The Ripple Effect of Supply Chain issues in Natural Disasters with Steve Armstrong

27/01/2025 45 min Episodio 2
The Ripple Effect of Supply Chain issues in Natural Disasters with Steve Armstrong

Listen "The Ripple Effect of Supply Chain issues in Natural Disasters with Steve Armstrong"

Episode Synopsis


Host Bryndis Whitson welcomes Steve Armstrong, a leadership expert with a career that spans the Canadian military, Canadian Red Cross, and many areas in between, to the show. Bryndis and Steve talk about military and emergency preparedness and how that fits in with supply chain logistics. Steve Armstrong’s experience with September 9/11 terrorist response, flood response, and military endeavors sheds much light on how supply chain is an integral part of emergency assistance.Bryndis and Steve discuss the complexities of even something as seemingly simple as getting food rations, enough for 3 meals per day for 40 soldiers, to where the soldiers are stationed. Behind every soldier, Steve says, is an estimated 3 people in administration and logistics ensuring supplies flow smoothly. They talk about emergency response and the intricacies of not just getting help in but getting debris out and where to put it. There are many things to consider in the wake of a natural disaster in terms of the logistics of assistance. But Steve also stresses that at the end of every logistics problem is a real person impacted by a terrible circumstance and why keeping them in mind is so key. This episode demonstrates the ripple effect of supply chain during crisis events and how everything is tied together.About Steve Armstrong:Steven Armstrong worked worldwide as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Red Cross for more than four decades. On the literal frontlines for many of the globe’s most notable humanitarian crises during that time – ranging from the shores of Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami, to the aftermath of 9/11 in New York, to wildfires across Canada, to the devastation of floods [most recently in British Columbia} – Steve has proven, over and over again, what authentic leadership means.Faced with complex missions and tasks that required extreme precision and unfailing resolve, Steve learned early on that properly inspiring his teams to act, move, and overcome obstacles would be the key to ongoing success. Rather than force compliance, he used his natural virtue, honour, and trustworthiness to motivate people. This exceedingly “human” side of his character enabled authentic connections and trust – instilling confidence, determination, and encouragement in all who followed his examples.As a speaker, consultant, and author of You Can’t Lead From Behind, Steve uses humour, honesty, and a lifetime of hard-learned lessons to tell his story and teach others how to become better and more effective leaders. Through his global experience, his approach is down-to-earth and genuine, giving you and your leadership team the personalized tools and confidence they need to succeed.Resources discussed in this episode:“Moving Mountains: Lessons in Leadership and Logistics from the Gulf War” by William G. Pagonis and Jeffrey L. Cruikshank—Contact Bryndis Whitson: Website: ZebrasToApples.com Instagram: @ZebrasToApplesLinkedInContact Steve Armstrong: Website: StevenArmstrong.caSteve Armstrong on LinkedIn