Michael Whitmarsh has built an impressive career in international trade, with a focus on supply chain management, corporate development, and global expansion. His journey, driven by a passion for business and exploration, illustrates the profound impact that mentors and continual learning experiences can have on a career.

An international career from the beginning

Michael’s career in international trade began at Weatherford International, where he managed U.S.-based purchasing and global logistics across 21 countries. It was the perfect starting point for a young professional fresh out of the University of Houston, where he earned a double major in Economics and Spanish.

“Being born and raised in Houston, the oilfield industry was a natural calling for me,” Michael explains.

His dual expertise in supply chain and international relations helped him transition into the global scene.

From the outset, Michael’s work exposed him to the complexities of international business, allowing him to combine his love for travel with his skills for business development.

“Once I started doing business across borders, I developed a passion for international trade.”

He continued to gain experience with Holloway, an NOV distributor, where his exposure to global markets solidified his passion and set him on the path to become a leader in the oilfield industry.

Leading Block 4 Oilfield, LLC

Today, Michael leads Block 4 Oilfield, LLC, one of the fastest-growing oilfield companies, with operations in the U.S., South America, and the Middle East. Under his leadership, the company has expanded through strategic sales, acquisitions, and entry into international markets.

“I’ve spearheaded the growth from day one through my understanding of international markets, business development, sales, and marketing.”

His dual expertise in supply chain management and corporate development has allowed him to navigate the complexities of global trade and strategically grow Block 4 Oilfield.

“My career has been two-pronged. My first ten years focused on supply chain, purchasing, and logistics, while the second half has been corporate development, setting up distributors, and entering different markets,” Michael said.

This unique combination of skills has made him an effective leader, capable of taking his company into new and challenging regions around the globe.

The Role of FITTskills and the CITP designation in his growth

For Michael, the FITTskills program and the CITP designation provided the formal education and credentials necessary to elevate his career in international trade. His decision to pursue the FITTskills courses stemmed from his interactions with Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and Export Development Canada (EDC), two organizations that played a pivotal role in his understanding of international business. Michael explains,

“I knew that FITT, being associated with EDC, was an outstanding organization to seek training and obtain certification from.”

Michael found the FITTskills courses particularly valuable in areas where he needed to strengthen his expertise, such as trade finance. “Finance was the side of trade where I was weaker before the training,” he admitted, but the courses helped him “add a lot of skills to [his] belt.”

His favorite course, Feasibility of International Trade, gave him a deeper understanding of the risks and benefits of entering new markets.

“It provided useful tools in risk analysis and risk management, tools that I use on a daily basis in my position.”

His CITP designation, which he earned through the FITTskills program, also helped Michael distinguish himself as a global trade expert. “I’m extremely proud to have the CITP designation and to present myself as an expert in international trade,” Michael said.

The credential not only proves his expertise but also connects him to a network of professionals who share his dedication to ethical business practices and ongoing professional development.

A world of lessons through global experiences

Michael’s career has taken him to over 20 countries, providing him with rich cultural experiences and an understanding of how different regions approach international trade. He shared some of his favorite stories, such as working in the Middle East, where relationship-building is paramount before discussing business.

“In Abu Dhabi, we would talk about families and personal experiences over tea or eat Mandi on the floor in a traditional manner before business even came up,” Michael recounted. This cultural insight helped him adapt to various regions and avoid the pitfalls of international etiquette.

His experiences in Latin America, Singapore, and the Middle East have taught him to “do as the Romans do” — to adapt to local customs and respect cultural differences. “You’ll pick up on things really quickly,” Michael advised.

He stressed the importance of researching local customs and relying on networks like expat communities or experienced colleagues for guidance when entering new markets.

Inspirational mentorship from an industry leader

A key influence in Michael Whitmarsh’s career has been his mentor, John Samuels III, a legendary figure in the energy and commodities trading industries. Michael met John during his time in the Middle East, and they collaborated on several projects, including commodity trading deals between the U.S. and the Middle East, as well as launching an oilfield rental company in Sharjah, UAE.

John’s incredible career trajectory—starting from humble beginnings in Galveston, Texas, to building a corporate empire with diverse holdings—served as a powerful inspiration to Michael.

John’s vast knowledge of business, his grace under pressure, and his ability to intertwine personal life with professional success left a lasting impression.

“What really impressed me with him is that he has all this knowledge, all this personal life experience… he’s probably the most interesting man in the world.”

John, often referred to as “The Great Gatsby” due to his larger-than-life persona, had a profound understanding of commodity trading and global markets, especially through his role in helping to launch the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange.

For Michael, learning from someone with such a rich blend of business acumen and personal integrity was invaluable.

“He handled everything with such grace… despite all of his accomplishments, he was still so humble,” Michael said.

This mentorship not only shaped Michael’s approach to business but also deepened his passion for international trade and global markets.

Among his many accomplishments, Michael is particularly proud of establishing the first international distribution hub as an NOV distributor in Dubai.

“I performed all the market intelligence prior to entering the market, found the lowest-cost ports, staffed the company, and adapted the policies to local cultural and legal requirements.”

This project not only positioned his company as a master stocking distributor for the Eastern Hemisphere but also highlighted his strategic expertise in global business development.

Michael also sites his work with the Canadian Trade Commissioner’s office and EDC as motivating factors in his career development. These organizations helped him navigate international markets, meet high-profile players, and secure contracts with drilling contractors in regions like Argentina and Cuba.

Michael’s experience working with these agencies further cemented his passion for international trade and gave him a profound respect for the role government organizations can play in supporting businesses.

Looking to the future

Michael believes his CITP designation will continue to play a pivotal role in his future career.

“The CITP designation will open many doors to opportunities that I may not have otherwise been offered.”

As he continues to grow Block 4 Oilfield and explore new global markets, Michael remains committed to leveraging his expertise and credentials to drive success. Whether it’s through acquisitions, mergers, or strategic partnerships, his future looks bright, fueled by the knowledge and tools he’s gained through the FITTskills program and the CITP designation.

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Adding credibility to experience and expertise with the CITP designation

For those considering taking their business into an international market, Michael has one key piece of advice:

“Understand the tools related to international trade finance. From Letters of Credit to Export Credit Agencies, each tool is extremely helpful to hedge a growth strategy and to best position oneself in a given market.”

With his deep experience, global perspective, and the CITP designation, Michael Whitmarsh is not just a leader in the oilfield industry — he’s a prime example of how education and professional certification can propel a career to international heights.

Meetali’s career in international trade began in 2015 when she transitioned from a global consulting firm in the private sector to the UK’s Department for Business and Trade in the public sector. In this role, she assisted British companies to enter and expand their operations in India, focusing on sectors like Financial Services and Energy.

“It was a complete shift from the private sector to an exciting world of international trade, export promotion, and market development where I generated businesses opportunities for British companies. I provided strategic advice and executed sector-specific trade promotion initiatives to help clients access opportunities, establish strategic alliances in the market, and grow their business in India.”

Meetali shares an example of her success: she helped a single-brand retailer get their FDI application approved to enter the Indian market, set up their brick-and-mortar stores, and sell their products. Over the next few years, the company invested more capital, generated strong sales revenue, created jobs, and went on to become a popular brand.

“I reflect on the role I played when I see their popularity in India. Over time, they established themselves as leaders in their product segment.”

“One of my proudest professional accomplishments was to contribute to this business’ journey in the initial phase and witness their growth trajectory.”

Contributing to UK-India trade relations post-Brexit

The 2016 Brexit marked a significant turning point for the UK and its trading partners. This transition necessitated a fresh approach to trade policies and agreements with countries like India. Meetali found new opportunities to leverage her expertise in the evolving landscape and progressed in her role, moving into market access and trade policy and working on government-to-government dialogues to champion equitable conditions for British businesses in India.

“I undertook policy advocacy work, engaged closely with the Government of India on behalf of the British government to advance the market access agenda for British companies. I worked as a core member of the policy team to create a level playing field for British businesses operating in the Indian market and resolved specific barriers related to ‘ease of doing business’ during my tenure.”

During that period, the UK began developing its independent trade policy with various countries, including India, which required extensive groundwork. This helped Meetali gain valuable experience and a deep understanding of the markets and governmental functions in both India and the UK.

Eager to expand her knowledge, Meetali chose to continue her work with other foreign governments, bringing her unique perspective to new challenges and building a career in the international trade arena. 

Helping Canadian businesses expand in global markets

In 2022, she joined the Trade Commissioner Service with Global Affairs Canada, leading the infrastructure sector. In this role, she helped Canadian companies do business in India and was one of the youngest trade commissioners in Global Affairs Canada’s overseas network.

“I helped clients prepare for the overseas market. Factors such as competitor intelligence, regulatory compliance, market knowledge, and understanding customer preferences were crucial. In certain sectors, the sales cycle can be long and requires commitment and perseverance from business owners.”

“Clients should be prepared to invest time in understanding the opportunity landscape, establishing strong partnerships, and building a strong network. Success does not come overnight.”

Shifting markets, same client focus

While working with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service from the New Delhi office, Meetali was inspired to make her biggest move yet and immigrate to Canada.

In 2023, Meetali settled in Toronto, Canada, where she found an excellent opportunity to tap into her skills as Market Advisor – Digital Tech for Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government agency responsible for supporting Irish businesses in global markets. In this role, she leads the digital technologies portfolio of clients in the cyber security and digital entertainment sectors in Canada, helping Irish innovators find meaningful partnerships with Canadian organizations.

Recently, Meetali attended the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to support an Irish client company in her portfolio. Later this month she will lead a delegation of Irish animation companies for a market study visit to Canada promoting co-production opportunities between Canadian and Irish studios developing their own IP.

Throughout her career, Meetali has found that keeping client interests as the primary focus is crucial in international trade. This might seem like straightforward good business sense, but it can be more challenging than it appears. Meetali explains how she applies this philosophy in her current role with Enterprise Ireland.

“I believe the essence of an international trade advisor’s role is to provide bespoke advice to clients keeping their best interest and potential success in mind.”

“For instance, Canada often serves as a cost-effective gateway into the North American market, offering ample opportunities to introduce new innovations. This environment helps companies gain a technical edge in a rapidly evolving world.”

Professional development and well-earned validation of expertise

Meetali’s keen interest in market entry strategy and the various options available to companies looking at international expansion is evident in her career. As she progressed through the six courses in the FITTskills program, she particularly enjoyed the International Market Entry Strategies course.

“My favourite course was International Market Entry Strategies. It was designed in a way that was very engaging. The structure of the course modules and sub-topics was quite interesting. Discussing different routes to market, types of investments, or options like greenfield or brownfield, direct or indirect channels, joint ventures, mergers, or acquisitions, has enhanced my ability to provide strategic advice to our Irish companies weighing their options in market entry.”

“I have applied the concepts I learned [in the International Market Entry Strategies course] in my practical day-to-day job, which is why I find them so relevant and interesting.”

Upon successfully completing the FITTskills program and earning her FITT Diploma in International Trade, Meetali was encouraged to validate her professional development by applying for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.

Looking forward, Meetali wants to continue to grow her knowledge of the Canadian market and help her international clients find success there through her guidance and strategic advice on the opportunities available in that market.

From the very start, Meetali Kashyap has brought her intelligence and capacity to learn and grow in new markets into her work. In this she has met with resounding success, both in her personal professional advancement and for her clients and their businesses. We are proud to welcome her to the CITP community.

“I value the industry-wide recognition the designation offers, which will enhance my career progression opportunities. Earning the CITP has established that I am an experienced international trade professional.”

Leah Sanford has a long-time passion for marketing. She enjoyed her corporate marketing role before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. She now helps other entrepreneurs take their brands global.

Her husband, Joel Kelly, shared Leah’s passion for marketing. He dreamed of starting his own business, and together, they built Kelford, Inc.

Through their company, Leah and Joel work with entrepreneurs to help define and articulate their unique value, and then demonstrate it to their very best customers. She finds joy in helping entrepreneurs from Canada and beyond change the world by helping them communicate in a way the world understands.

“An entrepreneur just has this creative mindset of seeing past the obstacles and wanting to try new things. There’s this creative, innovative space that just clicks a little different for an entrepreneur, and it’s so fun to work with.”

Leah strives to infuse fun and creativity into the process of helping entrepreneurs uncover their goals, define their value, and demonstrate it at a distance. So they can keep going, keep growing, and keep building a business they love.

If a business is online, it’s potentially international

Based in Canada, Kelford Inc. is both a local and an international business, thanks to the ease of connecting online.

“We often work with folks who are located here in Canada but sell around the world,” Leah explained.

“We’ve had many clients around the world trying to enter Canadian markets or other global markets. For us, it’s all about demonstrating your value, globally.”

Whether a business owner offers professional services, or artisan-made products via e-commerce, or deep-tech solutions, they may benefit from global trade training.

“Shopify changed the game, and Amazon before that. And Etsy has been this beautiful creator space on a smaller, more personal, artistic scale of what’s possible. It doesn’t have to be down the street anymore. The pandemic really opened that up from on a global corporate scale.”

Leah developed a more global approach from the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation and international business training through the FITTskills program.

A resource that helps open doors

“I would absolutely recommend the FITTskills program to people who love long-term learning. The program is comprehensive – so in the long term, everything stacks really nicely.”

When the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Leah decided to invest time into professional development. Invest Nova Scotia offers training and other resources for entrepreneurs including FITTskills training as a FITT educational partner. Leah took advantage of the opportunity and enrolled in the FITTskills International Sales & Marketing course.

“It felt like this little serendipitous moment that kicked me off on the right journey.”

That moment led Leah toward earning the CITP certification. She found the designation and the FITTskills program incredibly practical and easy to apply to real-world situations. In addition to knowledge, it also helped hone her mindset.

“It’s been a confidence boost. It obliterates that imposter syndrome feeling! It’s a great anchoring ground of knowing what I’m doing. I have the FITTskills textbooks to go back to. I have the knowledge base to go back to. I have the resources to draw on, and the connections that it’s opened up have been brilliant.

The program also offers moments of connection and the chance to network with other professionals and expand valuable international connections. Leah even found a new client who was a classmate in the same FITTskills course. She indicated that when looking for partners, the CITP designation acts as a green flag.

“I know that there’s been a vetting process in that credential. It’s a credential that has a governing body and there’s something really beneficial to that. When you’re evaluating apples to apples, this one suddenly is a little more nutritious.”

Paying it forward and building up other entrepreneurs

Leah jumped at the opportunity to help other aspiring entrepreneurs through the Lab2Market program. This federally backed, multi-agency partnership encourages master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral-level researchers to gain tools that may help them take their expertise and innovations to the marketplace. Leah is a facilitator in the Lab2Market Oceans programs, through Memorial University.

“We’re focused on ocean innovation and technology. Students are bringing forward ideas and products such as oil spill clean up breakthroughs, improved safe navigation through icy waters tools, new marine coatings, etc. The program is comprised of brilliant students, many international, exploring how they might enter a global market—seeing if there’s a market for their idea. And we educate, and hopefully inspire, them to build businesses and take their innovations forward, while supporting them as they go through the roller coaster of emotions in customer discovery!”

Leah credits both completing the FITTskills training and earning the CITP designation for preparing her to help these scientists develop business skills and entrepreneurial mindsets.

Whether local or global, it’s all about relationships

Leah found that her relationships with clients don’t end with the initial project developing a marketing position and strategy. She likes to keep in touch with clients as they implement their strategy. Kelford also offers a daily inspirational positioning newsletter.

“For us, it’s natural to stay in touch and celebrate their wins. And on the flip side ask, are you struggling with anything? Just let them know we’re here.”

Over the years, Leah and Joel worked with dream clients including Big Cove Foods of Nova Scotia. They came to Kelford with a goal of bringing their spice blends from a local product to stores across the country. After exploring their goals and aspirations, Kelford helped them create an actionable marketing strategy.

As they implemented the plan, they found their voice and fun in their marketing, and were able to focus on demonstrating their value to their best customers. And with that focus, they saw pick up from stores across the country as well as growth in their online sales. As they’ve grown, their social impact has grown too—participating in ‘1% for the Planet’ where they donate to charities, and  prepare fresh meals and munchies to Viola’s Place, a homeless shelter in their community.

She sums up her ideal client as, “the entrepreneur who has an ambition that speaks to their soul, has a product or service that can do good out in the world. And then is really crafty, creative, and wants to do something more than for the hustle, more than for the dollars, but something they want to stick with for a really long time because it makes them happy. And that happiness makes their customers happy. That’s the dream.”

“When you go out somewhere to sell your product, it’s not over when you make the sale. Now we have to prove that we’re going to stick around, that we backup our product and our commitments, that we are here with the customer service.”

Looking toward the future in a changing world

Adaptability is crucial for entrepreneurs in an ever-changing market. Leah appreciates having the course text, case studies, and videos available as reference resources whenever new challenges and opportunities arise.

“So, what you knew and what you did two years ago is different now. What I would have recommended two years ago is different now. A marketing strategy I write this year is going to be different from the one I write in a year from now because of how the market changes.”

Leah envisions a future where Kelford, Inc. further expands its portfolio of client collaborations from all over the world. The choices when selling globally can be overwhelming. The knowledge and resources gained through the FITTskills program and validated through earning the CITP designation provide building blocks for success.

“My experience working toward and earning the CITP has been wonderful in terms of knowing “how can we leverage our skills, the tools that we know are out there?” It’ll always be just the two of us, but how do we grow that impact that we’re able to have? And we are really looking at that on an international scale now.”

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.”

Calvin Xiao started his professional career working in the global division at Grey Advertising as a strategist. He majored in English, which made him a great fit for this position, where he helped international brands adapt for entering the China market.

During his time at Grey Advertising, he got the chance to work with some famous brands and campaigns.

“ I had opportunities to work for a handful of prestige advertising campaigns in the global community and serviced numerous well-known brands.”

Calvin’s clients were all overseas. Due to their different market entry statuses, he was able to develop comprehensive international trade marketing management skills. Having such a wide range of clients, Calvin managed everything from pre-entry market feasibility analysis, to market-entry marketing strategy, brand globalization, and the day-to-day campaign management of his clients. Getting to work with some large brands and showing his ability to manage so many different tasks at once helped Calvin accelerate his career.

Giving up a six-figure salary and becoming a part-time cashier

Immigrating to a new country for work is never easy, especially when it means leaving one of the most well-known advertising agencies in the world and starting at the bottom in your field. Eleven years ago, Calvin was a group account director at Ogilvy China, where he managed the company’s international business division. This was a dream job with great benefits, a high-paying salary, and he could see himself being considered to oversee the China operation one day.

“To everyone’s surprise, I quit my job and immigrated to Canada.”

Calvin knew when he moved to Canada that he would need to make a name for himself in this market, but it was proving harder than he thought.

“In the initial years, it wasn’t easy for me to blend into the Canadian elite advertising industry regardless of how hard I tried”.

He hoped to find a junior role at a local agency but was often told he was an “over-qualified candidate” or had “too-good-to-be-true experience”. After searching for work with no luck, Calvin had no choice but to take a part-time position at a local grocery store in order to make ends meet. Despite the struggles Calvin faced while trying to enter the advertising industry in Canada, it didn’t stop him from getting back into his field.

Today, Calvin is an entrepreneur and the founder of Cataystx Co., a proudly Canadian business consulting firm specializing in “International Trade E-commerce Marketing Management”. Calvin now has 15 years of professional experience in global marketing (eight years in Canada), an MBA degree, and two professional designations.

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Living one of his proudest professional accomplishments, every day.

“Where I am now in my journey is one of my proudest accomplishments.”

Starting a business consulting firm that helps more Canadian SMEs to become export-marketing ready and succeed in the global e-commerce market is challenging, rewarding and one of Calvin’s proudest professional accomplishments.

“My goal is to serve Canadian SMEs as a catalyst. I bridge intercultural management and overcome communication barriers, integrate business systems, and accelerate Canadian SMEs’ export business growth into overseas markets.”

Calvin’s professional journey has been anything but linear. From working his way up in China and securing a job at the world-renowned agency Ogilvy, to immigrating to Canada and having to start back at the bottom, to then start his own consulting firm. It’s safe to say Calvin can overcome any obstacles thrown at him.

Calvin share’s his favourite piece of entrepreneur advice

Calvin quoted his MBA professor and mentor of his, Dr. Lee Swanson, “Work on your business, not just in your business.”

Dr. Lee reminded Calvin not to be like many entrepreneurs who can’t see through the ocean of ongoing tasks and business opportunities. Instead, he suggested focusing intently on growing what you do best. His advice, alongside others, inspires and encourages Calvin to step out of his comfort zone regularly.

“Instead of following a safer path of climbing the corporate ladder, I chose to start a business. My goal is to create opportunities for Canadian SMEs with the ambition of being successful globally.”

FITTskills courses gave Calvin tools he uses directly with his clients

Although Calvin already had many years of international trade experience under his belt, he found that the FITTskills courses expanded his core competencies in international trade and marketing management.

“As a result of completing the FITTskills courses, my awareness and understanding of all aspects of trade ecosystem, has significantly broadened and deepened. From risk mitigation to logistics management and legal matters to financial analysis, this knowledge base includes the full spectrum of international trade.”

Calvin’s favourite FITTskills course was “Without question, the Feasibility of International Trade.” Calvin dubbed this his favoutite course because of the aggregation of resources in one place and because it introduced him to a few strategic planning frameworks, many of which have made their way into his service offerings for his clients.

Gaining recognition, credibility and a community with the CITP designation

“By acquiring the CITP designation, I’m benefiting from the recognition this certification holds in over 40 countries. This widespread recognition means I can help my clients grow their businesses within over 40 countries – an endless possibility for growth.”

Calvin also points out that beyond giving you credibility, the designation also gives you access to resources and peer support from a community of CITPs around the world.

In receiving his designation, Calvin felt proud, but he also felt the pressure of responsibility.

“As a Certified International Trade Professional and a Canadian, I feel responsible for doing the best I can to help Canadian businesses diversify their markets, mitigate risks, and get their companies recognized on a global scale.”

Calvin feels that his CITP designation is vital for his professional development as it will help him connect with other CITPs, which will grow his professional network globally. It also allows him to establish trust early on, promote a sense of legitimacy for his business and increase his credibility with potential clients and network connections.

Hearing his story, you can’t help but be inspired by Calvin Xiao’s career and personal journey. His drive, determination and skills have taken him around the world and from an entry level professional to an executive, to an entrepreneur. We can’t wait to see where he goes from here.

Born and raised in Paris, Julien Rosan had two passions while growing up—traveling and playing Monopoly—both inseparably linked to the intriguing world of international trade. Little did he know then that his fascinations would soon transform into an exciting career that would take him across the world.  

Julien went on to obtain a master’s degree in international trade administration along with a master’s in business administration in marketing and got his first work experience in Europe, North America, and Australia. His career has taken him far away from his native France, and today he works for the Government of Canada in the United States. 

Successfully rising to challenges early on in his career

After just a few days in his new job after moving to Chicago, Julien happened to bump into the CEO who asked if he would be able to secure his first deal by the end of that month. 

‘I had no clue if I could deliver on this promise, but I confidently stated, “For sure!”. Lucky me, and my French, I was able to sign a brand-new account from Quebec on the very last day of the month.’

Another notable occasion when Julien’s innate problem-solving skills came to the fore was while he was part of an official, high-level diplomatic delegation to meet with the executive leadership of one of the world’s largest healthcare corporations.

The situation became complicated when just a few hours before the meeting, a health scandal broke out, making allegations against the company they were scheduled to meet with. As this triggered an immediate public reaction from the Minister of Health back home, the onus was on Julien to navigate the sticky situation.

Displaying exceptional stress management skills, he delivered a last-minute confidential briefing to officials on this sensitive issue, thus successfully managing to ease the tensions and move forward smoothly with the proceedings. 

A moment of pride

When nominated for the Emerging Leaders Program of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Julien had the chance to analyze global issues with his peers and meet with thought leaders, foreign officials, and policymakers. The highlight of this program was attending the Chicago Council’s Centennial Celebration honoring President Barack Obama and Yo-Yo Ma. 

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Julien’s advice to the newbies: The importance of networking can never be over-emphasized

At the beginning of his career, Julien relied on his knowledge and interpersonal skills to find a job, or to move to the United States. But during the course of his career, he has come to understand how crucial it is to network, seek referrals, and build professional relationships. Nowadays when he receives LinkedIn requests from students seeking advice or internship connections, he makes it a point to remain as approachable and helpful as ever.

“I love this proactive approach and always keep my door open as I can see myself in them 10 years ago.”

International trade training that kept him on his toes

Julien already had 10 years of professional experience before he earned his FITT Diploma. However, he chose to sign up for FITTskills courses as he knew the training would help polish his existing knowledge and equip him with practical, real-world insights.

“The online exam questions – combining critical thinking and real-world case studies – kept me on my toes.”

“My favorite FITTskills course was International Market Entry Strategies as I have a personal affinity for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). I also appreciated the Intercultural Competence module included in this course.” 

A desire to formalize his knowledge and experience

As a Trade Commissioner working for Global Affairs Canada, Julien wanted to pursue a certification that would help him excel in his position, and that would be highly valued within his organization. He applied for the prestigious, industry-recognized CITP®|FIBP® designation which he earned in April 2022. The addition of this valued credential to his professional portfolio gave him a sense of achievement and satisfaction. 

Julien looks forward to leveraging the distinguished designation to continue to excel in his career and to contribute to furthering the cause of international trade.  

His talent, knowledge, and rich experience in his field have set the stage for greater successes and an ever-soaring professional trajectory in the years to come. 

Roberto Tiradentes de Lima was born in Brazil, and by the time he was a teenager, had begun learning English and Spanish in addition to his Portuguese native tongue. It was this experience with multiple languages that first sparked his interest in international cultures, communication, economies, and how they all intersect on the world stage. Roberto decided to parlay these interests as well as his trilingual abilities into a career and went on to study international business in post-secondary school.

Helping to facilitate trade from companies to countries

Roberto has since embarked on an impactful international career, taking him to many countries including the USA, England, Ireland, Spain, Italy and now Canada for his work. He has worked with an impressive array of global organizations on projects and policy affecting nations worldwide, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Brazilian Ministry of Agrarian Development (MDA), Department of International Negotiations for the Trade Promotion International Advisory (Brazil), the World Trade Organization, and now Global Affairs Canada.

Roberto’s favorite career highlights all relate to assisting companies expanding internationally, working with governments to create beneficial international policies, and the personal growth that comes as a result of travelling internationally and living abroad.

“There is nothing compared to seeing a company’s growth in international market share as a result of our assistance, or participating in government high level group work to discuss commercial defence measures (including players like Canadian Bombardier and Brazilian Embraer),” says Roberto.

Developing agri-trade policies to improve food security in developing countries

One career highlight Roberto is particularly proud of is his work for the Brazilian government.

“I was hired as an international business consultant by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), to work in the Brazilian Ministry of Agrarian Development (MDA).

I was a member of the Department of International Negotiations for the Trade Promotion International Advisory (AIPC) in the Minister’s Office where I provided consultancy in foreign trade and assisted Brazil in reviewing policies related to food security and anti-dumping measures in reference to commercial defense.

In addition to that, I was involved with Doha development round for agriculture, for the World Trade Organization. During this time, I participated in weekly meetings with diplomats in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, briefed and debriefed the senior management team and participated in high level, confidential work with multiple internal and external stakeholders.”

One of my proudest professional accomplishments during this work was when I coordinated, in Spanish, the Brazilian delegation on ‘commerce facilitation negotiations’ in Uruguay for a Mercosur meeting.

I also drafted briefing notes and elaborated five technical documents on General System of Trade Preferences Among Developing Countries (food security), Commercial Defense Measures (anti-dumping measures) and on the Brazilian Foreign Trade Chamber. I think all of this has prepared me well for my career at GAC, which I’m really excited about.”

Career success comes down to continuous relationship building and professional development

Roberto took the FITTskills courses as a way of reviewing and updating his professional knowledge, with the ultimate goal of earning his CITP designation.

“Taking FITTskills courses was part of a great review process and learning through a lot of reading, videos and gleaning the lessons from many different case studies. This learning process helped me have a broader view of the international business environment.

My favourite FITTskills course was Global Value Chain. I have accumulated a lot of solid experience in imports and exports as a result of working for freight forwarding and trading companies, and I love this type of work.

During my work experience I have developed logistics plans, coordinated with brokers, cargo agents, and international insurance, and developed shipping plans to minimize freight spending and to optimize time. Even with all of that experience, the course on Global Value Chain covers all of the important aspects of this fascinating “universe,” which is always evolving. So, we’re always learning new things.”

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Adding credibility to experience and expertise with the CITP designation

Joining the CITP|FIBP community was also a way of proving his credibility, improving his career prospects, and growing his network of established trade professionals.

“One thing I’ve learned during my career that I wish I had known when I started working in international business is to never underestimate the power of networking. I chose to apply for the CITP designation because it has a great reputation and is widely recognized. In addition to that, the Trade Commissioners at GAC are encouraged to earn their CITP designation in recognition of the international trade competencies it validates, and those who have it may increase their chances of internal promotions.”

“I felt rewarded when I got the email informing me that my application for the elite CITP-FIBP designation has been approved. The process of earning the CITP designation demand many hours of dedication and discipline, so I felt that a plan had been put in action and the result was obtained. I’m happy to part of this elite professional community.”

We’re looking forward to following Roberto’s already impressive career with Global Affairs Canada and beyond.

Gaukhar Kydrykhanova’s fascination with international trade began when, as a thirteen-year-old, she developed an interest in the problems caused by illicit cross-border trade. This spurred her to devote many of her initial years as a student to doing intensive research on the issue of international drug trafficking.  

“I learned about the important impact that international trade is making on the regional development and reduced transnational crime. But research was not enough. I wanted to bring in practical change.” 

Gaukhar earned the Presidential Scholarship to complete her Master’s program from the University of Birmingham, UK. Upon her return to Kazakhstan from the UK, she was recommended by the scholarship administration team to be considered for an expert job role at the Kazakhstani Ministry of Industry and Trade. Gaukhar joined Kazakhstan’s WTO accession team on a cold February day, which marked the beginning of an incredible career full of exciting adventures and interesting discoveries.   

Playing a lead role in organizing the women leadership initiative 

Women’s leadership is an essential topic in both Canada and Kazakhstan. Therefore, it was a matter of pride for Gaukhar to allocate her efforts and resources to plan and organize a visit with prominent women in business and female policy-makers from Canada. It was equally fulfilling to see well-known and inspiring women from Kazakhstan come to the event in huge numbers to support the round-table discussions. What followed was a series of illuminating speeches, debates, and an exchange of ideas centered around women’s leadership in Canada and Kazakhstan.  

“Many of the interactions went on to result in interesting projects. But, more importantly, I witnessed a broader change in the wider public consciousness that continues the trend towards progressive and inclusive transformation.” 

Another exciting task she was involved in was building a project with the British Gas company. It was a complex and impactful learning experience as supporting large transnational corporations required a meticulous, all-around approach.  

Facilitating many official visits from Canadian ministers to Kazakhstan 

With Canadian-Kazhakstani relations having significantly expanded over the last decade in multiple sectors, such as IT, Fintech, consumer goods, life sciences, and many others, Gaukhar feels proud to have been a part of this growth. She has played an instrumental role in facilitating many official visits of Canadian ministers to Kazhakstan. Coordinating these visits was often a challenge as it entailed multitasking, attention to detail, strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills. 

These experiences encouraged her to tap deeper into potential and grow professionally.  

“A few years ago, I was selected for an assignment in the regional offices in Canada. I had an exclusive chance to get exposure to the work delivered by the regional offices in several provinces across Canada. It was an interesting project that has helped me to learn about and take part in the processes that are developed in Canada, before clients’ expansion to the export markets.” 

Follow your inspiration in International Trade 

In her fifteen years of experience in the profession, Gaukhar has learned to persevere in the face of difficulties and always to have faith in her abilities. Her valuable nugget of advice to those just starting their careers is to believe in their talents and face the challenges head-on with confidence and determination. 

International Business training that honed her inter-cultural skills 

Also, coming from a country that is home to diverse cultures, Gaukhar has had vast experience in dealing with people from varied backgrounds. However, taking the FITTskills courses helped her broaden her knowledge on the different cultures and equipped her with the practical skills to hone her interpersonal abilities.  

“I now feel empowered in facilitating more CSR projects and bringing my stakeholders to a new level of success.” 

Understanding international trade finance from a new perspective

Although she found each of the FITTskills courses informative and illuminating, her favourite is the “International Trade Finance” course, as international banking has always been a topic of particular interest for her. The course helped her develop a better understanding of the work that she had been facilitating for many years in partnership with her colleagues from Export Development Canada. 

“This course has helped me understand the processes from the perspective of a bank officer. My interactions and meetings with EDC colleagues in Ottawa, close in-person work with my colleagues from EDC in Moscow, and this course have helped me to understand the perspective of an international banker.” 

Learn how to properly manage your cash flow and mitigate financial risk by selecting appropriate transaction methods and tools for international trade activities. It’s all in the FITTskills online International Trade Finance course.

Becoming a part of a community with shared professional interests, values, and passions 

Gaukhar decided to formalize her knowledge and expertise in international trade by applying for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, a globally recognized competency benchmark for business professionals. It would allow her to both learn from a vast network of seasoned international trade professionals and share her own expertise culminated from her decade and a half-long tenure in the profession. 

When Gaukhar’s application was approved in October 2022, she felt truly honoured to join this elite group. Not only would she stay up-to-date with the latest business skills and industry-leading knowledge, but it would grant her greater professional credibility on a new global level. 

“It felt like an important milestone opening the door to take part in connecting with like-minded counterparts, who just like me are deeply passionate in international trade, developing and sharing the best approaches and practices of our profession.” 

Spurred on by her achievement of earning the prestigious designation, Gaukhar is excited at the prospect of new business opportunities coming her way. The credential also inspires her to take on a new level of responsibility and understanding while approaching her clients. It is motivating her to work harder on all her projects. 

We’re excited to see Gaukhar forge ahead with confidence and determination, scaling new heights of success as she achieves all the goals she has set for herself—and more! 

In 2016, the Province of Nova Scotia formalized its partnership with China by launching the Nova Scotia-China engagement strategy.

In this, Christine Quin Yang identified an opportunity to engage her unique skills and cultural knowledge to build bridges between Nova Scotia and its global partners. So, one year later, while Nova Scotia-China engagement was blooming, she joined the Nova Scotia Department of Intergovernmental Affairs as an International Relations Officer with a focus on China.

Seeing the impact of building trade relationships first-hand

In this role, Christine attends bilateral meetings with foreign governments and Nova Scotian businesses to identify opportunities to work together. She often accompanies the Premier of Nova Scotia on trade missions pursuing and negotiating important partnerships for the Province of Nova Scotia.

“It’s special for me, both personally and professionally, to develop economic and cultural ties between Nova Scotia and China, and more broadly throughout Asia. I’m proud to support the relations that go beyond business and trade, helping people from different parts of the world better understand each other.”

Pre-pandemic, her day-to-day work included bilateral meetings, trade shows, formal dinners, public speaking engagements, and business roundtable meetings, with the end goal of promoting Nova Scotia exports and attracting foreign investment to Nova Scotia. Fortunately, Christine and her colleagues were able to adapt many of these engagements into virtual meetings until regular business travel resumes.

“This type of work is often difficult to measure. On a trade mission to Japan in 2017, colleagues and I finished a meeting and walked down a busy street in Tokyo.

I spotted a truck with a Nova Scotian seafood company’s logo parked on the road, thousands of miles away from Canada. At that moment, by seeing a Nova Scotia company succeed in a foreign market, I realized that was the best way to visualize the meaning of my type of work.

Working hard to end anti-Asian racism

Christine also has a deep sense of pride in the important work she does as Vice-Chair of the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Women’s Advisory Committee.

Christine has harnessed her skills in advocacy and diplomacy to create awareness to campaign for better race-based data collection in Nova Scotia, and a call to action to stop anti-Asian racism.

Her accomplishments earned her further recognition as one of 2021’s recipients of the Most Inspiring Immigrant in the Maritimes Award presented by My East Coast Experience.

Aside from her diplomatic skills and cultural knowledge, Christine credits some of her success to her experience taking FITTskills courses and earning her CITP designation.

My favourite part of FITTskills courses was learning from my classmates and instructors by listening to their real-life stories of international trade. It has helped me to gain a new perspective. My favourite course is Global Value Chain. I’ve learned so much about the global supply chain and logistics, which play an instrumental role in international trade.

Christine is thrilled all of her hard work has paid off and she has now joined the elite global community of Certified International Trade Professionals.

“The CITP designation is recognized in the global business world. It will provide me with a broader network and introduce me to future opportunities.”

In 2001, As a student in the Customs Clearance bachelors’ program, Rahim Mohtaram began his journey in international trade with an internship in the most important port in Iran. This experience made him sure that international trade, logistics, and business negotiations were paths that he wanted to pursue throughout his life. It wasn’t long before he finished his MBA at the University of Tehran in 2006 and started his first job at a customs brokerage company.

As is the case with many young, hard-working individuals in international business, Rahim worked in various departments and organizational levels, learning a lot about international trade activities along the way. Specifically, he learned the ins and outs of business negotiations, cargo insurance, multimodal transportation, documentary credits and collections, compliance, and customs clearance formalities. Eventually, in 2014, he took on a supply chain and procurement position at a trading company, garnering even more experience to bolster his knowledge and career. Clearly, his initial instincts about his future in trade were correct.

Exciting travels, contracts, and negotiations

It’s no surprise that travel has been plenty during Rahim’s career, bringing him to more than 10 countries and countless exhibitions as a chief negotiator. These travels have become more compact too, including a three-day journey to China, two days on a plane, and a one-day negotiation meeting.

Despite the demanding schedule, he enjoyed so much of his work, gathering many favourite stories from his travels, including one that took place in China:

“One of my most memorable experiences was a five-day trip to China, in which I negotiated with 7 companies in seven different cities, from Shanghai to Guangzhou. My team and I drafted and signed 4 contracts during those five days, and it was an amazing experience. Business Travel with a professional team is the best way of learning skills in international trade and business negotiations.”

Putting knowledge into action to help businesses around the world

Rahim has merged his lengthy experience and knowledge to help many companies to handle their international business. Since 2006, he’s:

• negotiated and implemented more than 160 international contracts for various products
• worked with companies from more than 25 countries in different industries
• trained more than 6000 people in large and small companies
• published 13 practical books about international trade

These books cover many trade-focused topics, such as customs clearance procedures, cargo insurance, international transportation, international payments, and international business letter writing. He has also guest authored a TradeReady blog on discount strategies and appeared in several FITT events as a panelist.

Experience that leads to sage advice

With so many experiences, Rahim has become exceptionally seasoned in international trade, offering up plenty of sage advice to his colleagues:

“My advice to anyone who wants to improve his/her skill in international trade is to work at customs brokerage or logistics companies for a while. You can gain valuable experiences in different industries and about different products in a short time. In a single day, you must handle challenges about a wide range of products, and after a few months, your knowledge and experience will be extraordinary.”

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Adding credibility to experience and expertise with the CITP designation

Understanding the importance of expanding his credibility and professionalism in the field, Rahim decided to pursue his CITP through the Executive Path in 2021. His reasons for doing so were simple:

“I selected the Certified International Trade Professional designation, simply because I believe it is the best option available. The CITP is the world’s most credible and recognized designation in international trade, and it helps me to add value in my services to my customers. I am thrilled to be a CITP, because, after 15 years of hard work, my expertise is now validated by the most credible international trade entity in the world.”

Where the CITP designation will take him

Now, as an accomplished international business professional, Rahim is teaching, consulting, and coaching businesses on how to do business the right way. He believes that the CITP designation will open new windows for him, improving his credibility as an experienced consultant and coach, allowing him to help more companies achieve their goals in global markets.

Already successful within the field and ever-hungry to achieve more, we know that Rahim will be a face to watch for in the international business ecosystem for years to come.