Book Review: “Common Sense Supply Management: Tales from the Supply Chain Trenches” by Dr. Tom DePaoli

Book Review: “Common Sense Supply Management: Tales from the Supply Chain Trenches” by Dr. Tom DePaoli
In a business world saturated with jargon-heavy manuals and theory-laden textbooks, Dr. Tom DePaoli’s Common Sense Supply Management: Tales from the Supply Chain Trenches is a refreshing, down-to-earth, and immensely practical guide that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world execution. With over three decades of experience in supply chain management, Lean Six Sigma, procurement, and leadership, Dr. DePaoli delivers what he promises in the title: common sense, hard-earned wisdom, and engaging storytelling.
A Practitioner’s Voice with Authentic Authority
One of the standout qualities of this book is the authenticity of the author’s voice. Dr. DePaoli has lived through the complex and ever-changing landscape of supply management. He doesn’t theorize from an ivory tower but shares personal anecdotes and valuable lessons from his own experiences in Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. Navy, and as an independent consultant. The stories he tells are not only relatable but also instructional. You get the sense that you are sitting across the table from a seasoned mentor who has made mistakes, learned from them, and now wants to pass on that knowledge.
His tone is conversational and often humorous, making even the most technical or mundane aspects of supply chain management enjoyable to read. His storytelling approach humanizes the profession, showing the people behind the processes and the critical thinking that underpins successful decision-making.
A Realistic Look at the Supply Chain Battlefield
Unlike many books that deal in abstractions, Common Sense Supply Management is grounded in the gritty, real-world realities of business. Dr. DePaoli refers to supply chain professionals as being “in the trenches,” and rightfully so. The book’s structure — composed of vignettes, stories, and observations — highlights everything from navigating procurement politics and handling unethical suppliers to embracing new technology and surviving leadership turnover.
What makes these tales so impactful is their realism. Readers quickly see that textbook solutions often crumble when confronted with office politics, budget constraints, or misaligned leadership priorities. Dr. DePaoli doesn’t sugarcoat these challenges — instead, he equips readers with pragmatic approaches, emphasizing flexibility, resilience, and, above all, common sense.
For example, he critiques companies that rush into implementing software systems or Lean initiatives without first establishing solid foundational practices or securing employee buy-in. His practical advice — to “pilot first, then scale” — can save companies millions in wasted resources and time.
Lessons That Transcend Supply Chain
While the book is targeted toward supply chain professionals, its lessons extend well beyond logistics and procurement. Dr. DePaoli emphasizes core principles such as integrity, communication, patience, and adaptability — qualities that are essential for success in any field. His writing repeatedly reinforces that supply chain management is not just about systems and spreadsheets; it’s about relationships, trust, and negotiation.
One particularly valuable chapter discusses the power of storytelling in business. Dr. DePaoli practices what he preaches — using story as both a teaching tool and a leadership strategy. His insights into the “tribal knowledge” often overlooked in companies show that wisdom is not always written down; it’s passed from person to person through experience and narrative.
Championing Simplicity and Common Sense
What truly sets this book apart is its constant return to simplicity and practicality. Dr. DePaoli warns against over-complicating things and urges supply chain leaders to use “common sense” — not just once, but throughout every decision-making process. This may sound basic, but as many professionals know, common sense is often the first casualty of organizational bureaucracy.
The book contains actionable tips for sourcing, contracting, change management, and process improvement. Yet it never feels like a checklist. Instead, Dr. DePaoli weaves the advice into stories and real examples, demonstrating how these principles succeed — or fail — in the heat of the moment.
His “Lessons Learned” sections at the end of each story are a particular highlight. These short, punchy takeaways serve as instant value-adds for readers who want quick insights and reminders. Whether you’re a new buyer, a seasoned procurement leader, or a C-suite executive, you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement and perhaps rethinking how you approach challenges in your own organization.
A Resource for Mentors, Teachers, and Teams
This book is ideal not only for individual professionals but also for teams, training programs, and even university classrooms. Its accessible style, coupled with real-world applicability, makes it a strong candidate for case study discussions or corporate workshops. Managers could easily assign a chapter a week and spark team conversations around the scenarios presented.
Moreover, the book is a valuable resource for mentors who want to coach younger professionals. Its storytelling style makes it easy to digest, and the lessons within are both timeless and transferable. In fact, several stories could be repurposed as internal training materials, helping bridge generational gaps and align cross-functional teams on supply chain best practices.
Refreshing Candor and a Call for Ethical Leadership
Perhaps one of the most admirable qualities of Common Sense Supply Management is Dr. DePaoli’s candid take on ethics and leadership. He isn’t afraid to highlight the gray areas of supplier relationships, leadership hypocrisy, or the dangers of “shiny object syndrome” in business. He advocates for principled leadership and for procurement professionals to stand their ground when faced with unethical requests — even if it puts them at odds with higher-ups.
This ethical backbone is especially relevant in today’s world of global uncertainty and increasing pressure for transparency in supply chains. Dr. DePaoli calls on supply chain professionals to act as stewards of both fiscal responsibility and moral accountability. It’s a powerful message, and one that readers will find both timely and inspiring.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Today’s Supply Chain Leaders
In sum, Common Sense Supply Management is a masterclass in real-world business leadership told through the eyes of a practitioner who has seen it all. It is accessible, entertaining, and filled with golden nuggets of practical advice. Dr. Tom DePaoli doesn’t just share stories — he shares solutions, strategies, and a vision of what truly effective supply chain management looks like when driven by wisdom and humility.
Whether you’re new to the field or a veteran looking for validation and new insights, this book delivers. It strips away the buzzwords and delivers straight talk, sharp wit, and invaluable experience. In a profession often overshadowed by complexity and chaos, Dr. DePaoli reminds us that the best solutions are often the simplest — and that common sense is the most powerful tool of all.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Dr. Tom DePaoli is an accomplished business consultant, author, and former Navy Reserve Captain. As CEO of Apollo Solutions, he specializes in Lean Six Sigma, supply chain management, and leadership training. With a diverse background across over ten major industries and more than fifty consulting engagements, Dr. DePaoli brings a practical, story-driven approach to organizational change. He has authored thirteen books, including Leadership by Storytelling, Boogeyman Leadership, and Kaizen Kreativity (Oops!). Available on Amazon. A passionate educator and advocate for workplace creativity, Dr. Tom combines real-world experience with humor and insight to inspire continuous improvement and bold leadership transformation.