There has been a lot of talk at the Makers & Movers 2025 on the topic that’s shaking up leadership as we know it, in the world of supply chain and operations. With AI rapidly redefining how we work, make decisions, and even lead, one big question is echoing across boardrooms and Zoom calls alike:
What really separates a good supply chain leader from a great one in this new AI era?
We’ve gathered insights from top minds in recent interviews, keynotes, and candid conversations, and a few themes have emerged loud and clear. The traditional leadership playbook? It’s being rewritten, fast. If you’re ready to move beyond buzzwords and start thinking about what it truly means to lead in an AI-driven world, you’re in the right place.
Let’s begin where all great transformations start: the mindset.
The Mindset Revolution
Time and again, experts point to a single, powerful differentiator: a growth mindset. In a landscape where change is constant and the rules are being rewritten daily, this mindset isn’t a “nice-to-have,” it’s essential.
A growth mindset means being comfortable with discomfort. It’s the ability to say, “I don’t know this, yet,” and to dive into the unknown with curiosity and humility. Today’s leaders don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need the agility to learn, unlearn, and relearn at speed.
Pier Luigi Sigismondi, Non-Executive Director and Senior Advisor, framed it beautifully:
“You might have been hired for your IQ, promoted for your EQ, but now you survive and thrive with your AQ — your Adaptability Quotient.”
In the age of AI, adaptability is the ultimate leadership superpower. It allows leaders to respond not just to what’s happening, but to anticipate and shape what comes next.
“Great leaders in supply chain are able to drive the mindset transformation that is associated with the adoption of AI, making sure to upskill and reskill the workforce, drive AI adoption in an organization at scale.” – Mourad Tamoud, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Schneider Electric
Curiosity Over Credentials
Closely tied to adaptability is curiosity. In fast-changing industries like supply chain, specific skills can become outdated quickly. What remains timeless is the drive to explore, to ask questions, and to stay tuned into the pulse of the world — whether that’s the latest shift in machine learning, evolving sustainability mandates, or new geopolitical tensions.
Curious leaders don’t wait for someone else to prove a concept. They’re willing to pilot, test, fail fast, and scale quickly. They understand that AI isn’t a magical solution but a tool that needs sharp human judgment to unlock its real value.
And no, they don’t have to be technical experts. What they do need is enough digital fluency to understand AI’s potential and enough confidence to guide their teams through its integration. In this way, curiosity fuels both innovation and impact.
The Human Factor in a Tech-Driven World
While AI may dominate headlines, the heart of leadership still lies in people. What sets great supply chain leaders apart today is not just how they use technology, but how they connect with, develop, and empower those around them.
This is where soft skills shine. Relationship building, empathetic communication, and emotional intelligence aren’t optional in the AI era; they’re core requirements. Great leaders create cultures of trust and safety, where people feel encouraged to experiment, take risks, and, crucially, make mistakes.
Creating space for learning and failure isn’t just about being a “nice boss.” It’s about laying the groundwork for true innovation. When teams feel psychologically safe, they stop fearing machines and start collaborating with them.
“People need the space to innovate, to experiment, to make mistakes, which means that these leaders have to provide the right conditions of psychological safety.” – Juan Carlos Parada, Chief Global Business Services Officer, Unilever
Great leaders don’t impose transformation. They lead it by example, showing that AI adoption is a journey shared by all — and one that includes upskilling, reskilling, and a whole lot of human support along the way.
Leadership Beyond Operations
In this new landscape, supply chain leaders are evolving from operational managers to strategic visionaries. It’s no longer enough to simply manage resources or optimize for cost. The new mandate is about value creation.
“What separates a good supply chain leader from a fantastic one is the ability not just to administrate resources, but to create value.” – Angela Cretu, Non-Executive Board Member and Advisor
AI-ready leaders think in terms of end-to-end transformation. They’re constantly asking: What can we simplify? What can we automate? Where can we use technology to achieve compounding gains over time?
They’re not afraid to rethink entire processes, reimagine what’s possible, or push boundaries. And they do this with intention, not chasing tech for tech’s sake, but aligning every move with broader business goals.
They also understand that empowering people is part of the value equation. When you hand real responsibility to those who deeply understand tech, when you trust them with time, budget, and autonomy, the results often speak for themselves.
“If you were to write to your CEO three ways in which supply chain will drive revenue next year, what would you say?” – Radu Palamariu, Group CEO, Alcott Global
Hiring for Attitude, Not Just Aptitude
So, what does it take to build AI-ready teams? While technical skills are important, the most sought-after traits are surprisingly human.
The best candidates bring passion, hunger, curiosity, and a deep desire to grow. They’re not just looking for a job, they’re looking to make a difference. They see ambiguity not as a threat but as an invitation to explore, solve, and reinvent.
Authenticity matters more than ever. Leaders are looking for people who truly love what they do, who have a clear sense of purpose, and the humility to keep learning, no matter their level of experience.
And once this kind of talent is found, speed is key. Onboarding must be swift, meaningful, and aligned with the organization’s AI journey.
Final Thoughts: No One Has All the Answers — But That’s Okay
The truth is, no leader, no matter how seasoned, has mastered AI leadership completely. The pace of change is too fast, the technology too dynamic, and the implications too complex for any one person to fully “own” it.
But that’s not a reason to stand still. It’s a reason to move.
As one speaker put it, “Even if none of us fully knows how to surf the wave of AI, we should all certainly try.”
So here’s to trying and leading with curiosity, courage, and compassion, to redefining what great leadership looks like in a time when everything is changing, and to build the future, one decision, one mindset shift, and one empowered team at a time.
Thanks for reading — and if this resonated, feel free to share your thoughts or stories. After all, we’re all learning to ride this wave together.
