Customs & Cocktails

John Leonard’s 34‑year career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Customs Service culminated in his role as Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade at CBP Headquarters in Washington, DC.  In this episode, John looks back on that journey reflecting on the broad portfolio of trade enforcement, security, and facilitation he led, and sharing how those experiences ultimately carr...

Allen Gina serves as President of CT Strategies, a leading Customs and Border Management consulting firm that delivers strategic, forward‑leaning guidance to clients navigating border security and supply chain challenges in the U.S. and across the globe.

Before founding CT Strategies, Mr. Gina held the role of Assistant Commissioner for International Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In that position, he led a workf...

Milica Dragojevic Vendimiatti is a project and program manager for trade policy and facilitation, economic development, and stakeholder engagement.  In this episode, Milica shares her story of embracing career and life changes and her experience and views on the dynamic global capacity building efforts.  Milica also highjacked the cocktails portion of the show by introducing her favorite regional spirit, Rakija (a strong,...

Andrew and Shawn are joined by Dave Burnell, who shares how he went from a professional tennis player to working at TSA. They cover everything from trusted trader programs to Dave’s current environmental conservancy work to how he beat Rush in the Battle of the Bands.

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Avocado Margarita

· 2 oz Silver Tequila

· 2 oz Reposado Tequila

· 2 oz Agave Syrup

· 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

· 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Jui...

Andrew and Shawn are joined by former NFL player Ade Jimoh to explore his journey from professional football to building a successful career in the business world. Ade shares insights into life in the NFL, and how mindset and work ethic can fuel success across very different careers. The group also reflects on fitness, personal growth, and the changes that come with time.

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Paloma

• Kosher salt

• 1 lime wedge

• 2...

We’re changing things up this episode, bringing in a guest that does not have a trade background. Shawn and Andrew speak to Tom Marvelli, a creative and brand executive who recently launched Another Door Comics. Tom shares his experience working at Marvel and Hasbro and what brought him to start his own venture.

They speak about what happens when your hobby becomes your job and how to foster creativity in your workplace. Plus,...

Shawn and Andrew are joined by Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, to discuss the latest trends in air cargo, global trade, and supply chain resilience.

With over 44 years of experience, Glyn shares insights on the challenges facing the air cargo industry, the critical role of air cargo in global supply chains, and how industry associations use fact-based advocacy to shape policy and support growth.

Plus: a Godfather impression ...

Shawn and Andrew are joined by Michael Ford, a trade compliance expert with over 40 years of operational experience in all phases of export and import transportation and logistics.

Recorded shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the President does not have the authority to impose tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA), this episode covers the fallout from the ruling, why SMEs should be priorit...

Andrew and Shawn are joined by Rich Loria to talk all things CTPAT, the future of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, and the realities – both rewarding and challenging – of a career in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Rich recently joined CT Strategies after a 33-year career with CBP. He is a seasoned supply chain security and customs operations expert with more than 20 years of experience in the CTPAT...

Andrew and Shawn sit down with Gordon Wright to dive into the topic of de minimis – both the fallout from the U.S. removing its de minimis threshold and how the EU has been considering eliminating their threshold. They also unpack the Trust & Check program and other major changes on the horizon with the EU Customs reform.

With over 35 years of experience across border agencies and international transport associations, Gor...