local startup and innovation ecosystem, gaining valuable firsthand insights into how businesses in the region approached global trade.

“Meeting tech founders and entrepreneurs, I saw their resilience and creativity in overcoming challenges unique to their markets. It reinforced my belief in the power of global thinking.”

The FITTskills experience: bridging knowledge and application

Despite years of education and professional experience, Audrey still sought out ways to refine her expertise in international trade. That’s when she discovered the FITTskills program.

“I was looking to update my knowledge and expand my practical skills, and FITTskills was the perfect fit. The courses provided up-to-date insights and real-world applications that I could immediately integrate into my work.”

One of the most impactful courses for Audrey was International Trade Finance. “Understanding financing options, risk management, and payment methods is crucial in global trade. The course helped me work more effectively with key partners and strengthened my ability to support businesses in securing financial success internationally.”

She emphasizes the importance of not just learning the material but actively applying it.

“When you take a program like FITTskills, you can find ways to integrate the concepts into your job. It makes the learning experience far more valuable.”

Achieving the CITP, a mark of professional excellence

Earning the CITP designation in 2021 was a significant milestone. “The CITP represents excellence and lifelong learning in international trade. The world of global business is constantly evolving, and staying current is essential.”

Beyond the personal sense of achievement, the CITP designation has had tangible benefits. “Having ‘CITP’ next to my name has opened doors. It builds credibility among clients and colleagues, making it easier to establish trust and authority in the field. It has also connected me with a community of international trade professionals, leading to valuable collaborations.”

The power of mentorship and leadership

One of the most unexpected yet rewarding aspects of her journey has been mentorship. “Before moving to Canada, I didn’t realize the power of mentorship. Through a FITT mentorship program, I was matched with an experienced trade professional who provided invaluable guidance. Even though the formal program has ended, we still keep in touch.”

Now, Audrey is paying it forward, mentoring individuals across various fields.

“Mentorship is a way to give back and help others navigate the complexities of global trade. It’s something I plan to continue throughout my career.”

Beyond mentorship, she serves on the Global Startups Advisory Committee, where she provides strategic advice to startups entering the Canadian market. She also participates in a loan committee that evaluates funding applications from small businesses.

“Being involved in these initiatives allows me to support businesses at different stages of their growth and contribute to the broader trade ecosystem.”

Making an impact in the rapidly evolving future of trade

With a well-established global career, a CITP designation, and a passion for international business, Audrey envisions having an even broader impact in the coming years.

“My goal is to continue helping businesses expand into global markets, leveraging my network and expertise to drive success.”

She can see herself stepping into more thought leadership roles, participating in industry events, and contributing to discussions on the future of international trade.

“Global trade is evolving rapidly. Whether through advisory roles, content creation, or speaking engagements, I want to be part of shaping what’s next.”

For those considering the CITP designation or the FITTskills program, Audrey’s advice is clear: “Invest in your education and professional development. The world of international trade is constantly changing, and staying ahead requires continuous learning.”

“The CITP and FITTskills have been game-changers for me, and they can be for others too.”

Today and into the future, professionals like Audrey play a crucial role in bridging markets, fostering innovation, and helping businesses navigate the ever-changing landscape of international trade. Her journey—from a student in France to a globally recognized trade expert—is a testament to the power of lifelong learning, adaptability, and a passion for global business.

The post CITP Spotlight: Audrey Marie-Nely – Associate Vice-President, Banking, RBCx appeared first on Trade Ready.

Exploring his roots led Tulio Conejeros to a future in international business. At the age of 20, Tulio sought to return to Chile, the country of his birth, to connect with his family and explore the culture. His visit included a tour through several South American countries, and he was intrigued by the varied cultures he experienced on that journey.

His experience inspired him to learn more about cultures around the world. Upon returning to Canada, Tulio enrolled in Mount Royal College and applied for the North American Mobility Project.

As one of the first students in the scholarship program, Tulio spent one semester at the Tampico campus of the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Tamaulipas, Mexico, in the international business studies program. His studies abroad cemented his goal of establishing a career in in international business. Tulio went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree in international business from the University of Alberta.

Reveling in world cultures

His career in international business has allowed Tulio to immerse himself – and his family – in the same cultural experiences he first enjoyed as a young traveler and student.

One December while working in Beijing, he  unexpectedly remained in China over Christmas. He connected with other international businesspeople and expats where he was staying at the Great Wall Sheraton. They spent Christmas Eve together singing along with the hotel’s live band and sharing stories of their business travels.

Another posting to set up an office in Bogota, Colombia, gave Tulio the opportunity to share his travels with his family. They rented a place to stay across from the beach in Cartagena, Colombia. The experience was a memorable one for his children, who still talk about the culture, food and beautiful weather they experienced.

Want to learn more about how the CITP designation can help you accelerate your career? 

Connecting Canadian businesses to opportunities worldwide

In addition to rich personal cultural experiences, Tulio’s career in international business has led to some fulfilling professional moments.

While working on the Bridge County housing development with Longfor, one of China’s largest developers, he was tasked with finding a Canadian architect and housing designer, along with building materials, suited for the high-end project.

He presented the opportunity to Canadian firms and brought them to China to participate in the project. He was able to see the project through, from the concept phase for a vacant piece of land to a final project that featured Canadian design and building projects.

“The meeting with Longfor at the concept stage, visiting the vacant land and being able to see the finished project – which included Canadian design and building products – was an experience I will never forget and always cherish.”

Tulio also worked with his firm in Calgary to develop a comprehensive overview of the heavy equipment industry in North America for a Chinese manufacturer. His team took the time to learn the ins and outs of North American equipment operators, regulatory environments, and the types of equipment needed for special terrains – such as oil sands.

They then conducted focus groups in Canada and  flew to China to present their findings to executives of the Chinese manufacturer. As a result, the manufacturer designed equipment, warranty programs and selected specific OEMs to meet North American market needs.

Learning the intricacies of doing business internationally

Through his experience, Tulio has learned the importance of patience, understanding and knowledge of business practices.

“There are a lot of intricacies and nuances dealing with different business cultures that – unless you are told from an experienced international professional, or learn it over time on your own – could lead to a missed opportunity because of a simple misunderstanding or cue you didn’t pick up on.”

Showcasing the skills learned through a successful career

Tulio decided to earn the CITP designation as a way to validate his years of experience in international business and to demonstrate that his experience gave him the knowledge and skillset to work in the highest levels of international business. He was able to use his international experience to earn the CITP designation through the executive path to accreditation.

After 20 years of intense international work, the CITP designation has given Tulio a sense of validation and pride in his work, and will help bring his firm new opportunities.

“The CITP designation will bring me credibility and recognition with clients, new employers and colleagues as I continue on this international journey.”

The post CITP Spotlight: Tulio Conejeros – President, TBST Global, Inc. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Esmeralda Rodriguez Arias embarked on her professional journey with full gusto and big dreams of being successful in her career. Her first job in 2009 was at the United States Embassy in Colombia, where she soon got promoted to the position of Visa Specialist in the Immigrant Visa unit of the Consular section. 

From the moment she started, she knew that this would mark the beginning of her foray into international trade, as it would give her a better understanding of the nuances of international business and how she could do her bit to further its cause.  

An impromptu decision on the spur of the moment

Esmeralda remembers with amusement the time she made a decision on an impulse, without having consulted her supervisors, only because she wanted to offer timely help to people who most needed it. It was the December of 2017, which is normally a holiday in Colombia. Esmeralda had been in charge of shipping 7 boxes with 300 immigrant visa cases to Cuba to be dispatched that very day. She had prepared and packed the boxes which were to be collected by the courier. At the last minute, due to some unforeseen payment issue, the boxes were not picked up from the embassy as planned. There was only an hour left before the flight would depart, so Esmeralda tried to call her supervisor. There was no response, so without wasting further time, she loaded the boxes into her car and dropped them at the courier service. Fortunately she made it there on time, and the flight left ten minutes later.   

This experience was funny, because I thought that I would be fired for making a decision without any authorization, but my sense of responsibility told me that I needed to take an immediate action to help all those families.

At the end of the day, Esmeralda’s act of going over and above the call of duty to deal with an unexpected situation  spoke volumes of her commitment to her job.  

Career highs and achievements to be proud of

Travelling to Guyana to train the Immigrant Visa Unit in that country is a task that Esmeralda counts among her most memorable ones. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that she also had the ability to train them in Spanish, her native language. This proved to be a fulfilling experience for her as she was able to share her knowledge with her counterparts in another country. 

They were so nice to me, and I felt that at that moment I was transferring part of my knowledge to them, which made me feel proud and happy.

Esmeralda was also in charge of organizing an Adoption Conference for International Adoption Service Providers with the participation of ICBF (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar). It entailed building a strong network with applicants and familiarizing them with the services offered. The event was a success as it gave her team an opportunity to secure applicant contact details and open doors to nurture future communication with them. 

Esmeralda’s proudest accomplishment so far has been winning the Employee of the Quarter award.  This is one of the most coveted forms of recognition that an employee for the Department of State can aspire for. 

Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for a business professional

During the time she worked for the embassy and when she began studying for her International Business Post Graduate Program, Esmeralda learned the importance of molding one’s habits and behaviors to match with those of your international clients. 

I learned that when you are dealing with businesses in different countries you need to adapt to them not only culturally, but also in the way you deal with documents, customers and communication.

International trade training that helped discover her strengths

For Esmeralda, signing up for FITTskills training was an unforgettable experience as these courses helped her to discover something that went on to become her greatest passion – the importance for companies to include the principle of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in their core objectives.   

Her favourite courses are Global Value Chain, International Market Entry Strategies and International Sales and Marketing. 

I liked Global Value Chain because I learned how to handle inventories, supply and management inside of the businesses; International Market Entry Strategies and International Sales & Marketing because these courses taught me that different products and different customers will need different approaches and marketing strategies to enter into the market.

Esmeralda went ahead with applying for the CITP designation because she wanted to combine her experience and expertise with the validation that the credential brings with it. She is excited about the prospects of new and challenging professional opportunities coming her way with the addition of the elite designation after her name.  

I felt excited, happy and proud of all the efforts and challenges I had to overcome before getting this designation. For me, this is proof that all the things that you do with dedication and commitment are possible. I really think that this designation will definitely open doors to a new world and will help me to constitute a successful career.

We absolutely second Esmeralda’s confidence and are certain that her professional journey is all set to lead her from one success to the next. 

The post CITP Spotlight: Esmeralda Rodriguez Arias – Visa Specialist, United States Embassy appeared first on Trade Ready.

Armel Ndounkeu Tchouankeu’s career in international trade dates all the way back to 2001, when he began his first job with an international maritime and port services company in Cameroon. Today he is now an experienced trade professional with a career spanning almost two decades. 

Hard work overcomes every challenge

Armel has come a long way from the time he saw the first bill of lading in 2001 and  wondered what all the terms meant. It seemed impossible that he would be able to familiarize himself with all the potential issues and learn to resolve them. Looking back, Armel has experienced firsthand how hard work and perseverance can help surmount challenges, no matter how complicated they may appear. 

Today, I know that even when something sounds difficult, if you like it, and work towards it with the right attitude, you can become an expert.

Armel’s proudest professional achievement

Working as Cameroon Project Manager for GS Group on the SAIL (South Atlantic Inter Link) project is a tenure Armel feels extremely proud of. The project entailed establishing an underwater fiber optic connection between Forteleza in Brazil and Kribi in Cameroon. 

Market analysis is by far the key aspect of project management

Armel emphasizes the importance of analyzing the market before beginning to focus on your skills and strengths. He believes that most mistakes are an outcome of allowing your products/services to take precedence over conducting market research and analysis.  

The desire to learn how to systematically analyze markets prompted Armel to sign up for FITTskills courses. He found the resources and case studies provided within each of the units informative and insightful.  

I’m now able to more carefully study a new market in Africa or elsewhere before deciding whether to enter there. Thank you FITT!”

“For sure my favorite FITTskills course was “Feasibility of International Trade” because it mainly deals with market analysis. A close second was Global Value Chain, which helped me to understand how to manage a supply chain using the worldwide supplying potential.” 

A designation that is the most important reference for international trade worldwide

Ever since he first heard of it, it had been Armel’s professional goal to earn the CITP |FIBP designation. He knew that as a trade professional, it was crucial for him to equip himself with the most current and industry-backed credentials. He  applied for the CITP | FIBP designation, looking forward to opening up a whole new world of career opportunities.  

It was a dream of mine to earn the designation ever since I became aware of it. It is the most important reference for international trade worldwide. I am so excited and proud to have earned it!

Armel is confident that the CITP designation is going to be the steppingstone for success in his future endeavors. As it officially validates his competency in international trade, he feels more comfortable to take on more challenging projects in the near future. 

We wish Armel the best of luck and success as we eagerly watch him add more laurels to his already accomplished career.  

The post CITP Spotlight: Armel Ndounkeu Tchouankeu – Project Manager, Yamo International Inc. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Praveeni Perera’s journey into international trade began when she was managing international development projects while working for a non-profit.  This ignited her interest in intercultural relations leading her to pursue an MBA in International Business. Upon completion of her post graduate degree, Praveeni  started  her own consulting company specializing in international expansions. 

I really enjoy meeting business people from around the world and learning about doing business in different cultures.

Praveeni’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit have led her to experience a wide variety of career highlights and accomplishments. 

Meeting business leaders and Bollywood stars

Early in her career, Praveeni took on an internship in Colombo, Sri Lanka to be part of the team organizing a Global Business Forum for the International Film Academy Awards held in Sri Lanka that year. The highlight of this experience was not only getting to meet business leaders from around the world but also seeing some of her favourite Bollywood stars. 

A plethora of career highlights and accomplishments

It was a great honor and pleasure for Praveeni to represent Canada at the OECD last year. She was the Project Manager for Canada on an international study the OECD was organizing on social and emotional skills in children.  

 As part of her education, Praveeni decided to pursue a certification in international protocol and attended the Protocol School of Washington. This proved to be a unique and memorable experience as some of her classmates included a protocol head at the Pentagon and a crew member of Air Force One.  

“I even have some souvenirs from Air Force One, this was during the Obama administration, so they all have his signature.” 

Among Praveeni’s cherished experiences is teaching the International Business Management graduate certificate program at Algonquin College where she gets to meet and teach new international students every year.  

“I truly enjoy this experience and look forward to meeting new students each semester.” 

Writing the book on relationship building

Praveeni wishes she had known the importance of networking and building relationships when she first started out in international trade. She views it as essential to network and develop a rapport with others among your target market as that can facilitate your expansion plans.  

Relationships are so important in international trade as having a rapport with someone in your target market can make your expansion or exporting activities so much easier.

Praveeni is so passionate about this aspect of career building that she wrote and published a book on it,  “Cocktails & Conversations: a guide to networking.” 

Another valuable nugget of advice from Praveeni is to appreciate cultural differences. Being born in Sri Lanka and raised in Canada, she was fortunate to experience the best of both worlds. 

Broadening the horizons of her knowledge

The logical next step for Praveeni was to sign up for the industry recognized FITTskills training in international trade.  

I really enjoyed taking the FITT skills courses as they helped strengthen and broaden my understanding of international trade. I found the course content easy to navigate and the textbooks were convenient and easy to read.

“My favourite course was International Sales and Marketing.” 

As Praveeni thoroughly enjoys marketing, this course was a great refresher for her. She particularly loved learning about how companies have adapted their products or services to better suit a specific market. She found that she could apply many of the useful pointers in there to the  fashion and lifestyle blog that she runs as a hobby. 

Praveeni applied for and was awarded the CITP designation in June 2020, viewing it as the perfect addition to her qualifications.  

Having worked in international trade for many years and completed my MBA in international business I thought the CITP would be a great complement to my current skill set.

What adds to the sense of excitement and accomplishment on earning the CITP designation is the fact that Praveeni completed four of the six courses that make up the educational requirement of the designation during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

Along with being a great addition to her existing skill set, the CITP lends the perfect finishing touch to her education in international trade.  

I hope to continue my work and consulting in international business and I definitely feel the CITP designation helps with building trust and credibility with potential clients.

Praveeni also gives back to the global business community by teaching the International Business Program at Algonquin College.  

With her ambition and deep knowledge of international trade, we have no doubt that Praveeni’s expertise will help her shine as she goes on to accomplish everything that she has set her mind on.   

The post CITP Spotlight: Praveeni Perera – Professor, Algonquin College appeared first on Trade Ready.

For Adolfo, the doors to the fascinating world of International trade opened 25 years ago when he was given an opportunity by his then employer to define and implement an export strategy for the company. The project was a potentially promising one as it entailed offering customized solutions for clients in neighboring countries, thus paving the way for an increase in revenue.

It was here that Adolfo learnt the nuances of international trade along with the intricacies of balancing multiple factors while interacting with the various stakeholders.

“Thus, my customer focused interest led me to learn more about the international trade requirements and other cultures. As well as the overall complexities involved in interacting with many players and factors all at once.”

What Adolfo’s early experiences taught him

Adolfo learnt from the earliest phase of his career that trade transactions are dynamic processes in a state of constant change. It is impossible to have any control over the ever-evolving situations which can adversely impact commercial relationships, especially if one is unprepared. It is therefore of upmost importance to keep in mind that factors like exchange rates, foreign policies, ports strikes, power outages, and shipment of supplies are all moving targets, subject to change, and that you should “still pursue compliance with governments and deliver as promised to your clients.”

 Adolfo illustrates how these many factors keep you on your toes by offering a valuable piece of advice he wished he had received when he started his career in international trade: “There is never enough preparation to deal with non-tariff barriers.”

Bringing skills and experience together with the most up-to-date trade knowledge

Taking the FITTskills courses helped Adolfo equip himself with the most up-to-date knowledge needed to deal with all current and future challenges over the course of his career.

He felt the training perfectly complemented his previous experience in international business and other professional qualifications such as his MBA.

According to Adolfo,

The courses updated and upgraded my skills for current challenges and many more to come.

On being asked to pick his favorite FITTskills course:

Global Supply Chain Management was one of my favorites as it gave me the opportunity to bring many aspects of trade together. The finance, trade research, operations, e-commerce, legal aspects and others converge to make real-world international business transactions possible.

Becoming a globally recognized professional

The desire to earn international credentials led Adolfo to apply for the CITP®|FIBP® designation, which he successfully achieved. He feels extremely proud of this accomplishment and of the acknowledgement of it that he has received from colleagues.

The CITP designation is recognized internationally. I’ve found it is important to have such a highly recognized credential in the global arena where my work takes place. It also helps me relate to colleagues more easily.

Adolfo has come a long way from his initial tenure as Import Export Manager more than twenty years ago. He is currently working as Export Coordinator at IKO – a reputed building materials company in Ontario, Canada.

He is confident that his elite CITP designation will continue to add value to the rich experience he’s gathered throughout his career and help expand his network.

As Adolfo continues his upward career trajectory, we know his skills, talents and credentials will ensure that he always puts his best food forward.

The post CITP Spotlight: Adolfo Garces Vinasco, Export Coordinator – IKO Industries appeared first on Trade Ready.

As an immigrant Canadian who loves to travel, Laura has had the opportunity to visit some amazing places and work alongside people across diverse cultures. These experiences enriched her understanding about the unique identities of the locations she visited and formed the foundation of her interest in international trade.

“When I’m missing a certain food, product, or service from somewhere that I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, I know that it is international trade development which has opened the door to be able to access these comforts from wherever I may find myself.”

Never a dull moment

Laura’s enthusiasm to interact with people from different cultures opened new doors for her. She soon found herself working for companies across a wide range of industries and dealing with a wide range of international markets. Her journey so far has been exciting and stimulating – one that has guided and shaped her professional experiences every step of the way.

For Laura, her favorite aspect of her career is the fact that

there is never a dull moment. It, thus far has been an ever-learning and evolving experience, and I hope to continue to grow in this journey.

Her proudest accomplishments – getting to work in the public and private sectors

Laura’s very first international trade experiences count among her most memorable ones. She began her career working directly with the U.S. Commercial Service Office in Toronto. This stint within the public sector gave her valuable insights into political policies and foreign affairs.

Laura soon got the opportunity to diversify her experience into the private sector as well, while she worked on projects in North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

The chance to work in both public and private sectors has proved both educational and fulfilling for Laura and has paved the way to her future success.

“Being of Latin American and European descent, these opportunities have been doubly rewarding on a professional and personal level.”

A valuable piece of career advice

Laura firmly believes that connecting with people is key to enabling and enhancing professional growth.

NETWORKING IS KEY! Networking helps establish, build, and further a professional career. The mutual support found and provided between peers leads to both successful projects and friendships.

Taking the next step to further her career goals

While Laura’s extensive experience in international trade was her biggest strength, she decided to add a mark of distinction to her professional credentials by signing up for FITTskills courses.

Getting trained in the nuances of international trade would provide her with a solid foundation needed to build a successful career, along with further refining her skills and knowledge.

The FITTskills courses provided the base and foundation for my career. Completing the courses gave me and my future employers the confidence that I had the know-how and dedication that a career in international trade entailed.

A desire to advance global career options

It was her aspiration for career progression that led Laura to apply for the elite CITP designation, after completing her FITT Diploma in International Trade. As an established trade practitioner, she knew that adding to her credibility was crucial to broadening her professional horizons.

The CITP|FIBP designation provides prestige, helping to advance my global career options and broaden my network of contacts within this industry and all other industries as well.

Today, as the proud holder of the CITP designation, Laura believes that this stamp of excellence is a validation of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to her craft.

How do you see your CITP designation playing a role in your future career?

I foresee my CITP|FIBP designation adding a competitive edge to my profile. Helping me stand-out as I continue to expand my career in a more global setting.

An elite designation, a rich professional experience, and her sheer energy and enthusiasm towards her profession are sure to help Laura scale the peaks of success she has her eye on.

The post CITP Spotlight: Laura McLeod Aguilar, Economist, International Trade and Economic Development appeared first on Trade Ready.

With a background in interior design, Uzma Khan already had a foundation that would lend itself to building new spaces in the construction industry.  

Back in the early 2000s when the Middle East was a booming construction market, Uzma was working in the UAE, which was then a hub for exporting to neighboring countries. The prospect of taking on development projects in the surrounding countries intrigued her and thus began what was to become a remarkable journey in international trade. 

Curiosity leads to a new career focus

The transition from working as a project coordinator to business development counts as one of Uzma’s favorite career experiences. Uzma enjoyed the opportunity to work live from the actual construction sites, giving her the chance to further develop her interpersonal skills. This led to an energetic interest in getting to know which projects the company would take up next, and she gradually found herself making the switch into business development. 

It was a very interesting few months – I really enjoyed the buzz of the factory and construction sites and couldn’t wait to see what our next projects would be.

Being associated with some of her company’s largest and most successful projects

Besides finding new business opportunities, Uzma’s role also involves technical coordination with the other stakeholders which include architects, designers and engineers. One of the most interesting projects she has worked on is the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The project entailed a two-year long coordination with offices in three different countries. This also happens to be one of the largest projects her company has completed internationally.  

“I’m really proud to be associated with the upcoming Museum of the Future in Dubai which will be a landmark building.”

Some of her other proud accomplishments include finding business opportunities for her company in countries that may have been an unusual choice for many people. 

My proudest accomplishments are creating business opportunities for my company in countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Hungary, Scandinavia, these are places where others only just wondered how to do business.

It’s essential to be bold

When asked about the one piece of advice she would like to offer to those at the start of their career in international trade, Uzma asserts the importance of the ability to make bold decisions. It’s not easy to remain unfazed by the fact that the project you’re working on may stretch for years, only to be shelved after all the hard work you’ve put in.  

Uzma also believes that there is a market for every type of product, even if it is niche, and that one should not shy away from wanting to promote it.  

…have no fear of selling and promoting a product that is exclusive and for niche markets. There will always be someone who wants an unusual product.

A designation that embodies excellence

Uzma has been working in the construction industry for over 10 years and has gathered a rich marketing and business development experience. She decided to apply for the CITP designation as it would become an official testimony to her knowledge and competence.  

I felt that this is a platform that can endorse my skills and efforts. It gives a global recognition to my work.

As the proud holder of the CITP designation, Uzma believes that it distinguishes her as a global trade professional and gives more credibility to her skills. Equipped with this elite credential, she is excited to share her unique skills and experience with those who are just beginning their career.  

Now I want to share my experience and skills with newcomers to this profession.

Today Uzma is Regional Manager – Middle East, India & North Africa at Skyfold – a company specializing in revolutionizing flexible space with retractable wall systems. She continues to do what she’s best at – finding new business opportunities and connecting with clients and associates to effectively coordinate complex projects. 

With her unique credentials, she’s poised to accomplish greater success in the years ahead.

The post CITP Spotlight: Uzma Khan, Regional Manager Middle East, India & North Africa – Skyfold appeared first on Trade Ready.

Daniel originally set out to pursue a career in the music industry.

After experiencing a traumatic incident in 2009, he decided to take some time off to put some deep thought into what he wanted for his future.

“The near death experience I had was really a catalyst for change.”

“I noticed the impact of the health professionals and others who came together to help me recover. I had to ask myself what I wanted my impact to be. During this same period I started drinking tea and it quickly became a passion.”

Daniel and his wife Renata made the fateful decision to go into the tea business, launching their unique loose leaf tea products online in 2010. Following an inspiring interview on Global TV, the couple opened their first brick and mortar location in Brampton, Ontario to a packed house.

My biggest reason for deciding to get started in business and more specifically a career in international trade was the thought of using business as a tool to impact the lives of others. I continue to be motivated at the thought of someone across the globe benefiting from a product or service that I have formulated. It is this international impact and appeal that continues to define my why.

They’ve been growing steadily ever since, winning several business awards and honours along the way. T by Daniel soon expanded to U.S. and UK markets and his international business career was born.

Daniel’s royal opportunity

Daniel serving tea to HRH – Prince Charles | The Prince Of Wales during his Royal Tour to Canada to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2017

As word spread about Daniel’s story about overcoming adversity and channeling his passion into a successful business, he started to get invitations to speak to youth audiences and share his entrepreneurial journey.

His story was getting the attention of some very well-heeled individuals indeed.

“The biggest milestone in my career thus far dates back to 2017, when we were invited to serve our tea to HRH – Prince Charles | The Prince Of Wales during his Royal Tour to Canada to celebrating our country’s 150th anniversary.”

The encounter was nothing short of magical, and it resulted in a repeat order from the Prince followed by a personal hand written letter a few months later! This was a perfect testament to how limitless business can be when you’re in it for the right reasons.

He’s since also served Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. So, who does he have left on his dream client list?

“I would love to serve (royal couple) Harry & Megan, the Obama’s and JLO.”

Despite these remarkable accomplishments, Daniel isn’t resting on his laurels.

Becoming an influencer and a leader in the global business community

The success of Daniel’s T didn’t just land in his lap after a few brushes with fame. A true entrepreneur, he hustles daily to ensure his business’ success, with a hands-on role in sales generation , increasing profitability, marketing and brand positioning, strategic corporate partnerships, managing profit and loss, recruiting and training, web development, communications, daily operations, inventory, customer service and customer experience, international sales and more tasks than you can count.

In further recognition of his success and leadership qualities, Daniel was selected as 1 of 3 Global Entrepreneurship Week Ambassadors for Canada in 2015.

“This was a life changing experience for me as I had the opportunity to travel around various provinces throughout the country while exploring the entrepreneurial ecosystems and how business is carried out in Canada. During my trip I was given multiple opportunities to share my personal business insights with many organizations and business owners.  I also shared my entire experience via social media as a digital storyteller. This experience was educational, fun and extremely impactful for me.”

An investment in quality is a key ingredient to success

One such insight Daniel shared with us is the importance of making a solid investment in building relationships with potential partners.

One piece of advice I wish I had learned earlier in my career in international trade is that, many times it is a better investment to actually travel (when safe) and meet a potential partner, manufacturer, supplier, etc. face-to-face, rather than simply establishing all the critical details virtually. This often saves time, money and lots of headaches in the long run.

“My suggestion to someone getting started in international trade, is count the cost if the potential opportunity at hand seems substantial in the sense that it may represent a good portion of business for you. Set aside a small budget that you’re willing to invest to effectively and thoroughly evaluate all parties involved.”

Daniel also emphasizes the importance of committing to the quality of your product rather than seeking the cheapest, fastest options. He’s discovered how well his clients and critics respond to his carefully sourced high-quality teas.

The power of a CITP

Daniel is a strong believer in the power of mentorship and continually seeks out both opportunities to be mentored, and to provide guidance to those who may benefit from his experiences and insights.

“After 10 ten years in business, I have learned so many valuable lessons, especially through trial and error. I want to use these experiences to help other entrepreneurs and businesses who may be in the early stages of their journey- whether in an executive role for another organization, or as a speaker to a corporate audience. To do that, and for my own company’s international efforts, I felt that getting the CITP designation was one very important step in the right direction, to help equip me for the future.”

Daniel earned his CITP designation in May, 2020 and is already making an impact in the community. He participated in a recent #TradeElite Twitter chat and shared his advice on how small businesses can save money and recover faster from the COVID-19 crisis.

“Upon learning of my approval and acceptance for the designation, all the emails that followed began with ‘WHOOOO-HOOOO!’ as I was thrilled to share the good news with family, friends and colleagues throughout my network.”

I strongly believe that my CITP designation will play a major role in my positioning as a business leader and will be a very respectable addition to my business achievements when being considered for future opportunities.

“I also plan on being very active with my designation and putting it to work, rather than simply polishing my Linkedin name. I think there are so many opportunities and networks that I can tap into because of this designation.”

Daniel became a Certified Tea Master last year and has discovered the potential to bring more rare and exotic teas to his clients in a modern way. He is an active motivational speaker, blogger, podcaster and continues to spread his positive energy throughout his endeavours. We can’t wait to see what project he tackles next.

The post CITP Spotlight: Daniel Lewis – Founder, T By Daniel appeared first on Trade Ready.

While working as Asia Pacific Regional Manager at a machinery manufacturing company in Vancouver, Peter Gray was handpicked for a newly created position to develop the company’s business units in the APAC region. It was to be the start of a whole new era in his career.

He moved from Vancouver to Singapore in 1998 and was tasked with the huge responsibility of navigating the company’s business through the volatile Asian financial crises and repositioning for post crises growth. As his boss had predicted, this three-year assignment was to become a major turning point in his career.

Getting a taste of a whole new culture and taking in all the unique experiences form some of Peter’s favorite career stories.

My boss at the time told me, once you get a taste of international business it will be very difficult for you to return to a domestic business. He was so spot on.

“The most exciting thing about being in Asia is being a part of it.”

He remembers walking through the airport during a layover in Seoul, feeling a tad lost and confused, making him wonder how difficult it must be for immigrants landing in Canada for the first time. But doing a bit of homework on the flight by reading up on the local social norms helped prepare him for his future interactions. What Peter values and cherishes most is the experience of seeing things for the very first time, as it is something that can “never be replicated.”

The real accomplishments are the relationships

When asked about the accomplishments he is most proud of, Peter says that the simple answer to that would be building businesses and creating growth opportunities in new markets. But on a deeper level, the real sense of fulfilment came from the people he worked with, and from the business relationships that turned into enduring friendships, spanning decades.

“Having channel partners follow you and your career movements and wanting to continue a business relationship based on the relationship founded on personal integrity, trust and confidence is something I am very proud of.”

A valuable piece of career advice

Believe in your convictions, take the time to make better decisions and choices based on facts and a logical thought process. Listen to understand and not just hear.

Further precious insights into dos and don’ts from Peter include minimizing assumptions and emotional ties to products. His knowledge and experience of the local culture brought him to the conclusion that the “ASEAN region is more about people and relationships than products and price points.”

Applying for the CITP®|FIBP® designation to be a part of an emerging and credible knowledge source

With the trend of geopolitical shifting transforming global markets being especially true in the case of ASEAN regions, companies aspiring to expand into these fast-growing markets need new skills and knowledge to build profitable ventures. Getting the stamp of expertise and credibility as an international trade practitioner from a globally recognized authority was crucial to succeeding in this fast-paced, ever-evolving scenario.

FITT (Forum for International Trade Training) is emerging as the go to source for knowledge and people. I want to be a part of it.

It was thus that Peter decided to apply for and was successfully awarded the elite CITP®|FIBP® designation that is a symbol of competency as a global business professional and of commitment to world trade.

“I am absolutely delighted not only with the designation but at being part of an elite network of trade and investment professionals.”

The impact of the CITP Certified International Trade Professional) designation

According to Peter, the CITP is a valuable addition and testimony to the knowledge, skills and experiences gained over two decades of living and working in Asia. He is confident that the designation is going to open doors to new opportunities for business and networking with other expert members, providing a platform to share perspectives, ideas, and know-how.

Currently Peter is Managing Director at AdvantAsia – his consulting firm that specializes in helping companies enter and develop ASEAN markets. He is also a thought leader on doing business in the ASEAN region on TradeReady.ca. See his articles here.

Perfectly complementing his solid knowledge of the region and its culture, along with his rich experience spanning two decades, Peter’s certified business credentials are sure to be the trump card that will scale his career to newer heights of success.

The post CITP Spotlight: Peter Gray – Managing Director, AdvantAsia appeared first on Trade Ready.