Podcast Summary
In this episode, supply chain expert and entrepreneur Kerim Kfuri joins host Tim Borys to uncover the human side of globalization and its profound impact on businesses, workers, and economies. While supply chains are often seen as logistical systems, Kareem reveals how people, culture, and leadership shape their success—or failure.
He explains why supply chains aren’t just about moving goods but also about managing relationships across cultures, industries, and economies. From worker strikes and ethical sourcing to sustainability and AI-driven optimizations, Kareem shares why companies must balance efficiency with human well-being to thrive in today’s global market.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The Human Factor in Supply Chains – Every disruption, from dockworker strikes to Amazon warehouse protests, highlights the critical role of people in keeping businesses running.
✅ Leadership and Communication – Many companies rush into AI and automation without properly educating and engaging employees, leading to fear, resistance, and inefficiencies.
✅ Sustainability and Future Trends – The push for carbon-neutral logistics, right-sized packaging, and ethical sourcing is transforming supply chains for long-term impact.
✅ The Power of Reputation and Values – Leading companies like Patagonia and Apple set themselves apart by aligning their supply chains with strong values, proving that sustainability and profit can go hand in hand.
Essential Questions for Leaders:
- Are we communicating effectively with our teams about change?
- How do our supply chain decisions impact people and the planet?
- Are we leading proactively or just reacting to crises?
This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigating the evolving world of global supply chains.
📖 Learn more about Kerim Kfuri and his book, Supply Chain Ups and Downs, at SupplyChainUpsAndDowns.com.
Episode Links & Resources
Connect with Kerim here:
Website: https://www.kerimkfuri.com
https://www.supplychainupsanddowns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialkerimkfuri
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kerim-Kfuri
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Kerim_Kfuri
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/
Podcast Highlights
Please note: This highlight is generated by computer and may contain errors.
Introduction
The episode begins with a warm welcome from Tim Borys, host of the Working Well Podcast. Tim introduces the central theme of the discussion: the human side of supply chains. While supply chains are often seen as logistics and technology-driven, Tim emphasizes how people, leadership, and culture play an equally crucial role in shaping their success.
He sets the stage for an engaging conversation with Kerim Kfuri, an entrepreneur, supply chain expert, and author of Supply Chain Ups and Downs. Together, they explore the intersection of globalization, human performance, and leadership in today’s evolving business landscape.
The Human Factor in Supply Chains
Kerim begins by highlighting a fundamental truth: supply chains are built and sustained by people. From factory workers and truck drivers to procurement specialists and executives, every link in the chain is driven by human effort and relationships. He explains that while technology and automation are transforming supply chains, businesses often neglect the importance of communication, culture, and leadership in these transitions.
Tim and Kerim discuss real-world examples, such as dockworker strikes, Amazon warehouse conditions, and geopolitical tensions, to illustrate how human factors impact global supply chains in ways that technology alone cannot solve.
The Leadership Crisis in Supply Chain Management
Kerim dives into a key issue in today’s corporate landscape: poor communication and lack of leadership transparency. Many companies introduce AI, automation, and cost-cutting measures without properly engaging and educating employees. This lack of communication leads to resistance, uncertainty, and inefficiencies, ultimately disrupting business operations rather than improving them.
Tim and Kerim explore the role of “tone at the top”—the way leaders set the cultural and strategic direction of an organization. Kareem stresses that strong leadership is not about imposing change but about guiding teams through change with clear communication, empathy, and shared vision.
Sustainability and the Future of Supply Chains
One of the most promising shifts in supply chain management is the push for sustainability. Kareem highlights major initiatives, such as:
- Carbon-neutral logistics – Companies committing to reducing emissions and adopting cleaner energy sources.
- Right-sizing packaging – Businesses optimizing box sizes to reduce waste, lower costs, and decrease environmental impact.
- Ethical sourcing and fair labor – Ensuring that global suppliers meet ethical and environmental standards.
Tim and Kerim discuss how these trends are shaping the future and why leaders must balance efficiency, sustainability, and human well-being to stay competitive in the global market.
The Power of Reputation and Values in Supply Chains
Kerim explains that leading companies are differentiating themselves by prioritizing values over short-term profits. He shares examples of businesses like Patagonia, Apple, and Ben & Jerry’s, which have integrated sustainability and ethics into their supply chain decisions. These companies prove that a strong reputation and value-driven leadership lead to long-term profitability and customer loyalty.
Tim and Kareem discuss the importance of corporate responsibility and how businesses can use supply chain innovation as a force for good—benefiting people, the planet, and their bottom line.
Essential Questions for Supply Chain Leaders
To drive meaningful change, Kerim introduces three critical questions that leaders must ask:
- Are we communicating effectively with our teams about change?
- How do our supply chain decisions impact people and the planet?
- Are we leading proactively, or just reacting to crises?
By addressing these questions, organizations can align their strategies, culture, and operations to create more resilient and sustainable supply
chains.
Conclusion
Tim wraps up the episode by reflecting on Kerim’s insights and the importance of humanizing supply chain management. The conversation underscores the need for better leadership, clearer communication, and a values-driven approach to navigating today’s global challenges.
Kerim invites listeners to connect with him and explore his book, Supply Chain Ups and Downs, for deeper insights into supply chain leadership and strategy.
