Talking Logistics Podcasts [Video] Leading Through The 5 Stages of Grief in Supply Chain Management
Jan 25, 2026
Mike Regan, Co-founder and Chief of Relationship Development at TranzAct Technologies, advises CEOs on transportation, tariffs, and supply chain strategy. He frames supply chain challenges through the five stages of grief. Topics include executive uncertainty and visibility gaps, denial and underinvestment, tariff preparedness and refund opportunities, and the need for written cross-functional playbooks.
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Change Is The New Normal
- The industry faces persistent change and uncertainty that won't revert to 'the way things were.'
- Mike Regan frames this as a long-term operating reality requiring new leadership approaches.
Drake Passage Metaphor
- Mike compares supply chain turbulence to a rough sea and a night with 20–30 foot swells in the Drake Passage.
- He uses this to illustrate leaders' desire to move from extreme volatility to manageable conditions.
The Iceberg Of Ignorance
- Many executives only see a small fraction of operational problems while frontline workers see them all.
- Regan calls this the 'iceberg of ignorance' and stresses leaders must seek input beyond the C-suite.
