The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish Ryan Petersen: Building the Hidden Engine of Global Trade
89 snips
Aug 5, 2025 
Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO of Flexport, shares his journey through the complexities of global logistics and leadership. He candidly discusses the lessons learned from stepping down as CEO and what it took to reclaim his position. The conversation reveals the nuances of micromanagement in leadership, the challenges of navigating tariffs during the Trump era, and the critical role of logistics during the pandemic, including the extraordinary feat of airlifting 500 million masks. Petersen offers insights that blend personal anecdotes with invaluable business wisdom.
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Steve Jobs & iPhone 3G Leak
- Ryan used Import Genius data to predict the secret launch of the iPhone 3G before anyone else.
- This attracted rapid customer growth and even a call from Steve Jobs due to the data leak.
Flying Masks Amid COVID
- Flexport flew 500 million masks into U.S. hospitals during early COVID by chartering grounded passenger planes as cargo flights.
- This unique logistics effort helped hospitals receive crucial supplies when air freight was largely halted.
Micromanagement Is Attention To Detail
- Embrace micromanagement as leadership; inspect everything and don't blindly trust executives.
- Engage with all levels of your company to address problems directly and maintain quality.
