GOODQUESTION
PERSPECTIVE ARBITRAGE: knowing when to lean on deep domain expertise and when to challenge it with a fresh lens. The opportunity is in pairing operational fluency, decades of hard-won knowledge about how bulk commodities move, with the questions a technology company would ask. Not just how to optimize the existing model, but whether the model is the constraint. –Chad Raube CEO, IntelliTrans SELFAWARENESS. Self-aware leaders know their strengths and use them to guide others. But they also admit their limits, empowering team members to step up and fill those gaps. This openness builds deep trust, creates a balanced team, and motivates everyone to deliver results for the organization and its customers. –Heidi Ratti Chief Human Resources Ocer, RXO COACHING is an underrated leadership skill in logistics. Many of us learned through trial by fire, especially in volatile markets. Leaders who actively teach pass down hard- earned instincts while learning fresh perspectives from newer talent. This creates stronger, more adaptable teams and smarter ways of working. –Travis West VP Strategic Client Engagement, Evans Transportation OPERATIONAL TRANSLATION: the ability to bridge the gap between strategy, technology, finance, and frontline execution in a way every stakeholder understands. Most supply chain failures aren’t caused by bad systems; they happen when leadership can’t align people, processes, and accountability around change. –Bryan Stone Principal for Client Delivery, JBF Consulting RELATIONSHIP MAPPING: knowing who is on the field, who is on the bench, and who can step in when conditions shift. Strong leaders build those networks before disruption hits,
Creating Clarity and Alignment
Clarity under pressure is one underrated logistics leadership skill. Strong leaders cut through the chaos, communicate priorities, and give teams confidence to act. Clear direction accelerates decisions, reduces friction, and keeps the network resilient, even when conditions change by the hour. –Amir Khoshniyati VP Strategy, Channel & Marketing, Wiliot The ability to translate complexity into clarity. As AI takes on more and more responsibilities in the supply chain, people-to-people communication becomes infinitely more important. Leaders must align operators, IT, and executives around what the technology is actually doing—and why—so teams trust the system and move faster together. –Keith Moore CEO, AutoScheduler.AI Strong leaders align teams around priorities, outcomes, and the “why” behind decisions, helping prevent misaligned KPIs and confusion during disruptions. Great leaders also take ownership and empower teams to perform at their best. –Andreas Podwojewski Managing Director, North America, Arvato
THE RIGHT MINDSET. The best logistics leaders stay curious, adapt fast, and never stop learning. They set bold visions, make decisive calls without chasing perfection, and lead with empathy and accountability. They surround themselves with the greatest people and inspire them toward a common purpose. In a field where disruption is constant, the right mindset isn’t soft—it’s your most strategic asset. –Hooman Yazhari CEO, TEN (Transportation Equipment Network)
keeping their “head on a swivel” and knowing who to call when the play changes. –Doug DeLuca Product Marketing Manager, SAP Business Network CRITICAL THINKING. In an era of AI proliferation, leaders who can cut through the noise and identify what really moves the needle are invaluable. The ability to ask the right questions, evaluate “fit vs. features,” and make grounded decisions protects organizations from costly missteps. –Je Jones Senior Account Executive, Made4net LEVERAGING DATA for employee development. A leadership challenge is ensuring operational data drives not just process optimization but also employee development. Employees are the greatest asset, and strong leaders balance technology, eciency, and people to build resilient operations. –Derrick Miller Senior Manager, Sales, The Raymond Corporation, a brand of Toyota Material Handling North America
Answer upcoming Good Questions at: www.inboundlogistics.com/ good-question
June 2026 • Inbound Logistics 7
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