In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner shares the surprisingly complex history of beer can innovation, starting with the first canned beer going on sale in Richmond, Virginia on January 24th, 1935. The development of this every day item survived a crash course with two major events: Prohibition and World War II. Today, aluminum cans are the most recycled container in the world and are the container of choice for about half of the $20 Billion U.S. beer market.
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The Buzz: A New Era of Geopolitical Challenges
In today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, we dig into the imperative nature of supply chain transformation in the current global landscape, characterized by incessant change and complexity. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost! Today, hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr welcome special guests Pierre Abou Hamad, Managing Partner USA with Citwell, Inc., and Koray Kose, Founder and Chief Analyst with Kose Advisory. The conversation includes: The multifaceted challenges faced by supply chain leaders, particularly in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions and evolving market demands Critical insights from industry leaders, who stress the necessity of embracing innovation and adaptability as key strategies for navigating these turbulent times The importance of effective communication and the cultivation of a resilient organizational culture that fosters continuous improvement. Tariff impact on coffee prices Join us as we embark on this exploration, and reflect on the profound implications of these discussions for the future of supply chain management. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr, 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 EasyPost Supply Chain Dive…
inclusion
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September 22, 2025
Equity in Action: How Inclusion Leads to Supply Chain Innovation
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…