Figuring it out one blog at a time.

 As a Gen X’er, I’ve been listening to music, podcasts, even audiobooks while working for years. Whether I’m pulling reports, mapping out yard configurations, or clearing the email backlog, having background noise actually helps me focus. It’s not new, and it’s not a problem. So why is watching TV or movies while working treated like some productivity sin—especially when the work is getting done? A recent article said that many Gen Z remote workers stream shows while working and often lie about it to their bosses. Apparently, 84% do it, and nearly half admit to hiding it. But here's the thing: if the quality of the work isn’t suffering, why is this such a big deal? Sometimes, zoning in with a show running in the background can be the very thing that helps someone get in the zone . We all have different ways of managing focus and stress—some use silence, some use Spotify, some use Netflix. We shouldn’t have to lie about what helps us work best.

 As someone who spent years in the at-home wine business, the proposed tariffs on European wine imports hit close to home. While I’ve always admired the innovation and quality coming from U.S. growers—there’s something uniquely expressive about California reds or a crisp Oregon white—there’s simply no replacing a bold Italian red or an authentic Champagne from France. It’ll be important to watch how these potential tariffs play out. Beyond the direct cost to importers and consumers, the ripple effects on winemakers overseas, U.S. restaurants, and wine lovers everywhere could be significant. Wine is a global story, and policies like these don’t happen in a vacuum. Curious to see how others in the industry—importers, distributors, restaurateurs—are preparing for this possibility. Are you rethinking your inventory strategy or doubling down on domestic producers?

 With the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill just behind us, I’ve found myself thinking about how fragile our ecosystems—and economies—truly are. I remember the images of oil-soaked wildlife, devastated coastlines, and the ripple effect on fishing communities. Millions of fish and animals lost. Over $250 million in economic damage. The environmental trauma still echoes today. So when I read the recent news about President Trump announcing a 25% tariff on U.S. imports from countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela , my mind went straight to the kind of consequences we often forget until it’s too late. The tariff, set to take effect April 2, is meant to address concerns about Tren de Aragua , a Venezuelan gang the U.S. has now labeled a foreign terrorist organization. But once again, it’s oil and politics converging in a way that could trigger unintended consequences —for trade, for supply chains, and for people on the ground. As someone who's worked in logistics for ...

 The news that 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy hit me harder than I expected. On May 14, their assets—including the genetic data of more than 15 million people —could be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Bloomberg even called that data a “valuable asset that often changes hands in Chapter 11.” As someone who didn’t get to grow up knowing my grandparents—especially on my paternal side—because of being a military brat, the ability to connect with cousins through DNA testing was deeply meaningful. They were able to share stories, memories, and names of great-grandparents I had never known. That connection gave me more than just a family tree—it gave me a sense of belonging and identity I never had before. So yes, I’m concerned. Like millions of others, I trusted a company with my most personal, irreversible information: my DNA. But I’m also thankful —because through that experience, I gained something invaluable. Still, this bankruptcy raises serious questions we ...

  Last month, I lost a friend. This law broke her family — broke everyone who loved her. We spoke to her Tuesday night. She was doing well after surgery, and on her way to a rehab facility to get stronger. We laughed, made plans. By 5 a.m. Wednesday, she was gone. No recourse. No answers. Florida’s “Free Kill” law — Florida Statute 768.21(8) — makes it impossible for families to sue for medical malpractice if the victim is over 25, unmarried, and has no minor children. It’s a legal loophole that shields negligent doctors and hospitals while devastating those left behind. Despite public outrage, every attempt to repeal it has quietly died in committee. The reason? Political fear, lobbyist pressure, and money. Healthcare and insurance lobbies argue that repeal would trigger a wave of lawsuits and higher costs. What they don’t say is that the current law protects them — not patients — and leaves grieving families without justice. Some lawmakers have tried to change this. Others have i...

As a woman in logistics, watching Adrienne Camire step down from the FMCSA just two weeks into her role raises serious questions — not just about leadership transitions, but about consistency in an industry that depends on clear direction. The FMCSA plays a central role in setting safety standards, enforcing regulations, and shaping how freight moves across the country. When leadership at the top turns over that quickly — and without explanation — it sends ripples through the industry. For shippers, this kind of instability creates uncertainty. Will enforcement priorities shift? Will regulatory timelines change? What happens to long-term policy initiatives already in motion? These questions matter, especially in an environment already shaped by labor shortages, compliance pressures, and rising operational costs. As women in this industry, we know how important representation is at every level — but especially at the top. Seeing a woman take the helm, even briefly, was a signal that ...

LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence survey shows something we can’t ignore: workers across the U.S. are more uncertain about their finances, job prospects, and careers than they’ve been in years. Confidence levels are now lower than they were during the early pandemic. For those of us leading in logistics, this matters. Our workforce is the engine of our operations — and if confidence is down, engagement, retention, and performance often follow. We’re facing a convergence of challenges: a cooling job market, economic shifts, and the rise of AI, all feeding into a broader sense of instability. The natural instinct in uncertain times is to tighten up — cut costs, pause hiring, automate fast. But strong leadership means resisting panic and focusing on people. This is the moment to lead with clarity. Be transparent about where the business stands and where it’s going. Make space for your teams to ask hard questions. Prioritize training and growth, not just efficiency. Show that investing in...

  I feel like this really is going to be an ongoing conversation over this next year. I know in earlier posts- I explored the critical relationship between tariffs, rapid rail, and port connectivity. With shifting trade policies reshaping supply chains, inland transportation networks must evolve as fast as global trade itself. But another factor is now adding pressure: the Federal Reserve’s approach to interest rates. 📉 The Fed, Rates, and Supply Chains The Fed’s latest projections signal at least two rate cuts this year, but not yet. Inflation remains above target, consumer expectations for higher prices are rising, and recession fears are growing. For businesses navigating supply chain costs, this uncertainty complicates capital investment, expansion plans, and logistics strategies. 🚛 The Ripple Effect on Freight & Rail Just as tariffs shift trade routes, interest rate policy influences infrastructure investment. Higher borrowing costs slow down major transportation proje...

A few posts back, I explored the crucial relationship between tariffs and rapid rail in strengthening port connectivity. As trade policies continue to shift, one thing is clear: inland transportation networks must evolve at the same pace as global trade itself. 🚛 The Ripple Effect on Freight & Rail Recent tariff changes are accelerating shifts in supply chains, forcing importers and exporters to rethink their logistics strategies. With higher costs squeezing margins, companies are seeking the most cost-effective and time-efficient routes to move goods. This puts intermodal rail at the center of the conversation. 📍 New Trade Routes, New Rail Needs As manufacturers and shippers adjust to changing tariffs, supply chains are being redrawn. Southeast U.S. ports, Gulf Coast hubs, and inland terminals are gaining traction—requiring rail operators to reallocate resources, adapt scheduling, and invest in infrastructure to match demand. 💡 Agility is the Name of the Game To stay ahea...

 The Trump administration’s decision to fire 25,000 probationary federal employees across 18 agencies—only to be forced to reinstate them by a court order—highlights a major logistics nightmare in workforce management. Mass terminations at this scale disrupt operations, create uncertainty, and introduce unnecessary inefficiencies. Agencies must now scramble to reinstate employees, reactivate accounts, reassign workloads, and manage the administrative mess caused by an abrupt and legally questionable decision. The cost of lost productivity and rehiring efforts alone could outweigh any intended “efficiency” gains. For any large organization—public or private—workforce changes need to be strategic, well-planned, and legally sound. Firing thousands of employees without proper process doesn’t just risk lawsuits; it causes operational breakdowns that ripple across departments. From HR to IT, payroll to security access, every part of the system is affected. This case serves as a remind...

Great leadership isn’t just about vision—it’s about execution. And behind every successful executive, there’s often a highly skilled Administrative Professional ensuring that plans are implemented, priorities are managed, and time is optimized. Yet, too often, Administrative Assistants are seen as “support” rather than strategic partners. As executives, we need to shift that mindset. An exceptional Admin isn’t just keeping our calendars in order—they’re making sure we’re in the right rooms, prepared for the right discussions, and focused on what drives business forward. 💡 What can we do to empower them? ✔️ Provide opportunities for skill development and career growth ✔️ Include them in strategic conversations—they anticipate needs before we even see them ✔️ Recognize their contributions beyond the day-to-day tasks An executive is only as effective as their ability to delegate, prioritize, and execute—and that’s exactly what an Administrative Professional helps us do. To my fe...

 The ongoing tariff war with Canada, Mexico, and China adds another layer of economic pressure—particularly for lower-income Americans and the essential workers who keep the transportation industry running . Those working behind the scenes in trucking, warehousing, rail, and port operations —many of whom are already navigating the challenges of inflation—will feel the effects as the cost of imported goods rises. Since tariffs ultimately get passed down to consumers , these increases hit hardest for those spending a larger share of their paycheck on necessities like food, fuel, and everyday essentials. Beyond consumer impact, higher tariffs can disrupt supply chains, increase freight costs, and create uncertainty in international trade . For transportation workers, this can mean unpredictable demand, wage pressures, and potential slowdowns in certain sectors . As February’s consumer price index report sheds light on these early effects, it’s crucial for policymakers and industry ...

 The passage of a short-term funding bill is a temporary fix, but it highlights ongoing challenges in securing long-term budget stability. While it may avert an immediate government shutdown, the uncertainty surrounding federal funding has real consequences—especially for industries like transportation and logistics , which rely heavily on government operations for infrastructure maintenance, regulatory oversight, and supply chain efficiency. A shutdown could mean delays in infrastructure projects, disruptions in federal transportation grants, and potential slowdowns in regulatory approvals from agencies like the DOT and FAA . This uncertainty can impact freight movement, commercial aviation, and overall economic stability. The transportation industry, a backbone of the economy, depends on predictable government funding for everything from highway maintenance to port operations. Without a sustainable, long-term budget, companies must navigate shifting policies and delayed project...

The response to my last post has been overwhelming, and I’m truly grateful for the support, shared stories, and dialogue it has sparked. It’s a reminder that so many of us carry silent experiences—whether it’s infertility, loss, or the weight of unspoken struggles. One thing I want to emphasize is that this isn’t about avoiding conversations about family—it’s about making space for all experiences. A simple shift in how we approach introductions can make a profound difference. Instead of leading with, “Do you have kids?” consider: 🔹 What do you enjoy outside of work? 🔹 Tell me about something you're passionate about. 🔹 What’s been bringing you joy lately? These small changes invite connection without assumption, allowing people to share on their own terms. As professionals, colleagues, and leaders, we have an opportunity to foster environments where everyone feels seen—regardless of their path to (or beyond) parenthood. Let’s keep the conversation going: What are some o...

I am childless not by choice (CNBC) and an ovarian cancer survivor. I have experienced pregnancy, yet my body was unable to carry. Ovarian cancer, known as the "silent killer," is invasive, often misdiagnosed, and can steal a woman's ability to conceive before she even realizes what’s happening. One of the first questions many women hear when meeting someone new is, “Do you have kids?” While seemingly innocent, this question can be painful for the 1 in 6 women struggling with infertility. In professional settings, especially, this should never be the first question asked of a woman in any industry. Instead, ask about their interests outside of work. The conversation will naturally reveal what matters to them—whether it's family, pets, hobbies, or personal passions—without placing them in a position to explain or relive their struggles. Let’s shift the dialogue to one of inclusivity and awareness, recognizing that family looks different for everyone. hashtag # IWD2025 ...