Today we’d like to introduce you to Priya Kumar.
Hi Priya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story began on the Forty Acres — where I first discovered my fascination with supply chains. They felt like an endless puzzle to solve, each day presenting a new challenge and a new opportunity to find a smarter solution. That sense of curiosity and problem-solving has guided me ever since.
After graduating from UT Austin, I spent nearly two decades working across industries — from aerospace and defense, financial services and industrial manufacturing to biotech — helping global organizations transform how they source, plan, and move products. Along the way, I learned that true supply chain excellence isn’t just about efficiency or cost savings — it’s about creating systems that are resilient, data-driven, and built for people.
That belief became the foundation for Sustainable Inc., the firm I founded to help companies reimagine their supply chains end-to-end. Today, our team partners with Fortune 500s and high-growth companies alike to drive measurable impact — from improving forecast accuracy and designing AI-enabled planning workflows to leading logistics transformations and supplier negotiations.
It’s been a full-circle moment for me to now return to UT Austin as an Adjunct Professor, teaching operations and supply chain management to the next generation of leaders — right where it all started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes — I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have amazing mentors and colleagues who guided me at every stage. But the road has certainly evolved over time. The supply chain industry itself has transformed dramatically — shaped by technological disruptions, environmental pressures, and geopolitical shifts that continually redefined what “resilience” and “efficiency” mean.
Each disruption — from digital transformation and automation to the rise of AI and sustainability imperatives — forced me to adapt, unlearn, and grow. Rather than seeing change as a setback, I viewed it as a chance to learn something new, to innovate, and to help clients navigate complexity with confidence. Those experiences shaped not only how I lead projects today, but also how I built Sustainable Inc. — as a firm designed to thrive amid change, helping others turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sustainable Inc., we help companies transform their supply chains into engines of growth, resilience, and sustainability. We’re a boutique consulting firm that combines strategy with execution — partnering directly with global manufacturers, consumer brands, and private equity–backed businesses to solve their most complex procurement, logistics, and planning challenges.
What sets us apart is our belief that true transformation happens at the workflow level — not just the process level. We don’t just design strategies; we build them into how teams actually work day to day. Our projects range from demand planning and forecasting revamps to large-scale sourcing transformations, logistics network redesigns, and AI-enabled analytics solutions that improve accuracy, visibility, and speed of decision-making.
We’re known for being hands-on, data-driven, and relentlessly focused on measurable results — helping clients unlock double-digit savings, improve service levels, and increase forecast accuracy across thousands of SKUs. Our team has deep experience across CPG, biotech, industrials, and retail, and we bring both strategic insight and operational rigor to every engagement.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Sustainable Inc. has become synonymous with smart, practical, and people-centered transformation. We take pride in building long-term relationships and empowering our clients — and their teams — to sustain improvements long after the project ends.
Ultimately, what I want readers to know is that our work is about more than supply chains — it’s about helping businesses make it happen: driving change that’s intelligent, inclusive, and built to last.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Absolutely. My biggest piece of advice is to say yes to opportunities — even the ones that feel a little outside your comfort zone. Every project, every challenge, and every mentor you encounter will teach you something that shapes who you become as a leader. Early in my career, I didn’t always know exactly where each role or project would lead, but looking back, those experiences built the foundation for everything I do today.
I’d also say — be curious and stay adaptable. The supply chain world changes faster than ever, driven by technology, global events, and evolving customer expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn new tools, or rethink old ways of doing things. The ability to connect dots across disciplines — finance, technology, operations, and data — will set you apart.
And finally, build relationships and invest in people. Your mentors, peers, and teams will be your greatest assets. No one builds success alone. I wish I had fully understood earlier how important it is to nurture those connections — they’ll open doors, challenge your thinking, and support you through every stage of your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sustainablesupplyinc.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-k-sustainableinc/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/2b7QJpGAeEmI1VwLJmf7g6?si=9cf23bfae9ab4bb4
