Talking Logistics (Adrian Gonzalez)

Leading Through The 5 Stages of Grief in Supply Chain Management

In the latest Talking Logistics episode, co‑founder Mike Grian frames today’s supply‑chain turbulence through the five‑stage Kubler‑Ross grief model—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—arguing that the industry’s “old normal” will not return as 2025 ends and 2026 looms. Grian highlights relentless cost pressures, shifting tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainty as the “waves” that keep executives guessing about the game, the rules, and the definition of success. He cites the “iceberg of ignorance” study, noting senior leaders perceive only 4‑10 % of operational problems, while frontline staff see nearly 100 %. The denial stage, he warns, puts companies at risk on both the balance sheet and the P&L, especially when 12‑20 % of sales are already tied up in supply‑chain activities. Memorable moments include the analogy, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there,” and the Amazon anecdote where Jeff Wilke placed the company at a 4.5 on a five‑point supply‑chain maturity scale, treating logistics as a competitive asset rather than a cost center. Grian also recounts his audience experiment—90 % of CEOs sat down when asked to rank their supply chains—illustrating widespread denial. The takeaway for decision‑makers is clear: move quickly from denial to acceptance by breaking silos, elevating frontline insights, and re‑positioning the supply chain as a strategic asset. Companies that achieve this shift can convert volatility into differentiated growth, protect margins, and meet customer expectations in an era of perpetual disruption.