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Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastAuthor: Michael LeBlanc, Jim Okamura Language: en Genres: Business, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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War, Freight & Cross-Border Chaos: How Global Brands Build Supply Chains That Survive Anything with Jes Crownover and Patrick Riley from Livingston International
Episode 6
Tuesday, 5 May, 2026
On this episode of the Global Ecommerce Leaders podcast, literally ripped from the headlines, host Michael LeBlanc and co-host Jim Okamura sit down with Livingston International executives Jes Crownover, VP of Ecommerce and Digital Solutions, and Patrick Riley, Director of North American Ecommerce, to examine how geopolitical disruption is reshaping the future of cross-border trade. Against the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, the conversation begins with a blunt reality: supply chain volatility is no longer temporary—it’s structural. Jes explains how ocean freight was already operating with limited spare capacity before geopolitical tensions pushed insurance premiums higher, rerouted vessels around Africa, and added as much as two weeks to transit times. Patrick then breaks down how leading retailers are responding—not by moving everything to air freight, but by triaging inventory. High-margin, launch-critical, or stockout-sensitive products are increasingly prioritized for air, while lower-margin inventory remains on ocean routes or is delayed altogether. The discussion then shifts into one of the most overlooked risks in global commerce: compliance. With sanctions, carrier restrictions, and customs requirements changing overnight, both guests argue that compliance can no longer be a “check-the-box” activity. It must become a continuously monitored, executive-owned capability. The episode also explores duty drawback, reverse logistics, regionalized inventory strategies, and how brands can recover margin by rethinking returns, tax recovery, and sourcing flexibility. The core takeaway? Don’t prepare for the next crisis—build the organizational muscle to survive any crisis. For brands, marketplaces, and retailers operating globally, this episode offers a masterclass in modern supply chain resilience. About:Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
