In this special episode of This Week in Business History, host Scott W. Luton shares the inspiring business journey of his beloved grandfather: Leroy “Dick” Winton Rutland. Throughout his life, Dick Rutland represented the ‘gold standard’ in terms of professional integrity and action-based, servant leadership. He was a dedicated employee at Winn-Dixie and Kimberly-Clark, providing an example that now lives on – at scale – through Supply Chain Now’s organizational values. Like most people, Dick Rutland was loyal to a few brands – the Solo Cup Company and Buick in particular – and his relationship with their products serve as emblematic reminders of his personal values. Among the key lessons we learn in this week’s episode are:
- Don’t let anything go to waste if you can avoid it, even if it means eating chitlins or handwashing a ‘disposable’ cup
- Strive for balance between work and family, making your own luck and opportunities as you can
- Let your actions speak for themselves, doing the right thing for its own sake, not the attention it may garner
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news
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October 17, 2025
The Buzz: Automation, Tariffs, & Holiday Spending
Today we’re diving into the multifaceted world of supply chain dynamics, emphasizing the critical importance of effective leadership amidst the ever-evolving challenges within the industry. Welcome to The Buzz powered by AutoScheduler! Hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome special guest Guy Courtin, Vice President of Industry and Global Alliances at Tecsys, to discuss: The necessity for clarity in communication, particularly during adverse situations The dual need for leaders to provide both positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to their teams The upcoming holiday spending season, forecasting a noticeable shift in consumer behavior towards seeking deals, a trend that is likely influenced by broader economic factors and ongoing supply chain disruptions Automating supply chain processes and the implications of recent tariffs on global trade Join us for this episode that will have you rethinking your strategies and embracing adaptability in an increasingly complex landscape. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: With That Said AutoScheduler.AI Manifest 2026 Trump plans fresh China tariffs in response to rare earth export controls…
leadership
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Supply Chain Talent & Leadership Trends Across Africa
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, and part of the Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa series, Scott Luton is joined by co-host Clare Fincham of SAPICS, with guests Nicole Petersen from the South African Graduate Employers Association, and Yaseen Ahmid, CEO of Luna, to explore the biggest takeaways from the SAPICS Annual Conference 2025 in Cape Town. Together, they discuss the rising demand for supply chain graduates, the growing emphasis on sustainability skills, and the widening gap between what universities teach and what employers need. Nicole shares how initiatives like Quantify Your Future are creating clear pathways for students, while Yaseen highlights the importance of tailoring resumes, building early employer relationships, and showcasing entrepreneurial soft skills. Clare emphasizes the role of community and collaboration in extending conference conversations into universities and businesses. This discussion offers a roadmap for addressing supply chain talent shortages and preparing Africa’s workforce to lead in global innovation. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Clare Fincham, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Nicole Petersen Learn more about the…