268 | From Ancient Trade Routes to Modern Supply Chains: Inside Global Wealth, Local Impact with Stephanie Forbes cover art

268 | From Ancient Trade Routes to Modern Supply Chains: Inside Global Wealth, Local Impact with Stephanie Forbes

268 | From Ancient Trade Routes to Modern Supply Chains: Inside Global Wealth, Local Impact with Stephanie Forbes

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 In this episode, the host Catherine Lam sits down with Stephanie Forbes, founder and CEO of The Forbes Group. Stephanie is an internationally recognized expert in supply chain strategy and operational resilience. To explore her groundbreaking new book, Global Wealth, Local Impact. From the gladiators of the Roman Coliseum to the East India Company, from the Silk Road to the Strait of Hormuz, Stephanie reveals how the invisible machinery of global trade has always shaped local lives, and why understanding that history is the ultimate playbook for navigating today's volatile world economy. This episode is part history, part world affairs, part leadership guide. It will change how you see every product and every business decision. Key Insights You'll Learn · Supply Chains Are as Old as Civilization: From Caesar's gladiator games to the Silk Road to the East India Company, the mechanics of global trade, logistics corridors, currency exchange, quality control, insurance, letters of credit, have been evolving and compounding for over two thousand years. · The East India Company Changed Everything: At its peak, it controlled two-thirds of world trade. It created the modern company, shared ownership, and insurance. It also shows what happens when one company controls too much. · The Silk Road Was the World's First Trust Economy: It ran for over 1,300 years. Merchants used early credit systems and reputation to do business. Think of it as the first five-star review system. · Trust and Reputation Are Still the Foundation of Commerce: From Silk Road merchants to Facebook Marketplace sellers, the rules haven't changed. People do business with those they trust. Stephanie's book dedicates an entire chapter to this truth — and why trust remains the single most important asset in any business relationship. · The Strait of Hormuz Is a Global Pressure Point Right Now: About 20% of the world's energy passes through it. Any disruption hits fuel, shipping, food, and whole economies. Geopolitics and supply chains are connected. · Disruption Is the New Normal — Build for Resilience: Big unexpected events happen more often now. Leaders need backup plans. They need multiple suppliers. The question isn't whether something goes wrong, it's how fast you can adapt. · Critical Minerals Are the New Geopolitical Battleground: Lithium, cobalt, potash, and other critical minerals are redefining global power dynamics. Who controls these resources controls leverage over the infrastructure of the modern economy, from electric vehicles to defense systems. · History's Lessons Are the Best Strategic Playbook: Every challenge facing supply chain leaders today, monopoly risk, geopolitical disruption, infrastructure bottlenecks, trust breakdowns, has a historical precedent. Stephanie's book connects the dots between ancient trade systems and modern business strategy in a way that is both illuminating and immediately actionable. Global Wealth, Local Impact is a rare book that makes the complex feel personal and the historical feel urgent. Whether you're a supply chain professional, a business leader, or simply someone trying to make sense of why the world feels increasingly unstable, this book will give you the context, the language, and the framework to lead with confidence. 🌐 Official Podcast Title From Ancient Trade Routes to Modern Supply Chains: Inside Global Wealth, Local Impact 🔗 Where to Find Our Guest What Stephanie is Promoting: Global Wealth, Local Impact (Book) https://globalwealthlocalimpact.com Book available at: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | globalwealthlocalimpact.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calgaryforbes/ 👤 Guest Bio – Stephanie Forbes Stephanie Forbes is the founder and CEO of The Forbes Group. She has 25+ years of experience in global supply chain strategy. Her book draws on thousands of years of trade history. It covers everything from Roman logistics to the East India Company. Stephanie is a speaker, thought leader, and hands-on expert. She brings together history, global insight, and real-world experience.
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