In this episode of the Supply Chain Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Greg White reflect on the top stories and their favorite interview and episodes of 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all – and here’s to a successful 2022!

Scott Luton (00:01:14):

Hey, good morning, Scott Luton and Greg White here with you on supply chain. Now, welcome to today’s live stream, Gregory. How we doing?

Greg White (00:01:22):

I’m doing well, had a little, uh, camera issue just a few minutes ago, but we seem to have survived it.

Scott Luton (00:01:29):

Yes. Well, Hey, uh, this for the iPad, right? It’s year end, right? We’re kind of one foot in holiday mode and one foot still making it happen here at supply chain. Now engaging with all of our friends across, uh, global trade and, and Greg. Uh, so, so these kind of things can happen. Here’s a one thing I’m kind of expecting. I’m wonder, I’m wondering if you’ve got a surprise coming at me from that open door, just over your right shoulder.

Greg White (00:01:56):

<laugh> surprise. There’s a chiefs Jersey in there. I love it. The phone stand <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:02:05):

So no band, no special guest, right?

Greg White (00:02:08):

These are parts of the studio that are not meant to be seen, but the, you know, this camera tells

Scott Luton (00:02:14):

All we’ll blame it on the holiday

Greg White (00:02:16):

Mode. You show it. Would you feel comfortable, more comfortable?

Scott Luton (00:02:19):

We’ll blame it on a holiday mode. So folks monster

Greg White (00:02:21):

Inc is gonna come out that closet.

Scott Luton (00:02:23):

Monster’s Inc. Great movie. Hey, so today folks, if you can’t really tell special of the supply chain buzz here today. So typically as y’all know, we dive into the leading news of the day, right? Some of the stories you just gotta check out and we may touch on a couple of those, but on this show here today, as we approach end of the year, and as we’re deep in holiday mode, we’re gonna be sharing Greg and I, some of our favorite episodes and conversations from the year that was 2021, I want 10 more days, 11 more days in, what’s been a really challenging, but successful year for many organizations, including our team here. So buckle up and get ready. Cause we want to hear from you as well. So Greg, any, any, uh, words of wisdom here on the front end, as you know, you know, the shows you and I both know some of those that we’re gonna walk through, how would you preface today’s show?

Greg White (00:03:15):

Uh, what I like, you know, I think what we like, yeah. I mean, it really is just some shows and some themes and some lessons and some wisdoms that we really latched onto over the last year. Right? And some came from surprising places. Some the accumulation of some as we were going over these, uh, was pretty encouraging to me, you know, some of, so of our favorite app episodes had women supply chain professionals. And I, and that just jumped out at me as we were kinda looking through a bunch of these episodes for things that were informative or inspiring, um, throughout the year. So agreed, not that we didn’t give the guys a shot we gave ’em a shot, but <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:03:58):

Well,

Greg White (00:03:58):

So we actually took a shot. I mean, you know, <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:04:01):

They did. And if they didn’t, they wanted their shot. Yes. Right. Greg white, well, Hey folks, again, we gotta couch this right way. These are some of our favorites, you know, some folks joining us, maybe in the sky box seats also had some wonderful episodes. It’s really tough to peer down, but again, this isn’t our top six list or not our all time favorites. It’s just some of our favorites and special what struck us

Greg White (00:04:24):

In the moment really? Right. I mean, yeah, not, uh, not to exclude anybody because they’re all a hell of a lot of fun and always informative. But just in the moment, you know, you’re passing through, what did we, how many episodes did we do Scott? Ooh, that’s a hundred, 200 to episodes this se this year. And you just kind of look at one and you go, oh yeah, that really struck. It struck me. Right. You know?

Scott Luton (00:04:50):

Yes. I agree with you. Uh, that’s a great question. So Amanda or Jada, it’d be great to hear, uh, two numbers and you can guesstimate how many shows you would do for plot chain now, and then how many shows do we do across all properties? Um, so

Greg White (00:05:06):

Amanda’s probably got that number in her head. <laugh> maybe

Scott Luton (00:05:09):

Right. So we’ll circle back and see <laugh>. Um, but in the meantime, so, uh, I wanna share a couple quick programming notes. We’re gonna say hello to some, some dear free ends that are in the sky boxes and the comments, uh, first up tools, group and optimist. We’ve got a webinar featuring them both on January 13th, focused on Greg practical strategies for adapting to not just demand uncertainty, but supply uncertainty. Right. Quite a balance that, that goes on every minute of the day, right?

Greg White (00:05:40):

It is. And it, you know, for so many years in supply chain, we focused on forecasting demand and we forgot about all of the other things. We’ve got a forecast supply, of course the risk we’ve gotta forecast that and we’ve gotta constantly monitor those things. So more and more of these scientific tools, like the group, a tools, group, scientific tools, um, more and more of those tools are coming to the fore. And, and, and I know a lot of the folks at, at tools group or know of them anyway, I used to compete against them. And I, I wonder, it’ll be interesting to have this discussion. I wonder if they feel like the last many years have been quite a slog, convincing people to use technology in their supply chain. And now somehow the dam is broken. I feel like if, at least not, if not broken, it’s at least cracking and right.

Scott Luton (00:06:32):

<laugh>, it’s bringing it’s, it’s really making,

Greg White (00:06:34):

Starting to recognize technology.

Scott Luton (00:06:36):

It’s making the beavers bad. We gotta get the beavers back to work to fix these dams. Right. Um, but Hey, I love tools, group motto, be ready for anything. So join tools, group and Optus, and Greg and I on January 13th, as we talked about practical strategies, which I always also love that that was deliberately put into the title. Okay. So that’s January or 13th at three special time, 3:00 PM Eastern time. And then just a few days later, we’ve got, uh, you know, look, I’ve got, I’ve got, uh, Jeremy Bowden hammers under RO I mean, he, he is a dynamo folks. I’m a big fan. We’re gonna feature him and ship Hawk talking about adapt or die. You’re survival guide for modern warehouse automation. And, uh, Greg you’ve seen Jeremy in action. He brings just a little bit of passion to the table, right?

Greg White (00:07:25):

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I think, and what they’re doing at ship Hawk is really, it’s really powerful as well. So be interesting to hear a little bit about what they’re doing from a solution standpoint

Scott Luton (00:07:37):

Agreed January eight at our normal webinar time, 12 noon Eastern time to attend. You gotta register for them both, but Hey, good news. Unlike the rest of your holiday bills, there’s no charge to join us for these webinars. So join us

Greg White (00:07:50):

On the, this will not add to your credit card statement. That is correct.

Scott Luton (00:07:53):

Right, man. Uh, uh, consumers are wearing capes as, as they, uh, spend us all forward, uh, getting through into the new year for sure. Spend forward, spend forward. Right. <laugh> so, and I, I can tell what with the way you’re laughing. I bet. I bet you and Vicky both are doing your part. Right. I think

Greg White (00:08:16):

We’re done doing our part. How about that?

Scott Luton (00:08:19):

Oh, love that. Um, I

Greg White (00:08:20):

Love that. Yeah. And I mean, we, um, somehow were able to find most everything, uh, that we wanted to, to give so

Scott Luton (00:08:32):

That, oh, we’re gonna get a special guest, I think maybe. Oh, <laugh> so you never know. You never know. And well, on that note, big, thanks to Amanda and Jada and the whole team behind the scenes helping to make production happen to that point, Greg, 252 episodes on the main channel, uh, here in 2021. So 252 episodes.

Greg White (00:08:54):

How about that? All without breaking a sweat,

Scott Luton (00:08:56):

Right? All without breaking a sweat condition,

Greg White (00:08:58):

We are in

Scott Luton (00:08:59):

<laugh>. Well, let’s say hello to a few folks. Before we get into some of our favorite episodes. I wanna start with Eddie Brasher. Who’s tuned in from Memphis, uh, via LinkedIn, Eddie. Great to see you here today. Looking forward to hearing your take on some of the things we’re gonna, we talking about

Greg White (00:09:16):

Inez. When I think of Memphis, I think a lot of people probably think of FedEx, but when I think of Memphis, only one word comes to mind. Hmm <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:09:26):

I thought you were gonna say barbecue. You said said something even

Greg White (00:09:29):

Better. Love food in that town. Yes.

Scott Luton (00:09:31):

I’m with you. Uh, anes is tuned in from Tunisia. No pun intended via LinkedIn. Great to see. And as looking forward to your takes here today, Hey, Greg max is back with us from Mexico via LinkedIn. Remember max? Yeah, of

Greg White (00:09:46):

Course. Yeah. That’s and he’s probably much warmer than we are right now. Well, it depends. I mean, if he’s in, I forget he’s not in Mexico city, correct. Monterey. I don’t know. Is

Scott Luton (00:09:58):

That right? I think you may be right. I don’t, I don’t think he is in Mexico city. So max

Greg White (00:10:02):

Hills, max, you gotta straighten us up. Where are you? That’s

Scott Luton (00:10:03):

Right. Um, but I don’t mind I’m I’m enjoying the departures. I’m pointing out my window, uh, to colder weather here in the Atlanta area. So good stuff. Jean pledger from north there, Alabama is tuned in today. Once again, via LinkedIn have enjoyed speaking of great episodes, he was on supply chain is boring with Chris Barnes, dropping some great knowledge around advancing your career with professional development and, and passing exams. So great to see here, Jean Kaine is back now, Greg, you remember Kaine has contributed much to a, our programming this year. Yeah. Uh, the new abnormal, he was the first person that, that I think we saw to use that phrase,

Greg White (00:10:44):

Getting that PhD too. I wanna know how that’s going. Yep. I don’t even know what that takes. I never even contemplated getting that kinda education. So I applaud that effort.

Scott Luton (00:10:54):

It was tough enough to get, get a four year degree. Uh, if you’re on my, my

Greg White (00:10:57):

Wave link, some of us, we barely made it. <laugh> that’s

Scott Luton (00:11:00):

Right. Kavon. Great to see you here via LinkedIn, looking forward to your contributions. Hey Mark Preston, the manufacturing Maven I’ll call him, uh, the, um, uh, gosh, I was trying to come up new, new nickname related to continuous improvement. Think on that, Greg. But mark is a dear friend. He’s done some big things in the manufacturing space. Really generally speaking with driving lean, uh, and driving continuous improvement and pushing teams forward. So mark hope this finds you well. And, uh, we gotta catch up at some point soon. Jose Montoya is tuned in via LinkedIn. Now, Greg, have you caught any of his, uh, coffee and logistics shows?

Greg White (00:11:40):

I haven’t, but I, I, I accepted the invite, so I get alerted. It’s just, it’s been a crazy, uh, last crazy time. Month of the year or last couple months of the year. Yeah. Well

Scott Luton (00:11:53):

Jose is hosting or he maybe coming up soon. Uh, our dear friend, bill St. Kevi from Savannah. Oh yes. Uh, great, great individual. And I’m looking forward to

Greg White (00:12:03):

That in Savannah. Are they getting together physically?

Scott Luton (00:12:06):

I don’t think so. I think, I think Jose is in Southern California and I think it’s gonna be remote, but, uh, Jose, great to see you back here are today. Uh, let’s see here, Shahi tuned in via LinkedIn from the UAE where some of the cool things are happening, right?

Greg White (00:12:21):

Yeah. Yeah. That’s all I can think about right now. I’m totally locked on the weather Scott. <laugh> right. I’m thinking Southern California. Great. <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:12:31):

Well, here, this will unlock you off the weather and Eddie says barbecue. He’s with you. Darn

Greg White (00:12:35):

Skippy. Yep. So Eddie barbecue, Elvis and FedEx.

Scott Luton (00:12:41):

Max is in Mexico

Greg White (00:12:42):

City. He is in Mexico city. So he’s feeling about the same thing. We are probably more like Denver. Yeah, right? The highest city in north America. If I recall correctly, Mexico city.

Scott Luton (00:12:52):

Hmm. We’re gonna check it out. See if you’re right. Uh, POME. Great to see you here via LinkedIn, uh, sending blessings and best wishes your way as well. All right. So one final thing before we crack the lid off of this, uh, unique episode of the buzz and that is, um, let’s see here about a hundred. So on top of the 252 episodes that we had for supply chain, now we had about a hundred different additional episodes across our other properties, including 13 episodes of tequila, sunrise. Great. Wow.

Greg White (00:13:26):

Yeah. That’s so that’s almost an episode a day, right? Every day of the year, right? 352 out of 300, the heck were we doing the other day?

Scott Luton (00:13:37):

<laugh> seriously slacking. Uh, Daveon great to see you here. Happy holidays, Merry Christmas to your way. Always enjoy your contributions. So hope just finds you well up in Canada. Okay. Speaking of that, we should, uh, before we, uh, move forward here, Peter Bole is not gonna be with us here today, Peter Bole all night and all day, and just wishing him good vibes and prayers and best wishes. He, he shared with us earlier. Um, uh, some, some family health issues, uh, and, uh, it’s a tough ti it’s always a tough time of year. It’s even tougher when you’re, um, you know, navigating through some of those things. So all the best to the Bole family. Okay. So on a much, much lighter note, Greg, are you ready to dive in?

Greg White (00:14:20):

Yeah.

Scott Luton (00:14:21):

All right. So let’s do just that. Let’s see here. I’m gonna share. So this first episode that we want to dive into here today, it featured Colin Yankee, Greg chief supply chain officer with tractor supply company. Now, Greg, before I get your favorite asset back to this conversation, I should say little background. So tractor supply company is what they, they call themselves the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the us with 45,000 team members and almost 2000 stores in 49 states, man, you blink and they have become one of the dominant players. Um, now before I share a couple of things, I loved about our conversation that you and I had with Colin, Greg, what was it? What was your favorite thing about this episode here?

Greg White (00:15:07):

My favorite thing was, uh, our opportunity to, uh, continue to lobby that they bring back the, the commercials with the little characters who talked. <laugh> like, you know, uh, no, I mean, I think what’s really impressive is what they’ve done coming from a farm state. Uh, I’m very, and many people probably are familiar with the co-op or farm and fleet concept where you went and dumped your grain and bought your gloves and, uh, you know, and feed and all that sort of thing. And they’ve just, they have consolidated that market into a single chain. I mean, I’ve worked with co-op, I’ve worked with fleet fleet and farm mills fleet farm up in Wisconsin. And matter of fact, it’s one of my favorite great place to get candy and, and a great place to go before a Packer’s game if it’s gonna rain, because they give out used to, I don’t know if they still do somebody up there may know they used to give out free, uh, like rain ponchos really before the games, if the weather was gonna be terrible. Yeah. But, but it’s, and it’s that kind of community spirit that tractor supply has free and that they are, um, I would say commercializing efficiently by creating a big, uh, a big chain. And that was really impressive from my standpoint. What do you, what about you? Uh,

Scott Luton (00:16:25):

Well, so I love how in this conversation here, Colin really simplified his role. He said, quote, my whole job is to make decisions about trade offs between time inventory cost and service right across the chain. He said, and I, you know, when you can simplify it to that degree, given the, the breadth of the, the enterprise and what he does. Yeah. Um, I can only imagine working for him, him, and, and to that end, I love, he also talked about, um, how him, how he and his leadership team have been able to drive growth and drive innovation and drive execution on the company strategy. He said, uh, they rallied the team around this member, stomp the comp phrase that he shared mm-hmm <affirmative> and how really the approach to leadership and, and getting stuff done. GSD is quote, communicating their intent to the frontline. Communicating their intent is a phrase that they, they use there a lot.

Scott Luton (00:17:24):

And then they kind of get outta the way and empower their team to execute. And, you know, there’s a beautiful simplicity to that. That clearly is working, given a, uh, all the things they’re accomplishing. And you know, what we didn’t talk about, uh, Greg and I can’t remember if it was part of that conversation or if it was, if, if it was maybe one where we were talking about tractor supply and some of our other reporting is how quickly they were able to pivot to enable, um, I wanna say six weeks time and you could get curbside pickup in every single store if I got that. Right.

Greg White (00:17:58):

Yeah. That’s right. Well, I mean, it, you know, they, they’re a very organized, I mean, a very, uh, efficient organization. Um, and, and, and, and growing fast, as you said, right? Uh, I mean, they just put a store in and I, I don’t live in a rural area. I live in a suburban area, but they just put a store in about eight miles from my house. And it’s, it’s kinda like, uh, Disneyland for, for HS. I mean, I love it. Um, we use that looking to get Carhart clothes or camo, that’s where to go. Right. Or, yeah. Or get your propane tank filled for your, for your grill that I just gave myself up as a propane user

Scott Luton (00:18:43):

For grill. Yes, Greg, you did, but you know, so we’ve got one, um, uh, couple miles down and road from us here. And even during the points of time, they’ll have ducks and, and baby ducks and ducklings and chickens. Mm-hmm, <affirmative>, you know, uh, right there in the store. Um, you know, they got just about everything, including if you’re a bird lover like me, and you’ve got a bunch of bird feeders out, they’ve got great selection, but Hey, they have

Greg White (00:19:07):

Coral free ones too. <laugh> ones that,

Scott Luton (00:19:11):

Yeah. <laugh> I did the ones

Greg White (00:19:13):

Right. Defend against squirrels, not we have derailed Scott, but right. We have derailed. I, I would just say if, if you haven’t been in a tractor supply store and, um, and you’re near one, just go visit. I mean, it really is worth the visit. And, and, um, you know, to me, it’s kind of a blast from the past going to the co-op or a farm and fleet, uh, store or something like that. But for other people, you get some insights into who the people are that are their customers, they’re crafty craft, sea people, you know, they’re hunters and Fisher persons. They are obviously in, you know, in agriculture trades, but, but also you get and love their animals because my gosh, half the store, it feels like is feed or food. Right. <laugh> so,

Scott Luton (00:20:04):

So check that out. Episode 5 85, again, Colin Yankee who serves as the CS C chief supply with tractor supply company. And one, one final thought there I’m gonna take some comments is, uh, they’re very passionate about one of our favorite, uh, communities and that’s the veteran community. Uh, they’re, uh, very active with action based leadership on supporting and hiring and giving forward to the veterans community. So great greats,

Greg White (00:20:33):

His leadership style is, is worth, uh, getting a look at as well as a point of reference for sure. Agreed.

Scott Luton (00:20:40):

Former former us army officer, uh, Colin, uh, Colin Yankee. All right. Jose, Jose’s talking about bill St. KET was on his livestream last Friday. So Hey, Jose drop the link. Uh, we’re big, you know, we’re big fans of yours, but we’re also, I’ve known bill a long time. He’s one of the nicest, most connected smartest folks, uh, that I know always gives us shirt off his back. So drop that link if you can. Yes, David, we didn’t what we’re we’re to Greg’s question. What were we doing those other days? Weren’t not gonna

Greg White (00:21:10):

Days a year.

Scott Luton (00:21:11):

<laugh> we are slackers max confirms Mexico city. Yes. Is the most elevated city in north America. Hey, one of our recent FAS is back with us, Greg Lamont, Hardy, good morning from San Diego. And look at these certifications, Greg. Yeah. Uh, all right. So I know lean six Sigma green belt is the last one there.

Greg White (00:21:28):

Oh, is that what that is? Okay. It is,

Scott Luton (00:21:31):

Uh, PMP is a project. Uh, it’s probably a project management, um, uh, professional certification. If I’m not mistaken, what is the MPM Lamont? And Hey, if I, if I got the, on that. Yeah. Also if

Greg White (00:21:44):

I, the, what part of San Diego that, uh,

Scott Luton (00:21:49):

And Hey, are you keeping it classy? LA that’s right. Keeping it classy. <laugh>,

Greg White (00:21:54):

You know, he’s keeping it classy. Oh, I don’t. He’s wearing, he’s wearing a suit. Yes. He’s all

Scott Luton (00:21:59):

Dolled up. And I bet Greg, I was just like the 3000 person to use that phrase as someone

Greg White (00:22:06):

Use that all the time. Right.

Scott Luton (00:22:07):

I Edwards tuned in from Peru via LinkedIn. Regia Edward, uh, let’s see

Greg White (00:22:13):

The home of the Pico sour, the national drink. I know a lot about drinking <laugh> so, but so just the fun fact in Peru and in Chile, they serve the Pisco sour, both places, but there are two different styles for how you serve it. And there is quite a arguably friendly, um, rivalry over, which is the right way to do it. Really? Yeah. It’s kinda like beans in chili or no. Okay. I probably shouldn’t have gone there. <laugh> um, or, uh, what is it, uh, CEL in celery or not in, um, clam chowder. Okay.

Scott Luton (00:22:54):

All right. Well, for those that know about Clem chowder, I’ve seen some interviews where folks don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to Clem chowder, but Hey, we’ll leave that for another show. I’m not even

Greg White (00:23:03):

Hungry, but I

Scott Luton (00:23:06):

Kaon. So get this, Greg kaon says he just finished. The first year of his PhD is looking forward to joining supply chain. Now webinars more in the new year. I’m sure that first year is tough. Thanks a lot. Scott and Greg, all the SC team members for your efforts to provide these webinars. Hey Kaine. Thank you. Yes. It’s all about you. And I’ve loved. We’ve loved your contributions on the live streams on the webinars. I love what you put out on social media. Clearly. You’re one of those folks that get it. And it’s about elevating the industry. So Keon keep doing what you’re doing. Yeah. Um, Eddie remembers the ducks from tractor supply company. Uh, Keon corrects me PMP, project management, professional. That’s

Greg White (00:23:48):

Me. Ah, okay. That’s

Scott Luton (00:23:49):

It. And then finally Lamont.

Greg White (00:23:51):

Oh, master’s of project management,

Scott Luton (00:23:53):

Man. So he lives in ranch branch. Do you know that place, Greg? Yeah.

Greg White (00:23:59):

Are you? Yeah, I love San Diego. It’s a great town. Beautiful. Well, I’ll tell you is place in the world to be a, a meteorologist <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:24:10):

72 and sunny. Yep.

Greg White (00:24:11):

Every day. And in June, you’ll have a Marine inversion until noon, and then that will be going over the mountains. That’ll burn off around noon. Love a beautiful day.

Scott Luton (00:24:22):

So Lamont clearly you are quite the project management guru. Congrats on. Uh, gosh, if you get one more, uh, acronym behind your name, you may be a doctor, uh, a doctor of supply chain, maybe, but Lamont all the best. Thanks for tuning in here today. Okay, Greg, we gotta keep going. So folks today is a special episode of, of the supply chain buds, if you would, in indulgence, Greg and I were reminiscing and enjoying each other’s company and your company with us as we walk through some of our favorite episodes here today. Now, Greg, this probably surprises nobody with this next one, which was truly a masterclass in leadership and supply chain with one of our all time FAS San Sandra McQuillan Greg, what did you love about this one?

Greg White (00:25:10):

Uh, you know, like so many people, uh, you know, I would put Sandra and probably Rick McDonald at the very top in terms of leadership, my most admired leadership styles. Um, and, and, you know, Sandra exudes that always right. I, I cannot remember. I think it was, this was in the old supply chain now radio days, Scott. She said, if you want to talk supply chain, come on down. And that’s pretty much the way she operates. I mean, we’ve had some opportunities, both you and I to talk to her professionally and personally, and then with some of the companies that I’ve worked with, talked to, um, her and, and some of her team, you can just see the, um, you know, the culture that she has created there for her team. Right. So, right. Um, it’s powerful, powerful stuff.

Scott Luton (00:26:03):

Agreed. You know? Um, and I’m sorry for the zoom in there of Greg, I hit the wrong button as I was trying to change the graphics. It’s

Greg White (00:26:11):

Okay. I look much better from across the street.

Scott Luton (00:26:13):

<laugh> wait. So Sandra, um, remarkable first off for very important background. Her company mind Elise is responsible for making our beloved Oreos. So enough said, right Greg? Yeah. It’s

Greg White (00:26:27):

Pretty important.

Scott Luton (00:26:28):

54,000. I checked this out 54,000 team members across the globe. I didn’t realize Monise was quite that big. Um, as I mentioned, masterclass, there’s not much not to love about what Sandra shared here in episode six 15, right? Um, so one of her quotes, you remember this one Greg quote, you can be as technically brilliant as you can be, but if you can’t make it work with other people, then what’s the point in quote, I love that. And then she even indulged us, Greg, if you recall, I can only imagine how tough time is on her schedule. Right. So, you know, we were right at the hour point and we’re like, Hey, you know, we wanna to ask you about 10 things. What’s 10 things that, that chief supply chain officers need to do. Yeah. To be successful. She, she, I don’t think she missed it day after class.

Scott Luton (00:27:19):

Yeah. <laugh> she stay after class. It’s true. And one of them is most important things shouldn’t surprise anybody. Right. And that’s saying, no, you gotta be able to say, no, you gotta be able to put your foot down. And whether it is, um, opportunities or, or, uh, projects, or even rewards and recognition, you can’t do everything. Cuz if you try to do everything, you’re not gonna do anything. And, uh, that was one of the things that she left with with us on that episode six 15. So Greg, I’m gonna give you the last word about one of our favorite all time. People, not, you know, leaders of course supply chain, uh, pro guru of course. But she’s one of our favorite people.

Greg White (00:27:58):

Yeah. I mean, I don’t know what to say. I mean her, her personal resilience is something to be admired and, and um, just what she’s done both to accomplish things at the companies she’s worked with and to nurture and, and enable additional great leaders at Mondelez is it’s just so obvious when you talk with the folks that work with her. Right. Um, so yeah, I mean, I, my suggestion would be not just six 15, but listen to any episode that that Sandra is in and you can search her in our library on, on the site, um, and just get, get a taste for her. Not, not just energy and leadership capability, but for her incredible skill ill as a leader and a supply chain practitioner, she knows how, how to do it. Right. And she makes sure that that gets perpetuated through throughout her organization agrees as evidence by I think, and I, I didn’t think to do it again, but as evidenced by the, um, the Oreo that I showed on a previous episode where I probably should have panned out and showed all the other products that were empty on either side of that.

Greg White (00:29:14):

Right. But the, the Oreo and Mondelez’s products were, um, completely in stock and beautifully faced by whomever worked at that Kroger store. So,

Scott Luton (00:29:24):

Well, you know, uh, I I’ve met Sandra in person the first time that she appeared on supply chain now. And I gotta tell you, Greg, it stuck with me since then, uh, the charisma, the, um, the, um, empathy, but also the approachability of Sandra there. When I, when I met her in persons, we conducted our first interview. She, at the time she was with Kimberly Clark and you could just tell that that she’d been there and done it. And, and, but also was very unique. So, Hey, y’all check that out. That was, uh, six fifteens, one to Greg’s point. She’s appeared with us several times and she always just a stroke of brilliance. So let’s keep driving for the sake of time and, and everybody, we are today, special episode of the buzz. We’re going through some, some of our favorite episodes here today. Now, Greg, um, I’m a pony up here.

Scott Luton (00:30:14):

And as you may know, I’m a huge space nerd, right? Yes. Big spa. I’m fascinated with, um, all things related to space, including the James web telescope, which launches, I think next week in the next, in the next week or two and get this, Greg. Now we’ll get to this episode in just a second. But, um, I was watching something over the weekend. I didn’t realize that the Hubble telescope is inside of, uh, of, uh, moons orbit, right? So it’s, it is between from an altitude standpoint, it’s between the earth and the moon. Well, the James Webb telescope, not only is it bigger, I believe, than the Hubble, more powerful, but also the orbit is gonna be, I think, a million miles, um, out so well past the moon. So it’s gonna be closer to everything it’s looking at. Um, it’s gonna, many scientists are saying, it’s, it’s gonna change how we’ve always looked at the universe, including the, the origin of it all.

Scott Luton (00:31:14):

So I’m really excited about what succumb you, have you been tracking this James web telescope at all? Not on your radar, never even heard of it, but that’s pretty impressive. Just wait, wait until the images there’s of course, is this NASA, I mean, um, they’re, you know, kind of in the modern NASA way, uh, they’re, they’re contracting through a lot of third parties, but I think it’s a jet propulsion. Um, organiz I, NASA is a big part of building it and they’re leaning on a lot of different, um, agencies to help get a it up into orbit and whatnot interest. There’s interesting. Yeah. And it’s man, they’re gonna have to be, uh, everything they’re. So every scientist is part of the project is worried about once they get it up there, uh, how it’s gotta unfurl everything. Cause if one little thing goes wrong, there’s no one, you know, unlike hub where you could get up there and, and those brave astronauts fixed it and changed life as we knew it and how we view the universe, that will not be an option, uh, as to where it’s orbiting.

Scott Luton (00:32:14):

So anyway, I’ve digress folks. I told y’all 10 WD, 40 <laugh> right. And duct tape. You could fix anything with those two. All right. So kidding aside, Greg, uh, you and I hosted, she Sanders PhD, right? Who, uh, is with, uh, Manor, poly Manor, polymers. Uh, we host her for a live stream. She’s been with us a couple times, but Greg, uh, I’ll go first this time, her story, her, uh, story about working the, on the space shuttle challenger, I’m sorry, space shuttle, Columbia disaster. The investigation went into that and how they could go, how they could figure out what happened and then ensure it never happens again. Right, man, that was palpable. The, the feedback we were getting as she was sharing that and, and how she painted that picture of sharing her findings with that room full of, of NASA, the, the extended NASA family and how powerful, much of an impact that had on even the family and the work family and the, the, the, um, human family of those that we lost as part of that horrible disaster.

Scott Luton (00:33:21):

Um, and she had a great quote here. She said, quote, I’m not just mixing up stuff in the lab, I’m doing things to give people hope and to encourage people to have a great impact on the world. How about that for a sense of purpose, uh, follow 2, 2, 2 other quick things, very passionate, especially about, um, mentoring others in particular women interested in stem careers. And if you remember, Greg, one of my favorite other parts of that interview was when asked by one of our, uh, sky box members, uh, from the comments about career advice. You remember Greg? She said, do the work. It was like a mantra. Don’t cut any corners, do the work, you wanna do this? Do the work. I mean, it was really a, such a really cool back and forth that we had with she Sanders PhD. But what was your favorite part about this episode? Well, I mean,

Greg White (00:34:14):

I think it, you know, it started with her family, right? I mean, that’s what I thought was so really impressive if she could kind of trace it all the way back to her relationship with her dad and how that encouraged and enabled her to do, uh, a lot of what she was doing. She also did affirm to us a as a rocket scientist herself, she did affirm to us that supply chain is not in fact rocket science. So, um, <laugh> but I, yeah, I, I, I think, um, when she talked about presenting the findings to the families of, of the Columbia, um, crew, um, and the response that those people had and what it meant to her and that it, you know, even though she had been working on it significantly, the impact that, that had a, on her and made her realize the kind of impact she was having, um, or creating, I think just that very open, honest sharing was that was really inspirational among all other things. I mean, when you’re talking to somebody that is that much more educated and intelligent than you, there are a lot of things that you could take away. Right. It’s just not a lot you can absorb because they’re talking way up

Scott Luton (00:35:26):

Here. <laugh> you’re right. Uh, in the James Webb telescope orbit, right? Yeah. Um, but fascinating conversation, y’all check out. We’re

Greg White (00:35:35):

In, we’re in low orbit with Elon Musk and right, right. Richard Branson, we can’t, we can’t even contemplate that orbit.

Scott Luton (00:35:44):

We sure can’t, uh, you know, you’re, you’re not lying there. And, and I like to picture you paint. Uh, those are just a couple of our favorite things about sitting down with she Cassandra’s PhD. So I’ll check that out. That is episode 6 22. Now, Greg, we’re moving into, uh, a tequila sunrise, one of our favorite episodes of all time, tequila, sunrise, lemme tee this up. And then since you were part of this, I wasn’t part of this conversation. I’ll let you kind of walk us through. So, um, Rob and Greg is CEO of roady and that’s, I guess you still call it a startup, regardless. They’re on the move early stage company. They focus on simplifying payments across supply chain, especially logistics, payments, you know, be it at the dock door or over the road. Right. And I’ll tell you, she was brilliant, but, uh, Greg, what was your take on this conversation that you had with Robin?

Greg White (00:36:37):

Well, I mean, it, there were so many things. One is, she was so, um, sh she was so, uh, what do I wanna say, ruthlessly efficient, um, throughout this process, she understood the process of raising funding. So roady is a FinTech company, right? As Scott, you said, how do you get paid when you’ve made that delivery? Right? And sometimes it’s very formal and sometimes it’s, you know, literally a scan of, of a barcode or something like that, that gets gets you paid. And they handle all of that. Um, but her, uh, expertise in navigate the difficult process of, of getting to this, this was a very large funding round about 30 million. So, uh, getting to that level of funding is arguably startup, right? But it’s a new stage of startup. I mean, it’s a really accelerating stage of the company and she basically rested this company from the ashes.

Greg White (00:37:44):

I mean, it had been decimated by the prior founders. She was brought in by the current investors and, and, um, basically reconstituted the company and, and got it back on a growth path. Got it in a good position in the marketplace and got it prepared and eligible for funding that helps is currently helping this company, um, go the extra mile if you will. <laugh> uh, but get to the next level of, of, of growth and performance. So, um, I don’t know. I think, I think the thing that was, um, at was that was so interesting about it was that she was at once, um, very open about being, I don’t wanna say fearful, maybe mindful, but, you know, understanding the position that she was in and putting herself in the company in, by raising this money, but very resolute insuring that, that she got the process done.

Greg White (00:38:43):

I mean, she knew that the weight doesn’t come off, when you get 30 million of investment, the weight can presses down even harder because now you have sold your, her vision of your company and you have to deliver against that. And she was very, very mindful of that. Yeah. I think, you know, one of the things that I, and, and some of this was in this episode and some was in, in a meeting, we had, uh, about the episode, but she, she felt the appropriate amount of stress, an obligation to the investors, you know, having been in those con con types of conversations with, and as an entrepreneur myself, I think she felt the appropriate amount of obligation there. So

Scott Luton (00:39:30):

Well, so the, the, what, what I saw, and actually I was in the sky boxes for this episode and I enjoyed it. I, I enjoyed commenting. I enjoy, uh, as I recall, James Malley was, was bringing some sense of humor to the conversation. But what stood out to me is, is how her disposition during the conversation right down to earth genuine, but she wasn’t faking the funk on the NASA dunk. She was bringing it, she been there, she’d done it. She she’s in the trenches building, driving the growth of roady. Um, I loved how she talked about how she constantly sees founders overlooking their obligation to investigate, uh, potential investors, right. Not doing the due diligence on the investors, right. Maybe they were in Aber, an hammered with, uh, funding, maybe in their eyes. She really toed how important that is. Um, she talked about practicing her pitches. I think there was her pitches on her kids and how tough her kids were on her that’s

Greg White (00:40:30):

Questions. Oh my gosh, I forgot about that. That is right.

Scott Luton (00:40:33):

And then final one final thing that I picked up on there was so much love about conversation, um, is when things shifted over to zoom and you didn’t have the advantage of seeing all the different feedback and body language or whatever, um, sh one of her FA her best practices or teens maybe is bringing someone on the call from, from her her side, just to be an observer, you know, picking up on the verbal feedback and the nonverbal feedback. Um, and that was kind of their really important job through the course of the conversation. That is, that is wonderful, actionable advice. So, and, and she was full of it. What she,

Greg White (00:41:09):

Yeah, she was. And I mean, that’s what makes this episode, this was a live episode, right? Um, she is one of the judges of take your shot, our, or where most, most of the time, um, entrepreneurs are pitching us. What’s so great about their company and, um, how they intend to raise money and change things in the industry. And she’s been such an incredible value as a judge, and she had just raised this round and she agreed to a month later after having raised this round of funding to come back on the show and kind of share that with us. So I think that was a really, uh, that was a, a, you know, helpful and bold move. It’s hugely helpful for anyone who is raising funding. Um, and, and you’re right. Uh, you know, one of the takeaways, which I can’t believe I forgot this, one of the takeaways is find somebody who, you know, well enough to have them ruthlessly evaluate your, your pitch because that, I mean, that’s somebody that cares have to, you know, let you know how to do it. You know, how to get to your best discussion about the vision for your company,

Scott Luton (00:42:20):

Punching the nose. That’s, that’s the punching nose with

Greg White (00:42:23):

Love the kids, your best friends, right? Thinking buddies, whoever. Right.

Scott Luton (00:42:28):

See, I’ll check out Robin Greg with Rosey who appeared on tequila sunrise, and to make things easy. Each of these episodes we’ve dropped it in the comments, and you can also use the library tool@supplychainnow.com to find the episodes very easily. Okay. So Greg, we gotta move right along. You know, you and I are, we’re talking too much. Um, <laugh>, we, we always do. We, we, we experience these conversations with these wonderful people firsthand, and it’s re it’s really easy, uh, to go on with what they shared and, and, um, and, and really how, how much of a blast we had with all these folks. Yeah. But this next one is gonna be special. And, uh, and Greg, I thoroughly enjoyed the one and only the incomparable, uh, Delaney white joining you for a special episode of tequila sunrise. Now let me just share, and this is not pandering.

Scott Luton (00:43:22):

I’ve had a chance of course, to work alongside the one only Greg white. And I’ve had some opportunities to rub elbows in person and afar with Delaney. And I’ll tell you, she is a chip off the, the good old block, incredibly talented speaks beyond her years and does so in a way, you know, we all know probably some good, great communicators in our circles, in our, in our, um, networks. I guess, man, she has got your neck for clearly communicating exactly. She wants to share. And, um, you know, chipper, chipper Jones, you know, the good old, brave I got my Braves, uh, uh, shirt today. Chipper Jones was a chip off the block, which is where the nickname originated. Now. He went on to be a hall of Famer and the, uh, Greg I’ll tell you Scouts, uh, <laugh>, they’re high on Dulaney white, but I’ll stop there. I’ve got a couple of things I wanna share about the episode, but what, what stood out to you here in your conversation with your daughter? Uh,

Greg White (00:44:29):

She’s better than I am and she’s, uh, probably, uh, one of those people we’ll all be working for one day. I’ve said that since she was a very little kid, um, she’s a voracious reader, which has made her an incredible writer and verbal communicator. And, uh, you know, during, uh, the pandemic or during the housing shortage, exacerbate it by the pandemic, we got to watch her work and it is truly amazing to see. And that’s what inspired this episode. So at the time she worked for a company here in Atlanta called field edge. Um, and she wasn’t looking for a job, but somebody she had worked with, um, saw the potential in, she was doing a, um, lead generation job and they thought she should be an account executive, an actual salesperson. So they dragged her way to this company called D D E L.

Greg White (00:45:22):

Um, and that all happened after this episode. But during that episode, I mean, she was a hundred percent sold out for field edge as, as you can see in the episode, but also very mindful. One of the things we talked about was, you know, how do you engage gen Z and, um, kind of how she came up, like we do on so many episodes, how, you know, how did you get to where you are? And, um, it was really interesting to look at it from kind of a 60 minutes perspective instead of from a dad perspective <laugh>, you know, and kind of analyze it, um, argue somewhat objectively anyway. Um, yeah, and of course I’m very proud of her and she’s done great things and she’ll continue to, and I’m not kidding. We will all either wind up working for her or elect her president, something like that. Um, but, um, yeah, it was just, it was really, really impressive. How thoughtful, how mindful, how intentional, um, she is. She has a very clear idea about what to do with her career. Um, I mean, this wasn’t even that much about supply chain. It was just mostly about her generation and about, you know, the things that, that, uh, gen Z and millennials are looking for in the workplace. And wow. I mean, when you, which

Scott Luton (00:46:47):

Back on it makes it

Greg White (00:46:49):

Considering the job environment today, right. Agreed

Scott Luton (00:46:53):

What all and all of that makes it about supply chain. It makes it about global business, right. Cause nothing is gonna happen without those talented folks from those generations on your team. Right. Leading doing innovating. Um, so I I’ll tell you what I, what I would add to this. Um, and as I mentioned, folks, these are some of our fair, favorite, favorite interviews, favorite episodes. Um, she gave advice about chasing your passion, right. And truly identifying what you wanna do in life and then going after it with reckless abandoning. And she thought, she thought, I think, uh, I can’t remember the exact quote, but she thought law school is what she really wanted to do. But when she got down to it and really started examining and getting honest with herself, that’s not what she wanted to do. Um, and I would argue that many other folks to generalize allow others and society to dictate their journeys in life and what they do.

Scott Luton (00:47:53):

And so it’s really refreshing. And I think it was a timely lesson to hear from Delaney who put her fate and her destiny and her journey in her own hands and made her own decisions about what she was gonna do in life. And we need more. I would just encourage you, you know, if, if you haven’t two of our listeners, if you hadn’t had a chance to really uncover your own passion with where you wanna spend the rest of your life, what you wanna be doing, man, listen to Dela, uh, Delaney, it might help you find it. Um, all right. So Greg, we could probably talk about this episode as many, many of these, um, for the next several hours, but I’ll give you one final word about this special tequila sunrise episode with Delaney white.

Greg White (00:48:35):

Yeah, I think, I mean, I think everyone should probably interview their kids like this. Maybe just really objectively, almost have, I’ll give you the questions, you know, kind of have an interviews process for your kids and try to do it objectively. I think you will be amazed at what you find and frankly, it’ll probably make you feel better about, about your parenting abilities. I can tell you it did me <laugh> um, and, but honestly all you do is build a platform and they build upon that. So, you know, that’s the other thing you have to recognize is you just point them right direction, um, give ’em some direction and they’ll find their way. So I love that Greg that’s. I mean, that’s probably the most important thing that I, I took away from it is, Hey, we did. Okay. <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:49:25):

I love that. And I love your idea, your suggestion there to all parents out there, sit down, interview your kids. Fact, I’m gonna do that during the break between now, you know, whatever break there is of between now and new year’s. Uh, I I’ve done that occasionally in the past, and I love that idea of revisiting that, um, sharing a couple comments here. Hey, this is Cora Jose, our dear friend from Gartner. Who’s also a great interview. Uh, and, and guest, he says, he’s on PTO, but can’t stop. As he corrects, uh, watching you guys with my noon tea against cold weather, great job as always COHI hope this finds you well, and I hope we are gonna be collaborating on something around the corner. So stay tuned. I want right.

Greg White (00:50:08):

He’s a new adjunct professor. That’s right.

Scott Luton (00:50:10):

Well, so that, and I think that’s, that’s out in the public, right? I think you’re speaking to that

Greg White (00:50:16):

Announced that on

Scott Luton (00:50:16):

LinkedIn. Right. And you’re gonna be, I think, addressing his students. Uh, but Greg, maybe I haven’t even even told you, I think we may be maybe collaborating with Cori on another of our, uh, different initials here. We’ll see. Uh, but <inaudible>, hopefully you’re staying warm and staying healthy and getting some good downtime. Um, over the break, Jose, uh, you missed that episode with Greg’s daughter. Yes. We dropped the link in the comments. We’d love for you to check it out. And I also saw that you dropped the link of your conversation with bill St. Kevi, which already has occurred. You drop that link in our comments as well. So thank you for sharing, uh, Margo cargo, Margo <laugh> I love it. Oh gosh. Margo. You’re gonna have to, you’re gonna have, do you think your parents

Greg White (00:51:01):

Knew that that was what your, your calling would be when you were born? They totally set that up.

Scott Luton (00:51:06):

Didn’t they? Maybe so, maybe so, uh, I’ll know, cargo, Margo. They could have named her Tate, maybe freight Tate or Tate <laugh>, but hope you’re all having what rhymes with supply

Greg White (00:51:17):

Chain. <laugh>

Scott Luton (00:51:19):

A magnificent Monday supply chain for the win cargo. Margo says thanks so much for joining us via LinkedIn. So, Greg, that sounds

Greg White (00:51:29):

Like a YouTube channel. I wonder if she’s got a YouTube channel, right.

Scott Luton (00:51:33):

Cargo, Margo cargo, Margo. Um, all right. So I think we have just one more episode or two more episodes that we’re gonna share really quick. And then we’re gonna close with some of your POV on what’s going on in reports. So we’re gonna try to get through all of that, the next, uh, 10 minutes or so, but this was a special episode. So speaking of, of Gartner, um, which Carra Jose is part of, you know, we have a monthly show with our dear friend, Mike Griswold. Um, one of the earliest guests on supply chain now, uh, uh, at that, but Greg, he and I interviewed this gentleman here is Scott man. He’s retired army officer in green beret. And at the time he, he was helping folks get out, navigate out of Afghanistan. So there’s a couple things here. You’re gonna have to go back and check out this episode.

Scott Luton (00:52:22):

I got a lot of, um, feedback Greg from folks that are outside of supply chain. Um, you know, my mother-in-law Val, uh, saw this and was sharing it with, with some folks in our network. I heard from, uh, some of my family members. This really is a powerful testimony and very timely. Uh, Scott shared, Mr. Man shared this, uh, uh, as he was talking about helping NAZA, who was one of his, uh, translator when he was in country helping to get Naam out of Afghanistan. And, and, you know, you can imagine the pressure and the timing and the imediacy of it all and the table stakes, right. Life and death. So he came up with this, Hey, name it, frame it, and tame it, uh, hashtag save Naam. That was the, that was the, the number one, that was the mission. Right. And then he talked about, and he, he was actually using the whiteboards, one of our few live streams where, uh, we had, uh, camera folks in his where, where he was, you know, he was mapping out how they, first thing let’s identify all the challenges, all the roadblocks, you know, the geography, the physical literal roadblocks roadblocks between where NAZA was and the airport, right.

Scott Luton (00:53:36):

Where, where folks were jumping on plays and planes again out. And then he also shared, um, how important really junior network in this case. And I may, I may get this wrong. A Poto I think is one of the dialects in Afghanistan. Did I say that right, Greg Poto?

Greg White (00:53:54):

Uh, I think it’s, I think that’s right. Yeah. Okay. Poto yeah.

Scott Luton (00:53:58):

So, so to navigate, uh, with, with what language NAZA spoke and, and where he had it through to get into the airport, they had to find a Boto speaking taxi driver, and they had him in his network, thankfully. And then he really spoke to that when it comes to networking and, and, um, you know, uh, building those relationships, which is so there’s so much takeaway there for supply chain. He said, quote, build trust when risk is low mm-hmm, <affirmative> cash it in when it is high. I love that. Cause that’s like a version, you know, one of my favorite quotes of all time is Harvey McKay dig your well before you’re thirsty. Right. Right. And Greg, as you know, uh, with what we’ve seen over the last couple years, gosh, if you did not, if you haven’t invested in his relationships, if you haven’t already done some of your homework and, um, and, and built to added to your network, when something broke in relationship or supply relationship broke, what did you say, Greg? There’s no, um, making new friends it’s, it’s too late

Greg White (00:55:00):

To make friends. Now. I think we saw someone say that early on in the pandemic. Right. If you have mistreated the, you know, paraphrasing here, but if you’ve mistreated your suppliers up to this point, it’s too late to make friends now because you’re in need. Right. Love it’s. I mean, that’s exactly the same sentiment that, that Carl man had. And that is, you know, like you said, you’re well before you’re thirsty build those relationships in times of low risk and leverage them in times of high risk. So there’s, uh, it’s just, I mean, it’s funny that that needs to be said, but I guess in some cases it does, but yeah, clearly that was a very noble mission. And, um, and you know, the logistics, frankly, the logistics of that exit right. Was substantial.

Scott Luton (00:56:00):

Agreed. Um, oh yeah, truly. I mean, life and death, I mean, to hear him and it’s, it’s tough to, um, it’s tough to convey kind of the, because this was at the height, this is, this is when, um, you know, this was back in, I wanna say SEP, you know, late August, September when this, when we were interviewing, uh, Colonel man and man life and death, that’s what, uh, these supply chain missions were all about is it’s just fascinating. I, I, I stepped away for a second Greg cause he’s got a book and I think he’s also making a movie out of some of what he did with the army. And this, the book here is, uh, game changers going local to defeat violent, extreme. And one of the last things I’ll share about that, um, interview with Scott Mann is as a green beret, what I didn’t realize, you know, I was air force.

Scott Luton (00:56:50):

I was a data analyst, air force, not special forces. I didn’t realize a big part of the green Berets overall methodology is to get in and build strong bridges with these local communities, you know, uh, being able to talk their language, being able to, um, deliver what they needed so they can build these relationships to do some, you know, to do something greater in the bigger picture, had no idea. It makes a lot of sense. Mm-hmm <affirmative> now, especially to see what he was doing with, uh, to save NAZA, but that aspect of green parade’s operations and overall methodology was lost on me. Your final comment here about, uh, Scott man.

Greg White (00:57:27):

I mean, I think this is, um, you know, it’s worth hearing to make the reality of the hardship hit home. Yeah. We saw it, uh, you know, at least here in the states, we saw a lot on television. We saw a lot of, for just a very short time because, uh, was not whatever in our nation’s best interest to, to really cover this. But in other countries around the world, I know it has been covered very well. But if you’re from here in the states, it’s worthwhile to hear what this adventure was like to get a picture of just how serious the situation is, uh, over there. So

Scott Luton (00:58:07):

Greed agreed, uh, and transparency and, uh, sunshine and, and the spotlight into these things that that’s, that’s how we all get better. Right. That’s how we all get better. So, um, I hope we continue to review, um, especially the end of operations there and, and how all that transpired and that certain decisions were made. So, um, alright. So on a much, much lighter note, uh, I want to keep moving here. So one of our friends, one of our favorites, uh, P VH, Patrick van hall, you’ve even enroll P VH, Greg, right? Yeah. That’s

Greg White (00:58:40):

Right. I’ve seen him call himself P VH before. Right. I thought only we, you did that. You kind of coined that. I thought,

Scott Luton (00:58:48):

Well, I think it’s cool. And I, and I know Patrick’s cool. And he is in to know he’s, uh, part of the oh nine team. Oh nine, I think. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Uh, and he likes something you shared here, uh, Greg build the platform and let them build on that when you’re talking about your daughter. Deela I think that’s a, that’s a great t-shirt is from today, Greg

Greg White (00:59:09):

<laugh>. Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever coined a t-shirt before <laugh> we’ve got a lot of people coin some t-shirts

Scott Luton (00:59:15):

Yes, we have, uh, going back and, and this year, and even, you know, going back further, but I love that as well. And, you know, I think it’s important. I would argue, and just thinking out loud here, one of the operative words here is let them build it, you know, let them what’s, you know, if we think about what’s important to us as parents, right? Our kids may not care anything about supply chain. You know, they may not care anything about, you know, digital media, um, what are their passions, right. Help them discover that, help them, you know, as you put it, uh, build that, that engine, that platform, and then let ’em build on top of it. So that that’s very well said here today, Greg. Well,

Greg White (00:59:58):

Thank you. I mean, it’s not, you know, it’s not easy to do. It’s easy to say. It’s not easy to do. I can affirm that, but, um, I can tell you that, you know, um, at some point, and, and I don’t remember when we started saying this, we, um, my wife and I said, look, these kids they’re fully baked now. We’re not parenting now we’re coaching. Right. You it’s more. Um, and we do, we sit down and have kind of strategy sessions with them. Strategies probably overstating it, but <laugh>, but you know, Delaney wants to be an executive. So I’m helping her navigate, you know, how to, how to present things. She’s kind of the cultural, one of the cultural leaders of her new company. So trying to help her, uh, position things effectively and deal with the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company. Um, you know, things like that, but whatever, you know, whatever you can do to coach your kids, um, you know, ask ’em what they want to do or where they want to go and give them any insight you don’t have to give ’em the answer. Just give ’em any insight to help them have something to think about as they plot their course,

Scott Luton (01:01:11):

Love that. All right. We’re gonna have to have Delaney on a live stream. So Delaney, your ears may be burning quite a bit here today. Um, uh, all right. So one final episode, and then Greg, you’re gonna have to give us kind of a reader’s digest version. I gotta update that term, but, uh, what you, you, you shared earlier today on LinkedIn. So I had the great opportunity of interviewing 1 0 1 Minda Hartz who is author of the memo. And her latest book is right within, had a blast with Minda, uh, on a, on a more, uh, human and fun level. We both love grits. We talked, we must have talked 20 minutes just about our, our mutual love of grits. <laugh> um, <laugh>

Greg White (01:01:53):

All Dante or,

Scott Luton (01:01:54):

Oh gosh, we talked about, uh, in particular, I remember us talking about, depending on where you grow up, you may have three types of grits that you grocery store, including one of those three is instant grits, maybe two or three, and then other places where you grow up, you might have aisle dedicated to a full grits selection. So, but anyway, I’d worked with men Greg a couple years, um, I don’t know, 18 months or so on a, on a program where she, uh, she really stood out, really stood out, thought she was exceptional. She shared this phrase, Hey, this was in the beginnings of the, um, remote, working in the beginnings of the, of the truly global pandemic. And she called out how important it’s for leaders to let’s make work, work for everyone. And really speaking to how, you know, all your team members need different things and, and perhaps compounded when you, when you take it remote.

Scott Luton (01:02:47):

Right? So it’s really cool to interview men to learn more about her journey, her fight for equity in the mark play, uh, workplace, rather, particularly on behalf of women of color. So at the core of all of this, uh, Greg, she shared her purpose with me and she said, quote, the why is knowing that if I continue doing this work, then I leave a better workplace than I inherited. And she also pointed out, I can’t do it, uh, quite as eloquently as men does, but she pointed out how, as she was entering the workplace and the inheriting that environment, it was on the shoulders of folks that had been fighting for, you know, what she inherited. Uh, so she’s very passionate about, um, continuing the work that fuels that change. And, and, um, while also recognizing honoring all the, uh, the, the fight and the sacrifice had taken place up to this point. So I’m not sure if you were able to catch that episode, Greg, your quick thoughts. No, but I’m

Greg White (01:03:48):

Glad you, I’m glad you raised that one cuz now I, now I have one I need

Scott Luton (01:03:51):

To watch <laugh> please. Yeah, you got to Minda is a Dyna. All these individuals are dynamos, but that’s why one of the reasons why they’re some of our favorites, but uh, men, um, I tell you, she has got, uh, she’s been on the move I think right within is just one of about 27 projects, uh, that she is currently part of check ’em out. Uh, her conversation with me is episode seven 70 and I think we just dropped that in the notes as well. Okay, Greg, we’re three minutes over, but you know, if you ask us any, you know, that shouldn’t surprise us because what you and I can probably I’ll speak for myself. What I can talk most about are all of these is the best part of my job, where I get to sit down with some of the world’s most intriguing, uh, most exceptional, extra ordinary, most capable people in the world that are out there driving change.

Scott Luton (01:04:46):

Right? I could talk about this till the cows come home. So naturally we’re gonna, we’re gonna spill over a little bit, but I get to do that sitting beside someone that fits all of that. And that’s one only Greg white. So on that note, Greg, I love when you draw folks, if you’re not connected with, or at least following Greg white on LinkedIn, do yourself a huge favor and do that because he drops things like he dropped earlier today, uh, where he, he, he tells it like it is and <laugh> with, with humor, which is so important. So Greg, tell us about this, this fascinating new thing called, uh, let’s see here, the information super highway <laugh>.

Greg White (01:05:29):

So, um, so first let, uh, let me just go back to what you were saying. Think about how many people we talk to. You’ve talked to many, many more over the years who would otherwise be unheard or be considered just an average Joe or Jane, right. Um, that do truly have an exceptional viewpoint on the world and everyone has their own viewpoint on the world. Most of them rational. And, and, and I think it’s great that we get to deal with people who would otherwise be including us, by the way, who would otherwise be completely obscure, but are now, now because of this medium have the ability to contribute to the greatness of the world. And I think, you know, it’s really rewarding to be able to do that. And every time we do it, I think who would’ve ever, you know, in some of these cases who would’ve ever asked to talk to these, these folks, right.

Greg White (01:06:28):

I mean, um, and to get that word out to the world, not just to their profession or just a small trade show or something like that, to get that world out to the word out to the world is really an honor. So that said, um, yes, people do get to hear my opinion. Um, I’m gonna say that they choose to that’s what I’m gonna say. <laugh> um, but yeah, today I was just struck. I gotta tell you Scott. So that is, that is an article that I usually comment on and I usually spend about 10 or 20 minutes writing the summary of, of whatever I’ve read in a particular article. So I do these supply chain summaries Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. They come out, if you, if you follow me, then you’ll be alerted whenever that posts. And, and whenever I add the summary to it.

Greg White (01:07:20):

So, um, so today I probably wouldn’t have said anything except that they said information super highway. And I thought, when was that word last used? I literally had to look it up. Scott first used in 1978. Wow. Um, by Al gore, uh, when he was then I think a junior Senator in Tennessee, um, and probably last used in 1992, uh, during the presidential election, uh, in 1992, I, and I was just stunned by the fact that this is where we are with governmental agencies, that they are talking about 40 and 50 year old terms to bring themselves into up to this time in supply chain. And, uh, it was stunning. And it frankly, through the entirety of, from my standpoint, it through the entirety of their initiative into question immediately, mm right. How could they have the right perspective if they’re using terminology like that?

Greg White (01:08:27):

Not to mention the ports are decades and decades behind and using technology. And they are the CA cause of, of this issue of the issues we have with backups in the ports and, and, um, and with containers being MIS misplaced and things like that. And they’ve always been that mm-hmm <affirmative> right. And, um, this, all this pandemic has done and all this post pandemic, fewer around e-commerce and, and imports and exports, all that has done is exacerbate a problem that has always existed in the ports, inefficiency, ineffectiveness, corruption, um, you know, lack of transparency, um, you know, absolutely abject failure in terms of execution. And, um, and it’s, you know, it’s kind of through every aspect of moving these containers, but it frankly scared the hell out of me that they would take their perspective, right. For a new data source for people in the supply chain, when they’re one are so many data sources out there that create transparency and so many more competent people doing it.

Greg White (01:09:41):

And then they would further select an organization that pretty much only does governmental projects, which, um, I mean, we’ve seen how that goes. <laugh> go to your local DMV, unless it’s my local DMV with amazingly efficient <laugh>. But I even through the example of, of this, this is the kind of thing we’re gonna get the us pto.gov, right. I threw that link in there. Just try to find your own company in that, just go to their search bar, try to find your own company. And it scared me, frankly, but still I am somehow optimistic that, that we can overcome this. And I think what will ultimately happen is like many regulatory, um, or, or government spec kind of initiatives. It will be ignored, underpinned, overlaid, whatever they might use, the original data source, but the interface, the will likely not be very effective. I mean, we’ve seen that over and over and over again, but hopefully they can at least provide a data source that allows people to use their adequate tools to, to create some transparency.

Greg White (01:10:51):

So I was triggered, I guess you could say <laugh>, um, and, and I let the ports have it, uh, and, and, you know, government in general have it. And I think that this is one thing that we, as supply chain professionals need to do is we need to rely on one another. We need to rely on people who really know not people who are scrambling to save face or scrambling to get votes or scrambling to appease the, you know, their constituency. Right. We, we have to maintain the integrity of being supply chain professionals, thinking forward, thinking about the big picture, thinking beyond our selves and our, you know, our next job. And, um, and somehow overcome this, govern this governmental enablement and intervention and, and still make this supply chain work. My greatest fear in the back of my mind, which I couldn’t even write down was that this could make things worse, not better.

Greg White (01:11:53):

And wow. Um, I can’t help, but have that concern because, you know, as, as we’ve seen so many times, these, these are often ill thought out pandering for votes type of type of initiatives, um, or saving a job. Right. And, and just like the highways when they are built, they’re OBS sleep by the time they’re done. So this is, this is a great concern that I have, and I, I know that we can overcome it, but it’s, you know, it’s definitely something that just, I don’t know, it just hit me this morning and I <laugh>,

Scott Luton (01:12:28):

Well,

Greg White (01:12:28):

You know, I was in the mood to speak about it actually, I’ve I, Scott, I probably erased tooth thirds of what I wrote, because I thought that’s too damning of an indictment, even <laugh>

Scott Luton (01:12:39):

Too much gasoline. Can I pull back a little bit? Yeah. Right. Well, I love, I, I love these summaries that, that you put out three or four times a week. Cause it’s so much, it’s so different than what you see elsewhere. You know, it’s not just a reporting or it’s not just in the accounting of what’s taking place. It is, uh, it’s not just infused it is it focuses on the real story and Hey, this is what you’re not getting. This is, this is what needs to happen. This is mm-hmm <affirmative>, um, you know, and, and challenging people, uh, challenging, uh, viewpoints, whether they’re common aside are commonly held, or maybe they’re just in the blind spot. So keep it coming, keep it coming, Greg. Cause as we all know, back to the topic at hand, um, it is a huge glaring, uh, momentous, uh, challenging set of circumstances in terms of how the ports operate here. And, and look, we’re not taking anything away. There’s a bunch of great hardworking folks, uh, that, that in many cases, you know, kind of in, in Savannah kind of in a vacuum, they, they, they operate at a very high level. However, uh, as the pandemic has, has really, uh, uh, brought to bear how ports operate elsewhere and the VI and the, and the visibility and information sharing amongst all the different stakeholders, we’ve gotta, we’ve gotta get there. Right. And beyond it is one of the things I’m hearing you say, Greg, so

Greg White (01:14:08):

Well, we did it with the air traffic safety, right. Uh, tool set. It took us five decades, four decades, but we did it right. I mean, so it can be done. It cannot be done efficiently or effectively without intervention by the government. Unfortunately. I mean, we’ve proven that over and over and over again, but it can be done and we know it will ultimately, right. But in the meantime it causes a, a lot of pain. Right. And to your point on these things, look when we were kids, Scott, we used to get both sides of the story. Mm. Right. I was just reading something about Joe mansion and the, and what the reporter chose to say. Uh, the, because Joe mansion, I think is not, I think he said he’s a no on the build back better bill. And what the reporter chose to say was Goldman Sachs downloads the, or downgrades, the growth number in, in the economy, the us economy, because of that, what they didn’t say was that will all also not cost 3 trillion worth of, of taxpayer money over the course of the next 20 years.

Greg White (01:15:20):

So I, I, what I think we need is more people who to get stories like we used to get ’em. They would say both of those things in a story, not, not, I don’t like Joe mansion. So I’m gonna give this side of the story they would get, they would say, these are the facts of the story, make your own decision. Right. And that’s, that’s what I try to do is give people the facts of the, of the, you know, of what’s being said, or sometimes what’s not being said, uh, and let them make their own decision, make their own judgment,

Scott Luton (01:15:52):

Trans again, transparency, sunshine, spotlight. That’s what’s gonna help us get through, uh, some of the greatest challenges that face us now. So I love that. Keep it coming, Greg, uh, Lamonts can get the final word here. He says, Greg, I seen, I saw your post today. You’re a hundred percent, right? The government is always behind the civilian sector and they like to reinvent the will. I wish the government would to consult with industry professionals before pulling strings on the future state of supply chain and logistics operations. And

Greg White (01:16:20):

Into that, you can write that down. <laugh>

Scott Luton (01:16:23):

Great. Well said

Greg White (01:16:24):

Lamont. Yeah. Well

Scott Luton (01:16:25):

Said Lamont well said, Greg, and we are 16 minutes over. Hey, we love holy macro. We love these conversations, Greg. I’m glad we, we wrapped a on your, um, your supply chain summary today. We we’ve dropped that link folks in the comments. Uh, and if you, if you’re listening to the replay and you don’t have access to the comments, Hey, look up Greg white, uh, Greg S white on LinkedIn, and you’ll be able to connect with him there. All right. So folks also check out these past episodes. I hope you enjoy them as well as I have Greg. I’m wishing you and your family. Gosh, we’re five days away from Christmas day, all kinds of special holidays. Uh, this time of year got new. Year’s poking his head out around the corner. Um, I’m wishing you and the white household, uh, hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Greg White (01:17:16):

Yeah. Thank, thank you. And likewise, and, and same to you and your crew. Um, you still have to get up at five 30 in the morning, or whenever your kids get

Scott Luton (01:17:25):

Up 5 30, 5 30 sleeping in on Christmas day and this household create we’ll be up at gosh, probably four o’clock between the dogs and the kids. Uh, but Hey, I love it. I wouldn’t change it. I wouldn’t change a single thing.

Greg White (01:17:39):

I’m gonna be interested. This will be the first Christmas that we won’t have all of our daughters staying over at the house they’re married off or, you know, living of way that they can, uh, they can do that. You know, they’ll, they’ll come over during the day. So it’s gonna be really a really interesting transition, but, um, yeah, and to everyone out there Merry Christmas, or if your holidays have already passed, um, very early this year, uh, uh, if you celebrate Hanukah as my of cousins does. Yes. So, um, but yeah, Merry Christmas to everybody out there and enjoy the rest of the week. We got a little bit of an early present. Scott, we got three extra football games after Sunday, this week. How about that yet? Another upside of COVID. If you can say such a thing, right?

Scott Luton (01:18:31):

Hey, you gotta look for, you gotta look for the silver linings for sure. Amen. Um, all right, everybody hope you have a wonderful wonderfully successful close to the year, and I hope your new year, uh, gets off on the right foot. Uh, you, we will not be with you next Monday. The buzz is taking the 27th of December off, but we’ll see you again on January 3rd and several points in between between now and then wishing you all the best, but folks, Hey, now’s the time of year. Hey, plan your strategy, especially now plan your strategy to do good to give forward and to be the change that’s needed. And on that note, happy, happy, happy new year, happy how all days Merry Christmas, everybody. We’ll see you next time. Right back here on supply chain now. Thanks everybody.