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 engagedAdditional 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 Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0ZWEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vlThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/bold-new-decarbonized-future-conversation-1520 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.