Congratulations to the Class of 2019!
It is school graduation season. Two of my nephews just graduated from high school and another graduated from college. Next week, my son graduates from 8th grade and my daughter from 5th grade. They’re all making their way, year by year, toward the ultimate graduation: living in the real world.
Back in high school, I was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by my classmates. It was certainly an honor, but what did it mean? Was I most likely to get the best job? Most likely to make the most money? Most likely to become president?
How did my classmates define success? And more importantly, how would I define success?
It’s been 31 years since I graduated high school. I believe I have the best job in the world, even though it’s for a tiny company. I make enough money, but I’m not rich, and I have no interest in running for political office.
Have I succeeded?
I am happy. I am healthy. I have a beautiful family. I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, and food to eat. I’m trying to make a difference in my corner of the world — coaching Little League baseball, fundraising to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes, raking leaves for my elderly neighbors.
Success is a work in progress and I’m still working on it. It is a road not travelled alone, but with family, friends, clients, colleagues, and many others.
This is also award season in the supply chain industry, with honors given to the “Top 25 Supply Chains” and the “Top 10 3PLs.”
This got me thinking: if all supply chain software vendors and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) went to high school together, who would they choose as “Most Likely to Succeed” in the future?
How would they define success?
Most profitable growth? Most customer growth? Broadest solution offering? Largest customer base? Most money raised? Broadest global presence? Most acquisitions? Happiest customers? Happiest employees? Best corporate citizenship?
Simply put, which supply chain software vendors and 3PLs are most likely to succeed in the years ahead and why?
