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: