Why Most Companies Are Failing at Resilience (And How to Fix It)

Hosted by Santosh Sankar on September 10, 2025

Show Notes

During this episode, Santosh is joined by supply chain expert and Professor of Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yossi Sheffi. Santosh and Yossi discuss the evolving landscape of global supply chains amid trade wars, policy uncertainty, and rapid technological change. Key topics include the challenges of unpredictability for supply chain leaders, the importance of resilience as a hedge against uncertainty, and the growing influence of AI and digital transformation on the workforce. Yossi also addresses the limitations of current sustainability efforts, advocating for nuclear power as a scalable solution, and emphasizes the need for cultural and policy shifts to ensure long-term resilience. Listeners will gain practical insights on navigating volatility, fostering adaptability, and preparing for the future of supply chains.

Highlights from their conversation include:

  • Yossi’s Journey into Supply Chain (1:15)
  • Trade Wars and Tariff Unpredictability (2:39)
  • The Real Problem: Uncertainty and Volatility (3:31)
  • Managing Supply Chains Amid Uncertainty (6:13)
  • Retail Margins and Political Implications (8:08)
  • Resilience as a Hedge, Not a Bet (9:50)
  • Resilience vs. Insurance (11:31)
  • Global Examples of Resilient Cultures (13:55)
  • Trade-Offs in Reshoring and Environmental Policy (16:17)
  • Sustainability: Real Impact vs. Virtue Signaling (20:14)
  • Nuclear Power as a Solution (21:47)
  • Global Energy Demand and Equity (23:51)
  • AI and the Future of Work (25:10)
  • Job Market Evolution and Adaptation (26:19)
  • Education and Skills for the Future (29:49)
  • Limits of AI and Robotics (30:39)
  • Rapid Fire Segment to Close (32:26)
  • Final Thoughts and Takeaways Conclusion and Farewell (34:03)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/.

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