Written by Cindy DeLeon of Deleon Trade LLC
At AAEI’s 104th Annual Conference in June, I had the pleasure of joining Matthew Pittman, CCO of Trinity Industries, for a dynamic Q&A session on a topic close to my heart: “How to Communicate Vital Trade Issues to the C-Suite.”
Our field is full of complexity — shifting regulations, global disruptions, and evolving legal risk — but what truly matters is how we translate that complexity into strategic, executive-ready insight.
We explored the importance of early issue flagging versus fully developed analysis, how to frame trade risks through both business and legal lenses, and what formats resonate best with senior leadership — from concise dashboards to live conversations.
We also discussed why C-Suite engagement in trade issues isn’t optional — it’s essential. Executive leaders who understand the impact of trade are better equipped to make informed strategic decisions, manage risk, and seize opportunities. Trade must be more than an operational afterthought; it needs to be a boardroom priority.
My key takeaway? Trade professionals must act not only as compliance experts but also as strategic advisors. Clear, timely, risk-informed communication is what earns the C-Suite’s attention — and trust.
Thanks to AAEI for hosting such an insightful forum. If you missed it, feel free to connect — let’s keep the conversation going on elevating trade compliance as a core and strategic business function.
Pre-Sale Registration is available for next year’s conference, for more information and to register, please visit https://bit.ly/4eLv81q.
