On episode 7, Co-founder and CEO, Amari Ruff, joins us on the Future of Supply Chain Podcast to discuss his incredible journey. As a military kid, Amari moved a lot and for a time, after familial changes, Amari even experienced homelessness. He overcame several challenges and went on to attend a HBCU and launch three separate startups. Amari discusses his optimistic personality, what he’s building at Sudu, and the importance of building a strong inclusive culture.
Adversity led to optimism and gratitude. Amari speaks casually of the adversity he’s overcome and considers himself an optimist. So much so that he has a co-founder that balances him with pragmatism. Amari’s hardworking, humble, and grateful attitude is a product of the challenges he’s overcome. In the startup world, optimism and gratitude are powerful traits to maintain.
The supply chain is currently in a technology enabled phase. In this fragmented $700B+ industry, there is ample opportunity for growth and development of technology. New technologies have the ability to solve problems, make money, and change lives. There still needs to be some human touch; however, the newly added and developed softwares are decreasing the need for human activity, and making jobs and lives easier. The application of data science and algorithms are driving this advantage and empower Sudu to succeed more than a broker at a desk making calls throughout the day.
The supply chain holds value to diverse networks, especially in sourcing trucking capacity. Diversity means being all inclusive. Sudu is a minority owned business and Amari made it his #1 goal to tailor to minority, women, and veteran owned carriers first. This has created a diverse network for Sudu, as well as awareness and opportunity for other companies in the supply chain. Sudu has helped lift minority-owned trucking companies up from the bottom of the totem poll. Emphasizing these smaller trucking companies gives corporations more flexibility and availability of resources in a capacity-constrained environment.
Diversity will enhance your company’s culture. We live in a world today where no one is the same but the supply chain industry needs to seriously improve on the diversity front. Spending time at HBCU and partnerships with minority groups can be a great pipeline for talent and first step in getting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives into supply chain organizations and startups. Once hired, it’s very important to take the time to know one’s employees and their respective cultures.
