Podcast: Simply Trade Tips (Hammer & Heels)
Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Published: January 6, 2026
Episode Length: ~10 minutes
Series: 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


Producer:


Lalo Solorzano


🎙️ Simply Trade is a podcast by Global Training Center, bringing practical insights to trade and customs professionals worldwide.

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🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
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Trade Geeks Community


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