268 | From Ancient Trade Routes to Modern Supply Chains: Inside Global Wealth, Local Impact with Stephanie Forbes

In this episode of the Art of Consulting Podcast, host Kat welcomes supply chain strategist Stephanie Forbes to discuss her new book, *Global Wealth, Local Impact*, which draws powerful parallels between ancient trade systems—like the Roman road network, the Silk Road, and the East India Company—and modern supply chain dynamics. Forbes illustrates how timeless principles of infrastructure, trust, risk-sharing, and vertical integration continue to shape today’s global economy, even as disruptions from geopolitics, climate, and technology challenge supply chain resilience. The conversation reveals how historical lessons can inform contemporary strategies, from building redundancy and ethical sourcing to navigating the 'new normal' of constant disruption. With real-world examples ranging from the Strait of Hormuz’s energy bottlenecks to digital reputation systems like Facebook Marketplace reviews, the episode underscores that supply chains are not just logistical networks but living, evolving ecosystems of human connection and systemic risk. Key takeaways include: 1) Supply chains are foundational to global wealth and local prosperity, not just logistics; 2) Trust, reputation, and community-based systems—like those on the Silk Road—are still vital today; 3) Modern supply chains must embrace redundancy and contingency planning due to the 'new normal' of constant disruption; 4) Historical monopolies like the East India Company warn against unchecked vertical integration and exploitation; 5) Geopolitical instability (e.g., Middle East conflicts) directly impacts global supply availability and pricing; 6) Innovation in logistics (e.g., 3D printing, digital trade) builds on ancient frameworks; 7) Consumers now demand ethical, green, and transparent supply chains; 8) Nations and corporations are actively remapping supply chains in response to crises. The overall sentiment is highly positive, emphasizing empowerment, insight, and the transformative potential of learning from history.