
Source: Fortune
Summary
Peloton’s COO Charles Kirol, a former U.S. Navy veteran, spoke at Fortune’s COO Summit, emphasizing the importance of resilience in business operations. He argued that efficiency alone is not enough and that companies need to prioritize real-time visibility and adaptability. Kirol introduced the concept of the “glass pipeline,” where every team member can see exactly where inventory stands at any moment, and advocated for building “fleets of resilient teams” rather than “silos of excellence.” He also emphasized the need for companies to be ready for disruptions rather than just moving faster.
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Peloton’s COO Charles Kirol is applying lessons from his Navy experience to the company’s supply chain management. He’s prioritizing resilience over efficiency, introducing real-time visibility, and promoting a culture of adaptability. Kirol’s approach is a direct response to the company’s past mistakes, including overcorrecting on supply chain capacity during the pandemic. The “glass pipeline” concept is a key part of this strategy, allowing teams to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Kirol’s message is clear: in today’s uncertain business environment, being ready is more important than being fast.
“Let’s stop building silos of excellence and build fleets of resilient teams.”








