Why Most DTC Founders Struggle with Supply Chain Talent (And How to Lead Them Like a Pro)

Managing remote team is already complicated but managing supply chain talent? That's a whole different level and here's why. Supply chain specialists don't work like General VAs they're exposed to constant stress tariff, vendor delays, 3 PL issues, freight cutoffs, negotiations and non stop disruptions and the reality is the decisions they make directly affect your margins, your timelines and whether your launch even happens. So if you try to manage them the same way you'd manage a VA you'll burn them out and you'll miss the value they can actually bring. My advice is to give them context not just tasks. Let them see the bigger picture of your brand and then create a system for decisions so they're not stuck in second guessing. Build in check ins for coaching and not just reporting. Supply chain talent thrives when they feel like a problem solver not task doers. So if you're a founder scaling up invest in managing supply chain talent differently. That's how you get leverage instead of more stress.