Podcasts about Last mile

A Starlink de Elon Musk pode mudar o futuro da internet no Brasil? E qual é o papel da Anatel nessa disputa entre 5G, satélites, operadoras, provedores regionais, data centers e soberania digital?Neste episódio especial do Market Makers, Thiago Salomão recebe Bruno Guimarães, do Last Mile, para uma conversa com Carlos Manuel Baigorri, presidente da Anatel.O papo passa pela história das telecomunicações no Brasil: da época em que linha telefônica era um ativo caro e escasso, passando pela privatização, pelo surgimento dos pequenos provedores de internet, pela crise da Oi, pela chegada do 5G, pela expansão da Starlink, pela bagunça dos postes, pelo Fistel e pelo futuro dos data centers no país.Baigorri explica como o Brasil se tornou uma potência em fibra óptica, por que existem milhares de provedores regionais, como a Anatel enxerga a concorrência no setor, quais são os riscos e benefícios da Starlink, e por que a infraestrutura digital virou uma das grandes discussões econômicas e geopolíticas dos próximos anos.No episódio de hoje:-Como o Brasil saiu da escassez do telefone fixo para a era da fibra óptica-Por que abrir uma empresa de telecom no Brasil pode custar apenas R$ 400-O papel dos pequenos provedores na expansão da internet-O que a queda da Oi ensina sobre regulação, mercado e concorrência-O avanço do 5G no Brasil-Starlink, Elon Musk e o debate sobre soberania digital-O potencial do Brasil em data centers-Fistel, operadoras e o impacto no mercado financeiro-A “treta dos postes” e o futuro da infraestrutura de telecomDeixe nos comentários: a Starlink é uma solução para o Brasil ou um risco para a nossa soberania digital?

AI can now write code faster than any human alive, and most of the time it's more than good enough. That's the magic powering the entire vibe coding wave. But there's a category of software where "most of the time" just doesn't cut it: the code running a fighter jet, a power grid, an autonomous vehicle, a piece of medical hardware. When that code is wrong, the consequences aren't a bug. They're a recall, an accident, a national security incident.In this episode of Talking AI, Matt Paige sits down with Ryan Aytay, the former CEO of Tableau and now President and COO of CodeMetal, which just raised $125 million to close that gap. Ryan explains what he calls "the last mile" for mission-critical industries: the verification, validation, and provability layer that sits between AI-generated code and the systems where failure is catastrophic.The conversation covers why 99% correct is still failure in defense and autonomous systems, how CodeMetal translated a million lines of legacy C++ to Rust in weeks (like rewiring a city without the power going out), and why the real problem isn't code generation, it's behavioral assurance at scale. Ryan also shares how he's using AI to run a sub-100-person startup, why the biggest risk for any company right now is doing nothing, and what an operator who lived through 19 years of per-seat SaaS at Salesforce thinks about outcomes-based pricing in the age of AI.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why every AI coding tool says "almost, but not quite" when asked about production-ready guarantees. The difference between code generation and behavioral assurance at scale. How CodeMetal translates legacy C++ to Rust with provable correctness in weeks, not years. The concept of V&V (verification and validation) and why it's the missing layer in AI code gen. Real use cases in defense, autonomous vehicles, and simulation environments. Why hardware in the loop matters as much as human in the loop. How a sub-100-person company uses AI across M&A, recruiting, marketing, and operations. Ryan's take on token economics, outcomes-based pricing, and the SaaS evolution. Why the biggest risk is inaction, not AI errors. What attracted Ryan to CodeMetal after 19 years at Salesforce and leading Tableau.Key Moments02:47 — From Tableau fanboy to the trust gap in AI03:52 — Why Ryan left Salesforce/Tableau for CodeMetal05:55 — "Is it safe for the things I depend on every day?"06:45 — 99% correct is still failure for mission-critical systems08:20 — The sycophantic nature of AI: "Heck yeah, I can do that"09:22 — It's not a coding problem, it's a behavioral problem at scale11:22 — Human in the loop isn't enough: hardware in the loop14:30 — What is fuzzing? Formal methods explained in plain English16:02 — How a sub-100-person company leverages AI across every function18:19 — The Shopify mandate: using AI reflexively21:33 — Rewiring the city without the power going out: the million-line translation24:38 — Defense use cases: drones, autonomous vehicles, and simulation26:28 — "Prove is even a stronger word than guarantee"28:32 — Accountability and the coming wave of AI insurance32:54 — Token usage, the Uber CTO's blown budget, and outcomes-based pricing36:26 — SaaS isn't dead, it's evolving: Ryan's Salesforce/Tableau perspective40:08 — The biggest risk is doing nothing42:07 — Where to find CodeMetal (and they're hiring)Key LinksCodeMetalConnect with Ryan on LinkedInMentioned in this episode:AI Opportunity FinderFeeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there? The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.

Link Logistics CEO Luke Petherbridge goes Inside the ICE House to discuss the resilience and evolution of industrial real estate in a rapidly changing economy. He highlights the rise of last-mile logistics and e-commerce demand as key drivers shaping the sector's growth. Petherbridge explains how Link leverages scale, data, and customer service to support tenants ranging from global enterprises to small businesses. He also outlines how AI and technology are enhancing operations, insights, and tenant experiences across the portfolio.

In this deeply thoughtful and compassionate episode of Ageing Gracefully, Fr. Juventius Andrade, CSsR invites two insightful voices — Dr. Maya Mascarenhas, and Fr. Sandeep Menezes, C.Ss.R. (Asst. Director, Holy Redeemer Foundation) — to explore how planning the final phase of life can become an act of peace, dignity, and love.Together, they reflect on one of the most important yet often unspoken aspects of ageing:how to prepare emotionally, practically, and spiritually for the last chapter of life.This conversation gently guides viewers through:✨ Understanding what “a peaceful last mile” truly means✨ The importance of planning ahead — medical, emotional & relational✨ How families can support elders with empathy and clarity✨ The spiritual dimension of end-of-life readiness✨ Practical steps that help seniors live with dignity, comfort & serenity✨ How thoughtful preparation strengthens bonds and reduces family stressWhether you are journeying through ageing yourself or accompanying a loved one, this episode offers wisdom-filled, compassionate, and empowering insights to help navigate the final stages of life with grace and confidence.

Rick Watson and Jessica Lesesky sit down to unpack a busy stretch across tech, shipping, and commerce. They open with Anthropic's confidential IPO filing, submitted to the SEC on June 1st, and what it signals about the AI lab's trajectory. After a $65 billion Series H that pushed its valuation to $965 billion, Anthropic now sits ahead of OpenAI on that measure, and Rick and Jessica dig into how it got there: a revenue run rate that climbed from roughly $10 billion a year ago to about $47 billion by May 2026, helped by a developer-first bet through Claude Code that has made it a serious contender for enterprise spend.The Watson Weekly Weekend episode is sponsored by Avalara. Its Agentic Tax and Compliance automates behind-the-scenes work for ecommerce brands, enabling accurate checkout tax calculation, clearer tariff and duty visibility, and fewer customer surprises. Avalara integrates with platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. Learn more at avalara.watsonweekly.comFrom there the conversation turns physical. USPS and DHL have signed a multi-year contract valued at well over $10 billion, with DHL handling pickup, sorting, and transport while USPS covers final-mile delivery. It lands at an awkward moment for the Postal Service, which posted a $9.5 billion loss in fiscal 2025 and whose Postmaster General has warned of a possible cash crisis within a year absent action from Congress.The last segment covers Salesforce's push to wake up a commerce cloud that had been growing under 2%. The reported Contentful acquisition (somewhere in the $1 to $1.5 billion range) fits a long pattern that runs through MuleSoft, Tableau, Slack, and PredictSpring. Rick and Jessica close on whether the integrated Agentforce suite can hold up against focused players like Shopify.

In "Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain" Joe Lynch and Joey Evans, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation, discuss how Class III short line railroads leverage technology, sustainability, and first-and-last-mile service to keep American commerce moving. About Joey Evans Joey Evans is the Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation. He is a seasoned rail industry professional with over 20 years of experience, leading TNW's development and execution of government affairs and strategic growth initiatives. His role oversees legislative strategy, public funding efforts, real estate and industrial development projects, and supports acquisition and expansion activities aligned with the company's long-term objectives. Joey serves as President of the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (TSLRRA) and is a member of the TxDOT Freight Advisory Committee. His career spans various leadership roles across the short line railroad industry. Prior to his current position, he led Customer Success for TNW, encompassing customer service, revenue protection, and infrastructure technology. His journey began as a conductor and engineer, where hands-on experience laid the foundation for his transition into management. About TNW Corporation TNW Corporation owns and operates three short line railroads — TXNW Railway, TXGN Railway, and TXR Railway — along with multiple rail logistics facilities across Texas, serving as a strategic supply chain partner to industries, shippers, fleet managers, and Class I railroads. With more than 40 years of transportation logistics experience, TNW delivers the efficiency, reliability, and customer service that keep North American commerce moving. TXNW Railway, operating in the Texas Panhandle since 1982, is a One-Stop Supercenter and boasts the largest privately owned railcar storage capacity in the United States. TXGN Railway, also a One-Stop Supercenter, has served central Texas since 1992, operating approximately 67 miles of storage and loop track with Union Pacific interchange. TXR Railway, based in Brownwood, serves the Camp Bowie Industrial Area and interchanges with BNSF Railroad. TNW's full suite of services includes rapid interchange, transloading, railcar storage, repair, cleaning, scrapping, warehousing, and rail-served industrial development. Key Takeaways: Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain In "Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain" Joe Lynch and Joey Evans, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation, discuss how Class III short line railroads leverage technology, sustainability, and first-and-last-mile service to keep American commerce moving. Revenue, Not Track Length, Defines Railroad Classes: Railroad classification is strictly determined by annual revenue, not physical distance. Class I railroads (the "interstates" like BNSF and UP) exceed $1 billion in annual revenue, Class II regional railroads fall between $1 billion and $47 million, and Class III short lines—where TNW Corporation operates—fall below $47 million. Short Lines Serve as the "First and Last Mile" for Rural America: While Class I railroads excel at long-distance freight movement, North America's 615 short line railroads provide essential first- and last-mile service to industrial parks and rural communities. Operating in smaller towns (often under 15,000 people), short lines keep vital agricultural, manufacturing, and petrochemical hubs connected to the national rail network. Lowering the Barrier to Entry with Truck-to-Rail Conversions: Because one railcar holds the equivalent capacity of four trucks (4:1 ratio), TNW launched a dedicated logistics and transloading business. This allows smaller regional shippers within a 50-to-100-mile radius to enjoy the economic benefits of rail by breaking bulk rail loads down into local trucks, without requiring a massive capital investment in dedicated track infrastructure. High-Volume Commodities and Major Public-Private Infrastructure Investments: Short lines primarily handle heavy, bulk commodities like petrochemicals, plastics, lumber, agricultural yields, and construction aggregates (rock). To support these loads, short lines reinvest a massive 33% to 50% of their annual revenue into infrastructure, a timeline accelerated by federal CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement) grants to expand track fluidity. Transitioning from Rail's Historic "Black Hole" to High-Tech Visibility: Spurred by rising post-COVID consumer expectations (the "Amazon experience"), TNW developed a proprietary digital portal called My TNW. This tool eliminates the historic visibility "black hole" of rail shipping by providing customers with complete data transparency, allowing them to track cars across both TNW property and intersecting Class I networks. Embracing AI and Autonomous Infrastructure Safety: The rail industry is heavily adopting AI, autonomous railcars, and automated track inspection tools. These automated systems travel the lines to instantly pinpoint structural micro-cracks, gauge misalignments, or railcar defects. Removing the human error factor from these tedious inspections helped the rail sector chart its safest operational year in its 200-year history in 2025. Meeting Corporate ESG Targets Through "Clean and Green" Operations: Rail remains one of the most inherently sustainable modes of land transportation, moving a ton of freight roughly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Beyond fuel efficiency, TNW helps shippers meet strict corporate environmental goals by certifying all properties under Operation Clean Sweep, which enforces strict handling frameworks to prevent plastic pellets and commodities from spilling into local ecosystems. Learn More About Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain Joey Evans | Linkedin TNW Corporation | Linkedin TNW Corporation | Instagram TNW Corporation | Facebook TNW Corporation | YouTube TNW Corporation The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Introduction   Non-weather water damage costs insurers $13 billion a year. Interior leaks account for 39% of all homeowner claims. And yet most carriers still treat prevention as a brochure recommendation—send the homeowner a discount offer, hope they find a plumber, and call it a program. Paul Vacquier thinks that's why it isn't working.   Vacquier is the founder and CEO of Beagle Services, a water security company that solves the last-mile problem carriers and homeowners can't solve on their own: getting leak detection hardware actually installed, monitored, and maintained. A California-barred litigation attorney turned insurtech operator, he built the insurance carrier playbook at Flow Technologies before Moen acquired it. What he learned there—that the technology exists but deployment at scale does not—became the genesis for Beagle.   In this conversation, Josh Hollander and Vacquier dig into why the installation gap is where loss prevention falls apart, how the industry is shifting from carrot to stick on water shutoff requirements, and what Beagle's work with carriers like PURE tells us about where prevention programs are actually headed.   Guest Bio   Paul Vacquier is the Founder and CEO of Beagle Services, a water security company operating across 17 states that installs, monitors, and maintains automatic water shutoff valves and leak detection systems for insurance carriers, brokers, and homeowners. Before founding Beagle, he built the insurance carrier go-to-market at Flow Technologies, which was later acquired by Moen (now Flow by Moen). He is a California-barred litigation attorney who came to insurtech through the startup world.   Key Topics   • The last-mile problem nobody solved — Leak detection technology has existed for over a decade. The gap isn't the hardware—it's professional installation, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance at scale. Carriers recommend devices; homeowners can't find qualified installers; the device sits in a box. Beagle exists to close that gap.   • From carrot to stick — Carriers are shifting from discount incentives ("send us a photo of your installed valve") to hard underwriting requirements at specific coverage thresholds. High-net-worth carriers like PURE have led the way. Standard lines carriers are following. The stick is now backed by data.   • The compliance illusion — A photo of an installed device and a paid invoice doesn't mean the system is on and actively protecting the home. The same problem exists with alarm systems: discounts are given, but nobody checks if the alarm was set before you left for vacation. Beagle's Watchdog product monitors device status—online, offline, alert conditions—in real time.   • What Beagle does with the data — Watchdog ingests alert data across every installed system: high pressure, small drips, thermal expansion risk, shutoff frequency, device connectivity. When an alert fires, Beagle dispatches a service visit to fix the underlying problem—toilet flappers, angle stops, pressure regulators—before it becomes a claim.   • Scaling a physical services business — Unlike SaaS, physical services don't go straight to margin as you grow. The key variable is drive time: how many installs can a technician complete per day in Atlanta, Los Angeles, or Dallas? Beagle grows market-by-market only when carrier partners generate enough demand to support a full-time local team, which drives economies of scale that lower costs for everyone.   • AI can't turn a wrench — Beagle uses AI for route optimization and operational efficiency, and is training internal models as a knowledge base for field technicians and customer service. But the core product requires humans on-site at every property. No bot can cut the pipe.   Notable Quotes   "Most carriers still treat prevention as a brochure recommendation rather than an operational program."   "You'd have a picture of the installed device and a paid invoice—but that doesn't necessarily mean the system is on and active protecting the home."   "The AI can't turn a wrench. No matter how smart the valves get, you still have to put it on. Until that day comes, we'll be here."   "Beagle's intent is to be a proactive, preventative maintenance plumbing company. All we do is referred-in work to help prevent leaks from occurring."   Resources   Guest: • Beagle Services: https://www.beagleservices.com • Paul Vacquier on LinkedIn: hhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulvacquier/   Host & Organization: • Joshua R. Hollander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ • Horton International (USA): https://www.horton-usa.com/ • Insurtech Leadership Podcast (LinkedIn Showcase): https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show   Subscribe & Review   If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review. The Insurtech Leadership Podcast is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Sean Dalfen runs the largest privately held industrial company in the United States with over 65 million square feet in the portfolio. On today's show we are talking about the characteristics of the last mile property and what makes for a good location for an asset. Dalfen Industrial is clearly operating at a very high level. To learn more visit dalfen.com.---------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)  

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Joey Evans, head of business development, government relations, and transportation technology at TNW Corporation, for a conversation about an industry that quietly keeps Texas - and the rest of America - running. Joey introduces listeners to the world of short-line railroading and explains how TNW's four Texas railroads, located in Gonzales, Dumas, Brownwood, and at the Port of Victoria, serve as the critical first and last mile of freight movement across the state.Joey breaks down how short-line railroads fit into the national transportation network, why one rail car effectively removes four trucks from the highway, and what makes TNW's operation distinctive - including its flagship Dumas facility, which has grown into the largest privately owned rail car storage facility in North America. He also shares how the company built its proprietary technology platform, MyTNW, to give customers real-time visibility into their entire fleet, and how TNW has continued to push innovation in an industry that has historically lagged behind when it comes to technology adoption.The conversation covers TNW's approach to customer relationships, strategic planning, and staying nimble in the face of shifting market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty. Joey also discusses his work as president of the Texas Shortline Railroad Association and the significance of newly passed state legislation that lays the groundwork for dedicated state funding to complement federal infrastructure grants - funding that could accelerate rail upgrades across Texas by years and help the state compete with neighboring states that already have these programs in place.Joey also speaks candidly about his own leadership journey, from starting as a railroad conductor with no college degree to growing into a strategic role, and how mentorship, faith, and a shift away from purely transactional thinking have shaped the leader he is today. He talks about the importance of building a personal brand early in a career, the value of servant leadership, and why asking for help is a sign of courage rather than weakness.For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders interested in Texas infrastructure, economic growth, logistics, and what it takes to build a service-driven company with deep roots and long-term vision, this episode offers a compelling and eye-opening look at an industry that touches nearly everything - even if most people never think about it.LINKSShow NotesPrevious EpisodesAbout BoyarMillerAbout TNW Corporation

Sean Dalfen, president and CEO of Dalfen Industrial, discusses the all-important last-mile fulfillment centers and their importance to supporting today's ecommerce logistics networks. (05/2026)

Sean Dalfen, president and CEO of Dalfen Industrial, discusses the all-important last-mile fulfillment centers and their importance to supporting today's ecommerce logistics networks. (05/2026)

Sean Dalfen, president and CEO of Dalfen Industrial, discusses the all-important last-mile fulfillment centers and their importance to supporting today's ecommerce logistics networks. (05/2026)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of WTR Small‑Cap Spotlight, Douglas Hineline, Tech Lead and Senior Platform Engineer at Arrive AI (NASDAQ: ARAI), joins WTR's Tim Gerdeman and James Kisner to discuss how Arrive AI is building the infrastructure layer for autonomous last‑mile delivery. Hineline breaks down how Arrive Points—the company's smart lockers and mini cross‑docks—act as secure exchange hubs linking drones, ground robots, couriers, retailers, and consumers. The conversation explores Arrive AI's early traction in healthcare and campus logistics, why advances in AI, edge compute, robotics, and drone regulation are accelerating market readiness, and how the company aims to “own the last inch of the last mile” through a broader Network‑as‑a‑Service platform.

Amazon packages represent 15% of the United States Postal Service's package volume, but about 7.5% of their revenue. Amazon is USPS's biggest customer, even though Amazon passed the USPS to become the largest domestic parcel carrier in 2025. The current Amazon - USPS agreement expires on September 30, 2026, just days before the USPS may run out of the cash required to operate. Amazon has signaled that they would like to replace the USPS with their own network, but doing so will be more expensive than the company may have bargained for. In this episode of the Art of Supply podcast, Kelly Barner covers the public positioning and power dynamics playing out between Amazon and the U.S. Postal Service: The history and current status of the relationship between the two organizations How the U.S. Post Office is trying to bring market pricing into their negotiations with shippers - and how Amazon responded to that strategy Why the final outcome in this story is something all consumers may be affected by Links: UPS Picks Profitability Over Volume, and The Teamsters Push Back Kelly Barner on LinkedIn Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter  Art of Supply on AOP Subscribe to the Art of Procurement Newsletter  

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, the expectation is that care begins quickly and smoothly. In reality, many patients and caregivers find themselves navigating a complicated system, juggling access barriers, approvals, and logistics before treatment even begins.In this episode of Patient Advocacy Voices, host Eric Racine is joined by Meagan O'Neill, Executive Director of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC), alongside co-host Rachel Solomon of Sanofi. Together, they explore how cancer care is shaped not just by scientific advances, but by the systems, operations, and local realities that determine whether patients can access timely, effective care.Drawing on her background in oncology consulting and her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother, Meagan shares why so many of the biggest challenges in cancer care are structural rather than scientific. The conversation dives into the crucial role of community oncology, the operational gaps that delay access to care, and how ACCC is working to bridge the gaps between innovation and practical, everyday solutions for both providers and patients. With most cancer care delivered in community settings, advocacy leaders will learn about ACCC's “how to” approach that helps close the gap between breakthrough science and real patient access.In this episode, you'll gain insights on:Why access to care is often determined by where a patient livesNon-clinical barriers to patient outcomes, including fragmented systems, administrative burden, and workforce shortagesThe critical role community care settings play in delivering the majority of care in the U.S.How collaboration across clinical centers, care teams, and advocacy organizations can reduce friction for patients and providers alikeHow data and patient stories together can drive more effective advocacy and system changeThis episode is a timely reminder that improving patient care requires more than medical innovation alone. It takes practical solutions, stronger collaboration, and systems designed to help patients move through care with fewer delays and less burden. It also reveals how patient advocacy organizations can play a critical role in making this happen.

#129Josh sits down with Tony Aiazzi for a wide-ranging conversation about restaurant tech, bootstrapping, and the hidden operational work that keeps hospitality businesses running. Tony shares his path from the Culinary Institute of America and Charlie Palmer's kitchens to co-founding Shoebox, Over Easy Office, and Veteranized, explaining how one of the most frustrating parts of restaurant life became the foundation for an entirely new career.They dig into why invoice processing is still far messier than most people realize, how overseas teams in the Philippines and Colombia support modern restaurant back offices, and why the real promise of AI is not replacing craftsmanship but freeing people to spend more time on the work they actually love. It is a thoughtful look at what happens when restaurant operators build tools for the problems they know firsthand.Links and resources

Die E-Scooter-Branche steht an einem Wendepunkt: Zwischen wachsender Nachfrage, hartem Wettbewerb aus China und regulatorischen Vorgaben entscheidet sich gerade, ob Mikromobilität vom Trend zum festen Bestandteil der Verkehrswende wird. In der neuen Folge von eMobility Insights spricht Max Engel, Geschäftsführer von VMAX Deutschland, über genau diesen Balanceakt – und liefert dabei überraschend klare Einblicke in eine oft unterschätzte Branche. Engel zeichnet das Bild eines Marktes, der längst erwachsen geworden ist. E-Scooter sind für ihn keine Spielzeuge, sondern funktionale Mobilitätslösungen – vor allem für Pendler und die sogenannte „Last Mile“. Gleichzeitig zeigt er, wie stark sich das Nutzungsverhalten verändert hat: Private Scooter haben Sharing-Angebote inzwischen überholt, und selbst ländliche Regionen entwickeln sich zu wichtigen Märkten. „Der E-Scooter ist kein Sportgerät – er ist ein Mobilitätsvehikel, um Zeit zu sparen und flexibel unterwegs zu sein.“ Doch mit der steigenden Akzeptanz wächst auch der Druck. Günstige Importware aus China macht den Markt zunehmend kompetitiv. Und technische Unterschiede allein reichen kaum noch aus, um sich abzuheben. Engel beschreibt offen, warum sich der Wettbewerb verschärft hat – und warum sich die Differenzierung verlagert. „Ein Scooter ohne Service ist wie eine Capri-Sonne ohne Strohhalm.“ Die Konsequenz: VMAX setzt gezielt auf After-Sales, Ersatzteile und Kundennähe. Ein Ansatz, der nicht nur im Privatkundengeschäft greift, sondern auch im B2B-Segment immer wichtiger wird – etwa bei Flottenbetreibern, Hotels oder im Messebau. Gleichzeitig wird deutlich, wie groß die Probleme bei vielen Billiganbietern sind. „Oft gibt es gar keinen Ansprechpartner – und selbst Ersatzteile sind nicht verfügbar.“ Damit rückt auch die politische Dimension in den Fokus: Engel fordert mehr Aufmerksamkeit für Mikromobilität und stellt die Frage, ob der Markt ganz ohne Regulierung auskommt – etwa bei Servicepflichten oder Ersatzteilverfügbarkeit. „Es blutet einem das Herz, wenn man sieht, wie viel Schrott importiert wird.“ Trotz aller Herausforderungen positioniert er den E-Scooter bewusst nicht als Konkurrenz zu Auto oder Fahrrad, sondern als sinnvolle Ergänzung im Mobilitätsmix. Gerade im Zusammenspiel mit dem ÖPNV sieht er großes Potenzial – wenn die Rahmenbedingungen stimmen. „Für mich ist der E-Scooter eher das Miteinander – nicht das Gegeneinander.“ Deshalb sei es auch unverständlich, dass viele Betreiber von Bussen und Bahnen die Mitnahme der Scooter verbieten. Diese Episode zeigt: Die Zukunft der Mobilität entscheidet sich nicht nur auf vier Rädern. Wer verstehen will, wie sich urbane und regionale Fortbewegung verändert, sollte die „kleinen Räder“ nicht unterschätzen. Und diesen Podcast mit Max Engel hören!

Capital One is the largest issuer of credit cards in the U.S. It's also one of the largest banks, and car finance companies, in the country.  We learn from its experience building proprietary AI across fraud prevention, agentic workflows, customer experience, and risk and compliance in the latest installment of our oral history project.We Meet: Capital One's Head of AI Foundations Milind Naphade Credits:This episode of SHIFT was produced by Jennifer Strong with help from Emma Cillekens. It was mixed by Garret Lang, with original music from him and Jacob Gorski. Art by Meg Marco.

Bill Catania of OneRail talks about why visibility isn't fixing the last mile, simplifying complex tech stacks & translating AI investment into outcomes.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.49] An introduction to Bill and OneRail, and how their commitment to innovation and collaboration has seen many of their customers become investors. "About a third of our capital has come from our partners – and there's no greater compliment." [05.38] OneRail's attendance at Manifest over the years, and the current conversations dominating the show, from AI to partnership. "AI is the topic of the day. I don't want to say it's an over-used term, but we have to be specific. Is it AI-native, agentic AI or AI optimization?" [07.51] How OneRail has evolved alongside their customers needs, the current landscape of last mile, and how the big factors impacting it are translating into challenges for businesses. "Wholesalers have to solve problems further up in the order stream." "When you have a start-up, you learn more about yourself as you grow. Our early positioning was last mile orchestration. That's not what we are any more. We're a transformation enabler for the whole order lifecycle." [12.21] Visibility alone doesn't solve problems – why execution is key. "Visibility is a great thing, there's a lot of growth from a tech standpoint. But the industry is looking at visibility and saying: 'Now what?'" [14.39] Why visibility is only a starting point, how OneRail future-proofed their platform by building with AI from the ground up, and how companies should be using AI now. [22.43] Why early AI investments aren't necessarily driving the expected outcomes, the importance of simplifying complex tech stacks, and why AI is making SaaS solutions work harder. "There's a lot of experimentation, but it all comes back to working with solutions that are natively producing primary data. And you need to narrow your stack." [25.34] Turning AI and visibility into outcomes. "The problem is not having a clear vision of what the outcomes need to be… Be an expert in your outcomes. If you can't work backwards, I don't see how you can even implement an AI solution." [26.58] How OneRail implemented an AI delivery support solution, where AI answered 41% of calls for faster customer response times and increased profitability, and the importance of finding the balance between people and technology. [28.38] The opportunities for growth when you work with OneRail, how continuous improvement is critical to success, and why OneRail is putting a focus on profit-per-stop to turn transportation from cost center to revenue driver. [33.11] Bill's advice for making your next steps with AI a success. [36.40] The intersection of shopper marketing, payments and supply chain – what excites Bill about the future of the industry, and his predictions for 2026. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to OneRail's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Bill on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out: 496: AI-Powered, Human-Led – Discover the Future of Routing, with OneRail 481: Combine the Power of In-House and Outsourced Fleet Management, with OneRail 461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo 440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail 419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail 349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail Check out our other podcasts HERE.    

In this episode of the Freightvine Podcast, host Chris Caplice sits down with Dr. Matthias Winkenbach, Director of Research at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics, to explore how the “last mile” problem is evolving under modern logistics pressures. Winkenbach explains how rising customer expectations for speed and consistency are stretching traditional optimization models and how machine learning and generative AI are now being used alongside operations research to enable faster, more dynamic delivery decisions. The discussion also covers his shift in research focus from urban megacity logistics to warehouse and facility-level systems, highlighting the growing need to connect internal operations with broader supply chain networks. Finally, they examine how AI-driven scenario modeling is helping companies design more resilient supply chains and better prepare for future disruptions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahti Heinla has built category-defining tech in two completely different worlds. First, he helped architect Skype, making internet communication simple enough to spread like wildfire. Then he co-founded Starship Technologies, tackling the "last mile problem" with autonomous delivery robots that work in real streets, real weather, and with real world chaos. Along the way, Ahti shares what Estonia got right with digital infrastructure, why "small beats slow", and why he's worried the world is drifting away from facts. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Estonia became a tech flywheel, and what secure digital infrastructure unlocks The early objections to Skype and why they were reasonable at the time How network effects helped Skype spread, fast What "last mile delivery" really is, and why it's the inefficient bit What makes autonomous delivery deep tech, not "just another app" Why Starship Technologies' robots are designed to be friendly but not human The biggest data challenge Ahti sees today: people ignoring data Why post-truth worries him, even with better tools than ever Topics we cover: Estonia's digital ID, online voting, and startup culture Skype's origin story and early market timing Speed vs the establishment, network effects, culture challenges at scale Starship's view of logistics and automating the last mile Real world robotics constraints: weather, regulation, competition Data culture, machine learning, and decision-making Civic tech and environmental initiatives Post-truth, misinformation, and fact-based leadership About the guest: Ahti Heinla is the CEO and co-founder of Starship Technologies, the global leader in autonomous last mile delivery. He was also a founding engineer and Chief Technical Architect at Skype, having spent decades building software and systems that scale. Links and resources mentioned: Starship Technologies website – https://www.starship.xyz The Let's Do It World! campaign – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let%27s_Do_It!_World Citizen OS – https://citizenos.com Take the Data Storytelling Scorecard: https://data-storytelling.scoreapp.com  

NYC Council member Tiffany Cabán (District 22, Astoria, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Woodside and Rikers Island) talks about the Delivery Protection Act, which would regulate "last mile" delivery subcontracting by retail giants like Amazon, and Mayor Mamdani's first 100 days in office. Photo: An Amazon Prime delivery van parked in Hillcrest, Queens. Credit: Tdorante10 via Wikimedia Commons.    

Getting into college is a massive achievement—but for first-generation students, graduating is often just the beginning of a new struggle. Why are so many talented graduates stuck in "underemployment" traps?In this episode, Todd Zipper sits down with Sheila Sarem, Co-Founder and CEO of Basta. Sheila shares her journey from the front lines of hiring at DC Public Schools and KIPP to launching a nonprofit that bridges the "Last Mile" between college completion and career launch.We discuss:The systemic "signaling" problems that keep recruiters from finding first-gen talent.How the Seekr Survey provides a roadmap for career readiness.The "Experience Paradox": How to land an entry-level job when you don't have a traditional internship.Basta's recent expansion into the Carolinas and Philadelphia.What university presidents should be measuring beyond graduation rates.Whether you are an educator, a hiring manager, or a student of the labor market, this conversation offers a data-driven look at how we can finally fulfill the promise of higher education for everyone.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Josh Bowie and Dr. Divyen Patel from Your Genetic Wellness™ as guests to the show.   About Dr. Divyen Patel, Research Director, Your Genetic Wellness | Founder & CEO, Genome Explorations:   Dr. Divyen Patel is a globally recognized pioneer in genomics and molecular biology, recently honored by Marquis Who's Who (2025/2026) for his career-long contributions to cancer research and molecular diagnostics. As the Research Director for Your Genetic Wellness and the Founder and CEO of Genome Explorations, Dr. Patel provides the rigorous scientific foundation required to move precision medicine into the mainstream consumer market.   With decades of experience in clinical research and genomic sequencing, including the authorship of over 180 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Patel has dedicated his career to making high-level science accessible and actionable for preventive health. His work at Your Genetic Wellness focuses on ensuring that every insight provided, from metabolic health to pharmacogenomics, is backed by the highest standards of evidence-informed research.   A frequent speaker on the role of genetics in longevity and disease prevention, Dr. Patel continues to lead the evolution of personalized care, bridging the gap between complex laboratory data and everyday wellness.   About Josh Bowie, SVP of Strategy & Insights, Your Genetic Wellness:   Josh Bowie is a creative strategist and systems thinker dedicated to solving the "Last Mile" problem in precision health. As the SVP of Strategy & Insights at Your Genetic Wellness, Josh serves as the Strategic Lead for the Results to Routines™ framework, a methodology designed to translate complex biological data into clear, actionable wellness pathways for everyday life.   Josh's approach is rooted in the belief that data is only as valuable as the habits it inspires. He moves beyond the traditional model of overwhelming, static health reports, focusing instead on Actionable Biology: a human-centric design where technology and clinical expertise intersect to create sustainable change. By synthesizing market signals with a unique perspective on consumer behavior, Josh ensures that Your Genetic Wellness functions as a "GPS for the Human Body," empowering individuals to navigate their health with confidence and clarity.   A vocal advocate for collaborative wellness, Josh emphasizes that the most successful health journeys are never walked alone. His work focuses on building the bridges between cutting-edge science and the real-world decisions that define long-term vitality, ensuring the future of health is both personalized and profoundly practical.   About Your Genetic Wellness™:   Your Genetic Wellness is shifting the conversation from reactive care to proactive clarity. Too often, we wait until symptoms appear before investigating our health, forcing us into a cycle of trial and error to find relief. We believe in a different approach: providing a personal biological roadmap before the guesswork begins.   Using a simple at-home swab, we translate unique genetic markers into clear, actionable insights that show how a body may process nutrients, respond to medications, and manage long-term wellness. Whether you are a proactive professional, a parent, or a caregiver, we provide the data-driven confidence to move away from reactive "sick care" and toward more informed, personalized health decisions.   Connect with Your Genetic Wellness™: Official Website:  https://yourgeneticwellness.com  

Growth doesn't stall because leaders lack ideas. It stalls because execution gets messy. Andrea Jones, former Intel process engineer and MIT Sloan MBA, turned a painful early career experience into a mission: help organizations execute growth projects with clarity and confidence. That moment of public criticism—driven by unclear expectations—sparked what she now calls Executagility and shaped her definition of DONE leaders: those who take ownership, stay organized, follow through without excuses, and lead with empathy. You'll hear why teams struggle with scattered priorities, overloaded employees, and unclear ownership, especially in smaller companies. Andrea outlines the four pillars of Executagility: alignment, competence, available time, and structure. She also connects transparency and prioritization to ethical leadership—because when work stays “in the light,” integrity follows. And she shares how Women Plus Workplaces connects experienced women seeking flexible roles with companies that value their talent. Andrea is one of those gifted entrepreneurs who sees an issue and then forms a company to address it. It all started when she was at Intel in her role as a Process Engineer in the factory. After years of running growth projects full-time, Andrea went to MIT Sloan, where she earned an MBA, and then completed a Systems Engineering Master's at MIT.  For more than 20 years she has focused on efficient and effective project execution.Andrea is the founder of AJC Company and The Executagility® Company, helping SMBs internalize their own project execution capability with the same team that runs their daily operations. In 2025, she co-founded Women+Workplaces, an online community whose mission is to normalize part-time work when caregiving makes full-time roles challenging. Andrea is the author of two books: The Executagility Field Guide and Stop Starting. Start Finishing: How Executagility Goes the Last Mile.You'll discover:Why growth projects stall even with strong teamsThe four pillars that determine execution successHow unclear priorities overload your best employeesWhat the DONE acronym reveals about great project managersWhy transparency is a powerful ethical safeguardConnect with Andrea Jones on Social MediaLinkedInFacebookInstagramAndrea's WebsitesThe Executagility® CompanyAJC CompanyWomen+WorkplacesBooksThe Executagility Field GuideStop Starting. Start Finishing. How Executagility Goes the Last Mile.Check out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

In this episode, host Brett Barry joins Jan Jaffe, board president of Wellington Blueberry LLC, outside the shuttered Wellington Hotel on Main Street in Pine Hill, New York — a 12,000-square-foot, 19th-century landmark and one of the few remaining intact Catskill hotels that survived the era's notorious fires.Jan shares the origin story of this ambitious community-driven project: how roughly 20 neighbors pooled resources in the fall of 2022 to purchase the long-vacant building. Their goal: rehabilitate the historic structure into 10 units of workforce housing (studios and one-bedrooms targeted at residents earning 60–80% of area median income) and a much-needed community grocery store.Four years in, Wellington Blueberry has made remarkable pre-construction progress — clearing 60 dumpsters of debris, completing environmental review, obtaining all necessary permits, securing a letter of intent from Bank of America for historic tax credits, and earning a 2025 designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Their developer and construction manager is RUPCO, the region's leading nonprofit housing developer, and their architects are Albany preservation firm Thaler Riley Wilson.But they're still at "the last mile" — approximately $1 million short of the full funding needed to break ground.Topics covered:What workforce housing means and who it's designed to helpHow historic tax credits work and why they matter for this projectThe "Dagwood sandwich" of layered funding sources (grants from Restore NY, Ulster County, anonymous donors, and more)What the community has already accomplished — including two volunteer clean-up events with 40 people eachPlans for a local grocery store serving both residents and visitorsHow prospective tenants will eventually apply via lotteryTo learn more or donate, visit pinehillwellington.com. Donations can currently be made through RUPCO's website.

A lot of young people looking for a job have more skills and experience than they think - but there's a good chance they just aren't framing it correctly. Meanwhile, the race for faster shipping is heating up as Amazon pushes one-hour delivery to more locations, and summer trips with an “international Feel” that don't require a passport are gaining popularity.

In the second half of our conversation with Michael, author of "The Mighty Van Halen," we take a deep dive into the band Cinderella and their unique place in 1980s rock history.We start by analyzing Cinderella's first album "Night Songs," exploring what made their sound so distinctive compared to other hair metal bands of the era. Michael and Sean break down the band's blues influence and how it set them apart from the typical glam rock sound, despite often being lumped into that category. We discuss their connection to Bon Jovi and how they were discovered.The conversation explores Tom Keifer's unique vocal style, drawing comparisons to Janis Joplin and discussing how his distinctive singing technique—which involved rupturing his vocal cord—created such a memorable sound. We trace the band's trajectory from their popularity peak in the 1980s through their decline after the third album.A major focus of our discussion is why Cinderella never achieved the lasting popularity of bands like Poison or Mötley Crüe, despite being more musically sophisticated. We explore how their bluesy sound didn't fit the typical hair metal image and how being incorrectly categorized may have hurt them. Their 1990 album "Heartbreak Station" represented a shift toward blues rock that may have confused fans, while bands like the Black Crowes with a similar style found more lasting success.We compare Cinderella to Mötley Crüe, agreeing that while Cinderella was more musically accomplished, Mötley Crüe better represented 1980s hairband culture. The conversation takes an interesting turn as we discuss how the CD format might have changed listening habits—the ability to skip tracks leading to less engagement with deeper album cuts.We analyze specific tracks including "Last Mile" with its strong background vocals and relatable themes of travel and hard work, and "Shelter Me," comparing its positive, uplifting message to the Rolling Stones' darker "Mother's Little Helper." We appreciate Cinderella's more optimistic lyrics, especially contrasting them with some of the darker themes prevalent in 1990s music.The episode wraps with Michael promoting his book "The Mighty Van Halen: One Fan's Journey" and final reflections on our formative music experiences.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcastWe are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://goboneless.lovable.app/Merch:Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcastRed Bubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/seangeekpodcast/shop@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and FacebookMentioned in this episode:New Merch AdAn ad that incorporates Red Bubble and Tee Public

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why retail is now a demand chain, not a supply chain How AMRs deliver 6–12 month ROI in high-variability e-commerce Why robotics-as-a-service changes peak capacity planning The real bottleneck in AI adoption: structured WMS data Why dashboards are dying and exception-based orchestration is rising How consolidation will reshape 3PL economics Why operational excellence remains the ultimate differentiator HIGHLIGHTS 00:01–00:12 | Consumer expectations and the “fast + free + cheap” reality 00:12–00:15 | AMRs, ASRS, RaaS, and 6–12 month automation ROI 00:15–00:16 | Buy vs build: what's commodity vs “secret sauce” 00:16–00:19 | Agentic AI in warehouse ops: labor planning + execution 00:19–00:22 | AI proof, case studies, and demand planning as the next frontier 00:22–00:24 | Dashboards vs operators: turning analytics into actions 00:24–00:28 | Operator advice: efficiency, mechanization, and competition shifts 00:29–00:31 | Manifest trends: retail channels evolving + tech-driven 3PL future QUOTES  [00:04:10] “One of the biggest changes is you used to have a choice. You could either have it fast, you could have it free, or you could have it cheap. The consumer today wants all three.” – Jeff Wolpov [00:05:10] “We as logistics supply chain companies need to lean in and figure out how to do more with less. Today it's a necessity.” – Jeff Wolpov [00:07:30] “You need automation... We need to be faster and more flexible. Peaks have gotten much higher.” – Jeff Wolpov [00:16:00] "The hard part isn't building AI or using AI. It's what do you do with the results?" - Gary Allen [00:16:50] “Operators shouldn't hunt dashboards, they should get alerts, exception-based triggers. AI takes analytics to the next level.” – Gary Allen [00:23:00] "Reporting is the death of analytics." - Gary Allen  ABOUT THE GUESTS Jeff Wolpov Jeff Wolpov is Senior Vice President of E-commerce and Ryder Last Mile at Ryder System, Inc., where he leads the vision and strategy for omnichannel fulfillment and big & bulky home delivery. Previously, he served as CEO of Whiplash (formerly Port Logistics Group), achieving nearly 30% year-over-year revenue growth before its acquisition by Ryder in 2022. Earlier in his career, Jeff founded Distribution Solutions, scaling it from a startup into a $50 million regional logistics firm that became the foundation of Whiplash's national network. He holds a degree from the University of Michigan. Gary Allen Gary Allen is Vice President of Supply Chain Excellence at Ryder, overseeing Solution Design, Continuous Improvement, Data Analytics, and Automation across the supply chain organization. With more than 32 years of experience, he previously led EY's logistics consulting practice and held leadership roles at DHL and FedEx in product innovation, solution design, sustainability, and operations. Gary helped launch and co-author the “Annual Third Party Logistics Study” with Dr. John Langley of Penn State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Materials and Logistics Management from Michigan State University. LINKS MENTIONED Ryder report: https://www.ryder.com/en-us/insights/white-papers/e-comm/2025-ryder-e-commerce-consumer-study Ryder website: https://www.ryder.com/en-us Subscribe and Keep Learning!If you're a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don't miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

Daphne Tay, Founder and CEO of Bluente, joins SlatorPod to talk about building an AI-powered document translation platform that goes beyond text and tackles the complexities of formatting at scale.Daphne explains that formatting challenges vary significantly across file types, from scanned PDFs to multi-column layouts and complex graphics, requiring deep technical handling of document structures.The CEO points to legal and financial services as core verticals, citing the example of investment banking teams uploading hundreds of pages overnight to meet tight deal deadlines. Daphne discusses how large language models have accelerated translation quality and increased market openness to AI adoption, especially among legal professionals who want to reduce time spent on non-billable translation tasks.She highlights that human reviewers still remain essential for court filings, arbitration, and high-stakes documents requiring certification or final sign-off.Daphne shares that Bluente raised funding to expand internationally, increase brand visibility, and partner with investors experienced in scaling B2B SaaS and AI businesses.The pod wraps with Daphne outlining a forthcoming feature that enables temporary translation memory, allowing only recently edited sections of a document to be retranslated while preserving previously approved text.

When it comes to meeting customer expectations for delivery in the e-commerce era, the shortest distance can be the biggest challenge.

Tuesday's inflation report is out. We will discuss why the "Last Mile" of the inflation fight is proving impossible for the Fed to win without breaking the labor market.Today's Stocks & Topics: SkyWater Technology, Inc. (SKYT), Old Republic International Corporation (ORI), Petroleos Mexicanos PEMEX, Coloplast A/S (CLPBY), Margin, Airbus SE (EADSY), Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF), Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF Shares (VXUS), SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SOFI), Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU), Doximity, Inc. (DOCS), Bank Earnings.Our Sponsors:* Check out ClickUp and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.clickup.com* Check out Invest529: https://www.invest529.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

AI is changing how buyers research, but not how they decide.What You'll Learn‣ Why buyers hesitate despite better information‣ How confidence drives decisions‣ What the last mile seller does differentlyVictor Antonio joins Close The Deal to explain how AI reshapes buyer behavior and why human judgment remains essential to closing complex sales.Key TakeawaysVictor Antonio joins Close The Deal to explain how AI reshapes buyer behavior and why human judgment remains essential to closing complex sales.Key TakeawaysConfidence outweighs informationAI accelerates research, not decisionsHuman judgment still closes dealsGuest BioVictor Antonio is a sales trainer and speaker who helps organizations understand buyer psychology and modern selling. ‣ Confidence outweighs information‣ AI accelerates research, not decisions‣ Human judgment still closes dealsGuest BioVictor Antonio is a sales trainer and speaker who helps organizations understand buyer psychology and modern selling.##Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.Ewell Smith is talking with sales and marketing pros and business owners and leaders who help professionals and business owners drive more leads and close more deals. He's the Publisher of CloseTheDeal.com and author of Your First Franchise Roadmap. Close The Deal Podcast Supported by Your First FranchiseWe have gift for you for listening - grab a copy of Your First Franchise Roadmap.Visit www.CloseTheDeal.com to see all episodes.

Laurent and Gerard sit down with Jo-Jo Hubbard, CEO of Electron, to explore why the centre of gravity in the energy transition is shifting decisively toward the distribution grid. Jo-Jo explains why the “last mile” is becoming the true engine of system flexibility, how demand at the edge must become a core resource, and why DSOs aren't confused about flexibility at all — they simply respond to the incentives regulators design. Flexibility, she argues, isn't replacing grid reinforcement but making it smarter, helping utilities target and sequence investments far more efficiently at a time when distribution upgrade costs are rising quickly.We discuss how to escape the sector's obsession with endless pilots, and why real scale only arrives when year-round, rules-based products give suppliers and aggregators the confidence to automate and invest. The conversation then turns to the economics of location — from REMA to zonal pricing — and why congestion at the distribution level is where flexibility competes most effectively with copper. Jo-Jo also lays out what it takes to get millions of households engaged without overwhelming them, making the experience effortless, automated and consistent across retailers.She breaks down the hardest parts of the DER orchestration stack, noting that the real challenge isn't cloud infrastructure but standardising how device capabilities and network constraints are described across a patchwork of utilities. Looking ahead to 2030, Jo-Jo argues that no single asset class “wins”: value depends on time, place and service, with EVs likely providing tens of gigawatts of potential flexibility but orchestration remaining the true hero.We cover the future of interoperability and open data — not via global standards, but through adapters and translation layers similar to those that shaped the internet — and examine the cybersecurity demands of cloud-based orchestration as it becomes critical infrastructure. Jo-Jo also gives a global view of progress, from Australia's rapid adoption to the US's accelerating regulatory push and Europe's mix of strong TSO-level progress but uneven local action. She closes with reflections on whether the centralised grid is dying, who should ultimately control DERs, whether blockchain still has a role, and what a nightmare scenario looks like in a DER-dominated world.A fast, clear, and deeply insightful conversation on the rise of flexibility, the reinvention of the distribution grid, and the technologies and rules needed to orchestrate millions of devices.

What happens when AI gets powerful, but verification becomes the bottleneck? In this candid, end-of-year conversation, Clearbrief Founder & CEO Jacqueline Schafer breaks down why accuracy, sourcing, and trust - not raw model power are the real constraints on legal AI adoption today. Listeners walk away with a clear mental model for where AI actually delivers ROI in law firms and corporate legal teams, and why the "last mile" is the battleground that matters now.  Hosted by David Cowen Key Topics Covered: Why AI output that can't be verified fast is worse than useless, and how verification time kills ROI The "last mile" framework: where legal workflows break down and why most tools stop too early How Clearbrief was built around mistake-catching before GenAI and why that design choice aged perfectly What customer discovery really looks like (200+ lawyer interviews, brutal feedback included) The shift toward insourcing: which litigation and investigation tasks stay in-house and which never will Why general-purpose chatbots help with drafting, but fail at delivery, defensibility, and trust A practical metaphor for AI adoption speed: the engine is fast, the road isn't, and lawyers are the drivers

An economic sociologist discusses the growing heat dangers facing last-mile delivery drivers, and why federal protections remain stalled. --- E-commerce has transformed the way goods move through the American economy, driving unprecedented growth in parcel deliveries and intensifying competition among major carriers and the U.S. Postal Service. Yet this push for speed and volume now unfolds amid longer, more intense heat waves, exposing the nation’s roughly 1.5 million delivery drivers to climate-driven temperature extremes that pose growing risks on their routes. In this episode, economic sociologist and Kleinman Center faculty fellow Steve Viscelli discusses how rising heat intersects with the structure of the delivery industry. He describes the job conditions that can leave drivers vulnerable, from demanding routes to the use of monitoring technologies that encourage workers to stay on pace even when temperatures climb. Viscelli looks at the policy landscape that shapes these conditions, explains why federal heat protections for workers have been slow to materialize, and how this reality affects drivers’ day-to-day experience. He also points to steps some states are taking to set their own standards to address hotter and more demanding delivery seasons. Steve Viscelli is an economic and political sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania and a faculty fellow with the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. Related Content: Energy System Planning: New Models for Accelerating Decarbonization https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/energy-system-planning-new-models-for-accelerating-decarbonization/ Who Buys Down the Risk When Federal Funding Recedes? https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/blog/who-buys-down-the-risk-when-federal-funding-recedes/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Cobb, founder of The Finishing Fund, is passionately convicted that we could see the fulfillment of the Great Commission in our generation. In 1994, Doug's life was changed when he joined Paul Eshleman and the Jesus Film Project for a trip to Nigeria where he caught the vision to see completely unengaged people groups reached with the Gospel. Utilizing his background in startups and venture capital, Doug eventually founded The Finishing Fund, a venture capital fund for the Great Commission, connecting donors to projects intended to reach the unengaged with the Gospel for the first time. In the last eight years, The Finishing Fund has helped get the Gospel to about 800 people groups who had never heard it before.   In his most recent book, The Sprint to the Finish, Doug discusses three major finish lines that need to be crossed to fulfill the Great Commission—seeing a first Believer in every known people group, a Bible translated into every language, and a church established in every village on Earth. To date, there are only 20 unengaged people groups left in the world, and by God's grace, The Finishing Fund and its collaborative partners have a shared goal to see the entire world reached with the Gospel by 2033.   Doug's conviction is simple but bold: The mission Jesus gave us can be completed in this generation, and God is already making it happen. If you want a front row seat to what God is doing around the world right now, you won't want to miss this episode.   Major Topics Include: Three finish lines to completing the Great Commission The current state of Gospel work in the world Comparing approaches—church planting and disciple making Stories of signs, wonders, and miracles drawing people to Jesus Fueling the Gospel spark in a community The biggest obstacles to fulfilling Great Commission What operational collaboration looks like The evangelistic power of a new Believer The Great Wealth Transfer and the Great Commission Looking forward to the return of Jesus QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The statistics tell us that most Christians sitting in churches can't even tell you what the great commission is, much less can they tell you anything about what's happening.” “I think we're within a year or two by God's grace of seeing the work begun in every people group.” “God is preparing people of peace in these places and it's almost like the Spirit is there tapping His toe and waiting for us to show up to close the deal. He's already working in the hearts and minds of people to prepare them.” “When God's people are willing to go, Jesus will go with them.” “Why would the Spirit not do today what He did way back then to validate the testimony of Paul and the other apostles?” “I don't think it's coincidental that God has created this wealth in the last days at a time when it's needed, and that creates an enormous responsibility for our generation.” “This generation has more than we need to complete the Great Commission.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW The Sprint to the Finish by Doug Cobb The Finishing Fund (see our interview with founder Doug Cobb) Jesus Film Project (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Finishing the Task (see our interview with FTT Global Church Planting Strategist Dan Hitzhusen) IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut) ACHIEVE Alliance New Covenant Missions Coalition of the Willing Jim Wise, Financial Advisor with Ronald Blue Trust (see our past interview here) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Luke 16:10a | Faithfulness   One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much,   Matthew 28:19 | The Great Commission   Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,   Matthew 24:14 | Then the End Will Come   And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.   Revelation 7:9-10 | Every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue   After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”   Acts 1:8 | Power to Witness   But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

B2B enterprises are overwhelmed by complexity, and AI is finally promising the breakthrough they've been chasing for years. On this episode of TECHtonic, TSIA Executive Director Thomas Lah sits down with AptEdge CEO Kusal De Silva and co-founder Aakrit Prasad for a direct, no-nonsense look at how AI is transforming the most ignored and most mission-critical function in technology: enterprise support.This conversation doesn't live in the hype. It goes straight to the real last-mile problem every enterprise faces: AI only works when it understands your environment, your data, and your intent. Raw automation isn't enough. Context + action is what moves the needle. And when you get that right, AI isn't just assisting support teams, it's multiplying engineer productivity, collapsing resolution times, and turning support from a cost obligation into a strategic lever.You'll hear what's actually happening inside hyperscale product environments, why “data quality is no longer the excuse”, why deflection metrics are the wrong scoreboard, and how AI-driven pricing and services models are evolving faster than the industry is ready for.If you're a support leader, a product exec, or anyone trying to stay ahead in the AI era, this episode gives you the language, the insights, and the urgency you need to stay relevant, and stay in the race.

Today, Paul testifies that the Lord stands near and strengthens. Even with death looming, he asked for cloak, book, and parchments because grace keeps serving until the finish. Beyond every near rescue lies the final rescue when the King brings His people safely home. For anyone tired, sidelined, or unsure, this is fuel for the last miles.

Paul writes as an old soldier of the gospel, finishing his race, and coaching Timothy for the miles ahead. Friends drift, others are called elsewhere, and yet God supplies tough friends for tough times and even writes surprising restorations into the story. This isn't cynicism. It's clarity that frees us to love people wisely while placing our greatest expectations on the Lord. In the world of transient loyalties and weary hearts, this passage steadies our pace and renews our courage.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what makes Dollar General Media Network unique, how it's approaching measurement, and what it's focusing on for next year. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Principal Analyst Sarah Marzano, and Vice President and General Manager of DG Media Network, Austin Leonard. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify.   To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+ go to EMARKETER.com   Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com    For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-scaling-retail-media-last-mile-of-america-with-dollar-general-behind-numbers   © 2025 EMARKETER   DG Media Network connects advertisers to rural customers at scale, with 90MM+ reachable shoppers. Our unique reach provides access to hard to reach customers that aren't found in the largest demographic audiences available to marketers.  Leverage our unique first-party data to expand your reach and meet our customers wherever they are with omni-channel solutions designed to engage and measure results with closed-loop, one-to-one data and self-service access.  Our robust media portfolio spans in-store, on-site & off-site tactics across the full funnel. Our platform enables even more ways to add value to shoppers on their purchase journey that drives brand equity and sales growth.  Unique reach, at scale, across 20+ tactics and platforms. That's media built better!  Connect with us to learn more about how DG Media Network is changing omnichannel advertising.

As the year winds down and the holiday rush kicks into high gear, leaders face a critical question: Are you coasting… or closing? In this Thanksgiving-themed leadership check-in, I break down how to keep your team sharp, energized, and aligned during the toughest stretch of the year while positioning your organization to win in 2026. Whether you lead a frontline team, a regional operation, or an entire organization, this conversation gives you the tools to finish 2025 strong and start 2026 with purpose. You could be a CEO, VP, Owner, or Entrepreneur - there is something in here for everyone who leads teams or serves customers. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why the "last mile" of the year exposes the strengths and cracks in every organization • How to keep your team sharp, rested, and focused through the holiday crunch • How to deliver consistent customer experience when demand, emotions, and fatigue are highest • What leaders must prioritize to win customer experience, employee experience, and loyalty in the new year • Why execution, empathy, and presence will define the leaders who succeed in 2026 • How to leverage AI and technology to support planning and performance without losing the human touch Perfect for: hospitality leaders, business owners, CEOS, COOs, CX/EX professionals, operational managers, retail and service teams, training and development leaders, and anyone responsible for people and performance during the busiest season of the year. If you're ready to close the year with intention and launch into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and momentum, this episode is your Thanksgiving checkpoint.   Book time with me to learn about our speaking, training, and consulting services: https://calendly.com/thetonyjohnson/strategy  Links & Resources:

In episode 97 of Venture Everywhere, the host is Dr. Rio Xin Chen, co-founder and co-CEO of Pandas, a B2B platform that was acquired and connected Asia with millions of small merchants across Latin America. He sits down with Mike Quinn, co-founder and CEO of Boost, a technology company digitizing last-mile supply chains in emerging markets. Mike shares how a decade building fintech ventures in Africa shaped his vision for Boost and the role of technology in driving inclusive growth. He also discusses how Boost's asset-light model is helping small distributors and retailers thrive in fast-growing markets.In this episode, you will hear:Digitizing last-mile supply chains in emerging markets Empowering small distributors and retailers through digital tools Partnering with Unilever to modernize distribution networks Scaling an asset-light model across Africa and beyond Unlocking working capital through partnerships with Mastercard and local banksLearn more about Mike Quinn | Boost TechnologyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikep-quinn/ Website: https://www.withboost.co/ Learn more about Dr. Rio Xin Chen | PandasLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rio-xin/

Send me a messageIn this debut episode of the Resilient Supply Chain Podcast, I chat with Rich Savoie, Co-founder and CEO of Adiona, about how data-driven optimisation and electric fleets are transforming last-mile logistics. Rich's work with giants like Coca-Cola and Australia Post proves that sustainability and resilience aren't trade-offs, they're multipliers.You'll hear how Adiona's algorithms cut drive time by nearly half, reduced trucks by 15%, and delivered major emissions savings, all without slowing operations. We dig into why the “last mile” is the shortest leg of the supply chain but the dirtiest, and how real-time data, human-centred AI, and electrification can flip that equation. You might be surprised to learn how labour costs, not fuel, dominate delivery economics, and why getting data transparency right could unlock exponential efficiency.We also touch on the future: from cargo bikes to quantum computing, and why Rich believes fleets that fail to embrace EVs now will be left idling on the kerb.

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Together they discuss the story of the American short line railroads including their origins, their near demise due to regulations and increased trucking, their re-birth after deregulation, their significant role and impact on the U.S. economy, the effect of a government shutdown on the industry, and much more. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!KEY POINTS: The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 58 countries around the world, on 38 podcast platforms!Although growing up in Baltimore, MD., Mr. Baker is a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX.Prior to becoming President of the ASLRRA, Chuck was a lobbyist specializing in government affairs in Washinton, DC for 15 years representing railroad clients before the Federal Government, including Congress & administrative agencies such as the DOT,FRA, STB, DHS & TSA.Don and Chuck discuss what criteria determines a Class 1 railroad.A short line railroad's role is to be the “First Mile, Last Mile” provider to local and regional businesses and communities, working in conjunction with Class 1 railroads.While there are 6 Class 1 railroads in the U.S. (UP, BNSF, CSX, NS, CN, and CPKC), there are 603 short line railroads.Short line railroads are a great American success story, employing 17,800 employees nationwide, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.Chuck shares his opinion on the effect of a government shutdown on the railroad industry.The ASLRRA offers its members not only advocacy, but also training, grant assistance, disaster preparedness, education funds & industry scholarships, environmental initiatives, webinars, industry events, and more.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX https://www.enviroserve.com https://www.ASLRRA.org

In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the last mile problem, which explains why it gets harder to achieve our goals as we near the end (or "last mile"). The last mile problem is commonly caused by complexity, complacency, consistency, or confidence.Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium!The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu audio lessons, our complete podcast network, online coaching, and much more! Your first week is free:https://bjjmentalmodels.comNeed more BJJ Mental Models?Get the legendary BJJMM newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletterLearn more mental models in our online database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/databaseFollow us on social:https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodelshttps://threads.com/@bjjmentalmodelshttps://bjjmentalmodels.bsky.socialhttps://youtube.com/@bjjmentalmodelsMusic by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.comGet Jake O'Driscoll's triple threat ankle lock course, FREE:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/jake

Want Sam's Playbook to Uncover Billion-Dollar Business Opportunities? Get it here: https://mfmpod.link/rve Episode 724: Sam Parr ( https://x.com/theSamParr ) and Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) break down $1B+ product crazes and why they worked. If you want to help those on the inside, donate to The Last Mile (https://thelastmile.org/donate) and Inside Circle (https://insidecircle.org/) — Show Notes: (0:00) Labubu (3:19) The "gotcha" mechanic (10:53) The lipstick effect (12:53) The lalapalooza effect (15:17) $1B+ crazes (20:48) Tony's Chocolonely (31:10) Sam goes to prison (37:18) The Larry story (41:26) Shaan joins a prison gang (51:15) Sam vows to quit the internet and money (54:52) Pomp's SPAC — Links: • Pop Mart - https://www.popmart.com/us • Tony's Chocolonely - https://tonyschocolonely.com/ — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Need a bank for your company? Go check out Mercury (mercury.com). Shaan uses it for all of his companies! Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton - https://www.joinhampton.com/ • Ideation Bootcamp - https://www.ideationbootcamp.co/ • Copy That - https://copythat.com • Hampton Wealth Survey - https://joinhampton.com/wealth • Sam's List - http://samslist.co/ My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano

Andrea Canning talks with Josh Mankiewicz about his episode, “The Last Mile,” which covers the 2018 murder of Mollie Tibbetts in her hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa. The 20-year-old college student disappeared while out for a run, sparking a massive search. Weeks later, Mollie's body was found in a cornfield. Cristhian Bahena Rivera, a local farmworker, was charged with her murder. Andrea and Josh discuss the investigation that led to Rivera's arrest and the questions raised during his trial. Josh also shares a podcast-exclusive clip from his interview with Mollie's cousin, Morgan Collum, about their childhood.Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us on social @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252 — your question might be featured in a future episode.Listen to the full episode ‘The Last Mile' on Apple: https://apple.co/4mBG7xIListen to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KKmktbudrxxptlROyPjII?si=oISZG1qMR-iBQKyc0QoBeQ

A college student home for the summer goes missing while jogging. Investigators discover security camera video that reveals a critical clue. Josh Mankiewicz reports.