Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
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Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
[TIPS] Difficult Conversations in Action – A Role-Play Using GGCC
Simply Trade
10 minutes
6 days ago
[TIPS] Difficult Conversations in Action – A Role-Play Using GGCC
Podcast: Simply Trade Tips (Hammer & Heels)Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: January 6, 2026Episode Length: ~10 minutesSeries: Difficult Conversations (Episode 3 – Role Play)
Episode Summary
In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks bring their Difficult Conversations series to life with a practical role-play scenario. Wearing their “Pitcher & Catcher” jerseys, they walk listeners through a real-world example of how to ask for a raise using their GGCC framework—a simple, repeatable approach designed to make tough conversations more productive, respectful, and collaborative.
This episode moves beyond theory and shows how preparation, tone, and structure can completely change the outcome of a high-stakes discussion.
Key Learnings
Why difficult conversations improve when both sides understand their role as Pitcher (initiator) and Catcher (receiver)
How the GGCC framework works in real life:
G – Greeting: Set a respectful, appreciative tone
G – Groundwork: Explain the purpose and context
C – Concern: Clearly and directly state the issue
C – Closing: Align on next steps with a statement and a question
How to ask for a raise by focusing on role elevation and business value, not emotion
Why role-playing difficult conversations reduces tension and improves clarity
Practical Takeaways
Write out difficult conversations before having them
Practice with a trusted colleague by switching Pitcher and Catcher roles
Focus on collaboration, not confrontation
Understand your company’s timing and cycles before initiating compensation discussions
Use structure to keep conversations professional and productive
FIO (Figure It Out) – This Week’s Challenge
Identify a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding.Then:
Write it out using the GGCC framework
Role-play it with someone you trust
Refine the language to ensure clarity, respect, and partnership
Bonus: Bring the scenario into the Trade Geeks Community and share what worked—or where you got stuck.
Resources & Community
Trade Geeks Community: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/
Simply Trade Podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Credits
Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Produced by: Global Training Center
Podcast: Simply Trade
Simply Trade
Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work?
Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance?
Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’?
If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you.
Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade.
We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed!
You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders.
Let’s get to it!
