Futurist calls for radical rethinking in opening RILA supply chain forum

Logistics decision-makers must be open to radical new solutions, according to a futurist opening the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s big annual supply chain gathering today [Monday, Feb. 24] in Grapevine, Texas.

“Be in a place of wonder vs. resist, of navigate vs. replicate, of contribute vs. extract, of be audacious vs. incremental,” said Nancy Giordano, a longtime advertising agency executive who serves as strategic futurist, founder and chief executive officer of Austin, Texas-based Play Big Inc.

In the opening keynote of LINK2020: The Retail Supply Chain Conference, taking place through Wednesday [Feb. 26] at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Giordano encouraged adoption of these four mindsets, embodying what she termed “leadering.”

Giordano said supply chain professionals should be willing to experiment and to “cultivate uncommon partnerships,” including working with competitors in pursuing bold, visionary actions.

Introducing Giordano, Jim Gehr, president for retail at DHL Supply Chain North America, said that, in these times of costs being reduced while profits and consumer loyalty are increasing, it is not enough to maintain the status quo.

“This,” Gehr said, “is a time to challenge our existing practices.”

Jessica Dankert, RILA’s vice president for supply chain, kicked off the conference – title-sponsored by DHL Supply Chain – citing the evolution of logistics since the very first online purchase was made in 1994, noting such advancing developments as augmented reality, distribution center robotics, driverless trucks and drone deliveries.

“We are living in a transformational era for retail shopping,” Dankert told the assembly of nearly 1,800 conferees. “This business is evolving at a landmark pace.”