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
AI
Podcast
March 15, 2024
The Buzz- Digital Transformers Edition
Join us today for the Digital Transformers edition of The Buzz, Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream! Held at 12 noon ET each week, The Buzz focuses on some of the leading stories from global business and global supply chain, always featuring special guests – the most important of which is the live audience! In this week’s episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton, Kevin L. Jackson, and Mary Kate Love discussed a variety of news stories and topics including: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chains The importance of digital transformation in business to business (B2B) companies The reduction of veteran homelessness Listen in as the hosts highlight the benefits of AI in improving global visibility, reporting, and forecasting accuracy in supply chains, the need for B2B companies to adapt to digital transformation to enhance customer retention and satisfaction, and the significance of the decrease in veteran homelessness, attributing the success to collaboration among local, state, and national entities, and the simple approach of prioritizing stable housing.
Gartner supply chain
Podcast
May 4, 2026
3 Big Thoughts on Leading Supply Chain Into the Autonomous Era
AI is everywhere in supply chain, but more AI does not always mean better decisions. In this episode, Scott W. Luton and special co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, sit down with Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst for Supply Chain at Gartner, for a forward-looking conversation on how chief supply chain officers can lead into the autonomous business era. Lindsay shares why AI should not be treated as a standalone strategy, but as an enabler tied to a broader vision for the future. She also previews her Gartner Supply Chain Symposium keynote, centered on three priorities for leaders preparing for what comes next: autonomous-ready operations, autonomous-ready intelligence, and an autonomous-ready workforce. They also discuss the risks of AI sprawl, the importance of stronger human-machine partnerships, and why supply chain leaders need to rethink decision-making through a “decision stack” that combines data, knowledge assets, and human judgment. From documenting tribal knowledge to preparing for “job chaos” rather than a job apocalypse, Lindsay and Mike offer practical insight for leaders navigating disruption, workforce change, and the rising role of versatile talent. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Mike Griswold, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and…