Supply Chain Revolution®

In the intricate web of life, nature often holds the solutions to our most complex challenges. Recently, I explored how the mycelium network of mushrooms—a hidden underground web that sustains entire ecosystems—can inspire the way we design and manage modern supply chains. Just as mycelium connects and nourishes diverse species in a forest, our supply chains can thrive by embracing principles of zero waste, adaptability, and collaboration. By learning from nature’s best-kept secrets, we can build supply chains that are not only efficient but also sustainable and resilient. Curious about how these natural networks can reshape our approach to logistics and sustainability? Check out my latest insights: Nature’s Network: What Supply Chains Can Learn from Mushroom Mycelium ⤵️ 🍄 https://lnkd.in/eHnSTZ4p Let’s reimagine the future of supply chains—one that mirrors the wisdom of the natural world. #SupplyChain #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy

In a world grappling with the urgency of climate action, the SBTi’s latest discussion paper, “Aligning Corporate Value Chains to Global Climate Goals,” serves as a critical wake-up call. It underscores a stark reality: achieving our climate targets hinges on transforming our supply chains. Scope 3 emissions, often referred to as the elephant in the room, make up a significant portion of a company’s carbon footprint, lying beyond its direct operations. These emissions, stemming from activities like raw material extraction, transportation, and product use, often account for more than 70% of a company’s total emissions. Ignoring this segment is not an option if we are serious about climate goals. Supply chains are the backbone of the global economy, connecting raw materials to end products, often traversing multiple countries and industries. This intricate web is both a challenge and an opportunity. Transforming supply chains to align with climate goals requires a collaborative effort across sectors and borders, leveraging technology and innovative practices to reduce emissions and increase transparency. As leaders and stakeholders, it is our responsibility to take decisive action. The future of our planet depends on our ability to align our corporate value chains with global climate goals. It’s not just a strategic imperative—it’s a moral one. Let’s commit to transforming our supply chains for a sustainable future. Read more on the Scope 3 discussion PoV here - > https://lnkd.in/gbN4WAWs #supplychain #sustainability #innovation

Is Your Supply Chain Contributing to Deforestation? Sustainable supply chains can address the key drivers of forest and biodiversity loss in agriculture and forestry. By promoting responsible sourcing of commodities like palm oil, soy, and timber, we can fuel biodiversity conservation and make a significant impact. In Episode 71 of our podcast, we introduce "Gen Z for the Trees," a powerful youth movement aiming for net-zero deforestation by 2030. These young leaders use supply chain mapping, GIS, and environmental science to uncover the realities behind some of the biggest brands' supply chains—all while attending university full time. Why is deforestation in the supply chain such a critical issue? It’s not just an environmental concern, although the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased carbon emissions are dire consequences. Deforestation also exacerbates climate change by reducing the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide. Socially and economically, deforestation displaces indigenous and local communities who depend on forests for their livelihoods. This disruption can devastate their way of life. From a business perspective, deforestation poses risks for companies sourcing products from affected areas. Consumers are increasingly conscious of deforestation's impacts and may avoid products contributing to it. Furthermore, stricter regulatory frameworks - like EUDR - are emerging globally, posing legal and reputational risks for non-compliant companies. "Gen Z for the Trees," as part of the Rainforest Partnership, aims to educate the world about sustainable living, highlight stakeholders in the rainforest, and support grassroots efforts to combat climate change. They celebrate and promote the invaluable knowledge of indigenous rainforest communities. Gen Z is the generation of change. Despite inheriting challenges like climate change, they are the most connected, diverse, and largest generation in history, driven by immediate action. By 2026, Gen Z will constitute over 40% of the workforce, with far-reaching influence as consumers and innovators. They are poised to create a more sustainable future. Listen to Episode 71 and join us in supporting Gen Z's mission to achieve net-zero deforestation by 2030. Together, we can make a difference. ⤵️ (https://lnkd.in/eRai5E8H). #Sustainability #supplychain #agriculture

Sound on 🔉 Deeply thankful for the AWESOMELeaders.org women leaders who brought "The Time is Now" to life. When you put committed, intelligent, and collaborative women in supply chain in a room, the opportunities for sustainable change are limitless. Here are just a few of the incredible highlights that took place during Symposium… - Jennifer McKeehan, Jane Ewing, Allyson Park, and Karisa Sprague redefined leadership, sharing their stories, strategies, and tips. - Hiral Rao and Khia Chukudebelu, MBA took us into the revolutionary world of AI in the supply chain, demonstrating its potential to transform our industry. - Heather Sheehan, Kevin O'Meara, Rick McDonald, Elijah Ray, and David Shillingford highlighted the importance of allyship and collaboration in advancing diversity and inclusion within supply chain companies. - My partner in purpose and Regenia R. Sanders moderated my discussion on net zero + sustainability across supply chains, further highlighting the urgency of adopting holistic, responsible practices in our industry. - The insights from moderator Stephanie Thomas and AWESOME Scholars were thought-provoking, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent in our field. Their fresh perspectives remind us of the bright future ahead. Special thanks to our surprise guests, Drew Barrymore and Jenny Marrs, who added an extra layer of excitement to the event, and congratulations to our ALL Award honorees, Shelley Simpson and Virginia Addicott, for their remarkable achievements and leadership! Thank you to Michelle Dilley and Casey Stelletello + everyone who made the 11th Annual AWESOME Symposium unforgettable. KUDOS for driving positive change and transforming the future of women’s leadership in supply chain! STAY TUNED for a special collaboration ‼️‼️‼️ #supplychain #sustainability #leadership

Prioritizing basic needs in the supply chain is crucial for its success. As highlighted by Sheri Hinish, focusing solely on highest profit-lowest cost can lead to failure. Ensuring workers can meet their basic needs is fundamental, as their well-being directly impacts the supply chain's efficiency and, by extension, the business's viability. Do you agree? #sustainability #supplychain #circulareconomy

Sheri Hinish, Supply Chain Revolution® podcast host and Global Sustainable #SupplyChain Leader for EY, outlines the critical difference between a living wage and a fair living wage💰 👂 to why just compensation means more than meeting basic needs on Episode 3 of our Voices on Supply Chain #podcast series: https://bit.ly/3Qthjtj

This Earth Day, I’m sharing insights from the World Resources Institute’s podcast, emphasizing the essential role SMEs in realizing corporate sustainability objectives. The podcast, “Voices on Supply Chains,” not only addresses the sustainability standards challenge faced by SMEs but also underscores the inadequacy of resources available to them. Experts like Jason Judd, Executive Director of the Global Labor Institute and Professor at Cornell University, and Dan Viederman, Partner at Working Capital Fund, discuss the harsh realities workers face due to environmental challenges, such as flooding and extreme heat, which lead to unpaid overtime and unsafe working conditions. Lydia Elliott, Deputy Director of Supply Chain Decarbonization at the We Mean Business Coalition’s SME Climate Hub, highlights corporations’ reluctance to impose sustainability demands on SMEs due to the lack of adequate support. This reflects a significant mismatch between the need for support and the resources allocated by corporations. The podcast series unravels the intricacies of global supply chains, featuring insights from various experts, including: 〰️Daniel Baker, Communications Manager at WRI, who introduces the series and underscores the interconnectedness of global supply chains. 〰️Adel Guitouni, Associate Professor at the University of Victoria, offers a textbook definition of supply chains, emphasizing the dynamic nature of supplier relationships. 〰️Sheri Hinish, Global Sustainable Supply Chain Leader at EY and host of the Supply Chain Revolution Podcast, calls for multiple paradigm shifts towards sustainable supply chains. 〰️Rene Zamora, Senior Manager on Restoration Policy at WRI, discusses the non-monetizable value of natural resources like forests. 〰️Taj Eldridge, Managing Director for Climate Innovations at Jobs For the Future Labs, stresses the importance of framing sustainability as a means to gain market share. 〰️Becca Coughlan, Senior Advocacy Manager at Remake, advocates for corporations to financially assist their suppliers in decarbonization efforts. 〰️Andrew Olah, Founder of the Ethical Denim Council, reflects on the competitive nature of supply chains and the lack of discussion on brand responsibility. 〰️Brian Lipinski, Project Manager for the 10x20x30 Initiative at WRI, likens supply chains to a tangled bowl of noodles, highlighting their complexity. 〰️Namit Agarwal, Social Transformation Lead at the World Benchmarking Alliance, compares supply chains to forest ecosystems, emphasizing the need for harmony. The path towards sustainable supply chains is fraught with challenges yet is crucial for a resilient and equitable global economy. Fostering partnerships and understanding the unique needs of SMEs can lead to meaningful progress in environmental sustainability and supply chain resilience. 🔗🚀⛓️💥 Link to the episode in the chat #Sustainability #SupplyChain #Earthday

Centering people is a key ingredient that’s missing from a lot of corporate risk-resilience calculations. But Sheri Hinish, host of the Supply Chain Revolution® podcast, points out that the most successful businesses find a way to meet the needs of all people in their #supplychain. 👂The full episode is out on your #podcast feed NOW: https://bit.ly/3Q9vHqv

Procurement with purpose is about integrating sustainability, ethics, and social good into procurement practices. It involves making purchasing decisions that not only meet the business's needs but also positively impact the environment, society, and economy. This approach aims to leverage procurement as a force for good, driving change by prioritizing sustainable and ethical suppliers and products, thus aligning procurement strategies with broader organizational values and goals in sustainability. The conversation with Mark Perera and Peter Smith on 'Procurement with Purpose' dives deeper into how businesses can integrate sustainability into procurement processes and showcases how leading organizations implement practices that not only benefit the environment but also create social value and drive economic growth. As highlighted in this podcast, thru strategic procurement companies like Unilever and Bayer are setting examples by prioritizing sustainability and ethics in their supply chains, demonstrating that purposeful procurement is not only a moral choice but a strategic business advantage. For more insights, read here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eupXUks9 #sustainability #supplychain #procurement

The 5 truths of circularity: 1. Size matters. The bigger the material stream, the better. Incremental focus won’t save the planet. 2. Start at ZERO. This means design for zero waste upstream. The best waste is no waste. Recycling is the loop of last resort despite the mass marketing advertising that’d have you think differently. 3. Look deep, rethink. Every system is designed to get the results it gets. And yeah, we are a huge part of the problem. Too much stuff, and no amount of stuff will fill the hole. Look deep, rethink and refuse. 4. There IS a business case, but it’s also the right thing to do. You can’t do business on a dead planet. We NEED to do things differently and responsibly. There’s a moral AND a financial argument for circularity. 5. We can’t wait. Even if you’re sitting in a decent office reading this with a nice view outside your window. We (humanity) don’t have time and don’t wait for “the right” moment, promotion, productivity budget, permission from someone (somewhere outside of you) to get started. Start now, and be relentless and committed to go the distance. And the more you can bring with you and empower, the better. 🏄🏾 You’re saving the world. As you shift and disrupt paradigms, the emotional labor of being a circular change-maker is real. It may feel hard because your calling is higher. Don’t forget to take time for self care and reflection. Connect with the world around you, the world you’re saving. There is no WiFi in the forests or bathing on the shore close to the ocean, but I promise you that you’ll never find a better connection. Want to learn more? Tune in to this episode https://lnkd.in/erv75eUR 🗣️Help raise awareness by sharing this post! What truth would you add? #supplychain #circulareconomy #sustainability