A Bold, New, Decarbonized Future: A Conversation with Steve Wilhite

Global supply chains are facing a dual transformation, an accelerating shift toward clean energy and a rapid evolution in AI-driven decision-making. As companies navigate rising expectations for sustainability, transparency, and resilience, leaders are rethinking how ecosystems come together to reduce emissions, digitize operations, and unlock new forms of value.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President of SE Advisory Services at Schneider Electric, live from the Innovation Summit North America 2025. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across energy management and sustainability strategy, Steve offers a rare inside look at how Schneider Electric is helping organizations tackle decarbonization at scale.

Scott and Steve explore the leap forward enabled by AI-native platforms, the growing power of supply chain–wide renewable energy programs, and why collaborative intelligence, where humans and autonomous agents work together, will shape the next decade of transformation. They also highlight real-world examples from Levi Strauss & Co., Marks & Spencer, Walmart, and other global brands that are redefining how ecosystems mobilize around climate action.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:38) Welcome to the Innovation Summit North America 2025

(00:49) Meet Steve Wilhite: Executive VP at Schneider Electric

(01:31) Steve's global adventures and team interactions

(02:08) Innovations in Dubai and AI advancements

(02:43) Steve's role at Schneider Electric

(04:20) Collaborative intelligence and client success stories

(04:44) The Energy Accelerator Program with Levi Strauss

(06:38) Schneider Electric's global impact and supplier engagement

(10:58) AI innovations and Resource Advisor platform

(13:07) The role of AI agents: Sarah, Anna, and Reggie

(16:11) The importance of collaborative intelligence

(19:25) Schneider Electric's culture and future outlook

(21:45) How to connect with Steve and stay engaged

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Steve Wilhite: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wilhite/
• Learn more about Schneider Electric: https://www.se.com/ww/en/
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
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