Tompkins Ventures

Have you ever wondered how a rigid top-down management style and poorly planned RTO mandates can disrupt even the world’s largest companies? Like, oh, I don’t know … #Amazon?! In my latest blog, I share insights from decades of industrial engineering experience and explain why forcing a one-size-fits-all return-to-office policy is a recipe for disaster. Drawing on real-world examples, including the chaos witnessed at Amazon, I reveal how disconnected leadership decisions lead to logistical nightmares, demotivated teams and lost talent. Top-down management, when detached from on-the-ground realities, undermines employee engagement and productivity. Today’s executive teams need to reconsider their approach to leadership in our evolving work landscape. Click the link below to read the full blog and join the conversation on modern management practices.? https://lnkd.in/eYGmSRUS #TopDownLeadership, #BadManagement, #LostTrust, #MotivationMatters, #IndustrialEngineering, #RTOChallenges

The U.S. economy is a $30 trillion powerhouse. President Trump is using that power and tariffs to try and cut down a $1.2 trillion trade deficit. But should Canada and Mexico push back? Well, in a trade war, size matters. The U.S. is the 340-pound weightlifter; Canada and Mexico are smaller contenders. History and economics suggest that challenging the biggest player may not end well. Rather than escalating tensions, strategic negotiations and supply chain adjustments could offer a smarter path forward. I break it all down in my latest blog. Read all about it here:? https://lnkd.in/eCyNp_76 #TradeWar, #TradeDeficit, #CanadaMexicoTrade, #EconomicDiplomacy, #USTradeDeficit #TradeWarThreat

Traditional corporate structures force you to choose speed or quality. Move too fast, and you risk costly mistakes. Prioritize quality, and you slow to a crawl. But what if you didn’t have to choose? That’s the power of a well-built business ecosystem. Instead of being confined by rigid hierarchies, you tap into pre-vetted experts, trusted partners and seamless collaboration – all at a moment’s notice. We put this to the test with a critical reverse logistics and circular economy project. The challenge? Assemble a world-class team across multiple countries – fast. We set that team up in just 31.5 hours. No bureaucracy. No wasted time. Just the right people, ready to execute. Want to see how we did it? Read the full story here:?https://lnkd.in/exEpfkYf #BusinessEcosystem, #SupplyChain, #Logistics, #NetworkBuilding, #WorldClassTeam

Trump’s trade policies have changed the game. But the biggest surprises depend on your perspective. From supply chain executives failing to prepare for tariffs to economists oversimplifying their impact, the ripple effects are shaking up industries. One key takeaway? ReGlobalization is here, and done right, it can actually reduce costs – despite tariffs. Yet many leaders are stuck reacting instead of adapting. In my latest blog, I break down four perspectives: A strategic masterclass in Trump’s adaptable approach. Supply chain execs caught off guard. The average consumer’s hard financial lesson. Why economists are missing the bigger picture. If you want to stay ahead in this new era, optionality isn’t optional. It’s essential. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/emns6Cin What’s your take? Have tariffs or supply chain shifts impacted your business? Let’s discuss in the comments! #TrumpTradePolicy, #ReGlobalization, #SupplyChainShift, #ExecutivesInsights, #ConsumerImpact

March is International Women’s Month—a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and impact of women everywhere. For me, March carries even deeper meaning. This is going to be a very personal post. March 1st is my mother’s birthday. March 5th marks the 20th anniversary of her passing. And today, my family and I will honor her memory in the way that would mean the most to her, through prayer, remembrance, and sharing a meal with the church community she so dearly loved. My mother didn’t lead from a stage. She led from the heart. She was an immigrant with a sixth-grade education who built a life in the U.S. with my father, believing in the promise of opportunity. She worked in a factory making women’s handbags, taking immense pride in her craft, not as a job, but as a privilege. She understood that work is more than what we do; it’s how we do it. With integrity. With humility. With love. For decades, she served in the Ladies Auxiliary at church, never seeking recognition, only seeking to give. She dedicated herself to her faith, her family, and her community, embodying the quiet strength of service. She loved deeply, and she served joyfully. That was her legacy. Love through action. Leadership through service. She shaped the way I lead today. In supply chain, leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and making an impact that lasts beyond us. It’s about serving others, not for credit, but because it’s the right thing to do. As I reflect on her life, one truth stands out: A life well lived is a life of love and service. I am so lucky to be her daughter. She was my first role model. This weekend, as we celebrate her legacy, I’m reminded that true leadership isn’t measured in power or prestige. It’s measured in the lives we touch, the kindness we give, and the values we uphold. To all the women leading by example, through your love, your service, and your quiet but powerful influence, your impact is seen. Your legacy endures. Happy International Women’s Month.

Are you driving worker motivation – or driving people crazy? Too many leaders still think they can drive results, drive performance and even drive worker motivation. But people aren’t pigeons, golf balls, or cattle. They don’t respond well to being pushed in a direction they don’t want to go. So why do so many companies rely on outdated motivation theories to bring employees back to the office? The truth is, worker motivation isn't about mandates. It's about autonomy, purpose and engagement. Flexible work isn’t just a perk – it’s a powerful motivator. Yet many businesses still struggle to balance flexibility with productivity. How do motivation theories from the past century shape today’s workforce? And what really works to keep employees engaged? I break it all down in my latest blog. Read more here:? https://lnkd.in/eHaxnbzT #WorkerMotivation, #FutureOfWork, #EmployeeEngagement

Gen. – later U.S. President – Dwight D. Eisenhower famously said, “plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” That quote fits perfectly in an era where supply chains don’t stand still. But then, why do so many companies rely on static contingency plans? Wars, tariffs, economic shifts, and natural disasters make it impossible to stick with a single backup plan. That’s why Dynamic Supply Chain Optionality (DSCO) and Xshoring are critical in our era of ReGlobalization. Instead of dusting off outdated blueprints, today’s leaders need real-time scenario modeling, strategic cost assessments and adaptable sourcing strategies to stay ahead. Because true optionality means not having one perfect plan – it’s having the ability to pivot to alternatives when the unexpected happens. Read more about how to build contingency plans that actually work in a world of perpetual disruption: https://lnkd.in/gncAYs2Z #dynamicplanning, #supplychainresiliency, #Xshoring, #contingencyplanning, #Eisenhowerquote

Today on our latest Special Edition podcast episode with Jim Tompkins, we take a deep dive into the intricate world of supply chains, focusing on the impact of policies from the Trump administration. Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eHxmmvp7 Together, we navigate the uncertainties and complexities of recent tariff announcements, reciprocal trade agreements, and their potential effects on global manufacturing. From dynamic market responses to the strategic planning businesses need to adopt amidst these changes, this episode unravels the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within today's global trade landscape. If you're involved in supply chain management or just curious about how international trade policies might reshape the future, this discussion is sure to provide valuable insights. Let's dive in! Connect with Jim through the links below: Supply Chain and Logistics - Tompkins Ventures: https://lnkd.in/eGbbi2uk Read yesterday’s LinkedIn post: https://lnkd.in/eSv4wcKJ #TrumpsImpact #SupplyChain #JimTompkins #ReciprocalTariffs #TradeImbalance #USExports #ProtectiveTax #Subsidies #QuotaSystem #VATTax #ExecutiveOrders #TariffImplementation #GlobalManufacturers #USManufacturing #SteelAndAluminumTariffs #AutomotiveIndustry #Pharmaceuticals #Semiconductors #CommerceSecretary #HowardLutnick #ElonMusk #GlobalTradeComplexity #ReGlobalization #ContingencyPlanning #ScenarioPlanning #BusinessStrategy #Procurement #GlobalTransportation #Warehousing #InternationalSourcing #TompkinsVentures