Equity in Action: How Inclusion Leads to Supply Chain Innovation

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn’t charity. It’s a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits.

She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior leaders doubling down on DEI, this conversation offers actionable takeaways: define the why, build inclusive cultures, and widen the supplier funnel so the best partner wins.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:18) Lushentha’s inspirational journey to Easter Island

(06:50) Growing up during Apartheid

(12:53) The impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership

(17:40) Lushentha’s professional journey at Unilever

(23:45) The power of diversity and inclusion

(26:01) The transition to the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP)

(29:09) Lushentha’s advice for corporate leaders

(32:17) Challenges for women in the workplace

(33:52) What ESDP does, its mission, and its impact

(44:06) The importance of inclusivity and DEI

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Lushentha Naidoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lushentha-naidoo-99730439
• Learn more about ESDP: https://esdp-org.eu/
• Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com
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