Logistics With Purpose® I Building Better Supply Chains

What happens when a system works on paper but still fails to reach the people it is meant to serve?

For Quinten Sims, Deputy Logistics Director at Black Voters Matter Fund, the answer starts with listening, building trust, and understanding the communities. In this conversation with Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter, Quinten explores how lessons from grassroots organizing can reshape the way businesses think about logistics, supply chains, and community engagement.

A central idea emerges from the conversation: “That last mile should be your first mile.” Quinten challenges traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches to reaching communities, explaining why solutions designed in corporate offices can miss local realities. Sometimes, communities described as hard to reach have simply been overlooked. Reaching them requires more than an efficient system. It takes trusted local relationships, consistency, and a willingness to listen before offering solutions.

Quinten also shares how Black Voters Matter Fund works with grassroots partners across the country, allowing local communities to shape the issues and priorities that matter to them. He discusses Grassroots and Grills, an initiative that creates space for important political conversations in familiar community settings, and explains how local businesses play a meaningful role in the organization’s work.

The conversation goes beyond voter access to explore the operational realities of logistics, the importance of prioritization, and the value of investing in people first. Quinten explains why supporting local suppliers can create opportunities that extend beyond a single transaction, strengthening businesses, relationships, and communities over time.

His perspective offers an important lesson for supply chain leaders: reaching people is not just about delivering something to a destination. It is about understanding who is there, earning their trust, and building solutions that work for them.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the last mile should be the first consideration when serving overlooked communities

• How local knowledge and trusted messengers can outperform one-size-fits-all systems

• What Grassroots and Grills teaches us about community engagement and accessibility

• Why investing in local businesses can create lasting value across supply chains

• How consistency, relationship building, and investing in people can strengthen community impact

Additional Links & Resources:

• Black Voters Matter Fund:https://blackvotersmatterfund.org/https://blackvotersmatterfund.org/
• Follow Black Voters Matter Fund on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/blackvotersmtr/

https://www.facebook.com/BlackVotersMtr/

https://x.com/BlackVotersMtr

• Eleven86 Real Artesian Water: https://www.eleven86water.com/
• Detroit People’s Food Co-op: https://detroitpeoplesfoodcoop.com/

• Subscribe to Logistics With Purpose®:https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listenhttps://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen
• Powered by Vector Global Logistics:https://vectorgl.com/https://vectorgl.com/

This episode was hosted byhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-alvarez-64332a2/Enrique Alvarez andhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kporter9876/Kristi Porter.

Subscribe for more conversations about supply chains, logistics, leadership, and the people finding practical ways to create meaningful impact in their communities.

Building healthier communities takes more than healthcare alone. It starts with understanding the people being served, the realities they face, and the cultural knowledge that already exists within the community.

Dr. Crystal Lee, CEO and Founder of United Natives, joins Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter for a conversation about Indigenous health, community resilience, and innovation. From growing up on the Navajo Nation to becoming one of the nation's leading voices in Indigenous health equity, Dr. Lee shares how her experiences, culture, and commitment to service have shaped her life's work.

Together, they explore how Indigenous wisdom and modern technology can work hand in hand to address health disparities and create opportunities for future generations. Dr. Lee also shares the story behind United Natives, which began as a $100 mentorship initiative and evolved into a national organization serving Indigenous communities through health services, youth leadership, emergency response, and more.

The conversation also dives into the upcoming United Natives Health App, a digital ecosystem designed to improve access to healthcare, education, community resources, and support for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. Dr. Lee also shares her broader vision for creating opportunities for future generations, including why sports remain a powerful pathway to education and long-term success for Indigenous youth.

Dr. Lee's perspective is a reminder that lasting change starts with listening, building trust, and recognizing that the decisions we make today can shape communities for generations.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The story behind United Natives and its national impact

• Lessons learned from leading COVID-19 response efforts in Indigenous communities

• Why interconnectedness is a powerful leadership principle

• How sports can create educational and professional opportunities

• What CEOs and organizations can learn from Indigenous leadership perspectives

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Crystal Lee:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-crystal-lee-703940101/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-crystal-lee-703940101/
• Learn more about United Natives: https://www.unitednatives.org
• Connect with United Natives on social media:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/united-natives
• https://www.facebook.com/unitednatives.org/
• https://www.instagram.com/united_nativesinc
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://logisticswithpurpose.co/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen
• Powered by Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/

Subscribe for more conversations exploring supply chains, sustainability, humanitarian impact, and the people creating positive change around the world.

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter.

#LogisticsWithPurpose #IndigenousLeadership #HealthEquity #CommunityImpact #UnitedNatives #HealthcareInnovation #SupplyChainLeadership #TechnologyForGood #SportsLeadership

What separates companies that thrive for decades from those that struggle to sustain success? According to Daryl Brewster, the answer often comes down to leadership, employee engagement, and a clear understanding of who the business serves.

As CEO of CECP (Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose), Daryl works with hundreds of the world's largest companies to help executives create long-term value for employees, customers, communities, and shareholders. Throughout his career, he has seen firsthand how organizations achieve stronger performance when people understand the impact of their work and how it contributes to something bigger than themselves.

In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, host Enrique Alvarez sits down with Daryl Brewster for a conversation about leadership, employee engagement, business performance, stakeholder value, and the future of work.

Daryl shares lessons from his leadership journey and explains why engaged employees often become the foundation for stronger customer experiences, how leaders can build trust during periods of uncertainty, and why long-term value creation requires looking beyond short-term results.

The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence, technological disruption, and evolving workforce expectations are changing the way organizations operate. Daryl addresses what leaders need to do to remain effective in a rapidly changing business environment and why human connection continues to be a critical competitive advantage.

Whether you're leading a global enterprise, managing a supply chain team, or navigating business transformation, this conversation provides practical lessons on creating lasting value in an increasingly complex world.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about CECP:https://cecp.co/https://cecp.co/

Connect with Daryl Brewster on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylbrewsterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darylbrewster

CECP data and resources: https://cecp.org/data-resources/

Learn more about Mana Nutrition: https://mananutrition.org/

Learn more about Logistics With Purpose®:https://logisticswithpurpose.co/https://logisticswithpurpose.co/

Subscribe to Logistics With Purpose®:https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listenhttps://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

Learn more about Vector Global Logistics:https://vectorgl.com/https://vectorgl.com/

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez.

Across Asia, a growing number of businesses are challenging the idea that success should be measured by profit alone.

Brian Selby, CEO of B Lab Singapore, and Sally Wren, Founder of Diversability Lab and Director of the B Community at B Corps China, are helping organizations rethink the role business can play in society. Through the B Corp movement, they are working with companies that seek to create value not only for shareholders, but also for employees, communities, customers, and the environment.

In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, host Enrique Alvarez and special host Nuria Sierra sit down with Brian Selby and Sally Wren for a conversation about how B Corps are redefining success in business, why purpose and profit can go hand in hand, and what it takes to build organizations that create lasting value for people, communities, and the planet.

Brian and Sally share how the B Corp community is evolving across Singapore, China, and the broader region, why stakeholder-focused leadership is gaining momentum, and how purpose-driven businesses are building resilience in a rapidly changing world. Their insights challenge traditional assumptions about growth, performance, and long-term value creation.

The conversation also explores the influence supply chains and logistics networks have on sustainability, inclusion, employee wellbeing, and environmental stewardship. From reducing waste to strengthening communities, business decisions made every day can create impacts that extend far beyond the bottom line.

At its core, this is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and the future of business.

Explore this conversation through the lens of purpose-driven logistics, where business, people, partnership, and positive impact come together.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Logistics With Purpose®: https://logisticswithpurpose.co/

Subscribe to Logistics With Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/

Learn more about B Lab Singapore: https://www.blab.sg/

Learn more about B Corps China: https://bcorporation.cn/

Connect with Brian Selby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-selby/

Connect with Sally Ren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-ren-she-her-hers-6a9256188/

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Nuria Sierra.

Delivering an appliance every ten seconds requires far more than an efficient supply chain. It takes thousands of people making decisions every day, staying connected to customers, and adapting to constant change. In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Marcia Brey, Vice President of Logistics at GE Appliances, for a conversation about the intersection of supply chain, leadership, innovation, and purpose.

Marcia Brey, Vice President of Logistics at GE Appliances, has spent more than three decades leading teams through the complexities of manufacturing, distribution, customer delivery, and supply chain operations. Her approach is grounded in a simple idea: the closer an organization stays to its customers, employees, and communities, the better it can serve them.

Marcia shares how GE Appliances' "Zero Distance" philosophy shapes the way teams operate, empowering frontline employees to solve problems, improve customer outcomes, and build resilience in an increasingly complex environment. She also discusses the importance of communication, trust, and execution in creating a culture where operational excellence becomes part of everyday decision-making.

The conversation extends beyond business performance to the role logistics can play in supporting communities. Through partnerships such as GE Appliances' work with the American Red Cross, Marcia highlights how supply chain capabilities can help deliver critical support when it is needed most.

From leadership and customer experience to resilience and community impact, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what it takes to build organizations that put people at the center of every decision.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Logistics With Purpose®: https://logisticswithpurpose.co/

Subscribe to Logistics With Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/

Learn more about GE Appliances: https://www.geappliancesco.com/

Connect with Marcia Brey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-brey-1511451a

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter.

What happens when perfectly usable products become excess inventory?

For businesses, surplus goods often mean rising costs, wasted resources, and sustainability challenges. But what if that inventory could create value instead of waste?

In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, hosts Enrique Alvarez and special co-host Nathan Chaney sit down with Abby Nawrocki, Founder and CEO of Stock, to explore how excess inventory can become an opportunity for social impact instead of ending up in landfills.

Abby Nawrocki is helping companies rethink what happens to abandoned freight, overstocked products, and customer returns. By connecting excess inventory with nonprofit organizations, Stock helps brands and logistics providers reduce waste, support communities, and create measurable impact.

Abby shares how technology, data, and stronger partnerships can transform inventory management while helping organizations align business objectives with sustainability goals. The conversation explores why excess inventory remains a persistent supply chain challenge and how purposeful decision-making can turn an operational burden into an opportunity for positive change.

From reducing waste and improving efficiency to strengthening community impact, this conversation offers a different perspective on the role logistics can play beyond simply moving goods.

Explore this conversation through the lens of purpose-driven logistics, where business, people, partnership, and positive impact come together.

Additional Links & Resources:

Learn more about Logistics With Purpose®: https://logisticswithpurpose.co/

Subscribe to Logistics With Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/

Learn more about Stock: https://www.stockitbetter.com/

Connect with Abby Nawrocki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-nawrocki-6322015a/

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and special co-host Nathan Chaney.

Can businesses help solve one of the world's biggest environmental challenges?

In this episode of Logistics with Purpose®, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Jesse Langley, CEO of Lotus Sustainables, to explore how innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and supply chain collaboration are reducing our dependence on single-use plastic bags.

Jesse shares his remarkable journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to leading a global sustainability company that has already diverted more than 6.5 billion plastic bags from landfills. Together, they discuss why changing consumer behavior is so difficult, the role legislation plays in accelerating sustainability, and how businesses can create products that are better for both people and the planet.

The conversation also explores leadership during uncertainty, the power of B Corps and Conscious Capitalism, sustainable innovation, resilient supply chains, and why solving environmental problems starts with building better partnerships.

Whether you're a supply chain professional, sustainability leader, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about creating positive impact, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring ideas for building a better future.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why legislation may be the biggest driver of reducing single-use plastics
• How Lotus Sustainables has diverted over 6.5 billion plastic bags from landfills
• What purpose-driven leadership looks like during uncertain times
• Why innovation should focus on solving real customer problems
• How B Corps and stakeholder-focused businesses create lasting impact
• Lessons from military leadership that translate into business success
• Why Europe is leading the way in sustainability and what others can learn

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Jesse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-langley/
• Learn more about Lotus Sustainables: https://lotus-sustainables.com/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/brands/logistics-with-purpose/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For addtional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-why-retailers-replacing-billions-plastic-bags-lwp161

In this powerful episode of Logistics with Purpose®, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too Movement and Chief Vision Officer of Me Too International, for an essential conversation about leadership, workplace culture, empathy, and creating safer organizations.

While the Me Too Movement is often associated with social change, Tarana explains why conversations about sexual and gender-based violence belong in every industry—including logistics and supply chain. She shares how organizational culture, leadership, transparency, and accountability directly impact employee wellbeing, trust, and business performance.

From the origins of the Me Too Movement to practical advice for executives, HR leaders, managers, and coworkers, this discussion challenges leaders to build workplaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and safe.

If you're passionate about leadership, organizational culture, employee engagement, or creating workplaces where everyone can thrive, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why psychological safety is essential for high-performing organizations
• How silence becomes normalized in workplace culture
• The leadership behaviors that create trust and accountability
• Why empathy is a competitive advantage—not a weakness
• How peers, managers, and executives all play a role in preventing harmful workplace cultures
• Why Tarana Burke believes sexual and gender-based violence is a community problem that requires a community response
• Practical steps leaders can take today to create safer, healthier workplaces

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Tarana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taranajburke/
• Learn more about me too. International: https://metoomvmt.org/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://logisticswithpurpose.co/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter.

View Transcript

In this classic episode of Logistics with Purpose®, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter welcome former US Women's soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo to the show! Hope discusses her career, her advocacy for women's rights and gender equality, and her involvement with the Homeless World Cup.

Listen in as she shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for soccer to becoming one of the world's top goalkeepers, and discusses the challenges she faced in advocating for equal pay and better conditions for women in sports. Also learn more about the Homeless World Cup, an organization that Hope supports and has a personal connection to, that uses soccer to inspire homeless people to change their lives.

Tune in to gain insight into Hope Solo's remarkable journey, filled with resilience, passion, and a profound commitment to making a difference in the world through the game of soccer.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Hope: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-solo-9522065/
• Learn more about Hope: http://hopesolo.com/contact/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/logistics-purpose-classic-saving-goals-changing-lives-hope-solo-journey-soccer-star-social-advocate-lwp159

In this inspiring classic Logistics with Purpose®️ episode, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Nuria Sierra sit down with Honey Thaljieh — public relations manager for FIFA, international activist, and the trailblazing first captain of the Palestinian women’s national football team.

Honey shares her remarkable journey from the narrow streets of Bethlehem to co-founding women’s football in Palestine, breaking barriers in a region where cultural and political challenges could have stopped her. She reveals how the beautiful game became her tool for promoting peace, inclusion, and gender equity — from leading a national team to collaborating with FIFA and the Homeless World Cup.

Whether you’re passionate about sports, equality, or human rights, this episode will leave you motivated to dream big and fight for change.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Honey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honey-thaljieh-a7640828/
• TEDxZurich: http://www.tedxzurich.com/speaker/honey-thaljieh/
• Interview with Mel: https://youtu.be/hbbrcjLDAZg?si=g4j8WFZLQMv0_yEr
• Interview with Hope Solo: https://youtu.be/-GYS4zpWWdU?si=qmnAonOw4Vww4iaS
• NETFLIX movie: https://www.netflix.com/mx-en/title/81001287
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Nuria Sierra. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/logistics-purpose-classic-amazing-power-football-fifa-homeless-world-cup-lwp158

In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, presented by Vector Global Logistics in partnership with Supply Chain Now, hosts Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Benjamin Reich and Ronny Horvath from Accenture for a powerful conversation about the future of supply chain, AI, resilience, and human-centered leadership.

From AI-driven logistics and supply chain orchestration to trust, culture, and meaningful workplace relationships, this episode explores what it really takes to build resilient supply chains in a rapidly changing world. Benjamin and Ronny share practical insights on how organizations can adopt AI without waiting for “perfect” data, why curiosity and adaptability matter more than ever, and how companies can balance automation with humanity.

You’ll also hear personal stories about their journeys from Germany to leading global transformation initiatives across the U.S., lessons learned from companies like Porsche and IBM, and why the future of logistics depends just as much on people and trust as it does on technology.

Whether you’re a supply chain leader, technology enthusiast, logistics professional, or someone curious about how AI is reshaping business, this conversation delivers practical takeaways, leadership wisdom, and an inspiring look at the future of work.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Ronny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronhorvath/
• Connect with Benjamin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bereich/
• Learn more about Accenture: https://www.accenture.com/us-en
• Götz Wolfgang Werner: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%B6tz_Werner
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter.

What does it really take to deliver lifesaving aid in the middle of war zones, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises? In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Noemi Pazienti and Kelly Bradley from the Logistics Cluster, the World Food Programme-led coordination platform supporting humanitarian operations across the globe.

From Lebanon and Gaza to Burkina Faso and Ukraine, this conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of humanitarian logistics operations happening in some of the world’s most complex and dangerous environments. Learn how the Logistics Cluster coordinates global partnerships, activates emergency supply chain networks, and works with NGOs, governments, and private sector leaders to ensure aid reaches the people who need it most.

Noemi and Kelly share firsthand stories from the field, including coordinating humanitarian convoys during active conflict, setting up emergency warehouse capacity in Beirut, navigating collapsed infrastructure in Gaza, and balancing operational efficiency with humanity and compassion.

You’ll also hear valuable leadership lessons on adaptability, collaboration, communication, resilience, and why details matter in supply chain operations where every decision can impact lives.

Whether you work in supply chain, logistics, humanitarian aid, or simply want a deeper understanding of how global relief efforts operate, this episode offers an inspiring and eye-opening look at logistics truly driven by purpose.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the Logistics Cluster: https://logcluster.org/en
• Connect with Kelly: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-bradley-6646a744
• Connect with Noemi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noemi-pazienti/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page: https://supplychainnow.com/itlays-logistics-cluster-delivering-aid-crisis-zones-world-food-programme-lwp156

What if your company isn’t broken… just misaligned?

In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, Fred LeFranc shares powerful insights from decades of leadership experience—revealing why most organizations struggle not because of bad strategy, but because of a lack of alignment, clarity, and purpose.

From navigating complex global supply chains to leading companies through chaos and transformation, Fred breaks down what it really takes to create sustainable results. You’ll learn how culture, purpose, and leadership mindset directly impact performance—and why emotional intelligence may be the most underrated skill in business today.

This conversation goes beyond theory and into real-world application, with practical frameworks leaders can use immediately to improve alignment, decision-making, and long-term strategy.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why misalignment—not failure—is the root of most business problems
• How to think strategically with a 2-year leadership lens
• The role of purpose in building high-performing organizations
• How emotional intelligence impacts leadership success
• Why culture is a company’s ultimate competitive advantage
• How AI is reshaping business—and what leaders must do now

Whether you're a supply chain leader, executive, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, strategy, and the future of business.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Fred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredlefranc/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/purpose-driven-leadership-aligning-strategy-culture-purpose-lwp155

What if your “waste” is actually one of your biggest profit opportunities?

In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, we sit down with Stephanie Benedetto, CEO and co-founder of Alokia, to uncover the massive hidden problem inside global supply chains—and how companies can turn excess inventory into measurable profit and impact.

Right now, businesses are sitting on an estimated $2 trillion in excess inventory—costing them money in storage, labor, and lost opportunity. But what if that “waste” could be reused, resold, or repurposed at scale?

Stephanie shares how leading brands are using AI, data, and smarter allocation strategies to:

• Reduce excess inventory
• Increase supply chain efficiency
• Cut costs and unlock new revenue
• Lower environmental impact without sacrificing growth

Whether you're in logistics, operations, procurement, or leadership, this conversation will change how you think about waste, efficiency, and opportunity in your business.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebenedetto/
• Learn more about Aloqia: https://www.aloqia.com/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/why-your-excess-inventory-costing-millions-how-fix-lwp154

In this inspiring episode of Logistics with Purpose®, Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter sit down with Hannah Cox, founder of betternotstop and the Better Business Network, to explore what it truly means to live and lead with purpose.

From her early days in the music industry to launching a global movement for sustainable business, Hannah shares the deeply personal story behind her mission—including the powerful advice from her father that became the foundation for her work. She also dives into her extraordinary challenge of running 100 marathons in 100 days to raise $1 million and drive meaningful change.

Tune in to hear how Hannah is helping leaders rethink success, build values-driven organizations, and create a better world—one bold step at a time.

Key Learnings:

• Why purpose—not profit alone—is the future of business
• What truly makes people happy (based on real-world global insights)
• The mindset behind running 100 marathons in 100 days
• The power of community in driving sustainable change
• How businesses can align impact, leadership, and profitability

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking more meaning in your work, this episode offers a powerful reminder: when you follow your purpose, you don’t just build a career—you build impact that lasts.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onlyhannahcox/
• Learn more about the Better Business Network: www.thebetterbusiness.network
• Learn more about betternotstop: https://betternotstop.com/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For additional information, please visit the dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/betternotstop-turning-purpose-action-lwp153

What does it really take to build a purpose-driven brand that lasts?

In this episode of Logistics with Purpose®, presented by Vector Global Logistics and Supply Chain Now, hosts Kristi Porter and Enrique Alvarez sit down with Alastair Dorward, a seasoned entrepreneur and brand builder who has helped scale mission-driven companies from startup to global success.

From launching refrigerated soup routes to helping build Method into a billion-dollar business, Alastair shares candid lessons on resilience, leadership, and what it really takes to win in competitive consumer markets.

The conversation dives into the power of purpose-driven brands like Dropps, the importance of design and sustainability, and how supply chain excellence enables companies to deliver both impact and profitability.

Along the way, Alastair opens up about near-failure moments, leadership transitions, and why understanding the consumer—deeply—is still the ultimate competitive advantage.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why purpose-driven brands win (when they eliminate trade-offs)
• How packaging, design, and sustainability shape consumer behavior
• The real role of supply chain in enabling mission + margin
• How to spot “riches in the niches” and build winning products
• Leadership lessons from scaling brands through uncertainty
• Why resilience—and not perfection—defines entrepreneurial success

Whether you're a founder, operator, or supply chain leader, this episode delivers practical insights on building brands that create both impact and long-term value.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Alastair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairdorward/
• Learn more about Dropps: https://www.dropps.com/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode is hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/purpose-products-persistence-building-mission-driven-brands-last-lwp152

In this episode of Logistics With Purpose®, host Enrique Alvarez and co-host Jose Miguel Irarrazaval sit down with Oscar Herrera, CEO of ClickEat, to explore how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive real change in the packaging industry.

Oscar shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and explains how ClickEat is developing backyard-compostable alternatives to single-use plastic, helping businesses reduce environmental impact while maintaining functionality and affordability. The conversation also dives into the challenges of sustainability in global supply chains, the importance of transparency in packaging, and why eliminating greenwashing is critical to building trust with consumers.

Throughout the discussion, Oscar also reflects on the power of purpose-driven businesses, B Corp values, and mission-aligned partnerships in creating lasting environmental and social impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between industrial compostable and backyard compostable packaging
• Why replacing single-use plastic is one of the biggest sustainability opportunities today
• How ClickIt is developing innovative packaging solutions for global brands
• The role of B Corp certification and purpose-driven business models
• Why greenwashing is one of the biggest challenges in sustainable packaging
• How collaboration and relationships drive meaningful change across supply chains

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Oscar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oherreravaras/
• Learn more about ClickEat: https://www.theclickeat.com/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Jose Miguel Irarrazaval, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/ending-single-use-plastic-innovation-sustainable-packaging-lwp151

For our 150th episode of Logistics with Purpose®, we’re honored to feature a guest whose career spans Hollywood, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and even the future of space exploration.

Nadine Nicole Heimann — known to many as Clarissa Mao in The Expanse — joins us to share how her journey as an actress evolved into a mission-driven life centered on healing, ethical leadership, and human connection. Raised in a family of jewelers in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Nadine’s entrepreneurial roots run deep, shaping both her creative spirit and her commitment to doing business differently.

In this powerful conversation, Nadine opens up about founding True Connection, a nonprofit that uses healing arts to support young people navigating trauma, and Yari Designs, her ethical jewelry brand focused on sustainable luxury, recycled gold, and responsibly created diamonds. We also explore her advisory role with Space for Humanity, an organization working to democratize access to space and expand human perspective.

Throughout the episode, one theme rises above all: connection. Whether through storytelling, creative arts, ethical design, or space exploration, Nadine’s work is driven by a desire to empower others and help people rediscover their inherent worth.

Episode 150 is a celebration of purpose — and a reminder that impact can take many forms when courage, creativity, and conviction align.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Nadine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-nicole-heimann/
• Learn more about True Connection: https://www.true-connection.org/
• Learn more about Yari: https://www.yaridesigns.com/
• Learn more about Space for Humanity: https://spaceforhumanity.org/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/nadine-nicole-heimann-from-expanse-ethical-impact-lwp150

On this episode of Logistics with Purpose®, presented by Vector Global Logistics in partnership with Supply Chain Now, we sit down with Janine Firpo — co-founder of Invest For Better and author of Activate Your Money — for a conversation that connects finance, impact, and real-world change.

With more than 35 years working across technology, philanthropy, and global development — including leadership roles with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Hewlett-Packard — Janine shares how a life-changing journey through Sub-Saharan Africa reshaped her career and inspired her mission: helping people, especially women, align their investments with their values.

We explore the growing movement of values-aligned investing, why women are poised to control a massive share of global wealth by 2030, and how even small financial decisions can influence industries, communities, and supply chains worldwide. Janine also explains how Invest For Better has already helped thousands of women gain confidence and clarity around money — not through jargon, but through conversation and community.

Whether you're new to investing, curious about impact investing, or thinking about the broader purpose behind business and logistics — this episode offers practical insight and an empowering starting point.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Janine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-firpo-047282/
• Mighty Deposits: https://mightydeposits.com/
• As You Sow: https://www.asyousow.org/invest-your-values
• Activate Your Money: https://activateyourmoney.net/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/empowering-women-investing-purpose-passion-lwp149

Human trafficking is one of the most urgent — and often hidden — crises of our time. In this powerful episode of Logistics with Purpose®, we shine a light on the realities of modern-day slavery in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Our guests share their personal journeys into advocacy and activism, revealing how trafficking operates across industries, borders, and supply chains — and the devastating impact it has on individuals, families, and communities.

From the role logistics plays in both enabling and preventing exploitation to the critical importance of awareness, education, and accountability, this conversation challenges leaders and listeners alike to look deeper and act with purpose.

Together, we explore:

• How human trafficking intersects with global supply chains
• The real stories behind advocacy and survivor support
• Why awareness is a powerful tool for prevention
• How individuals and organizations can make a meaningful difference
• Practical steps businesses can take to fight exploitation

This is a sobering — yet hopeful — conversation about responsibility, resilience, and the role each of us can play in ending human trafficking.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Laura Cyrus: https://live.freightwaves.com/event-speakers/laura-cyrus
• Learn more about TAT: https://tatnonprofit.org/
• Connect with Jeff Shaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyashaw/
• Learn more about The Freedom Collective: https://www.thefreedomcollective.org/
• Connect with Kwami Adoboe-Herrera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwami-adoboe-herrera-4038ab132/
• Learn more about Teleios Inc: https://www.teleiospath.org/
• Connect with Dr. Brook Bello: https://www.moretoliving.org/#Team
• Learn more about More Too Life Inc: https://www.moretoliving.org/
• Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purpose
• Learn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose®: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listen

This episode was hosted by Kristi Porter, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/illuminating-change-empowering-action-impact-human-trafficking-swareness-lwp148