The Hardest Part About Leading in Supply Chain: People, Not Process
The Real Challenge of Leadership Leadership in supply chain isn’t about managing forklifts, inventory, or spreadsheets, it’s about people. And let’s be honest: people are the hardest part. Processes can be mapped, measured, and improved. People? They come with personalities, histories, and baggage. If you can’t handle that, leadership might not be the path for […]
How to Effectively Apply 5S in the Warehouse: A Complete Guide
Introduction to 5S in the Warehouse Warehouses are the beating heart of any supply chain, but without organization, they can quickly turn into chaotic spaces where time, money, and productivity slip away. That’s where 5S in the warehouse comes in, a proven methodology for workplace organization that originated in Japan and has since revolutionized industries […]
The Hidden Waste No One Talks About: Inventory Overload
Everyone wants to talk about labor shortages, poor processes, or late shipments when it comes to warehouse inefficiencies, but almost no one wants to talk about inventory levels. And yet?They’re killing your operation quietly. Every. Single. Day. 📦 Too Much Inventory Is Not Just a Cash Problem Sure, excess inventory ties up cash, but it […]
The Real Cost of Poor Communication
In 20+ years on the warehouse floor, I’ve heard one complaint more than any other: “Communication needs to improve.” You’ll hear it in every facility, every meeting, every shift huddle. And with all the technology available, Slack, Teams and AI tools, why is this still such a problem? Because at the end of the day, […]
Leading From the Floor: Why Your Team Needs to See You
Walk through any warehouse or production floor and you’ll hear it: “They don’t even know what we go through.”“Leadership only shows up when something goes wrong.”“They’re always watching, from behind the glass.” I’ve seen both sides. I’ve been the associate on the dock and the leader in the meeting. And I can tell you this: […]
Creating Accountability Without Killing Morale
Accountability is critical in any operation, but the way it’s handled can either build a high-performing culture or destroy team morale. Too often, leaders think holding people accountable means micromanaging, calling people out publicly, or enforcing rules like a prison warden. That’s not leadership. That’s control. The best operations I’ve led or been part of […]
Top 5 Traits of Great Leaders
How to Stand Out and Lead From the Floor Up Most people think leadership is about barking orders and hitting numbers. But the truth is, great leaders inspire teams, solve real problems, and keep operations moving under pressure. After 20+ years in the game, here are the five traits I’ve seen in the best of […]
Receiving Done Right: How to Avoid the Most Common Warehouse Mistakes
Receiving might seem like a basic function, but when it’s done wrong, it sets off a chain reaction of inventory issues, picking errors, production delays, and customer complaints. Getting it right isn’t optional, it’s essential. The receiving dock is the heartbeat of any warehouse or manufacturing operation. If things go wrong here, it slows everything […]
The Hard Truth About Burnout in Supply Chain Leadership
Let’s be real, burnout in supply chain leadership isn’t just common. It’s expected. It’s worn like a badge of honor in too many operations, where long hours, high pressure, and constant problem-solving are the norm. But here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t make you a better leader. It makes you less effective, less present, and eventually, […]
Why Supply Chain Unboxed Was Created
Why Supply Chain Unboxed Was Created Supply chain has been around for centuries in some form or fashion, even long before the term itself existed. Personally, I’ve been immersed in it for over two decades. Over the years, I’ve held many roles; from working on the warehouse floor, moving freight in and out, to leading […]