Podcasts about growth engine

Key Takeaways: Manage High-Growth Assets Carefully: Assets like Bitcoin can grow quickly but also fluctuate in value. Understanding how they are recorded on a balance sheet is important for tracking financial health. Know the Tax Impact of Volatile Assets: Different accounting methods can change how taxes are handled for fast-moving investments. Investors should understand how gains and losses may affect their tax situation. Review and Rebalance Investments Regularly: Checking investments every few months helps keep a portfolio balanced and aligned with long-term goals. Reallocating assets when needed can help manage risk. Understand Partnership Payouts: Partnerships may distribute money differently depending on whether returns come from income or asset growth. Clear rules help partners understand what to expect. Use Borrowing Strategically: Lines of credit and margin loans can provide access to cash without selling investments. When used carefully, they can help preserve long-term growth while improving cash flow.   Chapters: 0:00 Exploring Balance Sheet Management for Real Estate Funds 1:49 Understanding Mark to Market vs Cost Accounting for Investments 4:55 Managing Market Fluctuations in Commodity Investments 5:13 Managing Partnership Gains and Tax Implications 6:04 Understanding Balance Sheets and Income Distribution Strategies 8:40 Maximizing Returns Through Strategic Credit Facilities and Loans Powered by ReiffMartin CPA and Stone Hill Wealth Management   Social Media Handles    Follow Phillip Washington, Jr. on Instagram (@askphillip)   Subscribe to Wealth Building Made Simple newsletter https://www.wealthbuildingmadesimple.us/   Ready to turn your investing dreams into reality? Our "Wealth Building Made Simple" premium newsletter is your secret weapon. We break down investing in a way that's easy to understand, even if you're just starting out. Learn the tricks the wealthy use, discover exciting opportunities, and start building the future YOU want. Sign up now, and let's make those dreams happen!   WBMS Premium Subscription   Phillip Washington, Jr. is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Send us Fan MailThis one is for every broker owner who thinks compliance is something they can deal with later.Frazier and Michael sit down with Jim Bell, the guy who helps brokers handle the stuff most people want to avoid:

https://youtu.be/sUyjA0muVgM Tom Kirkham, Founder and CEO of Kirkham IronTech, believes business should create value for everyone involved — employees, clients, vendors, and the broader community. After overcoming major personal challenges and rebuilding his perspective on leadership, Tom embraced stakeholder capitalism and built a company culture focused on long-term partnerships, trust, and continuous learning. In this conversation, Tom shares the IronTech Framework — a practical approach to modern IT management built around three core pillars: Generate ROI and Productivity, Make Cybersecurity Core, and Surround it with a Governance Layer. He explains why businesses should stop treating IT as an expense and instead view it as a strategic investment that improves productivity, protects the company from cyber threats, and aligns technology with leadership goals. Tom also dives into the massive scale of the cybercrime industry, why governance is often the missing piece in cybersecurity, and how proactive IT strategy can dramatically improve business performance. — Turn Your IT into Your Growth Engine with Tom Kirkham Good day. Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint Podcast, and today’s guest is Tom Kirkham, the Founder and CEO of Kirkham IronTech, where he helps businesses build strong, secure IT foundations, whether fully managed, co-managed, or cybersecurity only. Tom is a keynote speaker on cybersecurity, and he’s the author of two books, Hack the Rich and The Cyber Pandemic. Tom, welcome to the show.  Oh, it’s great to be here, Steve.  Well, great to have you here. And I am curious to dive in, and would like to ask you my favorite question. What is your personal ‘Why’, and how are you manifesting it in Kirkham IronTech?  That’s a great question. So the company’s about twenty-six years old. I went through a lot of personal health problems, and then my wife was real sick, and she ended up passing away—it's been about eleven years ago now. And I was fortunate enough to put a friend of mine in the company, and he was able to take over while I was dealing with this for a couple of years. And when most of it was done, I took some time off and did a lot of traveling and a lot of thinking and a lot of reading. And I’m a lifelong reader, a lifelong learner, and I went back through my history of investing techniques, understanding what makes a good company great. If you’ve read Jim Collins, you know what I’m talking about. And so during those times, I was reflecting, studying philosophy, studying biographies of other CEOs like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Andy Grove—gosh, the list goes on and on. Whether you like them or hate them, it doesn’t matter, right? There’s always something you can learn. And I came upon and read a lot about stakeholder capitalism. Like Peter Drucker says, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” And I understood what that meant, and it was kind of weird. So when I re-engaged with the company, I identified one of the weaknesses, and I said, “Well, if we need to do marketing in this business—which we have to do in any business—I really need to master marketing.” So I spent a lot of time with marketing gurus, most of them are what I would consider household names these days, and re-engaged with the company to do marketing to establish a great culture around stakeholder capitalism. In other words, we exist as a for-profit business not just for the shareholders but for everyone—the community, vendors, employees. And I really wanted to be around people I enjoyed being around. I wanted them to enjoy coming into work.Share on X And so we’ve been trying to perfect that system in the culture for the past ten years. Of course, no one's perfect, but if you pursue perfection, you can achieve excellence. And I think we've done a really good job. We have very low turnover. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be there, and it's really fulfilling. It's more of a personal feeling because I've been a successful investor practically my whole adult life. I started investing in stocks when I was nineteen, and I'm sixty-four now. So I didn't really need the company. I could have just closed it up or sold it or whatever. But I really wanted to have my own reasons. Those are the things that drive me, and I hope they drive everyone else too.  What resonated with you with this idea of stakeholder capitalism? It just made sense. The obvious part is with employees—all of that is true. That's obvious to any good leader or manager, right? As you well know, there's a difference between leadership and management, and understanding that distinction, and the difference between sales and marketing, and understanding those things. A good example is dealing with vendors. There are all sorts of vendors that supply products and services to us, so we carefully vet these tools and vendors to see if their values align with ours, just like we do with prospects. But especially with vendors, if it's something new—a new tool that we're going to invest a lot of time, money, and energy into to make their product or service successful for us and successful for them—we make a commitment to that vendor.  So it's not about the money or how cheap I can get it. What I want is a good partnership with every stakeholder. And I want to make sure that when I'm dealing with a vendor, if it fails for us, it's not our fault—it's their fault, right? Either they oversold the product or they didn't deliver on the service component. I didn't want it to be because we failed to do the right training, or didn't communicate properly, or missed all the other things that are just part of doing business the right way. And that applies to our employees, our local community, and every stakeholder in the company.  Yeah. I like it. So you're looking for partnership-based relationships where it's win-win. And yeah, if you want people to stick around, it has to make sense for them too. You can't exploit your partners forever without consequences. So that makes a lot of sense. So Tom, let me ask you this other question. This podcast is called The Management Blueprint because I'm always looking for frameworks—something practical that helps businesses achieve results. Usually it's some kind of three-to-five-step process that helps you grow the business, get customers, improve operations, or understand something at a deeper level. So when I ask about your favorite business framework, what comes to mind?  Well, we have a thing we call the IronTech Framework.  Okay.  And it was something that we came up with many years ago and started practicing seven or eight years ago, and it's a framework. It's like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. I looked at NIST and there's five components to it, and it's about cybersecurity. And I looked at this and I go, “None of this works without the right policies and procedures in place.” The security training—it's not enough just to throw it out there and tell all your people to take it. You've got to follow up, you've got to manage, and coach, and everything like that. And so I started adding this governance component to the way we sold it, presented it, and practiced what we do for our clients day in and day out. Help them develop the policies and procedures for all of the different things, the protocols.  If somebody accidentally fires off a ransomware attack, they need to know they're not going to be penalized for it. We need to know as soon as possible to stop it. And just little things like that, there's a lot that really improve the effectiveness of all of these tools and services that we provide to their clients. And unbeknownst to me, NIST, who has the cybersecurity framework, they added governance about three years ago to the other five things. And so that was kind of nice to know that we were exhibiting some thought leadership. And so when we go in, it's all well and good if you want to put these protections in and these particular products, but we're a best-of-breed company. Like one of our critical tools that's required for our clients to put in place, to buy it and use it every single day on every single computer, is what's known as an EDR. And it's basically an AI-based super turbo antivirus.  To even call it an antivirus is not doing it justice. So there's three legs to the IronTech Framework. We want to make sure that you're getting a return on your investment in IT, because that's why you buy it. If you treat IT as an expense, you need to kind of change the way you're thinking. You want to improve productivity and efficiency.Share on X The second leg is cybersecurity, because a bad cyberattack can put you out of business. I think the last stats I saw were something like 40 to 60% of businesses go out of business within two years of a significant cyberattack. And then finally, the third is governance. That's the three legs of our IronTech Framework. So part of governance is engaging with our clients' management and leadership—the CEO, finance, of course the CIO, the CISO or security officer, and maybe even the board sometimes. Really getting to know: what are your objectives, and how can we utilize our services to best help your company realize those objectives? Because for most companies, there's no other vendor they engage with as much as us.  We're talking to Susie every day. We're talking to Bill every day. We know that Mary's out sick and Steve's on vacation. I mean, when you're running help desk, stopping attacks, providing training, and all the support we provide along those lines, we get to know their company better than practically any other vendor by far. So it really helps if our clients treat us as a partner to help them realize their goals and objectives. And when all of that clicks into place, then it makes recommending things easier.Share on X “Okay, you need to replace these 30 laptops that are four years old. You're not getting an ROI on them.” “This server's five years old. Let's start thinking about replacing it.” “We have this new tool that's really excellent. We're recommending everybody get it.” And because we've developed that trust, those conversations become pretty easy. For the most part, everybody just says yes. But of course, we don't sell just to sell, especially when it comes to things like hardware. That's not really what we're here for. We're here for the day-in, day-out work: keeping things running, stopping breaches, and putting the policies and procedures in place to run your company as smoothly as possible.  Yeah. I love that. So when I had an IT back in the 2000s, I had an IT person who was a contractor, but he was very active in my business, and I always wanted to talk to him and pick his brain. What are the new things out there? How can we make our business more efficient, more effective, more attractive to employees? Cooler. I wanted to be cool. So I wanted everyone to have a PDA in the early 2000s with email on it—a PalmPilot. And we had multiple screens, and I was looking at, okay, how can we manage data in the cloud and on our server so we don't have to deal with it in the office? That kind of stuff. And I really thought about it as a great investment because it was much cheaper than hiring people. And if you give people good tools, they're going to be more motivated and more effective. So I thought it was a no-brainer.  Yes, but there's still a subset of people that treat IT as an expense. Then there are some companies that tend to put IT under the finance guy because the finance guy usually has a lot of IT experience, but never actually did it as a career or a job, right? And those situations are hard because I need CEO-level or owner-level approval, and I need a direct route to that person.  Yeah, that makes sense. So Tom, tell me, what drives growth in your business?  Yeah. From a growth perspective, for us, number one is maintaining our clients and reducing churn. Number two is—I don't know if you're asking about tactics or strategy—but of course we want to get new clients for the right reasons. So we prefer inbound strategies. We don't cold call people unless we've already contacted them in another way, if that's what you're asking.  Yeah. I'm asking what the real driver of growth is. I understand that you do marketing and inbound marketing, but what makes people want to have an IT service partner like you? Well, they understand those three pillars of the IronTech Framework. They may not believe in stakeholder capitalism, but they don't treat IT as an expense. And they understand—especially after talking to me—the true risk of being hacked. A lot of people don't understand the size and scale of that industry. It's a $10 to $12 trillion industry now.  Wow.  If it were a country, it would have the third-largest GDP. The US would be first, China second, and then the hacking industry. It is an industry that hacks at scale. So when these companies—maybe a small 10-person accounting firm in North Dakota in the middle of nowhere—get these ransomware emails and someone tries to hack them, and we alert on it and trap it, and nothing goes wrong, everything's fine… If they don't already understand it, they go, “Well, why are they trying to hack me?” And I say, “You don't understand. That email was one of 100,000 emails that got blasted out. They don't know who you are, nor do they care who you are.” They're playing a numbers game. And it's kind of like marketing. They're looking at conversion numbers. Yeah.  Let's say it's 100,000 emails. They got a list of all the certified public accountants in 10 different states. They set up the email, they send it all out, and let's say 1% become victims. And let's say they collect an average of $10,000 per victim. Well, that's a multi-million dollar payday for about a week or two of work. And then they rinse and repeat. It's done at scale, and it's a much bigger industry than that. That's just a taste of it. Some of our clients are targeted. In other words, hackers are investing time, money, and energy specifically into that company. We're one of them. Any law firm that does intellectual property law—especially around patents, manufacturing, and things like that—you've got China and other nation states not only trying to get into your client, but you're also a threat vector. You're a way to get into that client's patents and secrets.  So we've got to treat that differently. It's not just about the money. There are different types of threat actors, and we have to educate clients, bring them up to speed, and say, “Well, because of this case, you need this other service and tool that we're offering to prevent China from breaking in.” Or, “You need to follow this practice.” Maybe you don't publicly talk about one of your clients being Ford Motor Company or NVIDIA. You just keep that quiet. You don’t want that to be public knowledge. That's one of the things we do. You spent time on our website, and you didn't see a single client name on there. And that's just one of the small things we do to protect our clients' security and privacy, because privacy and security go hand in hand. Yeah. That is fascinating. So what is it that you’re trying to figure out in your business right now? What’s the big thing for you?  I think because of all the chaos in the United States, making a decision to do anything—everybody's kind of frozen. There are a lot of hiring freezes. I know we've got a freeze on right now because we're looking to see, well, do we really need to add somebody, or can we do this with AI? The hackers do the same thing. That's one of the challenges, is getting people over the hump. No matter what you do, if you've got an IT company doing your stuff and you only call them when things are broken, there's a much more profitable way to do that. You're spending more money.  So there are benchmarks in industries, right? Basically, the research—and these aren't numbers we made up, this is legitimate research from many independent sources—says the average professional service provider, like law firms, accounting firms, healthcare providers, and on and on, should be spending 6 to 12% of their revenue on IT and cybersecurity. And that's everything. I'm talking servers, wiring, cloud, security, defense—all of those things should be 6 to 12%. We know that. That's the way it works. So when we engage with a prospect and find out they're only spending 3 or 4%, then I already know they have gaps. I don't even have to do an assessment to see what they're not doing.  They're either not getting a return on investment, or they're not secure. That's it. If all the accounting firms are spending 6%, and you're only spending 4%, don't just pat yourself on the back. That's one of those moments where you should ask, “What am I missing?” Because I do that often. Someone on the management team will come up with an idea, and we all agree. Well, that's a red flag for me. I want to know: what are we missing? If we all agree on this, is there some gotcha or something we haven't uncovered? And those are some of the things we try to educate our clients on. They don't have to tell us their revenue. I can give them the numbers. I can do the math. I can show them the numbers for something like laptop replacement. Maybe it's $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the industry. If the employee using that laptop is making $100,000 a year, why are you trying to squeeze another year out of a $2,000 investment when it's hurting productivity by 10% or more? Yeah. That’s a no-brainer.  Yeah. It should be.  Yeah. It's not just in IT. I had a client years ago in civil engineering, and they had a rule that they would never keep equipment longer than four years. And they were selling equipment that still looked brand new. And I asked them, “Why are you doing this? It seems like this equipment still has a lot of life left in it. Why are you selling it or giving it back to the lease company?” And he said, “We did the math, and we figured out that this is the optimal time to replace it.” If they got rid of the equipment at that point, they wouldn't have to deal with fixing it. There would be less disruption. They would stay state-of-the-art all the time. And their clients would be impressed. And it actually worked for them. It was a high-margin civil engineering firm.  Precisely. I mean, we're so tuned into that that we're a Mac house. We all use Macs. We all have laptops, and we all have setups with screens at home and in the office. We spare no expense on that. If somebody wants an extra screen for their house—alright, here it is. We'll order it and get it there for you. We're so tuned into that, that we went all Mac back when they were still Intel Macs. And I don't know how much you know about Macs, but they were…  I have a couple. Okay. Yeah, we're Mac people too. Yeah, so they were running Intel processors. Well, Apple decided to build their own processor and moved to the M-chip. And so I bought an M1, and it was like, holy cow, everybody in the company has got to have one of these. And I don't think there was a single one more than two years old at that time. So we replaced them all. Now, the M-series generations themselves—M1, M2, M3, and on—those changes aren't as dramatic as going from Intel to the first M-series chip. But it's still unusual. I said two years, but there are probably people right now with a three-year-old laptop. But we definitely trade them in. That's where the sweet spot is on trade-in value. We rotate them every two to three years and they're out. I think mine is maybe a year old, but I'll probably keep this one for a couple more years.  By the way, you're the first IT company and MSP I've met that doesn't use PCs—you use Macs. Yeah. And I long had this theory that all the IT companies I worked with were always anti-Mac, and I never understood why. And when I got my first Mac, I realized I actually didn't need them anymore since I had the Mac.  Yeah, that's kind of funny because it really started with me during Covid. It may not have been seven years now, but whatever it was, it kind of started with Covid. And for years I was a PC guy. I tried Macs briefly back in the old MacBook days—you know, the white plastic ones? Whatever that was, 15 or more years ago.  Yeah. Classic. Very classic.  Yeah. But what I kept trying to do with a Windows laptop—and I like Dell, I had Dell XPSs, good Dell computers, and we're a Dell partner— What I could never get a Windows computer to do was seamlessly come off a docking station and then plug into another monitor at my house. It would always blue screen or something. So when I went back to a Mac, I was like, “Holy cow, it doesn't break. It doesn't mind being unplugged from a docking station. It just works.” Yeah.  And then all the other things—that they're generally built better, they have a longer lifespan, and they hold their resale value longer, and all of that. Even as old as I was, I forced myself to really get proficient at using a Mac. And when we sent everybody home during Covid, I said, “Well, everybody's going Mac.” And, oh, there was a revolt. And I said, “Just give it a few months.”  Yeah.  About half the office resisted it. And I said, “You gotta try it because I think you'll like it, and if you don't, then we'll deal with it then.” We had Linux people, PC people. So then I said, “Well, maybe we should open it up and let people pick what they want.” Yeah, I love it. Yeah. So our time is coming to an end, but if someone is running on Mac and they're finally talking to an IT service company that's not anti-Mac, and they want to connect with you immediately, where should they go and where can they learn more about Kirkham IronTech and maybe connect with you personally? The website is the best place to go. It's www.kirkhamirontech.com. Just give us a call, fill out a form, let us know what you're thinking, because we want to know what you're thinking and see if there's a fit with the way we do things. Macs started becoming important with executives. That's where we first started seeing it. So even though they may still have to run Windows, the owners and executives wanted to carry Macs for the very reasons I mentioned. So we're perfectly happy with that.  Yeah. Okay. Very good. So if you're listening to this and you enjoyed hearing about how to make your IT work—how to increase ROI, make sure you're doing cybersecurity right, and implement governance so you can use IT as a strategic tool to run your business better—then definitely reach out to Tom Kirkham. Or stay tuned to this show, because you're going to hear from other entrepreneurs who are very smart about business. And preferably do both. Tom, thank you for coming and sharing your wisdom, and thank you for listening.  Oh, it’s been my pleasure, Steve. Important Links: Tom's LinkedIn Tom's website

Send us Fan MailThis one is going to make a few LOs uncomfortable.Frazier and Michael are calling out one of the quietest money leaks in the mortgage business:

Most urgent care clinics think they have a marketing problem when patient volume slows down.But in many cases, the real issue starts at the front desk.This week's episode features a clip from our recent webinar focused on one of the biggest hidden revenue leaks in urgent care: missed calls, weak phone handling, and front desk systems that fail to convert patient demand into actual visits.Nick and Michael break down why the front desk should be treated as a patient acquisition engine, not just an administrative role. They unpack the real financial impact of missed calls, why scripts and accountability matter, and how small changes in communication can dramatically improve conversion rates without increasing ad spend.The conversation also covers call tracking, front desk hiring, roleplay training, patient experience, and the systems high-performing clinics use to turn more inquiries into appointments and repeat visits.If your clinic is generating demand but struggling to convert that demand into patient volume, this episode is worth your attention.

Wondering how AI can actually make startups more productive? In this episode of Crowdfunding Demystified, Salvador Briggman speaks with Richard White, founder of Fathom, about building an AI-powered meeting assistant that has evolved into a company "second brain". Richard shares lessons on productivity, fundraising, and scaling efficiently using AI instead of growing large teams. In this episode, you'll learn: Why startups should prioritize high-leverage work over long-term planning How AI enables companies to scale without dramatically increasing headcount The productivity philosophy behind building a lean, high-performing team Why complexity often signals the wrong solution And much more! Resources and Tools Mentioned: Book a coaching call Subscribe for Weekly Crowdfunding Tips Fulfillrite: Kickstarter and crowdfunding reward fulfillment services. They come highly recommended! Download their free shipping and fulfillment checklist. Free Equity Crowdfunding Course  Equity Crowdfunding Explained  Fathom  EP #514 Wow! The System to Raise $17.3 Million With Crowdfunding | Fathom

Re‑release from 2022, and still right on time. In this episode, PIE President Jacob Parks reflects on relationship building as the real work of business development and what it means to deliver the lagniappe authentically. A theme that aligns closely with The Growth Engine. Growth is built through trust, intentionality, and the moments that strengthen relationships long after the transaction. If you are thinking about how to create momentum that lasts, this conversation is worth a (re)listen.

#352 | Dave sits down with Uzair Dada, CEO of Iron Horse, to talk about why most B2B companies are overcomplicating their marketing and what to do instead. Uzair breaks down his three-part growth framework — get discovered, get chosen, close — and explains why most companies are wasting the majority of their ad budget targeting the wrong audience entirely. He also gets into how to actually show up in AI search, why brand vs. demand is a false choice marketers invented to argue about, and how he blocks every Friday afternoon to build with AI. Then they get into what AI adoption really looks like inside enterprise companies, and why taste and judgment are becoming the only true differentiators left.Check out Webflow's free AEO assessment here. Timestamps(00:00) - - Intro (03:17) - - Running the same agency for 26 years and why AI makes it exciting again (06:19) - - Why Uzair blocks Friday afternoons from 2-7 to build with AI (11:13) - - How a personal prep tool became a company-wide account dossier app (15:34) - - The leadership meeting habit that drove AI adoption across the org (17:35) - - Are marketers going away? The case for taste and judgment (25:02) - - Why brand vs. demand is a false choice (26:29) - - Get discovered, get chosen, close: a simpler B2B growth framework (28:03) - - The company targeting a million people when their real audience was 20,000 (34:52) - - The real bottleneck to AI in enterprise isn't the tech, it's governance (41:46) - - AEO: start with your Gong call transcripts, not a new tool (44:28) - - Why the second query matters more than the first in AI search

On this powerful and inspiring episode of Authority on Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with Nicky Billou, author of Get Booked and Get Paid, to share how he generated $1M through podcast guesting.Learn his 75-day writing system (500 words/day), how to turn podcast interviews into leads and clients, and why storytelling converts better than selling.Takeaways:• Stop chasing exposure—start converting conversations into clients• A simple daily writing habit can produce a full book in 75 days• Strong relationships drive real business growth• Storytelling sells better than pitching

Patient outcomes have become one of the most consequential responsibilities in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by guest host Régine Villain, founder of REHVEAL, and supply chain leader Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA Group. With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at multinational companies such as Sanofi and Avon, Rodrigo offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by today's supply chain professionals.Rodrigo delves into the balance between efficiency, adaptability, and human-centered leadership that is essential for success in today's complex pharmaceutical supply chain. He discusses the challenges of global supply chain resilience in the post-pandemic era, the regulatory hurdles faced, and the transformative role of AI in streamlining operations.This episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned and emerging supply chain professionals on leadership, strategic thinking, and empowering decision-making.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:54) Meet Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA(05:48) P&G, Avon, Sanofi & key leadership lessons(10:01) Inside STADA: 3 business segments & how supply chain serves them(12:45) How patient safety shapes every supply chain decision(16:05) Current state of global pharma supply chains: complexity & geopolitics(20:57) Resilience pre vs. post pandemic: integration, agility & follow-through(29:48) Practical AI in pharma: demand planning, supply & workforce training(35:47) Aligning teams through continuous change: strategy to execution(42:45) Key takeaways, empowering people & how to connectAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Rodrigo Alponti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-alponti-a9873/Connect with Régine Villain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginehonorevillain/Learn more about STADA: https://www.stada.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bWEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJAWEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfVWEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIqThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Régine Villain and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/people-performance-focused-leadership-stada-group-1577

Are you still running your company like you're in a product business, when your customers are actually buying like it's fashion? If you're leading a brand today, you've probably felt the pressure: customers constantly asking "what's new," markets shifting faster than your product cycles, and differentiation getting harder by the quarter. In this episode, you'll hear how one CEO realized that success in the beverage industry had less to do with the product itself—and everything to do with thinking like a fashion brand driven by innovation, education, and timing. By listening, you'll gain: A new way to think about your market—shifting from product-driven to trend- and innovation-driven strategy Practical insight into how education and continuous innovation create long-term brand loyalty A smarter growth approach by expanding with the right customers instead of constantly chasing new ones Hit play now to learn the mindset shift that can help you stay relevant, innovate faster, and grow alongside your best customers. Check out: 1. The "Fashion Business" Realization (~14:30) Ron shares the pivotal moment at a trade show when buyers kept asking "What's new?"—leading to the breakthrough insight that he wasn't in the tea business, but the fashion business driven by constant innovation. 2. Innovation + Education as a Growth Engine (~12:00) A deep look at how educating customers (green tea, matcha, etc.) and consistently introducing new products created a premium category—and sustained competitive advantage. 3. Growing with Customers vs. Chasing New Ones (~27:30) Ron explains his strategy of scaling alongside key accounts like Whole Foods, Panera, and Total Wine—offering a powerful alternative to the typical "always be prospecting" mindset. About Ron Rubin Ron Rubin, author of GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD, has spent more than five decades building iconic beverage brands and giving back to the communities and industries he loves. He began his career in 1972 at his family's business, Central Wholesale Liquor Co. In 1994, he purchased The Republic of Tea, which has become one of the most beloved tea brands in the United States. In 2011, he acquired River Road Family Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma County. Under his leadership, the winery is known for its quality and commitment to sustainability as a Certified B Corporation.

In this episode of The Buzz, we break down rising cargo theft, global supply chain disruptions, and the growing gap in AI readiness—plus what it all means for leaders trying to stay ahead—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS!Hosts Scott Luton and Yaseen Ahmid break down major forces shaping today's supply chains—from geopolitical disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and its ripple effects on fuel, fertilizer, and costs, to a surprising gap in AI readiness where most employees can't apply what they've learned. Joined by Danny Ramon, the conversation dives into the rapid rise of cargo theft, how increasingly sophisticated criminal networks are exploiting digital systems and documentation, and why high-demand goods are more vulnerable than ever. This episode delivers clear, real-world insight into where supply chains are most exposed right now—and what leaders must do to stay ahead.Cargo theft is rising fast—with continued double-digit growth and increasing sophisticationCriminal networks are exploiting digital gaps, paperwork fraud, and fragmented systemsHigh-demand, easily resold goods (electronics, food, clothing) are top theft targetsGlobal disruptions (fuel, fertilizer, shipping routes) are driving widespread cost increasesAI training is falling short—most employees can't apply it to real workflowsVisibility—not just technology—is the key to reducing supply chain riskEconomic pressure and global instability are accelerating both disruption and theftIf you want to understand where supply chains are most vulnerable right now—and how to stay ahead of rising risk, disruption, and complexity—this episode is a must-listen. The leaders who prioritize visibility, adaptability, and real execution won't just survive this environment—they'll outperform it.Additional Links & Resources:DOSS: https://www.doss.com/With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-19April2026National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026Gartner Supply Chain Symposium: https://gtnr.it/48hXcapLuna: https://luna-resume.com/Live updates: Pakistan prepares for upcoming peace talks despite US seizure of Iranian cargo ship: https://bit.ly/4sPRXq3What to know about CBP's tariff refund process launching Monday: https://bit.ly/Tariff-RefundsWhy AI readiness training fails: https://bit.ly/AI-Readiness-TrainingThe KitKat heist exposed a confectionery crime crisis: https://bit.ly/Kit-Kats-StolenUnited States 2025 Annual Cargo Theft Report: https://bit.ly/42j8wjaUpcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Overhaul: https://www.over-haul.com/Danny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-ramon-97472855/Yaseen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bWEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2TThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Yaseen Ahmid, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/the-buzz-cargo-theft-ai-gaps-rising-risk-1575

Send us Fan MailThis one pulls no punches.Frazier and Michael go straight at two of the most common excuses in today's market:

Speed has long dominated the conversation in shipping, but today's reality tells a different story. In a volatile and unpredictable environment, success comes down to smarter decisions, not just faster deliveries.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Tevon Taylor are joined by Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost and host of Unboxing Logistics. Together, they break down what's really driving shipping challenges today, from fragmented consumer demand to rising costs hidden in accessory fees, packaging inefficiencies, and routing decisions rather than just carrier rate increases.The discussion highlights how demand has become less predictable, with promotion-driven spikes creating operational strain and forcing reactive, costly decisions. At the same time, customer expectations have shifted. Cost, reliability, visibility, and accuracy now matter more than speed, pushing companies to rethink how they design their shipping strategies.Lori also shares how leading teams are responding by improving visibility, aligning service levels with customer needs, and using AI to support faster, data-driven decisions. This episode offers a practical look at how organizations can reduce costs, adapt to uncertainty, and build more resilient and efficient shipping operations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(07:08) State of consumer demand(10:07) Rising costs and volatility(16:02) Do customers really value speed?(21:34) The role of artificial intelligence in the supply chain(25:16) Utilizing correct data before solving other problems(27:51) Aligning service level with customer expectations(32:25) About EasyPost(34:21) About unboxing logistics(36:01) Where sustainability comes in(39:09) LLMs and shipping: What teams are already doing, with or without permissionAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lori Boyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribboyer/Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/Learn more about Tevon Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevontaylor/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/uncertain-times-skittish-customers-impact-shipping-costs-1574

Trust is no longer a brand message. It is the growth engine behind patient acquisition today. In this episode of Ignite, Ashley Petrochenko, Cardinal's VP of Brand Marketing, sits down with Rachel Johnson, Marketing Director at Acorn Health, to break down how healthcare marketing is shifting toward consumer-led journeys where patients arrive informed, empowered, and already forming opinions before they ever engage. She shares how behavioral health has become a powerful example of this shift and why marketers must rethink how they build trust across the entire experience. This matters because growth is no longer driven by channels alone. It is driven by how well your brand shows up across every touchpoint patients actually trust. You will learn: Why patient journeys are longer, messier, and harder to control How reputation and peer conversations shape patient decisions What it takes to build trust before the first interaction How to align marketing and operations to reduce friction   If you are rethinking how to drive real patient growth today, this is a conversation you do not want to miss. RELATED RESOURCES Connect with Rachel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljohnson730/ What is a Patient Journey? Examples to Grow Your Practice - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/what-is-a-patient-journey-grow-your-practice/ Marketing + Operations: Why Total Alignment is Vital to Growth - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/healthcare-marketing-operations-alignment/ Optimizing for AI Search: A New Era in Healthcare Marketing  - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/optimizing-for-ai-search-a-new-era-in-healthcare-marketing/ How a Primary Care Provider Futureproofed Their SEO in an AI-Driven Search World  - https://www.cardinaldigitalmarketing.com/healthcare-resources/blog/search-content-strategy-ai-landscape/

Walt Shill and Andi Baldwin sit down with Dwight Hutchins to explore what really drives growth in professional services—both in how firms develop scalable services and how leaders build long-term client relationships.Dwight shares lessons from his career, why many firms struggle to scale their services, and how client relationship skills can be taught. Through real-world stories, he unpacks what it means to move from expert to trusted advisor, why trust takes time to earn, and how a single misstep can undo years of relationship-building.

Most people don't think about supply chain until something goes wrong. But behind the scenes, it drives everything from sustainability progress to whether products even make it to your door.In this episode of Supply Chain Now and ongoing Now Generation series, Scott W. Luton is joined by Professor Catarina Carvalho, faculty member at Columbia University and Associate Principal at Arup, alongside Briana Stregiel from Columbia Business School, Curran Murphy, Distribution Planning Manager at Louis Vuitton, and Ingrid Eck, Graduate Student, M.S. in Sustainability Management at Columbia University. Together, they share how the next wave of supply chain leaders is already tackling complex challenges across sustainability, data, and global operations.The conversation highlights how diverse backgrounds, from luxury fashion and food systems to natural gas trading, help students bridge classroom learning to real global challenges. Topics such as decarbonization, scope 3 emissions, climate risk, and cross-functional collaboration take center stage as each guest shares what drives them most. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change.Catarina also shares insights into how Columbia's program intentionally develops well-rounded leaders by bridging academic rigor with hands-on, real-world practitioner expertise. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:05) Meet the panel: Professor Catarina Carvalho and students(06:26) Student backgrounds, studies, and personal hobbies(18:30) What each guest loves most about the global supply chain(27:06) What will define the best supply chain leaders in 5 years(27:17) Briana: Transparency and closing the Scope 3 emissions gap(29:34) Catarina: Supply chain accounts for 94% of your emissions(37:30) The Columbia University student experience(52:37) Wise organization, closing thoughts, and how to connectAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Catarina Carvalho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catarina--carvalho/Connect with Curran Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curranjmurphy/Connect with Briana Stregiel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-stregiel/Connect with Ingrid Eck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-eckLearn more about Arup: https://www.arup.com/Learn more about Columbia University: https://www.columbia.edu/Learn more about Columbia Business School: https://business.columbia.edu/Learn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.phpLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/now-generation-columbia-university-fueling-top-talent-pipeline-1573

In this episode of The Buzz, we unpack the latest manufacturing signals, leadership priorities, and the growing impact of AI—plus a candid look at corporate jargon and why clarity matters more than ever—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS!Hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor dive into March manufacturing data showing modest growth and improving job trends, while also highlighting ongoing cost pressures and global disruptions. From there, the conversation shifts to what's really on the minds of business leaders today—uncertainty, decision-making challenges, and the widening gap between strategy and execution. This episode delivers practical, real-world perspectives on how organizations can move forward with confidence.Key Learnings & Takeaways:Manufacturing momentum is steady—but fragile with growth signals tempered by inflation and disruptionToday's labor market = “low hire, low fire” driven by uncertainty and hesitationAI isn't transforming your business—it's exposing it (data gaps, inefficiencies, misalignment)Execution beats strategy—most companies don't fail from bad plans, but poor follow-throughKPIs vs. KPAs—why actions (not just metrics) drive real performanceCorporate jargon can damage performance by masking clarity and weakening decision-makingGreat leadership = clarity, standards, and accountability, not buzzwordsBottom line: In today's complex environment, leaders who prioritize execution, clarity, and honest communication will separate themselves from the pack—and drive real results.Additional Links & Resources:DOSS: https://www.doss.com/National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026AME Lean Summit: https://bit.ly/AME-Lean-Summit-2026Manufacturing employment bounces back in March, adding 15K jobs: https://bit.ly/Mfg-Data-March-2026Corporate jargon is more than buzzwords. It's ‘bulls--t.' https://bit.ly/The-Dangers-of-Corporate-BSGartner Supply Chain Symposium: https://gtnr.it/48hXcapThe Winning Link: https://amzn.to/4e0UPfSUpcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/LinkedXL: https://linkedxl.com/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-from-data-decisions-why-execution-wins-todays-supply-chain-1572

This month, the guys are joined by Ben Lemoine, the Chief Financial Officer of Suncoast Credit Union located in Florida. Ben outlines his professional journey, which evolved from his days in Corporate CUs and consultative positions into the accountability of the CFO's chair at the 10th largest Credit Union in the country by asset size. He discusses Suncoast's hyperfocus on member acquisition and being able to see the direct impact they have on members' lives. Ben also shares the Credit Union's recent foray into using AI to enhance productivity. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan MailMost loan officers aren't failing because they're not working hard enough.They're failing because they're building a business that doesn't fit them.In this episode, Frazier and Michael break down one of the most overlooked problems in the mortgage industry: misalignment between your strengths and your business model.You're told to: Prospect like this  Build relationships like that  Post content like them But what if none of that actually fits who you are?This conversation flips the script—forcing you to stop copying success and start building your version of it.What You'll Learn Why modeling your business after others can backfire  The difference between growth discomfort vs misalignment How to identify your actual strengths (not what you wish they were)  Why some LOs win quietly—and others burn out loudly  The biggest mistake people make when choosing a business model  How to build a model that actually fits your personality and skillset Real Talk Quotes “You're building someone else's business and wondering why it's not working.”  “There's zero value in trying to fix your weaknesses when your strengths can carry you.”  “Laziness is not a strength. Comfort is not a strategy.”  “The loudest people in the industry aren't always the best models to follow.”  “You don't need the right way. You need your way.” Tactical Takeaways✅ Identify your top strengths before choosing a business model✅ Stop forcing yourself into strategies that feel unnatural✅ Double down on what you're already good at✅ Use tools like Clifton Strengths to gain clarity✅ Separate fear-based avoidance from true misalignment ✅ Build a business that fits your personality—not someone else's highlight reelThe Big IdeaThere isn't one way to win in this industry.There are thousands of ways—but only a few that will work for you.The problem?Most people pick a model based on: What looks cool  What's loud  What someone told them works Instead of asking:“What am I actually built for?”The Reality CheckIf your business feels like a grind every day…If you're constantly forcing yourself into activities you hate…If you're watching others win and wondering what you're missing…You're probably not broken.You're just misaligned.Why This Episode MattersThe next level in your business isn't more tactics.It's more clarity.Because when your business aligns with your strengths: You move faster  You burn out less  You win more consistently Resources Mentioned

Warehouses have become one of the most important battlegrounds in modern supply chain.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by industry leaders Lance Olmsted, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS, and Patrick Maley, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS Softeon, to explore why warehouse execution now plays a much bigger strategic role across the business. As customer expectations rise and supply chains face more pressure to move faster, they explain how companies are rethinking the warehouse as a source of speed, flexibility, and competitive advantage.The conversation covers how real-time visibility, modern warehouse systems, and industrial AI can help teams make better decisions, respond faster to disruptions, and close the gap between planning and execution. Lance and Patrick also share their perspective on where warehouse operations are headed next and why adaptability will be critical moving forward.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:54) IFS acquires Softeon: what happened(07:34) Why warehouses became a strategic lever(09:31) Biggest pressures: AI adoption & tariffs(18:22) Closing the gap between planning and execution(20:36) Real-time visibility and faster decision-making(22:30) Industrial AI defined & applied in warehouses(29:05) Real-world operational improvements & customer examples(37:10) The warehouse of the next 3–5 yearsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lance Olmsted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-olmsted-98708568/Connect with Patrick Maley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmaley/Learn more about IFS: https://www.ifs.com/enLearn more about IFS Softeon: https://www.softeon.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

Operational Leverage: The New Growth Engine for Founders

Early purchase order visibility can be the difference between staying ahead of disruption and scrambling to catch up.In this episode, Mike Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment, and Nayeli Valladares, Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment at DP World, discuss why early purchase order visibility matters more than ever as supply chains face disruption, sourcing shifts, and greater complexity. They explain how purchase orders can give teams an earlier read on demand, risk, and pressure across suppliers, carriers, brokers, and internal teams, leading to better forecasting and smarter planning around inventory, capacity, and transportation.They also explore how companies are using technology and closer coordination to make faster, more informed decisions. From tariff-driven sourcing changes and seasonal demand swings to stockout risk and communication gaps, Mike and Nayeli show how stronger visibility helps teams act sooner, reduce surprises, and build more resilient operations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:23) Meet the DP World leaders(07:30) Why purchase orders matter more now(11:46) How early visibility creates an advantage(14:09) Why PO data is really a demand signal(16:51) Turning visibility into smarter control(18:56) Using KPIs and alerts to act sooner(20:25) How visibility helps prevent late orders(21:45) Why stronger PO collaboration matters(22:47) Aligning stakeholders from the start(29:43) The case for partner visibility(33:31) Where automation meets human judgmentAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike Wiggins: mike.wiggins@dpworld.comConnect with Nayeli Valladares: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayeli-valladares-29871285/Learn more about DP World: https://www.dpworld.com/enConnect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/from-purchase-orders-predictive-control-early-PO-visibility-prevents-costly-supply-chain-surprises-1570

Carles Reina is VP of Sales at ElevenLabs, where he was the first investor and fourth employee. Carles has scaled the revenue org from Day 1 to over $350M in just 3 years. Carles is also an active investor with investments in ElevenLabs, Revolut, Happy Robot and more.   AGENDA: 00:00 - Is the Traditional CRO Dead in the Age of AI? 01:01 - Building the AI Sales Machine: Agents that Actually Generate Revenue 08:35 - Will AI Shrink the Sales Teams of the Future? 09:51 - The ElevenLabs Masterclass: Why We Set a 20x Sales Quota 11:00 - How to Structure Explosive Sales Accelerators 12:15 - Why You Should Stop Paying Commission on Pilots 14:00 - Customer Success: Is it 'Total Bullshit' or a Growth Engine? 16:15 - The 'Global-First' Fallacy: Why You Need to Open Every Market Now 17:23 - Why Startups Are Wrong to Ignore 20-Year Sales Veterans 19:15 - The Pipeline Construction Secret: Liquidity vs. Whales 24:30 - Forecasting the Unpredictable: How to Hit a $1B Revenue Target 31:55 - The Substitution Threat: Is AI Voice Just a Commodity? 34:10 - Verticalization Mistakes: Lessons from Scaling India 38:40 - The 'IBM Effect': Does Brand Actually Shorten Sales Cycles? 40:15 - Extreme Expectations: Why ElevenLabs is a Hard Company to Work For 42:15 - Internal Leaderboards: How to Use Public Competition to Drive Results 44:20 - Hunting the Obsessed: Identifying the 'Inner Psychopath' in Hires 46:40 - The SaaS Apocalypse: Will Companies Build Their Own CRM? 48:30 - Formula 1 Branding: The Mindset Behind the Audi-Revolut Deal 50:15 - Dinner vs. Conferences: Which Marketing Channels Actually Scale? 52:45 - Designing Un-Salesy Content: How to Run a Legendary Summit 54:20 - CVC Strategy: Turning Corporate Investors into Distribution Channels 01:01:45 - The Globalization Nightmare: Why You Can't Sell in English Everywhere 01:06:45 - Operator-Investors: Can You Be a High-Performer and a VC Simultaneously? 01:11:30 - Unit Economics in AI: Why Good Early Numbers Might Mean Failure 01:18:25 - The Next Wave: Why Foundational Model Consolidation is Inevitable  

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, we break down the latest retail sales signals, explore the growing importance of supply chain storytelling, and spotlight the powerful role Georgia plays in global logistics. From shifting consumer behavior to automation trends and industry events, this episode is packed with insights that matter right now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS!Hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love dive into early March retail data, highlighting cautious consumer spending patterns and what they signal for the months ahead. The conversation also explores the newly released documentary The Chain: How the World Works, which brings supply chain complexity to life for a broader audience. Plus, special guest Sandy Lake from the Georgia Center of Innovation shares key trends driving logistics growth, including automation, trade policy shifts, and infrastructure investments across the state.Key Learnings & Takeaways:Retail trends show resilience—but with more selective, value-driven spendingRising energy costs and uncertainty continue to shape supply chain strategyAutomation and AI are accelerating transformation across logistics networksGeorgia continues to emerge as a critical U.S. logistics and supply chain hubThe Chain documentary highlights the real-world impact of supply chainsResilience and predictability are becoming essential—not optional—for leadersAs uncertainty persists across global markets, supply chain leaders must double down on resilience, visibility, and adaptability. This episode reinforces why staying informed—and agile—is more important than ever.Additional Links & Resources:DOSS: https://www.doss.com/ Between the Lines: https://supplychainnow.com/first-edition-between-lines-supply-chain-now/National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026 Enterprise Unleashed: https://streamyard.com/watch/HCN3dQ4SDKSf Fiserv: Rising gas prices push small business retail sales up in March: https://bit.ly/Retail-Sales-March2026Logistics Market Snapshot for March 2026: https://bit.ly/Logistics-Market-Snapshot-March2026 Unraveling the Complexities of the Global Supply Chain: https://www.ascm.org/the-chain-documentary/American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/2026 Georgia Logistics Summit: https://galogisticssummit.com/Georgia Center of Innovation:https://georgia.org/ Connect with Sandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandylakecscp/Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-retail-signals-supply-chain-stories-georgia-rise-1569

Today I'm talking to Dan Demsky, who turned the frustration of trying to pack light while traveling into an 8-figure e-commerce business. He discovered that merino wool clothing lets you pack far fewer items for a trip. The problem was, most of the brands were focused on outdoor gear—not something everyday travelers would actually wear. So Dan and his buddies built Unbound Merino, a fully remote apparel brand doing $32M a year. In this episode, you'll hear how they used crowdfunding to validate product-market fit and scale without investors, how tariffs nearly wiped out their business overnight, and what it actually takes to run a fully remote team.   Key Takeaways with Dan Demsky (00:00) Starting an Apparel Brand (04:23) Crowdfunding as Product-Market Validation (05:27) Ecommerce's Hardest Problem (06:52) When Tariffs Nearly Killed their Business (13:09) 30% Repeat Buyers in 30 Days (15:29) Using Crowdfunding as a Growth Engine (28:20) Running a Fully Remote Team (39:41) Should You Do Business with Best Friends?  (51:17) Advice to New Entrepreneurs   Watch on YouTube:      Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook

Scaling an eCommerce brand isn't just about ads, creatives, or new channels.Often, the biggest growth unlock comes from how you treat customers after the purchase.In this episode of eCommerce Evolution, Brett sits down with Kristin Keys, VP of Customer Experience at Baseball Lifestyle 101, to break down how CX can become a true growth engine.From empowering support teams to turning angry customers into loyal advocates, Kristin shares how great customer experience drives retention, increases LTV, and fuels word-of-mouth growth.If you're struggling with churn, negative reviews, or rising CAC, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you turn CX into a competitive advantage.—Sponsored by OMG Commerce - go to (https://www.omgcommerce.com/contact) and request your FREE strategy session today!—Chapters:(00:00) Introduction: CX as a Growth Engine with Kristin Keys(03:12) Why Good CX Drives Retention, LTV & Word of Mouth(07:00) The Baseball Lifestyle 101 Origin Story(14:02) Reducing Refunds, Chargebacks & Negative Reviews(20:04) Empowering Your Team to Resolve Issues on the Spot(24:10) Going Above & Beyond: Community Stories & Surprise Moments(30:51) Key Metrics: Return Rate, Repeat Purchases & Sales from Support(36:50) Biggest CX Mistakes D2C Brands Make(41:46) Parting Advice: Build a CX Team That Loves Your Brand—Connect With Brett:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrettcurry/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@omgcommerceWebsite: https://www.omgcommerce.com/Request a Free Strategy Session: https://www.omgcommerce.com/contactRelevant Links:Kristin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinkeyes23Past guests on eCommerce Evolution include Ezra Firestone, Steve Chou, Drew Sanocki, Jacques Spitzer, Jeremy Horowitz, Ryan Moran, Sean Frank, Andrew Youderian, Ryan McKenzie, Joseph Wilkins, Cody Wittick, Miki Agrawal, Justin Brooke, Nish Samantray, Kurt Elster, John Parkes, Chris Mercer, Rabah Rahil, Bear Handlon, JC Hite, Frederick Vallaeys, Preston Rutherford, Anthony Mink, Bill D'Allessandro, Stephane Colleu, Jeff Oxford, Bryan Porter and more

With James Conole—Founder, Root Financial Overview James Conole built Root Financial from zero to ~$2.4B in just 8 years. Louis Diamond speaks with him about how he grew the firm through content and inbound demand rather than traditional business development, and how Root approaches culture, growth, and operating in a fully virtual environment. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/qmBjVi82jDc About this episode… Wealth management firms typically develop in a similar manner. It generally begins with a book of business, grows through referrals and relationships, and over time expands by adding other like-minded advisors. It's a model that works—one that has been reinforced for decades. However, James Conole took a different path, beginning from the ground up. He's the founder of Root Financial, a firm that's grown to about $2.4B in assets in just 8 years. And what makes that growth interesting isn't just the number—it's how it happened. James didn't begin with a book, nor did he grow the business through traditional prospecting or by recruiting advisors with existing books of business. Instead, the firm grew out of something else: content, inbound demand, and a very intentional approach to building a team that could support it. That's the focus of this conversation with Louis Diamond. They dive into James' story, including: The traditional playbook—and why James felt he could build a firm in a new way. The real value of content—and what made their YouTube videos an effective client acquisition engine. Balancing growth between demand and capacity—and why it's not a process left to a single metric. The virtual firm—and how to foster and maintain consistency and culture as it scales. Effective Zoom team meetings—and what key activity drives their success. The “one meeting close”—and how that process changed their efficacy in onboarding new clients. It's a fresh look at building a business, managing growth, and creating a culture that's rooted in the values and mission upon which the firm is built. Plenty to learn for advisors and business owners alike. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Custody Reimagined: How Jason Wenk and Altruist Are Disrupting the Status QuoA candid conversation on rethinking custody from the ground up—and why simplification, aligned economics, and integrated technology are becoming critical for advisors building modern, scalable firms. Firms That Win in 2025: What Advisors Are Really Looking ForWith advisor expectations evolving, not all “good firms” are winning the talent. Mindy and Louis Diamond share what today's top advisors really value—and why some firms are standing out while others fall short. Intentional Growth: How Top Advisors Build Businesses That LastMarkets can be a tailwind, but building a durable business requires intention and a plan. Here are 5 core practices from the industry's elite. The 10 Characteristics of the Most Successful TeamsThe most successful teams are led by strong leaders who guide cohesive groups with complementary skills, all working together towards a shared goal: success. We've put together a list of 10 key traits that top teams consistently excel in.   James ConoleFounder Founder of Root Financial Partners, James is CFP® professional who practices financial planning for clients under a fiduciary oath. He received his MBA with a concentration in finance from Pepperdine University. He currently resides with his beautiful family in Cardiff, CA, and runs his financial planning firm out of Solana Beach. James enjoys helping people navigate the complexities of their financial lives so they can be free to enjoy what they love most. When he's not working, James loves to surf, stay active, and spend time with his family. He's also involved in his church and engages in several local organizations like the Rotary and San Diego Financial Literary Center.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Predictable B2B Growth, Javier breaks down what a true go-to-market audit actually looks like—and why most companies skip the step that matters most.Instead of jumping straight to tactics like SEO, ads, or hiring, Javier explains why growth problems are almost always rooted in deeper system issues across marketing, sales, and customer success. He walks through how a proper audit diagnoses what's really broken, from unclear positioning and messy customer journeys to misaligned teams and unreliable data.You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at Javier's 30-day audit process, including how he maps the full customer journey, identifies the primary constraint holding growth back, and turns scattered issues into a focused 90-day execution plan.This episode is a wake-up call for founders and leaders stuck in “random acts of marketing” and reactive decision-making—and a clear framework for building a predictable, scalable growth engine before adding more tactics or headcount.Key  TopicsThe importance of a comprehensive business auditPhases of the audit process: discovery, analysis, synthesisAligning marketing, sales, and customer successBuilding a scalable go-to-market systemSound Bites"More content isn't the solution to pipeline issues""Misalignment gets exposed quickly in a foundation""Market perception and brand alignment are crucial"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Company Audits02:49 Understanding the Audit Process06:03 The Importance of Customer Journey Mapping08:55 Phases of the Audit11:46 Evaluating Brand and Digital Presence15:06 Analyzing Technology and Rev Ops18:01 Synthesizing Findings and Creating a Roadmap20:47 Who Should Consider an Audit?24:05 Conclusion and Next Steps Thanks for listening to Predictable B2B Growth.Want predictable pipeline (not random acts of marketing)? Run the Predictable Pipeline Diagnostic (15 min): https://boldermediasolutions.com/pipeline Subscribe to the newsletter: https://boldermediasolutions.com/newsletter Book a strategy call: https://boldermediasolutions.com/strategyMore episodes + show notes: https://boldermediasolutions.com/podcastConnect with Javier:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierlozanojr/ Website: https://boldermediasolutions.comIf the show helps, follow + leave a rating/review.

What are future supply chain leaders paying attention to right now?In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Julie Niederhoff, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Department Chair of Marketing, Retail and Supply Chain Management at Syracuse University, alongside standout students Odette Sherk, Katherine Foley, Makayla Amatuegwu, and David Patterson. Together, they explore how today's students are discovering supply chain as a dynamic career path that blends strategy, sustainability, and real-world problem solving.The conversation highlights how hands-on experiences, from study abroad programs to industry internships, are helping students connect classroom learning to global challenges. Topics like sustainability transparency, rail transportation, globalization shifts, and ethical sourcing take center stage as each student shares what excites them most about the industry. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change.Julie also shares insights into how Syracuse's program develops well-rounded leaders by combining academic rigor with experiential learning. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the field of supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:42) Syracuse supply chain program overview(02:21) Meet the student panel and professor(06:31) Student backgrounds and personal interests(34:33) Sustainability challenges in mining(36:35) Interest in healthcare distribution and logistics(39:51) Career goals in consulting and sustainability(41:46) Procurement, fashion, and ethical sourcing(45:50) Program impact and student experiencesAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Julie Niederhoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieniederhoff/Connect with Odette Sherk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odettesherk/Connect with Katherine Foley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-g-foleyConnect with Makayla Amatuegwu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-amatuegwu/Connect with David Patterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-patterson13Learn more about Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management: https://whitman.syracuse.eduLearn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.phpLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Codes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit the dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/now-generation-future-supply-chain-orange-1568

Eventually, most successful practices hit a certain kind of ceiling.Caseloads are full. Marketing falls off.  Systems strain.And growth? It stalls… or starts to feel like it would break everything.So today, Chris McShanag shares a new way of thinking about remote support — not as a way to offload tasks, but as a way to expand capacity.So interesting - because he even challenged my thinking a bit!

Erika Flowers and Andi Baldwin sit down with Angel Morgan to unpack what it really takes to build a high‑performing sales function in professional services.Angel shares hard‑earned lessons from leading sales teams, including why hiring the right people is the most critical—and costly—decision leaders make, what traits can and can't be trained, and how she thinks about developing, measuring, and holding sales teams accountable. She also walks through her approach to hiring, coaching, evaluating performance, and making tough calls when roles aren't the right fit, offering a clear perspective on what strong sales leadership looks like in practice.

Disruption isn't an occasional challenge anymore. And that's forcing supply chain leaders to think differently about how they operate.In this episode, Scott Luton is joined by Thato Moloi, President of SAPICS and an expert in African supply chains, to discuss the trends impacting the industry. Thato shares insights on how global supply chain disruptions have become the norm and explains why resilience and adaptability are crucial for leaders in 2026. He also delves into the transformative role of AI and technology in driving efficiency, especially in logistics and warehouse management across the continent.They explore how African supply chains are evolving through innovation, regionalization, and the increasing importance of workforce development. You'll hear practical examples of how companies are leveraging AI for better decision-making and optimizing their supply chains to meet growing demands in today's fast-paced world.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:00) The power of SAPICS(08:54) The complexity of Africa's cold chain & fruit export(11:31) Six trends shaping African supply chains in 2026(14:14) Data-driven decisions and why AI is now essential(16:43) Practical AI applications transforming African warehouses(23:47) Workforce evolution and the fight for scarce skills(28:30) Geopolitics, resilience, and the Eisenhower planning lesson(34:06) A defining year for African supply chains(41:00) The essentials of supply chain leadershipAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Thato Moloi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thato-moloi-mba-5132b7122/Learn more about SAPICS: https://www.sapics.org.za/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-leadership-transforming-africas-industry-1567

Supply chain leadership is being tested like never before, and the expectations keep rising.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Wiley Jones to kick off another episode of Enterprise Unleashed, powered by the DOSS team. Together, they sit down with Rick McDonald, CEO at Rick McDonald Supply Chain Advisory, LLC, and retired SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Clorox, to talk about the evolving role of leaders in today's fast-changing environment. Rick discusses the importance of digital fluency for leaders, particularly in integrating AI, and emphasizes that AI should be viewed as decision support, not a replacement.He highlights key strategies for leaders navigating disruptive technologies, such as investing in reskilling and upskilling, and underscores the critical role of change management. With extensive experience in managing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and a five-month-long cyberattack, Rick shares insights into leadership during times of transformation and how companies can leverage technology for better decision-making.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:59) Meet supply chain expert Rick McDonald(05:53) Rick's supply chain career origin story(07:30) Clorox's global supply chain scale(09:31) Rick's proudest Clorox leadership moments(11:35) How supply chains evolved in five years(14:02) Navigating talent and technology intersection(16:16) Sorting through AI hype and ROI(19:52) The human edge over AI in leadership(23:05) AI adoption and overcoming fear(26:27) Cohorts and adoption strategies for success(27:23) Leaders must walk the digital talk(29:33) The strategic commitment to transformation(30:16) Next-gen skills for supply chain leaders(31:44) Stall versus scale in digital projects(34:33) Avoiding the shiny tool temptation(36:58) CSCO's role in owning digital strategyAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Rick McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82/Connect with Rick through email: rickmcdonald@att.netLearn more about Clorox: http://www.TheCloroxComRick McDonald - AutoScheduler.AI | LinkedInpany.comConnect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/Learn more about DOSS: https://www.doss.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Wiley Jones, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/enterprise-unleashed-rick-mcdonald-whats-now-whats-next-1565

What if the most powerful marketing channel in restaurants isn't ads, email, or social media, but the people already influencing where your guests eat?Vince Wang believes that's exactly the case.As the force behind Mustard, Vince is applying the discipline of performance marketing to one of the most chaotic channels in hospitality: influencer marketing.In this conversation, we get into why influencer marketing may be the most underpriced performance channel in the industry, why micro-creators often outperform celebrity influencers, and how data—real data—can turn content into predictable growth.If you're tired of marketing that feels like guesswork, this conversation shows what happens when you start measuring what actually works.To learn more about Mustard and how they're turning influencer marketing into a measurable performance channel for restaurants, visit mustard.love._________________________________________________________Today's episode was brought to you by Square. If you want restaurant tech that actually supports how you run your restaurant, find out how Square can help at square.com/goodstuff.Free 5-Day Restaurant Marketing Masterclass – This is a live training where you'll learn the exact campaigns Josh has built and tested in real restaurants to attract new guests, increase visit frequency, and generate sales on demand. Save your spot at restaurantbusinessschool.com

Supply chain disruption isn't slowing down, it's becoming the baseline. So what separates leaders who keep up from those who fall behind?In this episode, Scott Luton sits down with Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to break down what it takes to lead in 2026. Mike revisits key lessons from the pandemic, including why top organizations “handle hard better,” and explains why “winning in the turns” still applies in today's environment of constant disruption.They also unpack where many leaders are misreading AI, especially as supply chain and IT continue to converge, and what that means for CSCOs. You'll hear Gartner's top three priorities for supply chain leaders, plus practical examples of how AI is already improving decision-making, from vendor selection to faster insights.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:17) What the pandemic taught supply chain leaders about handling hard(06:02) A broader perspective on AI and the rise of LLMs(08:40) Why winning in the turns still matters(12:15) Quantum risk and the future of data security(14:56) Why so many leaders are misreading AI strategy(19:00) The top priorities for CSCOs in 2026(22:53) Where agentic AI is creating real value(27:34) What supply chain leaders in 2050 may say about today(31:38) Join the conversation at Gartner Supply Chain SymposiumAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/Connect with Mike through email: mike.griswold@gartner.com Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/enLearn more about the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ 2026 conference: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/symposium-us Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/priorities-cscos-2026-boards-still-getting-wrong-1564

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Armando Leduc discuss: Building authority through podcasting Overcoming mindset barriers Leveraging content strategically Maintaining consistency for compounding impact   Key Takeaways: Hosting a weekly podcast allows lawyers to create a systematic referral network, strengthen relationships with industry partners, and position themselves as trusted authorities over time. Addressing fear, self-doubt, and perceived market saturation helps attorneys gain confidence on camera and embrace personal branding as a growth tool. Repurposing podcast recordings into articles, social posts, and even books multiplies visibility and ensures each interview provides long-term business development value. Persistently producing niche-focused content over months and years compounds authority, relationships, and opportunities, turning podcasting into a long-term growth engine.   "If you're an estate planning attorney, start a podcast... but number two, bring in financial advisors and family lawyers and wealth advisors and CPAs and people that are in the space that can refer you business." —  Armando Leduc    Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Armando Leduc: Armando Leduc is the CEO of Leduc Entertainment, a social media management company. Armando is a multifaceted and driven artist who has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment sector through determination, hard work, and an innate gift for storytelling. With a growing list of achievements and a steadfast commitment to his craft, Armando continually strives for excellence, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating his next creative endeavor.   Connect with Armando Leduc:   Website: https://www.leducentertainment.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leducentertainment Twitter: https://twitter.com/armandoleduc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducentertainment/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ0BozS4ZM-1TqOcwSl2l0Q LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-leduc-16ba4940   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

AI in manufacturing is no longer a strategy reserved for the boardroom. It is a tool for the technician on the plant floor, and the results are already showing up in real operations worldwide.Most digital transformation strategies in manufacturing are built for desk workers on the carpeted side of the building, not the operators and technicians keeping production running on the concrete floor. AI platforms have historically been designed for white collar knowledge workers with time to navigate complex systems, leaving the frontline worker as an afterthought. Nick Haase recognized this gap when building MaintainX in 2018, and it became the foundational design principle behind everything the company built. The result is a platform now serving nearly 14,000 customers across manufacturing, food and beverage, facilities management, and any industry that depends on physical assets staying operational.The core thesis Nick brings to this conversation is that the person with no purchasing authority and no budget is the single most important factor in whether a digital transformation project succeeds or fails. That person is the frontline technician. Building for that user first required a mobile experience so intuitive that no training was needed, one that met workers in the flow of existing work rather than pulling them out of it. If your team needs a 300 page manual to use the platform, the adoption battle is already lost.The skilled labor shortage in manufacturing is not a forecast. The United States is projected to have more than 3 million manufacturing jobs unfilled by 2030, driven largely by retirement of experienced workers who have spent decades building institutional knowledge. That knowledge cannot be transferred through a job posting. MaintainX attacks this through AI powered voice note capture at work order closeout. Technicians leave a verbal description of what they found and fixed. The platform transcribes it across any language or accent, standardizes it, and builds a living knowledge base that outlasts the retirements of the people who created it. For organizations with similar equipment across dozens of sites, that knowledge becomes portable across locations and years.About Nick HaaseNick Haase is a co-founder of MaintainX, a frontline work execution platform for maintenance, reliability, SOPs, safety, and compliance serving nearly 14,000 customers across manufacturing and other asset-intensive industries. Nick is also the host of The Wrench Factor podcast.Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickhaase/Timestamps0:00 Introduction1:30 Nick Haase and MaintainX Background7:20 Where AI Fits for Frontline Workers10:00 What Data Foundations Are Needed for AI13:30 Why Frontline Adoption Determines Digital Transformation Success16:40 The Skilled Labor Shortage and Retirement Wave18:30 Voice Notes and AI Powered Knowledge Capture25:30 Overcoming Change Management and AI Skepticism34:50 Guardrails and Safe AI for Industrial Environments45:10 Embedding AI in the Flow of Work48:30 AI Agents for Parts Forecasting and Automation55:50 Predict the Future: Maintenance as a Growth CenterReferencesMaintainX: https://www.maintainx.comThe Wrench Factor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wrench-factor/id1809000028Origins of Efficiency by Brian Potter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJG6ZKKJInductive Automation Ignition: https://inductiveautomation.comThis episode is sponsored by MaintainXTechnicians spend up to 40 percent of their time looking for answers rather than fixing equipment. MaintainX puts AI powered knowledge tools directly in the flow of work so frontline teams get the right information in seconds.https://www.maintainx.comAbout Your HostsVladimir Romanov is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and the founder of Joltek, an independent manufacturing and industrial automation consulting firm specializing in modernization strategy, digital transformation, and workforce development. Joltek works with manufacturers and investors to de-risk modernization and build the internal capability to sustain results.Connect with Vlad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimirromanov/Joltek: https://www.joltek.com/blog/digital-transformation-in-manufacturingJoltek: https://www.joltek.com/blog/root-causes-downtime-industrial-automationDave Griffith is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and founder of Capelin Solutions, an industrial automation firm helping manufacturers adopt smart manufacturing technology. He brings 15 years of experience in industrial automation and digital transformation.Connect with Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/Subscribe to Manufacturing Hub: https://www.manufacturinghub.liveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-hub-networkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManufacturingHub

What if the next big supply chain breakthrough also creates one of its biggest security risks?In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Akhilesh Agarwal, President of P2P Solutions and Technology at apexanalytix, and William McNeill, Vice President of Market Intelligence at apexanalytix, for an in-depth discussion on quantum computing's role in supply chains. They examine how it can improve visibility, risk management, and decision-making. Akhilesh and William stress the importance of preparing now, as waiting could expose companies to risks.The conversation also covers the convergence of quantum computing and AI, enhancing predictive analytics, supply chain modeling, and risk management. The episode concludes with practical steps leaders can take to prepare for quantum disruptions and stay ahead as the technology evolves.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:26) Sci-fi influences and tech discussion(07:49) Career background and journey details(10:16) Overview of apexanalytix's work(12:30) Why they wrote the quantum paper(17:34) Comparing quantum risk to AI delays(21:19) Why quantum is both overhyped and underestimated(26:26) Quantum's potential for deep visibility(32:21) The power of quantum risk modeling(32:54) Data hurdles in supplier visibility(33:40) Quantum access and the risk of bad actors(37:45) The rise of quantum computing as a service(39:34) Near-term risks and HNDL explained(44:08) Compliance, insurance, and data lifespan(47:13) Misconceptions about quantum readiness(51:53) Practical steps to take in 24 monthsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Akhilesh Agarwal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilesh78/Connect with William McNeill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wimcneill/Learn more about apexanalytix: https://apexanalytix.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/quantum-paradox-what-supply-chain-leaders-need-know-1562

Andi Baldwin and Jacob Parks sit down with Jeff Downs, co-author of Streaking and longtime business development leader, to discuss his career in professional services—from early sales lessons to building sustainable growth through consistency.Together, they explore how simple, repeatable habits drive business development success, including applying “streaking” to pipeline growth, building trust through consistent relationship-building, carrying your own weather through rejection, and strengthening client outcomes through a thoughtful sales-to-delivery handoff.

Asia is playing a bigger role in global supply chains as trade shifts, regional demand grows, and companies focus on execution over noise.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Raymon Krishnan, President of The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society, and Brett Marshall, Editor-in-Chief of LogiSYM Magazine, for a grounded conversation on what's happening across Asia and Southeast Asia. From Singapore's role as a logistics and coordination hub to the rise of domestic markets across the region, they walk through the changes influencing how supply chains operate today.Scott, Raymon, and Brett discuss how companies are adjusting to new trade patterns, building stronger regional capabilities, and managing ongoing disruption while keeping day-to-day operations on track. They share practical examples of how AI is being used in procurement and freight, while emphasizing the need to focus on what delivers results.The conversation also covers the growing importance of risk management, the need for continuous learning, and the role of relationships in keeping supply chains running. The episode closes with insights on Singapore's next phase of growth, the rise of reverse logistics innovation, and the people-first mindset that continues to drive the industry forward.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:38) Warm-up stories and sports talk(08:03) Optimism and caution in global supply chains(12:34) Looking past headlines in supply chain news(16:30) Staying focused amid constant disruption(21:23) Rebalancing vs reinvention in global supply chains(30:26) Practical AI use cases in logistics(32:49) Skills and leadership for the future workforce(39:46) Singapore's logistics strategy and infrastructure(46:41) Reverse logistics and sustainability initiatives(50:07) LogiSYM APAC and industry collaborationAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Raymon Krishnan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymonkrishnan/Connect with Brett Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-marshall-944b537/Learn more about The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society: https://lscms.org/Learn more about LogiSYM Magazine: https://magazine.logisym.org/magazine/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/asia-crossroads-reinvention-risk-supply-chain-growth-1561

Geopolitical tensions are rising, supply chains are shifting, and innovation isn't slowing down—on this episode of The Buzz, we break down what it all means and why it matters now… welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44!In this episode, Scott Luton, Karin Bursa, and special guest Christine Barnhart unpack the far-reaching implications of the ongoing Iran conflict on global supply chains, with a close look at the Strait of Hormuz and its critical role in global oil flow. The conversation explores how potential disruptions could ripple across transportation, manufacturing, and cost structures worldwide. The team also dives into Rivian's ambitious EV manufacturing plans in Georgia, examining both the promise and the profitability challenges facing the electric vehicle market. Rounding out the discussion, the episode highlights the growing impact of women in supply chain leadership and the importance of adaptability, visibility, and innovation in navigating today's complex operating environment.Tune in and learn:The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and how disruptions could impact global oil supply and logistics costsWhat the Iran conflict signals for supply chain risk management and contingency planningInside Rivian's Georgia expansion and what it reveals about the evolving EV marketThe ongoing challenges and opportunities in scaling electric vehicle production profitablyWhy visibility, technology, and agility are essential in today's volatile supply chain landscapeThe role of women in supply chain leadership and strategies for overcoming industry barriersHow leaders can build resilience and stay ahead in an increasingly uncertain global environmentFrom geopolitical disruption to technological transformation, this episode is a must-listen for supply chain leaders looking to stay informed, agile, and prepared. Whether you're navigating risk, investing in innovation, or leading through change, this conversation delivers timely insights to help you move forward with confidence.Additional Links & Resources:Project 44: https://www.project44.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-15March2026 National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026 Navigating headwinds and harnessing innovation: https://bit.ly/4cQh7k6U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/scn-usbank-wts Karin's Post: https://bit.ly/AI-Org-Chart-KBSherri Post: https://bit.ly/Women-Of-The-Revolution How the Iran conflict is impacting global ocean shipping flows: https://bit.ly/Iran-Impact-Ocean-Shipping 3 things you need to understand about how war with Iran will raise your cost of living: https://bit.ly/4rT5nkJRecord Diesel-Price Surge Hits U.S. Truckers, Retailers and Manufacturers: https://on.wsj.com/4rx7BWERivian's crucial R2 EV launch to begin with $58,000 model in spring: https://bit.ly/4sSV3KqDecision44 Event: https://www.project44.com/events/decision44/ How Real Experience Changes Supply Chain Thinking: https://bit.ly/Speaking-Of-SC-Episode73Coach Lawson's Video: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/scottwindonluton_supplychain-goodnews-activity-7438183529332649984-CmiO/Connect with Christine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmbarnhart/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-shockwaves-strategy-iran-ev-supply-chain-disruption-1560

Stop scrolling through fantasies about moving to big cities... this episode will hit different. Matt Paulson joined me to break down how he created roughly $200 million in wealth through MarketBeat while based in Sioux Falls (population ~200k). We go in on the non-negotiable principles that drove his 20-year compounding success... why location independence + community roots beat the coastal grind... exactly how he'd start over in today's world... and the inspiring ways he's poured that success back into his local ecosystem. If you're building something meaningful and want real, grounded inspiration instead of hype, drop everything and listen to this one. Trust me... you don't want to miss it. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. Distribution Is the Real Moat - Great content loses to average content with better distribution. - Google algorithm updates forced MarketBeat to diversify early. - Matt dominated the Google Finance tab when everyone else fought over blue links. - Lesson: Find underpriced attention. Capture it. Convert it to owned channels. 2. Email as the Core Asset (Not Social) - 200,000+ daily pageviews were converted into email subscribers via smart opt-ins. - Daily emails for engaged users. Weekly for cooling segments. - Reactivation campaigns target 30–270 day inactive subscribers. - Engagement is measured by purchases, not just opens and clicks. 3. Scaling to $60M with a 19-Person Team -$50M in revenue with 19 employees (40 including contractors). -Media is leverage-heavy — subscriber growth doesn't require proportional headcount. -Belief: $100M revenue with ~30 people is realistic. -Systems > staffing. 4. Paid Acquisition as the Growth Engine - 80% of new leads now come from paid channels. - $1.4M/month in ad spend with plans to test up to 10 new channels this year. - Each channel has a profitability ceiling ,you find it by testing. - Three-month lag to break even on new paid cohorts. 5. Backend Data > Cheap Leads - Cheap leads are often unprofitable leads. - Channel-level tracking determines which subscribers buy, not just open. - SparkLoop drove engagement but not purchase intent. It was cut. - Principle: Optimize for lifetime value, not cost per subscriber. 6. AI as Leverage, Not Strategy - Three content types: human-written, templated automation, pure generative AI. - AI summarizes earnings transcripts into publishable articles. - “Molti” (Claude workflows) writes daily tweets, manages calendar buffers, flags performance anomalies. - AI augments operators. It doesn't replace judgment. 7. Why YouTube Is the Next Growth Bet - 620K subscribers in ~3 years. - Built around a professional host and expert interviews. - Investing in a full studio buildout to scale production quality. - Organic is stable. Paid drives scale. Video builds future-proof attention. 8. Building a $50M Company from South Dakota - Sioux Falls. Population ~250K metro. - No VC distractions. No “next hot thing” syndrome. - Fewer peers. Fewer temptations. More focus. - Bootstrapped. 100% ownership retained. 9. Venture Investing Lessons (What Fails) - Every idea-stage investment with zero revenue failed. - Now requires ~$20–25K MRR before investing. - Avoids biotech/FDA-heavy businesses due to capital intensity. - Watches burn rate closely: $500K/month burn kills startups fast. 10. Success Redefined: Enjoyable Days in a Row - No desire to sell MarketBeat. - Cash flow over exit multiples. - Defines success by how many enjoyable days he stacks consecutively. - Business as leverage for impact: philanthropy, community, and ownership. Resources & Tools:

Some of the most influential companies in today's economy rarely make headlines. Known as the titanium economy, these small and mid-sized industrial businesses supply the parts, systems, and expertise that keep global supply chains operating.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Karin Bursa, Steffen Fuchs, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, and Ryan Fletcher, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to examine what makes these industrial companies so effective. The group discusses the characteristics that set them apart, from disciplined operations and close customer relationships to long-term thinking that helps them remain competitive across changing market conditions.Steffen and Ryan also share perspectives from their work with companies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy. The discussion looks at how these organizations respond to supply chain disruptions, approach growth opportunities, and invest in their people and operations. Along the way, the group explores leadership decisions, workforce development, and how companies are applying new technologies to support continued growth.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:28) Meet the guests and introductions(05:05) Warmup: March Madness and theater roots(08:22) Steffen discusses background in AI(10:38) Ryan's experience in mid-cap industries(14:02) Defining the titanium economy concept(19:50) Book impact and changes since 2022(23:15) Global policy and geopolitics influences(29:01) Resilience and supply chain adjustments(35:27) The great amplification cycle explained(37:14) Clusters, innovation, and regional growth(38:00) Supply chain tailwinds and opportunities(39:34) Top performers' playbook for success(41:25) Lead time and SKU management(42:39) Capacity bets that lead to success(46:02) AI as a competitive advantage(47:53) Real-world examples of AI in practice(54:36) Leadership lessons from the titanium economy(01:00:40) Trends flying under the radar todayAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Steffen Fuchs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffen-fuchs/Connect with Ryan Fletcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanfletcher/Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/Learn more about McKinsey & Company: http://www.mckinsey.comLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/titanium-economy-how-ai-supply-chains-reshaping-industrial-competitiveness-1559

Supply chains across Africa are being reshaped by sustainability pressures, public health needs, digital transformation, and the growing recognition that supply chain is ultimately about people.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Jenny Froome, Founder and Director of Upavon Management, along with Liesl de Wet, Head of Accelerated Organisational Sustainability at Unitrans and Champion at the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA), and ASCEA 2025 award winner Angelina Cumba, Manager, Access to Health Products at VillageReach. Together, they explore the major trends shaping African supply chains today, from climate-related disruption and technology adoption to public-private collaboration and the need to strengthen local capabilities.Scott, Jenny, Liesl, and Angelina also spotlight the fifth anniversary of the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards and the program's role in celebrating innovation, resilience, and real-world impact across the continent. The conversation highlights why strong supply chains depend on solid fundamentals, continuous improvement, and leadership that is both practical and purpose-driven. From humanitarian success stories and public health transformation to lessons in sustainability and system design, this episode offers a powerful look at how African supply chain leaders are solving complex challenges and creating models worth learning from around the world.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:02) Meet the panel and their roles in supply chain leadership(03:43) Liesl on penguin conservation and sustainability(06:28) Hobbies and work-life balance(11:15) Top supply chain trends across Africa(16:10) Shifts in public health supply chains(19:55) Why the awards were created(24:18) Angelina on winning and impact(26:59) Favorite winner stories(30:50) The Luke Commission resilience story(33:45) Leadership lessons in supply chain(36:40) Awards momentum and community(37:59) What's new for the 2026 awards(52:27) Leadership reflections and connectionsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Angelina Cumba: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-c-90304124/Connect with Liesl de Wet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liesl-de-wet-83903419/Connect with Jenny Froome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-froome-ba3b09b/Learn more about the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA): https://www.ascea.co.za/Learn more about VillageReach: https://www.villagereach.org/Learn more about Unitrans: https://www.unitransafrica.com/Learn more about Upavon Management: https://upavon.co.za/Learn more about the Luke Commission: https://www.lukecommission.orgLearn more about Books for Africa: https://www.booksforafrica.orgLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-excellence-leadership-innovation-across-africa-1558

From manufacturing data and AI adoption to workforce trends and the evolving role of women in industry, supply chain leaders are navigating a fast-changing landscape. In this episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Karen Betancourt break down the latest global supply chain news and welcome Tracy Hyatt Bosman of Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company to explore how economic signals, workforce dynamics, and site selection strategies are shaping the future of manufacturing and logistics. Buckle up and join us for this week's insights and conversations — welcome to The Buzz powered by Project44!This episode dives into the latest developments impacting global supply chains, including new data on U.S. manufacturing performance, the rapid rise of AI in factory operations, and the workforce dynamics influencing site selection and economic development. The conversation also highlights Women's History Month, explores real-world examples of supply chain and marketing alignment, and examines how emerging technologies and shifting economic signals are reshaping industry strategy.Tune in and learn:What the latest U.S. manufacturing data signals about jobs, tariffs, and production costsHow manufacturers are deploying AI to improve productivity, quality, and resilienceWhy workforce availability and skills remain the biggest factor in manufacturing site selectionThe myths and realities surrounding manufacturing careers and workforce shortagesKey economic insights from leading economists on the outlook for U.S. manufacturing and global tradeHow retailers like Target are investing in supply chain and fulfillment capabilities to compete in the omnichannel eraThe role of women's leadership in supply chain and manufacturing operationsWhy data centers are becoming a critical (and sometimes controversial) part of modern infrastructureWhether you're a supply chain leader, manufacturer, logistics professional, or industry enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspective on the economic forces, workforce realities, and technology shifts shaping the future of supply chain. Tune in to gain practical insights and stay ahead of the trends influencing how the world moves goods, data, and innovation.Additional Links & Resources:Project 44: https://www.project44.com/With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7-March-2026National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026American Supply Chain Summit: https://supplychainus.com/FritoLay Chip Challenge: https://bit.ly/Karen-FritoLay-Chip-ChallengeUS manufacturing activity steady, factory gate inflation surges: https://reut.rs/4roemtIU.S. payrolls unexpectedly fell by 92,000 in February; unemployment rate rises to 4.4%: https://cnb.cx/4bgHFseManufacturers are making progress with AI, but barriers remain: Cisco: https://bit.ly/State-of-AI-in-ManufacturingTarget readies next-day delivery for 20 more metros this spring: https://bit.ly/Target-Expands-Next-Day-DeliveryFox's Burton's Companies factory chief: “I was told being a woman would hold me back:” https://bit.ly/Women-In-ManufacturingDecision44 Event: https://www.project44.com/events/decision44/The Executives'​ Club of Chicago's Annual Economic Outlook 2026: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/traceyhyattbosman_before-it-gets-too-far-in-the-rearview-mirror-activity-7418784479105691649-Azng/Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyhyattbosman/Connect with Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendbetancourt/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkSupply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karen Betancourt, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-hits-factory-floor-1557

AI is no longer a technology experiment—it's a business imperative. Val Elbert, a member of BCG's Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice, explains why CEOs must shift from AI pilots to profit, demand quarterly results from all AI initiatives, and lead cross-functional AI transformations that deliver real bottom-line impact. The winners will scale fast. The rest will be left explaining themselves to investors. Learn More Val Elbert, BCG Managing Director and Senior Partner, https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/val-elbert As AI Investments Surge, CEOs Take the Lead, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/as-ai-investments-surge-ceos-take-the-lead Turning AI Disruption into a Telco's Growth Engine, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/turning-ai-disruption-into-telcos-growth-engine Driving Growth and Innovation at Verizon Consumer Group, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/driving-growth-innovation-leading-telcoChapters00:00 Introduction 00:44 Where TMT companies stand on AI adoption02:32 The boardroom shift from AI pilots to scale03:11 Building AI into business agendas03:49 AI adoption patterns across industries 04:37 Leaders need to see quarterly results05:22 Why AI can't run as a three-year program05:59 What separates AI winners07:22 Why structure needs to change07:52 Where friction blocks AI value creation09:19 How to focus amid technology noise10:00 The mindset shift to move from AI pilots to P&L10:30 What scaling AI in telecom looks like12:08 The role of humans in an AI-driven operating model13:28 What the next 18 months will look like13:55 Will AI drive mergers?15:10 Is It harder for legacy companies to compete in AI?15:36 How AI-driven change will impact consumers16:44 If you're stuck in the pilot phase17:45 Physical AI at MWC Barcelona18:11 OutroSubscribe to BCG's YouTube channel: https://goo.gl/hsFsVT Visit us at https://www.bcg.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Our Hong Kong/China Transportation & Infrastructure Analyst Qianlei Fan discusses how China's travel industry is shifting from a post-pandemic rebound to a multi-year expansion.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Qianlei Fan, Morgan Stanley's Hong Kong / China Transportation Analyst. Today, I'll share my thoughts on why travel is quickly emerging as one of [the] key drivers of China's economic rebalancing.It's Tuesday, March the 3rd, at 2pm in Hong Kong. I've just gotten back from my Lunar New Year trip to mainland China. With the longest Chinese New Year break in history, people were out roaming, exploring, laughing, and the whole country felt like it was buzzing with people on a mission to enjoy every minute. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, total domestic tourism spending recorded a robust 19 percent year-on-year growth during the holiday. In fact, China's tourism industry isn't just rebounding after the pandemic. It's entering a structurally stronger phase, supported by policy tailwinds, demographic shifts, and a clear pivot toward experience-driven consumption. By 2030, tourism revenue could reach RMB 12 trillion – equal to roughly USD $1.7 trillion – implying 11 percent annual growth from the mid-2020s. Over the next five years, cumulative domestic and inbound revenue may approach RMB 50 trillion, or USD $7.2 trillion. That scale makes travel more than a cyclical recovery – it's becoming a core pillar of China's consumption-led growth. We expect tourism's share of GDP to rise to about 6.7 percent by 2030, up from 4.8 percent in 2024.Domestic travel remains the backbone. People aren't just traveling again; they're traveling more than before. Policy is reinforcing demand. Extended public holidays, new school breaks, and event-driven tourism are boosting activity. In 2025 alone, around 3,000 large-scale performances attracted more than 43 million attendees. And spending reflects that shift. Domestic tourism spending reached RMB 6.3 trillion in 2025, about 11 percent above pre-COVID levels. Even with slightly lower spend per trip, more frequent travel is lifting overall revenue.International travel is emerging as a second growth engine. By 2030, inbound travel could represent 16 percent of total tourism revenue. In late 2025, inbound visitor growth in major cities was up about 30–50 percent year-over-year, supported by expanded visa-free access, which now accounts for the majority of foreign arrivals. These visitors often stay longer and spend more. Outbound travel is strengthening too. International air traffic grew 22 percent in 2025, far outpacing domestic growth, and now contributes a meaningful share of airline revenue. Demographics and technology are reinforcing the trend. Younger consumers prioritize travel, while older households – with substantial savings – are beginning to spend more as services improve. At the same time, smart hotels, virtual reality attractions, and data-driven operations are enhancing engagement and willingness to pay. This isn't just pent-up demand. It's policy, demographics, technology, and supply aligning at once. – with travel at the center of China's consumption story.Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.