The Buzz: Shockwaves & Strategy—Iran, EVs, and Supply Chain Disruption

Mar 20, 2026

Christine Barnhart, Head of Industry Engagement at MEBOK and 25+ year supply chain veteran, joins to explore geopolitics and logistics. They unpack Iran’s risks around the Strait of Hormuz and ripple effects on oil and transport. They examine Rivian’s EV plans in Georgia and the hurdles to profitable scale. The conversation also spotlights women in supply chain and the need for visibility, agility, and execution-led transformation.

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ADVICE

Only Build An AI Org After Defining Use Cases

Don’t create a separate AI org until you can name specific use cases and define what success looks like.
Karin Bursa advises assess problems first, then decide whether to upskill existing teams or hire new roles.

INSIGHT

Iran Conflict Is A New Operating Environment

The Iran conflict has become an operating-environment level disruption, not an occasional risk to ignore.
Christine Barnhart and Karin Bursa warn impacts will start in Asia/Europe and cascade globally, affecting fuel, freight, and recession risk.

INSIGHT

Technology People And Process Must Operate As One

Disruptions force technology, people, and process to be tightly integrated or operations fail.
Christine Barnhart and Karin Bursa say siloed legacy tools and spreadsheets can't handle rapid rerouting, scenario planning, or cost shocks.

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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:

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and how disruptions could impact global oil supply and logistics costs
What the Iran conflict signals for supply chain risk management and contingency planning
Inside Rivian’s Georgia expansion and what it reveals about the evolving EV market
The ongoing challenges and opportunities in scaling electric vehicle production profitably
Why visibility, technology, and agility are essential in today’s volatile supply chain landscape
The role of women in supply chain leadership and strategies for overcoming industry barriers
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:

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