Episode 68: The Reinvention Mindset for Supply Chain Leaders with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva in Automotive Supply Chain Professionals Podcast

The Reinvention Mindset for Supply Chain Leaders

In this episode of the Auto Supply Chain Profits Podcast, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva joins hosts Jan Griffiths and Therionica to unpack what reinvention really means for today’s supply chain leaders. From the collapse of long-cycle planning to the rise of permanent disruption, Dr. Nadya explains why traditional transformation is no longer enough—and how a reinvention mindset can help leaders navigate everything from digital acceleration to geopolitical upheaval. Packed with real-world examples and practical exercises, this episode is a must-listen for anyone managing complexity in the automotive sector and beyond.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why reinvention is different from transformation—and why it's no longer optional in the supply chain world. Dr. Nadya shares new research showing that the average business model now lasts just five years, and outlines a reinvention approach that prioritizes adaptability, cultural readiness, and a dynamic portfolio of change. You’ll also discover how to rewire team thinking through a simple but powerful “75-5” exercise that helps shift from outdated long-cycle strategies to tools that fit today’s turbulent reality.

Who This Is For

• Supply chain leaders facing constant disruption
• Automotive executives navigating digital and market shifts
• CEOs and COOs tired of reactive transformation cycles
• Change agents looking to embed reinvention into team culture

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Reinvention Must Be Continuous—Not Crisis-Driven

Companies can no longer afford to reinvent once a decade. With 20% of businesses now reinventing faster than the budget cycle, reinvention must become a repeatable capability, not a one-time event.

2. Employees Aren’t Resisting Change—They’re Resisting Betrayal

Most change efforts fail because leaders haven’t updated the psychological contract with their people. The old promise—“change now and I’ll leave you alone”—is broken. Reinvention requires consistent communication and competence-building.

3. The Supply Chain World Has Changed. Have Your Rules?

Through the “75-5” exercise, teams compare the rules of long-cycle (75-year) business with the realities of today’s 5-year cycle. It’s a tool that unlocks cultural reinvention from the inside out.

Resources Mentioned

• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook by Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
• Learn2Reinvent.com – Free tools, research, and reinvention resources
• Dr. Nadya’s article in Harvard Business Review on psychological contracts
• Gallup 2024 report on global workforce engagement 
• Reinvention toolkit 
• Case studies: Hydria