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…

Elaine Read & Matt Weyandt have stamped the most important values from their previous careers into every facet of their craft chocolate manufacturing business. In this episode of Logistics with Purpose, host Kristi Porter welcomes Elaine Read and Matt Weyandt, co-founders of Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate. The Atlanta-based company sources cacao directly from farmers and cooperatives in Central and South America, and the Caribbean, and makes chocolate bars in small batches. Listen in and learn more about Read and Weyandt’s unique story and commitment to sustainability through their organization’s carbon neutrality, packaging, and more.