Tompkins Ventures

Every new year breeds optimism. But as we step into 2025, supply chain and manufacturing pros worry about the tariff tsunami expected to sweep ashore in a few weeks. That comes after years of perpetual disruption that will only continue. From pandemics to geopolitical tensions, supply chain woes fill the air. And these pressures are testing the resilience of even the most robust supply chains. But disruption doesn’t have to mean disaster. In fact, it presents a unique opportunity to transform your supply chain into a competitive advantage. ReGlobalization – combining nearshoring, reshoring and friendshoring – offers a strategic way forward. By diversifying suppliers, enhancing resilience, and streamlining logistics, you can turn volatility into growth. Is your supply chain ready to thrive in 2025 and beyond? At Tompkins Ventures, we help companies navigate complex global challenges with actionable insights, local partnerships and a proven approach to success. Learn how to make ReGlobalization work for your business:  https://lnkd.in/e35QbQqr #ReGlobalization, #SupplyChainResilience, #Tariffs, #SupplyChainOpportunity, #HappyNewYear

Supply chain disruption or competitive edge? The choice is yours. Tariffs and trade policies are reshaping global supply chains, creating both challenges and unprecedented opportunities – particularly any business involved in any of the six mega-processes of supply chain (plan, buy, make, move, distribute, sell). From nearshoring/reshoring and diversifying suppliers to leveraging new markets and technologies, businesses that act strategically can turn chaos into competitive advantage. My latest blog details how ReGlobalization offers endless possibilities for 3PLs, transportation companies, manufacturers and beyond. Discover how your company can thrive in this new landscape. Read the full blog here:  https://lnkd.in/enH5HkcJ #SupplyChainDisruption, #SupplyChainOpportunity, #ReGlobalization, #CompetitiveAdvantage, #TradeTariffs

President-elect Trump’s favorite word, tariffs, are about to create unprecedented opportunities for global supply chains. From toymakers to footwear and apparel, many industries and businesses are questioning their next move. My latest blog explores six strategies to help companies navigate the greatest supply chain opportunity of our era. From diversifying suppliers and nearshoring production to embracing automation and advanced technologies, your business can build resilience and stay competitive. Learn how ReGlobalization – a smarter, more flexible approach to global trade – can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. If your supply chain feels stuck, this blog and the associated white paper are the guides you need to move forward. Don’t miss out on insights that could transform your operations. Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/gUzH-afS Time is of the essence. Equip your business to surf this tsunami of perpetual disruption. #TrumpTariffs, #SupplyChainStrategies, #ReGlobalization, #TariffStrategies, #ToymakerTactics

How do you know that disruption is the new normal? Because I’m writing about politics, something I have spent years avoiding. No, I’m not endorsing or opposing anyone – but the re-election of President Trump and his favorite word – “tariffs” – have accelerated shifts in global trade, reshaping how businesses approach nearshoring, reshoring and friendshoring. Beyond how politics now dramatically affects your business and supply chain choices, I explain the new world of ReGlobalization: How ReGlobalization evolves from traditional globalization The good, bad, and risky of tariffs Why resilient, circular supply chains are the way forward Whether you’re a supply chain leader or a business strategist, understanding the role of tariffs and, sadly, politics are keys to staying competitive. Check out my latest analysis:  https://lnkd.in/emUP3xAx #TrumpTariffs, #GlobalSupplyChains, #ReGlobalization, #TradePolicies, #SupplyChainDisruption

Today’s business landscape is so disruptive that even VUCA isn’t safe. For years, I’ve been using VUCA, an acronym that stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, to describe the world’s growing tendency toward disruption. The U.S. Army War College coined the term in the 1980s when it was researching what the world might look like after the Cold War. Well, just like when the Soviet Union fell, we find ourselves in yet another transitional period these days. Today, however, fallen empires aren't driving change. Instead, trade wars, shooting wars, natural disasters and more have created a world where disruption is the new normal. To ride this relentless wave of disruption, two key reassessments can help you translate the framework of VUCA into resilience: Volatility has evolved into vulnerability. Ambiguity has given way to alliances. Read on to see why vulnerability can create the necessary urgency. And why alliances are your most critical asset in today’s world:  https://lnkd.in/ehsg_FGw #VUCAleadership, #disruptiveworld, #businessurgency, #alliances, #vulnerability

“Dynamic optionality.” The words hit me like a runaway cargo ship striking a Baltimore bridge. I've been championing optionality for supply chain for years. But my Tompkins Ventures Business Partner's phrasing re-emphasized that in a world of perpetual disruption, businesses – and supply chains – must adapt quickly to survive. So even optionality must evolve. Enter Dynamic Optionality for Manufacturing and Supply Chain (DOMS). This critical framework is key for thriving in a world where disruption is the new normal. Read on for more https://lnkd.in/e8rMjCic #SupplyChainResilience, #DynamicOptionality, #ReGlobalization, #FutureOfSupplyChain, #ResilientSupplyChain

Engineers and business types love acronyms. But sometimes they become like barnacles on a ship, choking progress. Over the last few years, that has happened with DEI and ESG. Many executives feel uneasy discussing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and ESG (environmental, social, and governance). The solution? Scraping away the misunderstanding and controversy to focus on what these principles truly mean. DEI isn't about divisive programs; it’s about recognizing and harnessing talent across diverse backgrounds. ESG isn’t just about electric cars; it’s about making thoughtful, sustainable decisions that drive long-term success. The secret to embracing these ideals? Effective coaching that helps leaders cut through the noise and apply them in ways that fuel growth, innovation and resilience. Curious to learn how? Read more here:  https://lnkd.in/eGKqjRRp #DEI, #ESG, #leadershipcoaching, #executivecoaching, #Sustainability

Following yesterday’s announcement of our launching the Tompkins Ventures Leadership Practice, I decided to tackle a unique leadership coaching challenge I’m seeing a lot these days: How to talk supply chain with boardroom types. Bridging the gap between operational realities and executive-level strategy is tough. They simply don’t speak our language of OTIF, inventory turns and days on hand. Good leadership coaching can help translate complex supply chain metrics into insights for the C-suite – and help the C-suite understand reality. Let’s build a future where supply chain leaders aren’t just at the table – they’re driving the conversation. Check out my latest blog:  https://lnkd.in/eteC-wfJ #LeadershipCoaching, #SupplyChainLeadership, #TompkinsVentures, #Innovation, #ExecutiveDevelopment

In today’s business world of perpetual disruption, strong leadership is essential. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Tompkins Ventures Leadership Practice, designed to empower leaders across the globe with the guidance and strategies they need to succeed. Our practice is led by an exceptional team of regional experts: •     Francisco J. D'Angelo: Vice President, Leadership Practice, Latin America •     Barry Elliott: Vice President, Leadership Practice, Asia •     Scott Saunders: Vice President, Leadership Practice, United States/Canada •     Thomas Wiedmann: Vice President, Leadership Practice, Europe Their unparalleled expertise can help your organization tackle the critical leadership challenges of strategic leadership, cultural adaptability, innovation/growth and a work world that is increasingly hybrid or remote. They don’t just tailor leadership programs to individual regions – they integrate insights across regions to craft globally informed strategies. We offer solutions for individual & team leadership coaching and change management – all integrating global insights with local expertise for maximum impact. Tag the right colleague to start the conversation today! #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #GlobalLeadership #TompkinsVentures #Transformation

So when I read Starbucks was enforcing a three-day-a-week return-to-office policy, I thought, “Here we go again.” Curious, I actually read the story. And, believe it or not, I think Starbucks’ approach could be a balanced compromise between the old ways and the future of work. As it turns out, Starbucks has mandated three days in the office for a while. Corporate simply plans to enforce it now. Sometimes, change comes slowly. Even I had to be forced into going remote full time during the pandemic. I simply have the insights to see what a great benefit remote work is to a company’s productivity. Not to mention slicing real estate costs and a host of other benefits. So, read on about why I cautiously applaud Starbucks normalizing three days in the office. Perhaps it’s a steppingstone toward the complete reinvention of work:  https://lnkd.in/ei9ZWfsX #HybridRTO, #StarbucksHybrid, #ReturnToOffice, #FutureOfWork, #OfficeReinvention