Customs vs. C-Suite: The Disconnect That’s Hurting Trade Compliance Strategy

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Trade compliance might not be the most thrilling topic—until it starts costing your company millions. That’s exactly what’s happening as tariffs shift overnight, companies scramble for answers, and supply chain leaders face an avalanche of confusion. 

Most executives don’t want to deal with customs and compliance, and they didn’t have to for years. But now, it’s no longer a back-office function—it’s a front-and-center leadership challenge.

That’s where Jenae Ciecko, President and CEO of Copper Hill, comes in. With over 20 years in trade management, Jenae has seen it all—the confusion, the panic, the miscommunication—and she joins Jan Griffiths to talk about it.

Who owns trade compliance—finance, legal, or supply chain? Turns out, there’s no clear answer. And that’s part of the problem. Many don’t fully understand how trade compliance works. The moment new policies take effect, it’s not just about paying up—it’s about strategy, communication, and risk management.

What if a company just refuses to pay the tariffs? The answer? Not an option. Unlike supplier disputes or delayed payments, customs will always collect their money. The real challenge is who absorbs the cost.

Leaders and compliance teams speak different languages. The C-suite demands quick, clear answers, while compliance teams live in details. The result? Misinformation, missed opportunities, and costly mistakes.

Jenae emphasizes the importance of bridging this gap, ensuring executives ask the right questions, and creating a culture where compliance isn’t just a burden—it’s a strategic advantage.

Through it all, one truth remains: leadership is tested in moments of uncertainty. Those who thrive in this unpredictable era will be the ones who stay calm, communicate clearly, and prepare in advance.

Because when tariffs hit, the best leaders don’t just react—they take control.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The growing disconnect between C-suite leadership and trade compliance teams
• How sudden tariff changes disrupt automotive supply chains and financial planning
• The role of customs brokers in managing trade compliance and tariff administration
• How automotive leaders can proactively mitigate tariff impacts and compliance issues
• The challenge of adapting to ever-changing trade policies and government regulations
• Why communication gaps between executives and compliance teams lead to a costly mistake
• The impact of tariffs on cash flow, profitability, and long-term business strategy

Featured guest: Jenae Cieko

What she does: Jenae Cieko is the President and CEO of Copper Hill Inc., a company specializing in customs and trade management solutions. With over 20 years of experience, she helps businesses navigate complex trade regulations, mitigate risks, and optimize compliance strategies. A licensed Customs Broker, Jenae has a strong background in centralizing compliance efforts, a skill she honed as Customs Compliance Manager at Magna. Her leadership at Copper Hill is driven by a commitment to simplifying trade management and ensuring companies stay ahead in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.

Episode Highlights:

[03:34] Who Owns Trade Compliance? Trade compliance...