Description

“The supply chain doesn’t care about your plans. It cares how fast you can pivot when the port shuts down, the costs spike, or the bridge collapses. My job? Stay calm and find a way through it.” — Kerim Kfuri

TL;DR

In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, Kerim Kfuri, CEO of The Atlas Network, shares strategic insights on managing global supply chain disruptions, building resilience as a founder, and leading with optimism in volatile markets.

SHOW NOTES

When the global supply chain feels like it’s on fire, Kerim Kfuri doesn’t flinch—he grabs his fireman’s coat and gets to work. In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit of Winning, we sit down with the President and CEO of The Atlas Network to explore the unpredictable world of global logistics and what founders can learn from operating at that scale.

Kerim doesn’t just talk strategy—he lives it. From dealing with dock worker strikes and natural disasters to navigating tariffs and rerouting shipping lanes, his perspective is rooted in experience, adaptability, and an unshakable belief in human ingenuity.

We also talk entrepreneurship, failure, and fulfillment. Kerim shares how his dot-com venture in the music industry crashed during the bubble burst and why walking away from a soul-sucking corporate role became a defining moment in his journey.

If you're a founder wrestling with instability, unsure how to pivot when the unexpected hits, or simply seeking a shot of optimism in a turbulent business environment, this episode delivers.

Bonus: Kerim is giving away a free copy of his book Supply Chain Ups and Downs at kerimkfuri.com.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Supply chain success isn’t about control—it’s about communication, agility, and relentless problem-solving.
• Political and environmental disruptions are constant. Founders must learn to pivot, forecast, and adjust without losing momentum.
• Not all costs can be absorbed. In thin-margin industries, passing price increases to consumers may be the only option.
• Emotional resilience matters. Entrepreneurship without fulfillment leads to burnout—even with a steady paycheck.
• A global mindset isn’t optional in today’s economy. Cross-cultural understanding is a competitive advantage

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Supply Chain Dynamics

02:40 Kareem Kfuri's Journey and Background

05:33 Navigating Challenges in Global Supply Chain

10:59 Adapting to Market Changes and Tariffs

15:43 Communication and Customer Relations in Supply Chain

18:45 The Entrepreneurial Mindset in Supply Chain Management

21:37 The Journey Begins: Early Influences and Entrepreneurial Spirit

24:20 Lessons from Failure: The Dot Com Experience

27:46 Emotional Challenges: Finding Fulfillment in Work

31:47 Global Mindset: Embracing International Business

35:28 Balancing Trust: The Entrepreneur's Dilemma