By Sasha Pailet Koff
The future of supply chain isn’t just about technology. It’s about people.
While new tools and AI will be critical, the real differentiator will be the skills, structures, and ways of working that organizations put in place to harness them. The fundamentals of supply chain will always matter, but the balance is shifting. Execution remains essential, yet more and more value will come from thoughtful, strategic leadership.
Supply chain professionals will be called on to:
• Apply decision intelligence, clarifying which variables are within the supply chain’s control and how best to respond when external forces shift.
• Deepen their understanding of financial and commercial objectives, ensuring supply chain continues to serve as both the operational backbone and a driver of growth.
I’m often asked: “My son or daughter is studying supply chain. Should they look elsewhere?” My answer remains: NO!! Double down.
Focus on the fundamentals. Start with the SCOR model (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, Return, Enable), along with core planning, sourcing, and logistics skills. At the same time, build fluency in business and finance.
The leaders of the future will those who master both the fundamentals and the frontier, understanding how supply chains operate while also knowing how to leverage digital tools and AI. These are the professionals who will be the leaders entrusted to guide strategy in the years ahead.
The future of supply chain belongs to those who can connect what we have always done well with what we must now learn to do differently.
Sasha Pailet Koff is Co-Chair Emeritus of the Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI) and Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI). She is Founder and President of consultancy, So Help Me Understand. This blog originally appears on Sasha’s LinkedIn page.
