From Sustainability to Regeneration: A New Paradigm in Sourcing  - 10 Big Ideas to Transform Supply Chains for a Regenerative Future artwork
Supply Chain Revolution

From Sustainability to Regeneration: A New Paradigm in Sourcing - 10 Big Ideas to Transform Supply Chains for a Regenerative Future

  • S1E79
  • 24:58
  • May 9th 2025

In Season 2, Episode 2 of the Supply Chain Revolution podcast, hosts Sheri Hinish and James George delve into the concept of regenerative sourcing as a transformative approach to supply chains. They discuss the shift from traditional sustainability practices to a regenerative mindset that aims to leave ecosystems better than they found them. The conversation covers systemic thinking, practical applications in agriculture and textiles, the role of technology in enabling regenerative practices, and future trends in supply chain sustainability. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to be curious and engage in learning about these critical topics.


Takeaways


-Regenerative sourcing represents a fundamental shift in supply chain thinking.

-The focus should be on creating net positive outcomes rather than just reducing harm.

-Systemic thinking is essential for understanding the interconnectedness of supply chain elements.

-Practical examples of regenerative sourcing can be found in agriculture and textiles.

-Technology plays a crucial role in enabling regenerative practices and data transformation.

-Future supply chain strategies must integrate regenerative principles to remain competitive.

-Consumer demand is shifting towards brands that prioritize sustainability and regeneration.

-Long-term strategies are necessary for meaningful change in supply chains.

-Engagement and collaboration are key to advancing regenerative practices.

-Being aggressively curious is vital for understanding and implementing regenerative sourcing.


Sound Bites


"We need to think about new and radical ideas."

"We need to think about it very differently."

"Be aggressively curious."


Chapters


00:00 Introduction to Regenerative Sourcing

03:33 The Shift from Sustainability to Regeneration

06:27 Understanding Regenerative Sourcing

09:32 Practical Applications in Agriculture

12:34 Innovative Practices Across Sectors

15:35 The Role of Technology in Regenerative Sourcing

18:43 Future Trends in Supply Chain Practices

21:29 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action


About


The Supply Chain Revolution® isn't just a top-ranked podcast—it's a movement reimagining global networks as pathways of restoration. Host Sheri Hinish (Supply Chain Queen), a globally recognized thought leader in sustainability and supply chain innovation, challenges the notion that we can only be "less bad." Instead, she explores how supply chains can actively regenerate our world.


In our groundbreaking new series "10 Big Ideas to Transform Supply Chains for a Regenerative Future," co-hosted with James George, former Ellen MacArthur Foundation leader, we move beyond incremental sustainability to explore transformative approaches that regenerate natural and social systems. From Regenerative Sourcing to Transparent Value Chains, each episode unpacks revolutionary concepts with world-class experts and provocative voices disrupting the status quo.


As a recognized pioneer and leader with a distinct point of view, Sheri brings unparalleled expertise in technology-enabled transformation, circularity, sustainability innovation and the most advanced 'sustainable' supply chain practices. This podcast delivers actionable insights where innovation meets impact—equipping professionals to design supply chains that heal rather than harm.


Join our vibrant community of Rebels who are forward-thinking practitioners and leaders committed to disrupting the status quo for positive transformation. Subscribe now to architect a world where business success and environmental prosperity grow together. Engage other Rebels in our community who share your passion and vision for a new world where people, planet, and business can thrive.

Supply Chain Revolution

The Supply Chain Revolution Podcast is where global leaders in sustainability, AI, and supply chain reimagine the future of business. Hosted by Sheri Hinish, the Supply Chain Queen, this award-winning show explores bold ideas at the intersection of supply chain, circular economy, innovation, technology, ESG, and leadership.

Each episode features candid conversations with C-suite executives, investors, academics, policymakers, and entrepreneurs who are shaping how organizations create value in a rapidly changing world. From decarbonization and digital transformation to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we unpack strategies that accelerate progress and challenge the status quo.

Listeners gain:

  • Actionable insights on AI, data, blockchain, robotics, and sustainable finance
  • Big ideas in circularity, climate tech, and responsible compute
  • Inspiration from stories of leaders driving transformation across industries

The Supply Chain Revolution podcast host has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, The Economist, and ESG Today, and recognized as a Top 100 Leadership Podcast. It is the go-to resource for professionals and change makers looking to stay ahead of the curve, strengthen leadership, and shape a more sustainable future.

Sheri Hinish, known globally as the Supply Chain Queen, is an executive strategist, board advisor, and award-winning sustainability leader. She has been named among the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain, a multi-year “Pro to Know”, and one of the Top 250 Global Leaders in Sustainability.

Join the revolution—because supply chains can save the planet, save lives, and build a better world.

Learn more at www.supplychainqueen.com

Keywords: supply chain podcast, sustainability podcast, circular economy, climate tech, AI, ESG, innovation, leadership, digital transformation, diversity and inclusion

Sheri Hinish avatar
Sheri Hinish
Host, Founder

Learn more at supplychainqueen.com

My purpose is to make a meaningful impact for the clients, colleagues, partners, and communities I serve. I have spent my career at the intersection of supply chain, sustainability and innovation in large-scale transformation. I’d love to walk with you on your journey.

I'm the Founder and Host of the Supply Chain Revolution podcast. In my day role, I currently serve as the Global Consulting Sustainability Services, Technology + Ecosystems Leader at EY serving across sectors, alliances, sustainability solutions, and digital ventures. I formerly led Sustainability Services + Alliances at IBM with a passion for sustainable supply chain, circularity, and hardening emerging sustainability tech use cases.

Colleagues and clients affectionately call me the nickname “Supply Chain Queen.” I'm recognized as a trusted partner that F500 companies consistently leverage for connected transformation, end-to-end digital supply chain, purpose-driven leadership, and disruptive thinking in embedding sustainability and emerging innovation in transformations.

Recent awards include: Top 250 leaders in Sustainability (2025), Leaders in Excellence, Supply & Demand Chain Executive (2025), Top 100 Women in Sustainability and Supply Chain (2024), Top 50 influencer in Sustainability by Onalytica (2023), 100 Women in 2023 by March8 Magazine, the 2021 #1 Supply Chain Leader by Supply Chain Digital, a 2022, 2021, 2020 & 2019 Supply & Demand Chain Executive "Pro to Know," the "People's Choice 2020 Global Woman in Supply Chain Leader,” and a Corporate Vision Excellence award in 2020.

I’m a Rebel who loves creating, building, and bringing out the best in people, helping to grow high-performance teams. I've made a career in turn-around and scaling high growth opportunities (product, solutions, infrastructure for practice areas and alliances), simplifying the complex, rethinking paradigms for F500 clients, mainly in CPG, Financial Services, Retail, Advanced Manufacturing, Chemicals and Energy.

I am a graduate lecturer in Sustainability at the University of Arkansas and have a Masters from Harvard University with emphasis in Sustainability + Liberal Arts. I hold 2 credentials from Rutgers University with highest distinction (Beta Gamma Sigma), an MS in Supply Chain Management, and a Mini-MBA in Digital Supply Chain. I also have a BS in Business, Supply Chain Management (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Maryland. I hold an IBM Industry Academy Expert designation (in Consumer), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt.

Views are my own under trademark

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