The Digital Executive – Ep. 1203
Guest: Carmit Glik, CEO of Ship Forward
Date: February 27, 2026
Episode Title: "Future of Digital Logistics"
Episode Overview
This episode of "The Digital Executive" features Carmit Glik, CEO of Ship Forward, a leader in digital transformation within global logistics and international trade. Host Brian Thomas (Coruzant Technologies) delves into critical challenges, cultural shifts, the impact of digital platforms, and the future of freight, all through the lens of digital-first solutions. The conversation centers on how rapid market changes—from tariffs to geopolitical instability—demand technology-driven resilience, and how businesses can adapt and thrive in this volatile environment.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Major Pain Points in International Trade Solved by Technology
Timestamp: [02:08]
- Unpredictable Regulatory Changes: Carmit references recent U.S. tariff fluctuations as a vivid example of unforeseen industry disruptions.
- Quick, drastic legal and political changes directly impact company finances and cash flows.
- Quote:
"This type of sudden changes...if you don't have digital tools, you are probably in a really, really, really difficult situation as a company..." — Carmit Glik [02:21]
- Need for Immediate, Data-Driven Responses: The rapid pace of global change, accelerated during the COVID era, requires businesses to adopt digital tools to stay competitive and responsive.
- Traditional, manual approaches can't handle the speed or unpredictability.
- Businesses must access up-to-the-minute information any time, not just during working hours.
2. Barriers to Digital Transformation in Freight & Logistics
Timestamp: [04:32]
- Cultural & Behavioral Inertia: The mentality of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” remains a core obstacle.
- Logistics professionals are especially risk-averse, impeding tech adoption even in the face of clear benefits.
- Quote:
"It's definitely a mindset, certain behaviors that we don't change if it's not broken type of thinking...we are very risk diverse in everything related to logistics and trade." — Carmit Glik [04:33]
- The Trust Barrier: Building trust in new, digital platforms is crucial, especially for small and medium businesses (SMBs).
- Solutions: 24/7 platform access, secure transactions, transparent processes, and human support to address concerns.
- Ship Forward focuses on making digital tools approachable and reliable to instill confidence and change ingrained behaviors.
3. How Digital Freight Platforms Enable Risk Mitigation
Timestamp: [06:52]
- Transparency and Data Access:
- Businesses instantly see pricing, service options, routes, and transit times—without lengthy back-and-forth.
- Enables quick scenario planning for shifting global partnerships (e.g., changing reliance on China).
- End-to-End Digital Integration:
- Search, source, and pay for logistics needs—all within a secure, always-available platform.
- Flexibility for smaller shipments, samples, or urgent air freight directly online.
- Seamless payments, including credit cards, reduce friction and speed up onboarding.
- Quote:
"All of those...changes that the digital world give you, you cannot find anywhere else. And that's a little bit imitating the way we operate in our personal life..." — Carmit Glik [09:19]
- SMB Empowerment:
- Solutions scale to lean teams needing around-the-clock logistic tools, supporting growth and agility.
4. The Future of Freight: Next Decade Predictions
Timestamp: [11:13]
- Permanent Volatility Post-COVID: The hope of returning to “pre-COVID normalcy” has faded; volatility is the new standard due to ongoing geopolitical issues and shifting policies.
- Quote:
"Nothing went back to normal, at least not in the terms of supply chain and global trade. And I think that will continue be the case." — Carmit Glik [11:28]
- Quote:
- Need for Agility and Real-Time Adaptation:
- Logistics providers and their business clients must be able to pivot rapidly to remain competitive.
- The ability to quickly access global logistics assets and scenario planning is now essential, particularly for SMBs lacking deep infrastructure.
- Quote:
"They need to be really, really thorough in choosing the right partner that can provide them that global scenario overview...that will keep them in the competitive world safer than the rest." — Carmit Glik [12:51]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Urgency of Digital Adoption:
"We cannot be any more dependent on traditional way of working in the logistics world." — Carmit Glik [03:39]
- On Building Trust in Digital Logistics:
"...having 24/7 support, human support—that really, really wraps all type of concern they might have..." — Carmit Glik [05:36]
- On the Personalization of Business Tools:
"That's a little bit imitating the way we operate in our personal life that we got used to very fast and it saves us time. The same it is within the business environment..." — Carmit Glik [09:19]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:08] – Impact of real-time geopolitical and regulatory changes on logistics; necessity of digital tools
- [04:32] – Cultural resistance to digital transformation and strategies to overcome it
- [06:52] – How digital freight platforms provide transparency, risk mitigation, and SMB empowerment
- [11:13] – The permanent volatility of modern supply chains and must-have future capabilities
Summary
Carmit Glik makes a compelling case for why digital logistics is no longer optional—it's critical for survival and growth in the global economy. The episode breaks down how technology can help businesses of all sizes manage unprecedented change, overcome cultural and operational stickiness, and prepare for an unpredictable future where speed, transparency, trust, and adaptability are the ultimate competitive advantages. For anyone navigating the complexities of global trade, this episode is both a cautionary tale and an optimistic roadmap.