Most supply chain discussions get bogged down in hype and theoretical buzzwords. In this episode, they get stripped back to reality. In this debut episode of The Collective on Supply Chain Now, a powerhouse panel of battle-proven commerce veterans comes together to dive deep into the forces currently reshaping the global trade landscape. The panel features Kim Reuter (Chief Advisor and Leader at CSG Consulting), Derreck Travers, Jack Mowreader (Founder & Principal at Ascendant Business Solutions), and Kerry Gibson-Morris (VP of Global Sourcing & Product Development at BDA, LLC). Drawing on their extensive experience building foundational programs at Amazon and scaling operations across air cargo, trucking, luxury retail, and finance, the team breaks down the critical shifts in modern supply chain management and where the industry is heading next. Kerry kicks off the conversation with a frank look at AI in smart sourcing, warning against the trap of treating technology as a total labor replacement rather than a strategic amplifier. She emphasizes the critical need for “checking the checker,” maintaining strict data hygiene, and exercising executive oversight to avoid costly operational mistakes. Jack pivots the focus to the financial volatility of modern trade, breaking down how rapid tariff changes, shifting…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn’t charity. It’s a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits. She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior leaders doubling down on DEI, this conversation offers actionable takeaways: define the why, build inclusive cultures, and widen the supplier funnel so the best partner wins.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during…