Emil Stefanutti of Gaia Dynamics On How Businesses Can Address Supply Chain Management With The Looming Tariff Changes

An Interview With Vanessa Ogle

Artificial intelligence can have a massive impact on how businesses can keep track of new trade policies and tariffs. For decades, brokers have navigated changes via archaic methods like scrolling through the International Trade Association website and doing pen-and-paper calculations. With artificial intelligence involved, models can do this for us so that brokers can focus on more strategic tasks.

With tariff policies constantly shifting, businesses are facing new challenges in keeping their supply chains efficient, cost-effective, and resilient. How can companies prepare for these changes, mitigate risks, and adapt their strategies to stay competitive? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Emil Stefanutti, Gaia Dynamics.

Emil Stefanutti is the co-founder and CEO of Gaia Dynamics, an AI-driven platform designed to simplify global trade compliance. A serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in tech, media and design, Emil has co-founded successful ventures like Shoppr.tv, ContractRoom (acquired by Mitratech), and Megazines Publications (acquired by Editorial Armonia). With a design degree from the Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan, Emil’s creative approach to problem-solving drives both his business success and community involvement, including leadership roles with Miami Music Project and EndPoverty.org.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

I’m not someone who would seem destined for this path at first glance, but I suppose that’s part of my story. I grew up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela, and I was always a curious kid. Thanks to my amazing parents, I was raised to believe that with enough effort, I could make things happen, no matter the circumstances.

Through my dad’s sacrifices, I was fortunate enough to attend design school in Milan, where I learned how to approach problems creatively and think critically about building projects. Long before “design thinking” was a buzzword, I had the privilege of learning these concepts from some of the best.

Along the way, I experienced a wide range of jobs — volleyball player, Red Cross paramedic, waiter at a EuroDisney restaurant, and even a Spanish teacher in London. But what I discovered most of all was my passion for building things and leading teams.

I started my first business at 14, not even realizing I was technically an entrepreneur, and fell in love with it. After finishing school, I launched a design firm, and aside from a few side gigs here and there, entrepreneurship has been my life ever since.

Even though it’s not always easy — and any entrepreneur will tell you it’s never perfect — I still believe entrepreneurship is the most rewarding and fun path I could ever pursue. I truly love this journey and can’t imagine doing anything else.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

One of the most defining moments in my entrepreneurial journey happened in the most unexpected way. At the time, I was working at the NBA, a role I truly enjoyed, but there was always a sense that something was missing.

It was during a Miami Heat Conference Finals game — Game 7, with just two minutes left and the game tied — that everything changed. The energy in the arena was electric, and Shaquille O’Neal was about to take two crucial free throws. As the whole crowd held its breath, I looked around and noticed the tension. Everyone was anxious, fearing he’d miss, as he often did.

But in that moment, something clicked. I stepped back and saw the entire scene from a different perspective — it was just a game. A giant man trying to put a ball through a hoop, and yet the stakes felt so high to everyone around me. It suddenly struck me how much I was caught in a cycle, doing the same job as countless others, in many places and times. I realized I wasn’t creating anything meaningful.

That moment made me realize that my true purpose was to build something of my own. Not long after, I decided to leave the NBA and start my own company. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m grateful for where it has taken me.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

As a designer, I wasn’t exactly trained in financial modeling. I understood the concepts well enough, but when it came to actually building projections or complex spreadsheets, my Excel skills were… let’s just say, rudimentary. So, I did what any designer would do — I sketched my spreadsheets by hand before attempting to build them in Excel. Yes, literally sketched them.

I still have those drawings, and they crack me up every time I see them. But the best part was the reaction from one of my co-founders. He was far more financially sophisticated than I was, and I could see the concern on his face when I first showed him my ‘blueprints.’ I’m pretty sure he had a moment of panic, wondering if we were doomed.

Fortunately, the math itself made sense, and by combining his expertise with my ideas, we built a successful company. Looking back, I still wonder — was my lack of formal financial training a disadvantage, or did it actually help me think differently? Either way, the experience taught me that sometimes, unconventional approaches can lead to great results — as long as you surround yourself with people who complement your skills.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had great, generous people cross my path throughout my life. Early on, I had an unfair advantage — growing up with an entrepreneurial father. I witnessed the highs and lows of building a business, and that taught me the immense hard work and resilience required to succeed. It became clear to me from a young age that success was in my hands to shape.

Years later, I found one of my greatest mentors in the most unexpected way. I met Parker Thomson while serving on the board of a nonprofit organization. Despite a nearly 50-year age gap, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed spending time with him. I was fortunate to not only share our journey in the nonprofit world but later have him join the board of one of my startups.

What always stood out about Parker was how much wisdom he could impart with the gentlest words and calm demeanor. I’ll never forget a moment in the early days of my company when I was obsessing over some strategy slides. I was second-guessing myself due to my lack of experience. Parker saw me struggling, paused, and simply said, “Stop thinking so much and just do things your way.”

That advice changed my life forever.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

A few years ago, during a particularly stressful business trip, I found myself stranded at a crowded airport, waiting for a flight delayed by five hours. Needing a break from my usual routine, I wandered into a bookstore, determined to find something not business-related. That’s when I picked up Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

Reading it was a transformative experience — not just because it’s an incredible book, but because it made me realize how much I had been limiting myself to business books. I was so focused on learning about work that I had forgotten the power of reading simply for inspiration.

Since then, I make it a point to alternate between business books, fiction, biographies, and even the occasional wildcard. The goal isn’t just to absorb information — it’s to stay inspired. And that inspiration, in turn, fuels my best work. I highly recommend this approach (and this book) to anyone.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?

One of my favorite life lesson quotes comes from Charlie Munger: “I try to avoid people who always confidently answer questions about which they don’t have any real knowledge.”

This resonates deeply with me, especially as a founder navigating the complexities of global trade and AI. Early on, I learned that confidence isn’t a substitute for expertise — yet in business, you’ll often encounter people who speak with absolute certainty about things they barely understand. I’ve seen costly mistakes happen when decisions are made based on loud opinions rather than real knowledge.

This lesson has shaped how I build teams and make decisions. I surround myself with people who are comfortable saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” rather than those who bluff their way through. In a world full of overconfidence, a little intellectual humility goes a long way.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

Throughout my career, I’ve always made it a priority to get deeply involved with organizations that align with causes I care about, such as education and poverty alleviation. When I commit to a cause, I dive in fully and bring the same relentless focus I apply to my businesses. I leverage my “design-thinking” skills to find creative ways to contribute and solve problems, even though, admittedly, time is more limited for me now. However, I look forward to dedicating more of my energy to these causes once I retire.

In the meantime, I find great fulfillment in advising new entrepreneurs. I’m passionate about helping them navigate the startup journey, sharing the lessons I’ve learned from my own experiences, and guiding them through the challenges I’ve faced. I firmly believe that one person’s scars can become someone else’s treasure. After five startups, I’ve certainly accumulated my share of scars, and I find immense satisfaction in using those experiences to help others avoid similar pitfalls and find success more quickly.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. How can businesses proactively adjust their supply chain strategies to minimize the impact of sudden tariff changes?

Businesses can’t control tariff changes, but they can control how prepared they are. The key is building flexibility into the supply chain and maintaining real-time visibility into regulatory shifts.

A diversified supply base is essential. Relying too heavily on a single country or supplier increases risk, so companies should evaluate alternative sourcing options and have contingency plans in place. At the same time, leveraging trade agreements and duty optimization strategies — such as free trade agreements, tariff engineering, or bonded warehouses — can significantly reduce costs that arise from sudden tariff changes.

Technology also plays a crucial role. AI-powered compliance tools can monitor trade policy shifts in real time, automate HTS classification, and provide predictive insights to help businesses pivot quickly. Instead of reacting to tariff changes as they happen, companies that invest in these solutions can anticipate disruptions and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Finally, maintaining strong relationships with customs brokers and trade experts ensures that businesses have access to the right guidance before regulatory changes turn into costly problems. Those who take a proactive, tech-driven approach to trade compliance will be far more resilient in the face of uncertainty.

What key factors should companies consider when deciding whether to absorb increased costs, pass them to consumers, or restructure their supplier network?

When facing increased costs, companies have three main choices: absorb them, pass them to customers, or restructure their supplier network. The right decision depends on a mix of factors, but I always start with these key questions:

1 Customer Sensitivity & Competitive Positioning — How price-sensitive are your customers? Will a price increase push them to competitors? Some industries have more flexibility than others, but understanding where you stand in the market is critical.

2 Margin Health & Long-Term Viability — Can your business afford to absorb the costs without compromising financial stability? A temporary hit might be manageable, but if costs keep rising, you could be eroding long-term profitability.

3 Supply Chain Resilience & Strategic Leverage — Are there alternative suppliers, regions, or materials that could mitigate cost increases? Sometimes, diversifying the supply chain or renegotiating terms with existing partners is the best move before considering price hikes or margin cuts.

4 Brand & Customer Trust — Customers notice when prices rise, but they also appreciate transparency. If passing costs along is necessary, framing it in the right way — whether it’s due to inflation, sustainability improvements, or increased quality — can help maintain trust.

5 Operational Efficiency & Internal Optimization — Before making big external moves, it’s worth looking inward. Are there inefficiencies, redundancies, or cost-saving opportunities within the company that could offset rising expenses? A smart restructuring can sometimes eliminate the need for price increases altogether.

Ultimately, the best approach is rarely black and white. The companies that navigate cost pressures most effectively are those that balance financial discipline with a deep understanding of their customers and supply chains — making decisions not just for the next quarter but for long-term resilience and growth.

How do you assess the risks and opportunities that come with shifting manufacturing or sourcing to different regions in response to tariff fluctuations?

Shifting manufacturing or sourcing in response to tariff fluctuations is a high-stakes decision that requires balancing risk and opportunity. Tariffs are just one piece of the puzzle — what really matters is the total landed cost, including logistics, labor, raw materials, and compliance. Avoiding a tariff might seem like a win, but if other costs increase elsewhere, the move could backfire.

Regulatory and compliance risks also come into play. Every region has its own trade policies, restrictions, and potential pitfalls. A lower tariff won’t help much if new compliance hurdles slow down operations or expose the business to sanctions or intellectual property risks. Beyond that, the overall stability of the region matters. A country with a favorable tariff structure isn’t necessarily the right choice if it lacks reliable infrastructure, a skilled labor force, or political and economic stability. Supply chain disruptions — whether from geopolitics, economic uncertainty, or natural disasters — can quickly erase any cost advantages.

Another key factor is transition speed and cost. Moving manufacturing or suppliers isn’t something that happens overnight. Shifts take time, and setup costs can be high. If tariff changes are temporary or uncertain, making a rushed move could do more harm than good. At the same time, sourcing decisions shouldn’t be purely reactive. Strategic diversification — rather than over-relying on one region — can reduce long-term vulnerabilities, making the business more resilient to future trade disruptions.

Beyond cost considerations, shifting to a new region can also open doors to new markets. Manufacturing in a different country might provide easier trade access, better agreements, or government incentives that create a competitive advantage. In the end, the smartest approach isn’t just about dodging tariffs — it’s about future-proofing the business. Companies that take a long-term, data-driven approach, rather than making knee-jerk decisions, are the ones that come out ahead.

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Can you please share “Five Things Businesses Can Do To Address Supply Chain Management With The Looming Tariff Changes”? If you can, please share an example or story for each.

With looming tariff changes, businesses must take a proactive approach to protect their supply chains. Here are five key strategies:

1 Diversify Suppliers & Manufacturing Locations — Relying too heavily on a single country is a risk. Many companies learned this during the U.S.-China trade war when sudden tariffs forced them to seek alternative suppliers in Vietnam, Mexico, and other regions.

2 Leverage Trade Agreements & Duty Optimization — Free trade agreements, tariff engineering, and bonded warehouses can significantly reduce duty costs. A consumer electronics company restructured its supply chain to qualify for a preferential trade agreement, saving millions.

3 Invest in AI-Powered Compliance & Monitoring — Technology can help businesses anticipate tariff changes rather than react to them. Platforms like Gaia Dynamics automate HTS classification and provide real-time regulatory updates, allowing companies to adjust before new tariffs take effect.

4 Negotiate Flexible Supplier & Logistics Contracts — Smart contract terms can help mitigate tariff risks. A furniture manufacturer added tariff contingency clauses to supplier agreements, preventing unexpected cost spikes.

5 Strengthen Relationships with Customs Brokers & Trade Experts — Complex regulations require expertise. One auto parts importer avoided a costly tariff hike by working with a broker to legally reclassify components under a lower-duty HTS code, saving millions.

What role does technology and data analytics play in helping businesses navigate supply chain disruptions caused by new trade policies?

Artificial intelligence can have a massive impact on how businesses can keep track of new trade policies and tariffs. For decades, brokers have navigated changes via archaic methods like scrolling through the International Trade Association website and doing pen-and-paper calculations. With artificial intelligence involved, models can do this for us so that brokers can focus on more strategic tasks. Our platform Gaia Dynamics keeps tariff calculations updated in real-time for each product, including adding in potential costs associated with rumored tariffs (like when Trump sends out a tweet). This is the first time that companies can be proactive when planning for the future, instead of scrambling once unexpected tariffs hit.

Can you share an example of a company that successfully adapted to a major tariff change and what lessons can be learned from their approach?

One great example is Apple and how it navigated the U.S.-China trade war and the escalating tariffs on Chinese imports. When the Trump administration imposed tariffs on products manufactured in China, Apple faced the risk of higher costs on key products like the iPhone, MacBook, and AirPods. Instead of simply absorbing the extra costs or passing them on to consumers, Apple took a multi-pronged approach to mitigate the impact.

First, Apple diversified its supply chain by shifting some production out of China. It ramped up manufacturing in India and Vietnam, reducing its reliance on Chinese suppliers. This move not only helped avoid tariffs but also aligned with Apple’s long-term strategy of reducing geopolitical risk.

Second, the company leveraged trade exemptions and negotiations. Apple successfully lobbied for tariff exemptions on certain components, reducing its exposure to additional costs. It also worked closely with U.S. regulators to ensure compliance while maintaining profitability.

Third, Apple optimized its pricing and cost structure to absorb tariff-related expenses strategically. Instead of applying across-the-board price increases, Apple adjusted its margins on different product lines and emphasized high-margin services like AppleCare and the App Store to offset potential losses.

Lessons Learned:

1 Diversification is key — Relying on a single country for manufacturing increases exposure to tariff risks. Expanding production to multiple locations creates flexibility.

2 Regulatory strategy matters — Businesses that stay engaged with policymakers and trade experts can secure exemptions or find compliant alternatives.

3 Cost mitigation goes beyond supply chains — A mix of pricing strategy, margin adjustments, and alternative revenue streams can help absorb tariff impacts.

Apple’s approach shows that businesses can’t control tariffs, but they can control how they respond — and the most resilient companies treat trade compliance as a strategic function, not just an operational necessity.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

One of the biggest sources of motivation for me these days is finding ways to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs. I was shocked to learn that only 9% of small businesses in the U.S. export their products. Even more surprising, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the biggest barrier preventing more small businesses from going global isn’t a lack of demand — it’s the complexity of regulatory compliance.

The few that do manage to navigate these challenges thrive. If this is the reality in the U.S., imagine how much untapped potential exists worldwide.

Now, picture a world where technology removes these barriers, unlocking access to a $24 trillion global market for small businesses everywhere. The impact would be profound — not just for individual entrepreneurs, but for entire economies. That same report estimates that simply expanding U.S. small business exports could create nearly a million new jobs and add $81 billion in growth in just three years. Scale that impact across other countries, and the potential becomes truly transformative.

This is the movement I want to inspire: breaking down barriers to global trade so small businesses — no matter where they are — can compete, grow, and contribute to a more prosperous world.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would definitely be Bill Gates. His business acumen is legendary, but what truly inspires me is his unwavering commitment to global human causes. Bill Gates has leveraged his success not just to build incredible businesses, but to address some of the world’s most pressing issues through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His focus on global health, poverty alleviation, and education is something I deeply admire, and I would love to hear firsthand how he approaches solving such complex, large-scale challenges. His ability to combine entrepreneurial thinking with a deep sense of social responsibility is something I find truly powerful, and it would be an honor to learn from him.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers can connect with me on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilstefanutti/ and reach out via our website, www.gaia-dynamics.ai.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

Thank you for the opportunity!

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.

Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.