During the Enlightenment, humanity experienced huge increases in understanding, and free thinkers that were so impactful we still study their works today. It was also a time of revolution: the American, French, Scientific, and Industrial.
One of the greatest minds the world has ever known was born into the midst of all this change: Adam Smith. His book, The Wealth of Nations, was a landmark publication and instant bestseller in its day. It is still studied and read today, even if we don’t accept all of the ideas inside it as gospel.
Listen to this episode of This Week in Business History as host Kelly Barner examines the philosophy, writing, and relationships of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics and the father of capitalism.
More Podcast Episodes
decarbonization
Podcast
December 17, 2025
A Bold, New, Decarbonized Future: A Conversation with Steve Wilhite
Global supply chains are facing a dual transformation, an accelerating shift toward clean energy and a rapid evolution in AI-driven decision-making. As companies navigate rising expectations for sustainability, transparency, and resilience, leaders are rethinking how ecosystems come together to reduce emissions, digitize operations, and unlock new forms of value. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President of SE Advisory Services at Schneider Electric, live from the Innovation Summit North America 2025. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across energy management and sustainability strategy, Steve offers a rare inside look at how Schneider Electric is helping organizations tackle decarbonization at scale. Scott and Steve explore the leap forward enabled by AI-native platforms, the growing power of supply chain–wide renewable energy programs, and why collaborative intelligence, where humans and autonomous agents work together, will shape the next decade of transformation. They also highlight real-world examples from Levi Strauss & Co., Marks & Spencer, Walmart, and other global brands that are redefining how ecosystems mobilize around climate action. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources…
Podcast
April 8, 2025
Cadenas de aprendizaje: MIT GCLOG Program
Aprendizaje continuo en cadena de suministro; ¿por qué es importante en la actualidad? Descubre sobre la relevancia de continuar transformando nuestra mente de la voz de Christopher Mejía, director del programa GCLOG en MIT. Exploramos cómo las nuevas tendencias, metodologías y tecnologías pueden cambiar nuestras cadenas de suministro y potenciar nuestro crecimiento profesional. Chris nos comparte sobre su trayectoria académica y profesional, destacando cómo la educación en logística puede generar un impacto positivo en mercados emergentes. Además, hacemos énfasis en el programa MIT GCLOG, un posgrado híbrido que brinda herramientas prácticas a profesionales de todo el mundo para resolver desafíos logísticos reales. En este episodio también tocamos temas clave como la importancia del networking, la adaptación de la educación a la realidad empresarial y consejos para aplicar a programas de posgrado en el MIT. Si alguna vez pensaste que estudiar en una de las mejores universidades del mundo era inalcanzable, este episodio te hará cambiar de opinión. ¡Atrévete a seguir aprendiendo!