Rivian, EV adoption, and Georgia plant outlook

Geopolitical tensions are rising, supply chains are shifting, and innovation isn’t slowing down—on this episode of The Buzz, we break down what it all means and why it matters now… welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44!

In this episode, Scott Luton, Karin Bursa, and special guest Christine Barnhart unpack the far-reaching implications of the ongoing Iran conflict on global supply chains, with a close look at the Strait of Hormuz and its critical role in global oil flow. The conversation explores how potential disruptions could ripple across transportation, manufacturing, and cost structures worldwide. The team also dives into Rivian’s ambitious EV manufacturing plans in Georgia, examining both the promise and the profitability challenges facing the electric vehicle market. Rounding out the discussion, the episode highlights the growing impact of women in supply chain leadership and the importance of adaptability, visibility, and innovation in navigating today’s complex operating environment.

Tune in and learn:

1. The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and how disruptions could impact global oil supply and logistics costs
2. What the Iran conflict signals for supply chain risk management and contingency planning
3. Inside Rivian’s Georgia expansion and what it reveals about the evolving EV market
4. The ongoing challenges and opportunities in scaling electric vehicle production profitably
5. Why visibility, technology, and agility are essential in today’s volatile supply chain landscape
6. The role of women in supply chain leadership and strategies for overcoming industry barriers
7. How leaders can build resilience and stay ahead in an increasingly uncertain global environment

From geopolitical disruption to technological transformation, this episode is a must-listen for supply chain leaders looking to stay informed, agile, and prepared. Whether you're navigating risk, investing in innovation, or leading through change, this conversation delivers timely insights to help you move forward with confidence.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Project 44: https://www.project44.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-15March2026
3. National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
4. Navigating headwinds and harnessing innovation: https://bit.ly/4cQh7k6
5. U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/scn-usbank-wts
6. Karin's Post: https://bit.ly/AI-Org-Chart-KB
7. Sherri Post: https://bit.ly/Women-Of-The-Revolution
8. How the Iran conflict is impacting global ocean shipping flows: https://bit.ly/Iran-Impact-Ocean-Shipping
9. 3 things you need to understand about how war with Iran will raise your cost of living: https://bit.ly/4rT5nkJ
10. Record Diesel-Price Surge Hits U.S. Truckers, Retailers and Manufacturers: https://on.wsj.com/4rx7BWE
11. Rivian’s crucial R2 EV launch to begin with $58,000 model in spring: https://bit.ly/4sSV3Kq
12. Decision44 Event: https://www.project44.com/events/decision44/
13. How Real Experience Changes Supply Chain Thinking: https://bit.ly/Speaking-Of-SC-Episode73
14. Coach Lawson's Video: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/scottwindonluton_supplychain-goodnews-activity-7438183529332649984-CmiO/
15. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmbarnhart/
16. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
17. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
18. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
19. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
20. Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
21. WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
22. WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKp
23. WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-shockwaves-strategy-iran-ev-supply-chain-disruption-1560