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Innovation Isn't the Hard Part – It's Adoption, with Trista Li, Head of Innovation at SCI
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In this thought-provoking episode, host Dom Burch speaks with Trista Li, SCI’s Head of Innovation, about the human-first challenges of ESG, sustainability, and supply chain transformation. From grassroots food distribution in underserved Chicago communities to cutting-edge AI adoption in manufacturing, Trista shares her fascinating journey and what it taught her about solving real-world problems.
Together, Dom and Trista explore:
- Why adoption, not technology, is often the biggest hurdle in ESG transformation.
- How peer-to-peer learning is emerging as a key lever in supply chain innovation.
- The importance of designing ESG systems with farmers, not just for them.
- How Trista's background in AI and computer vision is influencing SCI’s approach to low-carbon agriculture and compliance.
- The insights coming out of SCI’s rice project in Thailand—and what 32 different fertilisers can teach us about shared best practice.
Plus, Trista reveals the three technology areas she’s most excited about:
- On-farm AI and surveillance tech for real-time insight.
- Biotech and seed innovation that reduce emissions at the source.
- Operational innovation to scale ESG outcomes across supply chains.
Key Themes:
- ESG strategy & Scope 3 emissions
- Human-centred innovation
- Technology adoption curves
- Smallholder farmer engagement
- Peer-to-peer learning in agriculture
- AI, machine learning & supply chains
- Behaviour change & ROI in sustainability
Quotable Moment:
“Technology is not the reason you have a business—it’s there to facilitate the thing you do best.” – Trista Li
Resources & Mentions:
- SCI's rice farming pilot in Thailand
- "Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey Moore
- Peer-to-peer learning models
- Applications of computer vision in agriculture
- ESG frameworks (Scope 3, carbon footprint, deforestation)
Follow & Subscribe:
If you’re working on ESG, adoption, sustainability, or supply chain transformation, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to SCI In-Sites wherever you get your podcasts—and share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.
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