Crosswinds - By Alexandra

What does it take to build a supply chain from scratch in an emerging market, survive a black swan event, and manage high-stakes risk in global healthcare?

In this inaugural episode of Crosswinds, I sit down with executive leader Kamran Shaukat, whose career spans global operations across 11 industries, including launching McDonald’s supply network in Pakistan, co-founding cross-border e-commerce venture EzBuy, and leading global sourcing at Cardinal Health through post-COVID disruptions.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Building from Zero: Why specifications and standards matter far more than finding suppliers at the onset.

• Startup Scaling vs. Corporate Reality: The critical importance of unit metrics over premature team building.

• Navigating Crisis: Lessons learned from cross-border e-commerce, black swan events, and untangling legacy supplier networks.

• AI & The Limits of Automation: Why AI will transform supply planning, but cannot replace human conscience, accountability, and agency.

• Career Advice for Future Leaders

Recommended Reading Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt

• The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins

Welcome to Crosswinds ⭐️

In this introduction episode, I present the central inquiry of this series: how global leaders navigate operational complexity, dynamic supply chains, and the delicate balance between brand heritage and modern strategy.

In upcoming episodes, I will be joined by industry executives, operations specialists, and strategic visionaries as we examine the behind-the-scenes mechanics shaping the world’s most iconic enterprises.

Subscribe now to follow the journey as new episodes unfold.