Trade Trek – Student Reflection: Carolyn Murphy

Carolyn Murphy, Junior

Major: Management 

Graduation: Spring 2026

Participating in the Trulaske Trade Trek was an incredibly eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of global trade and how it intersects with industries right here in Missouri. 

Through site visits and conversations, I walked away with several valuable insights: 

Global Trade is All Around Us – From breweries to airports, I learned that global trade touches far more industries than I realized. Even local businesses like Urban Chestnut are engaged in international partnerships and exports, highlighting the reach and relevance of global commerce.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership – At Sunnen Products Company, I was struck by the company’s commitment to long-term sustainability and employee well-being. Their success story emphasized how a global presence can be achieved without compromising core values.

Storytelling is a Strategic Business Tool – Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company and Bissinger’s reminded me that storytelling can be a major asset when marketing products abroad. A brand’s heritage can be just as appealing to international consumers as its quality.

Infrastructure Drives Trade – Visiting the Live Animal Export Facility at St. Louis Lambert International Airport taught me how essential logistics and transportation systems are to the efficiency and expansion of global trade networks.

Partnership is Key – During the Global Trade Resource Panel, I gained a deeper understanding of how collaboration among businesses, government entities, and trade organizations can open doors to new markets and build resilience in uncertain times.

While each visit was a great learning opportunity, my favorite connection was with Caitlin Murphy, the CEO of Global Gateway Logistics. Her story was incredibly inspiring. She shared her journey of founding a successful company by failing forward in a competitive, male-dominated field, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and betting on yourself. Her authenticity, confidence, and drive left a lasting impression on me, and her success reinforced that there is room for women to lead and innovate in global trade.

This experience gave me a fresh perspective on what it means to think globally, and it motivated me to continue building relationships and developing the skills I’ll need to be a thoughtful, impactful leader in the future.