Podcasts about supply chain innovation

The annual release of a major industry index always sparks intense debate, but the true value lies in the core strategies driving the world's top performers. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by regular co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, and special guest Laura Rainier, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, to break down the defining macro trends from the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2026. The panel explores how leading organizations navigate global volatility by moving past tech experimentation to deliver true enterprise value. They dive into the realities of the autonomous workforce era, detailing how top-tier supply chains prioritize human-machine collaboration and systems thinking over simple digital literacy. Highlighting standout examples like Unilever's shared forecasting and Schneider Electric's disciplined process optimization, the discussion illustrates what it takes to build a resilient, network-centric operation. Laura Rainier also addresses critics directly, explaining why qualitative community opinion remains the ultimate "secret sauce" for capturing true excellence, while Mike Griswold wraps up by challenging leaders to leverage the supply chain as a primary engine for strategic growth.    Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (00:44) Gartner's 2026 Top 25 preview (02:23) Meet Gartner analyst Laura Rainier (04:46) Laura's future supply chain research (07:28) Three supply chain macro trends (11:26) Network-centric strategies and orchestration (15:46) Top 25 companies leading change (21:41) Fix processes before deploying AI (24:30) What defines a Supply Chain Master (26:49) Why leaders invest in people (27:34) How Supply Chain Masters stay ahead (29:07) New and returning Top 25 companies (31:09) How companies earn their return (34:03) Why Schneider Electric ranks first (40:34) Walmart's rise and retail momentum (42:41) Why community opinion matters (47:38) 2027 ESG methodology changes (48:25) Gartner events and upcoming summits   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Connect with Laura Rainier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-rainier-9087857/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/ 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt WEBINAR- SAP AI Inside the Supply Chain: From Silo to Orchestration: https://bit.ly/4bvpz6K   This 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/macro-trends-micro-moves-inside-gartner-supply-chain-top-25-1618 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most supply chain discussions get bogged down in hype and theoretical buzzwords. In this episode, they get stripped back to reality. In this debut episode of The Collective on Supply Chain Now, a powerhouse panel of battle-proven commerce veterans comes together to dive deep into the forces currently reshaping the global trade landscape. The panel features Kim Reuter (Chief Advisor and Leader at CSG Consulting), Derreck Travers, Jack Mowreader (Founder & Principal at Ascendant Business Solutions), and Kerry Gibson-Morris (VP of Global Sourcing & Product Development at BDA, LLC).  Drawing on their extensive experience building foundational programs at Amazon and scaling operations across air cargo, trucking, luxury retail, and finance, the team breaks down the critical shifts in modern supply chain management and where the industry is heading next. Kerry kicks off the conversation with a frank look at AI in smart sourcing, warning against the trap of treating technology as a total labor replacement rather than a strategic amplifier. She emphasizes the critical need for "checking the checker," maintaining strict data hygiene, and exercising executive oversight to avoid costly operational mistakes. Jack pivots the focus to the financial volatility of modern trade, breaking down how rapid tariff changes, shifting de minimis policies, and shorter planning cycles are forcing companies to abandon hyper-lean "just-in-time" models in favor of strategic safety stock and bonded warehousing. Finally, Derreck unpacks the massive wave of industry consolidation, highlighting CMA CGM's acquisition of FedEx's supply chain unit, and analyzes why M&A deals often fail to deliver customer value, drive up costs, and open doors for nimble market disruptors. If you're looking for an unvarnished, real-world breakdown of where supply chain, leadership, and modern trade are actually heading, this conversation earns its time.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:44) Introducing The Collective (05:15) AI and smart sourcing (11:22) Checking the checker: Data integrity & oversight (14:39) The financial risks of AI (17:08) Tech hype vs. system architecture (21:06) Tariff volatility and financial risks (27:36) Domino effects in alternative sourcing markets (28:47) Re-evaluating just-in-time inventory (32:46) Foreign trade zones and bonded warehousing (34:16) Carrier consolidation (CMA CGM & FedEx) (38:19) What industry consolidation means for e-commerce (49:53) Looking ahead: agentic commerce Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Kim Reuter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/ Learn more about CSG Consulting: https://www.clarityscalegrowth.com/ Connect with Derreck Travers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrecktravers/ Connect with Jack Mowreader: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmowreader/ Learn more about Ascendant Business Solutions: Connect with Kerry Gibson-Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-gibson-morris-179453/ Learn more about BDA, LLC: https://www.bdainc.com 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Kim Reuter and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/introducing-collective-1617 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Global supply chains are facing no shortage of complexity from shifting tariffs and changing consumer behavior to rapid advances in artificial intelligence. But having more technology and data does not automatically create a more resilient operation. What matters is how leaders interpret that information and turn it into action. In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, host Scott Luton is joined by guest co-host David Shillingford and Shannon Vaillancourt, founder and president of RateLinx. Together, they explore the latest developments affecting global trade, grocery spending, freight operations, supply chain resilience, and AI adoption. The conversation examines why resilience is ultimately a leadership challenge, how poor data can undermine even the most advanced technology, and where human judgment remains essential as organizations automate more decisions. Key Takeaways Why increased tariffs create additional complexity and uncertainty for global trade and supply chain teams How consumer spending pressures, food waste, inflation, and changing purchasing habits may be influencing grocery sales Why supply chain resilience requires action, not simply visibility, risk documentation, or additional technology How experienced leaders use patterns, information, and anticipation to make stronger decisions Why AI often exposes existing data-quality problems rather than creating new ones Which routine supply chain tasks are best suited for AI and where human oversight remains critical How technology can eliminate repetitive work and help teams focus on higher-value decisions Why conversations, collaboration, and real-world experience remain powerful sources of supply chain insight Supply chain leaders do not need more information for information's sake—they need the ability to recognize patterns, evaluate risks, and act with confidence. Tune in to hear practical perspectives on using AI responsibly, strengthening operational resilience, improving decision-making, and preparing your organization for the next disruption. Additional Links & Resources: Zebra: https://www.zebra.com/machinevision With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-19-JULY-2026 Easypost Playbook: https://bit.ly/3PL-Carrier-Playbook US imposes tariffs over forced labor before global duty ends: https://bit.ly/New-Tariffs-July2026 The Slave-Free Alliance: https://www.slavefreealliance.org/ Grocery unit sales sink for five straight months: https://bit.ly/US-Grocery-Shopping-Data David's Post: https://bit.ly/David-Shillingford-SC-Resilience Supply chain resilience isn't a data problem; it's a judgment problem: https://www.scmr.com/article/supply-chain-resilience-isnt-a-data-problem-its-a-judgment-problem Zebra: zebra.com/warehouse-vision Insight 26: https://www.ratelinx.com/ratelinx-insight-conference/ RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shillingford/ Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ 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/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and David Shillingford, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Fort additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-why-supply-chain-resilience-depends-on-judgment-data-and-action The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Enterprise technology has long promised to unlock operational potential, but the trade-offs between monolithic ERP systems and fragmented best-of-breed stacks continue to slow organizations down in ways most leaders don't fully account for. In this episode of Enterprise Unleashed on Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones (Co-founder at DOSS) are joined by Jindra Zitek (Partner and Head of Scale at Stripes), a former McKinsey consultant and C-level operator whose career spans Chobani, HelloFresh, and a range of board and advisory roles across industry. Together, they unpack what it actually takes to build operations that are truly AI-ready, and why the answer starts with people long before it reaches technology. Jindra draws on firsthand experience leading through hypergrowth and crisis to make the case that both ERP consolidation and best-of-breed ecosystems carry a hidden coordination tax, one that only gets more expensive the longer organizations avoid naming it. He challenges leaders to stop framing AI as a job automation tool and start treating it as a lever for dignity and purpose, giving people the ability to focus on the work that actually requires human judgment. The conversation lands on what separates organizations that experiment successfully from those stuck in pilot purgatory: shared business objectives, cross-functional coalitions, and guardrails that free people to move fast without losing control. Wiley grounds the discussion in what Doss is seeing in practice, where the complexity of edge cases is finally collapsing, and where the real work of comprehension still cannot be skipped. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro  (02:29) Jindra Zitek's background across McKinsey, Chobani, and HelloFresh (04:16) Lessons from family, farming, and leadership (06:09) Why people should come before systems (10:28) The trade-off between ERP and best-of-breed tools (15:24) The hidden cost of technology choices (17:09) How company DNA shapes technology strategy (20:57) Eliminating the human tax of broken systems (21:49) Automation should enable people, not replace them (25:57) The rise of agentic operations (28:57) Building trust and control with AI systems (31:34) Measuring real ROI from AI investments (35:17) Building cross-functional teams for AI success (37:30) Creating guardrails for enterprise AI adoption (40:40) The first workflow to transform with AI (42:10) Finding business problems AI can solve (47:56) How AI changes workflow design and implementation Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Jindra Zitek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jindrazitek/ Connect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/ Learn more about DOSS: https://www.doss.com/ Learn more about Stripes: https://www.stripes.co/ Learn more about Supply Chain Insights: http://www.supplychaininsights.com 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This 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/beyond-erp-tradeoff-building-ai-ready-operations-1614 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From rising diesel prices and China's evolving economy to Boeing's continued turnaround and the growing role of AI in logistics, this week's episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, covers the biggest stories shaping global supply chains. Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Blythe Milligan (Everything is Logistics) and featured guest Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics, for a timely conversation on freight markets, infrastructure, innovation, and what leaders should be paying attention to now. The discussion begins with the latest freight and economic headlines, including diesel price volatility, shifting global trade patterns, China's export performance, and what these trends mean for supply chain professionals. Scott and Blythe also explore Boeing's ongoing recovery and why trust remains one of the industry's most valuable currencies. Later, Matt Yearling joins the show to discuss an often-overlooked area of supply chain operations: the yard. He shares why yard management has become a strategic differentiator, how AI is driving measurable operational improvements, and why successful digital transformation requires more than simply adding new technology. Throughout the conversation, the panel emphasizes practical innovation, operational excellence, and the importance of people in every supply chain. Key Takeaways Diesel prices, freight rates, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to pressure transportation costs. China's manufacturing and export trends are reshaping global trade and nearshoring strategies. Boeing's recovery demonstrates that rebuilding trust takes years—but is essential for long-term success. AI delivers the greatest value through practical, incremental improvements rather than flashy automation. Yard operations remain one of supply chain's biggest untapped opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Technology succeeds when paired with operational expertise, strong processes, and empowered people. Whether you're navigating freight volatility, evaluating AI investments, or looking for new ways to improve operational performance, this episode delivers practical insights from experienced supply chain leaders. Tune in for thoughtful analysis of today's biggest headlines and actionable ideas you can apply across your own organization. Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Matthew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewyearling/ Learn more about YMX Logistics: https://ymxlogistics.com Learn more about Zebra: zebra.com/warehouse-vision WTS: https://bit.ly/WTS-19-JULY-2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https:bit.ly/scn-us-bank Everything is Logistics: https://everythingislogistics.com Diesel Fuel Prices:  https://on.wsj.com/4wgKItI Chinese Economy:  https://cnn.it/4fkw5hD Boeing Turnaround:  https://cnb.cx/4fkxVix Zebra Technologies:  zebra.com/warehouse-vision The Blockbuster vs. Netflix Era of Yard Logistics: https://ymxlogistics.com/blog/the-blockbuster-vs-netflix-era-of-yard-logistics Latest blog post:  https://bit.ly/Losing-Sales-Due-to-Inventory Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ 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/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Blythe Milligan. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episodes page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-ai-freight-volatility-hidden-power-yard-operations-1613 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Freight audit is one of supply chain's most stubborn cost centers, and the traditional model of catching errors months after the fact is no longer good enough. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Marty Parker are joined by Jason Murray, CEO at Shipium, and Tim Meester, Vice President, Network Performance & Intelligence at Shipium, to discuss the shift from reactive freight audit to always-on, AI-native monitoring. The panel explores why the freight audit industry keeps growing at a 14.2% CAGR even as billing errors persist at 2 to 6% of all parcel invoices, and why every dollar lost to those errors can take 19 to 20 new revenue dollars to recover. They address how delayed, after-the-fact reconciliation lets small pricing mistakes snowball into major margin loss, outlining a vision for continuous, agentic auditing that catches issues before invoices even arrive. By leveraging live data, simulation, and autonomous AI agents, shippers can detect root causes in real time and act on them immediately rather than weeks later. Jason Murray concludes by challenging operators to start building a data-first culture now, before the competitive gap becomes impossible to close.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro  (02:40) Meet Jason Murray and Tim Meester of Shipium (08:36) Jason's journey from Amazon to founding Shipium (12:30) Why freight audit keeps growing yet errors persist (12:47) Auditing as reconciliation hell and the GLP-1 analogy (17:55) Always On Audit reframes reconciliation as monitoring (22:08) Reframing leakage and loss spend as a margin tax (26:47) Where the money actually leaks in parcel billing (33:16) Always on audit versus traditional after the fact review (46:18) Why the data layer has to come first for AI (50:37) Real world use cases where AI catches hidden savings (56:21) Holistic differentiation and the next 24 months for audit Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Jason Murray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-shipium/ Connect with Tim Meester: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meester/ Connect with Marty Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyparker/ Learn more about Shipium: https://www.shipium.com/ Learn more about Adæpt Advising: https://www.adaeptadvising.com/ 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/inside-shipium-plan-turn-freight-audit-into-real-time-monitoring-1611 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, hosts Scott Luton and special guest co-host Amber Salley are joined by Rich Carey of MFG.inc to break down the biggest headlines shaping global supply chain. From the future of the USMCA and the health of U.S. manufacturing to separating AI hype from real-world value, this conversation delivers practical insights for supply chain leaders navigating constant change. What does the latest manufacturing data really tell us? Is AI bringing meaningful transformation to supply chains or just creating more noise? And how can organizations build resilient operations while developing stronger leaders? Scott, Amber, and Rich tackle these questions by exploring North American trade policy, manufacturing growth fueled by AI infrastructure investments, energy challenges, and the realities of autonomous supply chains. Rich also shares actionable leadership lessons from decades of operational excellence work, emphasizing servant leadership, trust, quick wins, and developing frontline leaders who can successfully lead change. If you're looking for practical strategies, not just buzzwords, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Key Takeaways Why the annual review of the USMCA matters for supply chain planning and business certainty. What recent U.S. manufacturing data reveals about growth, hiring, and AI-driven demand. The difference between real AI applications and the growing "AI noise" across the supply chain industry. Why autonomous supply chains still face significant hurdles around data, governance, and decision-making. How servant leadership, trust, and quick wins accelerate successful operational transformation. Why investing in frontline leaders is one of the most effective ways to improve manufacturing performance. Whether you're leading supply chain strategy, manufacturing operations, procurement, or digital transformation, this episode provides thoughtful perspectives on today's biggest industry trends while offering practical leadership advice you can apply immediately. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of where the industry is headed and how great leadership remains the competitive advantage that technology alone can't replace. Additional Links & Resources: Zebra: https://www.zebra.com/machinevision With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-12-July-2026 USMCA: Retail, manufacturing and apparel groups call for preservation: https://bit.ly/USMCA-Annual-Review US factory activity eases off four-year high; input prices remain elevated: https://reut.rs/3SNyfPv Turning Supply Chain Volatility into Competitive Advantage with o9 Solutions: https://bit.ly/SCN-At-Gartner-2026 The Autonomous Supply Chain: Why We're Not There Yet (And What It Will Actually Take): https://bit.ly/Amber-Salley-AutonomousEra From Planning to Decision Making: https://bit.ly/From-Planning-to-Decision-Making Mfg.inc: https://mfg.inc/ Connect with Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richcary/ Connect with Amber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambersalley/ Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ 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/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Amber Salley, and produced by Trisha Cortes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-manufacturing-momentum-ai-reality-leadership-lasts-1610 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Supply chain benchmarking has been evolving rapidly, but the biggest shifts in driving true organizational value may still be unfolding. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Lora Cecere (Founder of Supply Chain Insights), are joined by Dave Winstone (Global Director, Supply Chain Excellence at Dow) and Wael Abdelmalek (CEO of Uthereal). Together, they explore what it truly means to define and measure supply chain excellence, moving from rigid historical spreadsheets to data-driven, dynamic benchmarking and human-AI partnership. The panel highlights how 32 top-performing companies outperformed the market by focusing on metrics that correlate directly to market cap rather than a simple popularity contest. Dave draws on nearly four decades of global leadership to make the case for focusing on portfolio rationalization and network design while bypassing traditional distractions like massive ERP implementations. Meanwhile, Wael shares how agentic AI platforms can condense 15 years of industry-leading research into minutes, creating a powerful learning engine that works alongside humans to scale organizational insights. The guests share the core operational pillars that separate top performers from the rest of the market: leadership alignment, clear strategic direction, customer focus, and balanced performance scorecards. By embracing data objectivity and the power of dynamic orbit charts, they demonstrate how leaders can have tough, uncomfortable conversations at the board level to navigate macroeconomic headwinds and unlock real, sustainable growth. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro  (02:29) The journey behind Ask Lora  (03:39) Dave Winstone's background at Dow  (08:18) Divisional benchmarking and collaboration history  (09:16) The data-driven origins of Supply Chains to Admire  (11:59) Building relevant industry sectors and peer groups  (13:30) Improvement vs. performance in maturity  (14:26) Measuring what matters over popularity contests  (15:58) Comparing Supply Chains to Admire with the Gartner Top 25  (16:36) Looking at industry headwinds through orbit charts  (19:45) Stripping out subjectivity in industry lists  (20:36) Why small companies outperform large ones  (21:42) Traditional best practices vs. historic pitfalls  (23:27) Revealing the 2026 Supply Chains to Admire winners  (26:05) Core pillars: What the top performers have in common  (30:27) Ask Lora: Dynamic benchmarking through agentic AI  (33:32) Wael Abdelmalek's deep tech and cloud architecture background  (37:32) Leveraging proprietary algorithms and agentic behavior  (41:45) Demonstration: How to use Ask Lora  (47:36) Testing scalability and breaking the model  (51:05) Shifting the cross-functional dialogue at the board level  (54:22) Key lessons from the panel Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Lora Cecere: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loracecere/ Connect with Dave Winstone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-winstone-79337a34/ Connect with Wael Abdelmalek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwael/ Learn more about Supply Chain Insights: http://www.supplychaininsights.com Learn more about Dow: https://www.dow.com/en-us.html Learn more about Uthereal: https://www.uthereal.ai/ 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 Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 WEBINAR- From Disruption to Stability: Building Resilient Logistics Solutions in a Rapidly Changing Global Market: https://bit.ly/3TguZMt This 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-chains-admire-2026-winners-dynamic-benchmarking-opportunities-1609 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The real problem isn't that organizations don't have resilience plans. It's that those plans sit on paper, never operationalized, never tested, until the next disruption forces their hand. In this episode of Supply Chain Now's Never Normal series, Scott W. Luton is joined by regular Supply Chain Now hosts Karin Bursa, CEO of NIRAKIO, Scott DeGroot, Managing Director of the Global Supply Chain Institute at The University of Tennessee, and Jake Barr, CEO of BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, for a candid, experience-driven conversation on what it actually takes to lead through continuous disruption. Drawing from decades of collective experience across manufacturing, consulting, and academia, the panel unpacks why the pace and amplitude of today's disruption demands a fundamentally different leadership model, one built on adaptive intelligence, structured decision frameworks, and cultures that reward learning over blame. From separating reversible decisions from irreversible ones, to building teams with cognitive flexibility, to understanding why perfection is the enemy of progress, the discussion cuts through the noise on what separates organizations that thrive from those that stall. Together, they explore why supply chain deserves a permanent strategic seat at the C-suite table, why resilience must be woven into culture rather than sprinkled on top, and why the leaders of the next decade won't win with the best plans, they'll win with the best ability to diagnose, pivot, and execute when the plan expires.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (03:41) Karin on trust, emotion, and the function of leadership (05:41) Jake on developing people until they no longer need you (07:33) Scott on self-improvement and not being self-righteous (09:18) Is disruption truly permanent, or just faster and louder? (14:12) Leading when you don't have all the answers: reversible vs. irreversible decisions (14:12) Building confident decision frameworks under uncertainty (17:20) Karin on confidence, clear frameworks, and trusting the process (21:46) What separates organizations that adapt from those that stall (22:34) Why perfection is the enemy of progress (29:42) What resilience actually looks like inside a high-performing team (33:01) You can't just sprinkle resilience on top, it has to be cultural (35:19) What role does culture play in organizational resilience (39:35) Geopolitical risk and its growing role in supply chain planning (41:40) The new premium skills: cognitive flexibility, AI fluency, and storytelling (48:39) What today's talent expects from their organizations and leaders (51:25) One leadership trait that has never mattered more Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/ Connect with Jake Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/ Connect with Scott DeGroot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-degroot-4600368/ Learn more about NIRAKIO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nirakio/ Learn more about The University of Tennessee: https://haslam.utk.edu/ Learn more about BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting: https://www.blueworldscc.com/ 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA WEBINAR- The Automotive Industry's Next Digital Breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4vhUwT4 This 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/never-normal-successful-leadership-age-constant-disruption-1606 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by Edmund Zagorin, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Arkestro, for a timely conversation on the latest supply chain and business news shaping the second half of 2026. From U.S. manufacturing trends and Prime Day consumer behavior to AI's growing role in sourcing and supplier management, this episode explores how procurement is evolving from a cost-focused function into a strategic driver of resilience, speed, and value. Edmund shares practical insight into predictive procurement, why supplier relationships still matter in an AI-powered world, and how procurement leaders can prepare their teams for the future. Key Takeaways AI can support procurement teams, but humans still need to lead relationship-driven decisions. Predictive procurement helps teams move from reactive buying to proactive supplier engagement. Speed is becoming a major competitive advantage in uncertain supply chain environments. Supplier relationships, long-term agreements, and guaranteed access are becoming more important than lowest cost. Procurement teams must rethink how success is measured, moving from compliance to value creation. Culture, people, and execution remain critical, even as technology continues to advance. Tune in to hear how supply chain and procurement leaders can cut through today's volatility, use AI more strategically, and build stronger supplier partnerships that drive real business value. Additional Links & Resources: APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-28-June-2026 AI Is Good at Picking Qualified Suppliers. It Still Struggles to Pick the Best One.https://bit.ly/AI-Study-in-Procurement-Sourcing Venezuela Contacts: https://bit.ly/Venezuela-Contact-Gathering Info Call: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HfnI1aaESm6Osbpb1qeADQ#/registration Manufacturing grows at fastest rate since 2021 amid big job cuts: https://bit.ly/USA-Mfg-Activity-Increases How Amazon Is Redefining Logistics and Fulfillment for Businesses of All Sizes: https://bit.ly/Peter-Larsen-ASCS Amazon's Prime Day kickoff was the biggest online shopping day of 2026: https://bit.ly/Prime-Day-2026 Big Tech Is Rewriting Procurement. The Rest of B2B Is Next: https://bit.ly/Rewriting-Procurement Learn more about APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap Arkestro: https://arkestro.com/ Your Supply Chain Isn't Broken. Your Data Is.https://bit.ly/Your-Data-Is-Broken Connect with Edmund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmund-zagorin-41291b13/ Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- From Volume to Resilience: How Automotive Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Market Reality: https://bit.ly/4f6SUGA This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Reuter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-why-procurement-becoming-strategic-advantage-1604 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most companies don't have a transportation problem. They have a management problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Onu Okebie, CEO of HTL, for a straight-talking conversation on freight, entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to build a logistics company from scratch in one of the most volatile markets in recent memory. From buying his first truck to completing five acquisitions in five years and growing HTL 15X, Onu brings a grounded, finance-first perspective to questions most operators avoid. Kim adds her continuous improvement lens to the mix, drawing connections between change management, organizational culture, and the kind of problem-solving mindset that separates companies that adapt from those that stall. The conversation covers a lot of ground: how the freight recession really unfolded and what's actually driving the current shift in pricing, why transportation remains the most mismanaged cost on a shipper's P&L, where human judgment stays irreplaceable even as AI reshapes logistics, and what it looks like to build a company where entrepreneurial instinct and operational discipline coexist. If you're leading through change, thinking about growth through acquisition, or trying to figure out how to position your organization for what's coming next in freight and technology, this one is worth your time. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:44) Onu Okebie's background and entrepreneurial origins (09:30) HTL's growth story and five acquisitions in five years (16:27) Lessons from M&A and how people embrace change (20:27) Balancing entrepreneurial culture with systems and scale (24:10) The freight market breakdown and what's driving the current shift (29:19) Human judgment vs. AI in logistics and why both matter (35:19) The five-year outlook and going AI-led as an organization (39:37) Key takeaways on mindset, people, and embracing change Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Onu Okebie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onuokebie/ Learn more about HTL Freight: https://gohtl.com/ Connect with Kim Humphrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-kim-h-5977474/ Learn more about AME: https://www.ame.org/ 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc This 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/how-entrepreneurial-leadership-drives-growth-innovation-supply-chain-1603 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can classic vacation movies teach us about building stronger, smarter supply chains? In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes back Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for another fun and insightful edition of Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow. With summer vacation season in full swing, Scott and Mike take a creative look at the supply chain and leadership lessons hidden inside classic vacation themed movies, from Vacation and Home Alone to Jurassic Park, Jaws, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Apollo 13. Mike breaks down three major themes every supply chain leader should keep in mind: preparing for disruption, improving visibility, and understanding how human factors drive outcomes. They also discuss the ongoing impact of AI on operating models, organizational design, talent strategy, and practical adoption. Mike shares why AI is no longer a question of “if,” but “how,” emphasizing the importance of augmentation over automation and the continued need for human oversight. From planning for disruption and avoiding single points of failure to listening to frontline warning signs and keeping teams focused during a crisis, the conversation delivers timely, actionable insights for leaders navigating today's complex supply chain environment with creativity, clarity, and resilience. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:03) Mike's favorite vacation story (04:34) Listener mail and practical AI adoption (08:29) Changing the CSCO perception (11:30) Supply chain lessons from classic movies (12:29) What National Lampoon's Vacation teaches about disruption (17:21) What Home Alone teaches about visibility gaps (23:11) What Jurassic Park teaches about human factors (26:13) Apollo 13 and leadership under pressure (32:09) Gartner events and the Top 25 preview Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/ Learn more about the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25: https://www.gartner.com/en/supply-chain/research/supply-chain-top-25 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc This 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-lessons-vacataion-movies-pop-culture-chaos-1602 The content in this video, including all audio, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.  For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton is joined by Marty Parker and special guest Thomas Beil, founder and CEO of Perfect Planner, for a timely conversation on supply chain performance, workforce challenges, decision intelligence, and the future of planning. The conversation explores what leading supply chain organizations have in common, including customer focus, leadership alignment, clear strategy, balanced metrics, and a culture of innovation. Scott, Marty, and Thomas also discuss the growing memory chip crunch, how retailers are using tariff refunds to lower prices, and the rising demand for supply chain talent with AI skills. The discussion then dives into the democratization of expertise, the power of AI to capture institutional knowledge, and why decision intelligence may be the missing layer between data visibility and better execution. Thomas also shares how Perfect Planner is helping manufacturers move beyond spreadsheets and into a more proactive, standardized, and scalable planning process. Key Takeaways: The five traits leading supply chain organizations consistently demonstrate Why technology projects often fail because of leadership and process issues, not the technology itself How the memory chip shortage is being driven by AI infrastructure demand Why supply chain talent, AI skills, and workforce design are becoming urgent priorities How AI can help capture and scale institutional knowledge across organizations Why decision intelligence is critical for turning fragmented data into clear action How manufacturers can reduce planning waste and help teams focus on strategic value What the planning organization of 2031 may look like Tune in to hear practical insights on where supply chain planning, AI, and workforce strategy are headed next. This episode offers a smart look at how organizations can move beyond visibility, spreadsheets, and reactive decision-making to create more integrated, proactive, and execution-focused supply chains. Additional Resources and Links:  Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-beil-757290ab/ Learn more about Perfect Planner: www.perfectplanner.io APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-14-June-2026 Join us live for Supply Chains to Admire 2026: https://bit.ly/Supply-Chains-to-Admire-2026-LIVE Marty's Post: https://bit.ly/Marty-StandUp-2026 EasyPost Case Study: https://bit.ly/2M-Saved-and-Fewer-Late-Deliveries Apple to Raise Prices Due to Memory Chip Crunch, Tim Cook Says: https://on.wsj.com/4vrYWaP David's Post: https://bit.ly/Logistics-Behind-WC How Texas Ranchers Are Fighting a Long-Eradicated Cattle Killer: https://on.wsj.com/3SI8xvm Learn more about APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap A logistics company designed an AI tool inspired by its supply-chain veteran COO. Meet Uncle Phil. https://bit.ly/Uncle-Phil-AI What Is Supply Chain Decision Intelligence, and Why It Matters Now: https://bit.ly/Decision-Intelligence-LVP Key Takeaways from SAP Sapphire: https://bit.ly/SAP-Sapphire-2026-Takeaways Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Peak Reality Check: What Shippers, Analysts, and AI Models Are Predicting for 2026: https://bit.ly/4aTlsRv WEBINAR- The Future of Supply Chains: Where Talent Meets Technology: https://bit.ly/4uUuxkc This 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/buzz-why-supply-chain-planning-needs-decision-intelligence-upgrade-1601   The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every organization relies on secure digital connections across suppliers, partners, and platforms. Yet many of the technologies that protect those connections were built for a world before quantum computing.  While practical quantum capabilities may still seem years away, the risks associated with them are already prompting concern, particularly as encrypted data collected today could potentially be decrypted in the future. For supply chain leaders, that creates a unique challenge: preparing for a technological shift that is still emerging while protecting information that remains valuable far into the future. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Akhilesh Agarwal, President of P2P Solutions and Technology at apexanalytix, and William McNeill, Vice President of Market Intelligence, for a conversation on what the quantum era could mean for supply chains. Together, they unpack the growing conversation around quantum computing, the implications of "harvest now, decrypt later" strategies, and why supply chain ecosystems may be particularly vulnerable due to the vast amounts of supplier, financial, and contractual data that move across them every day. As digital transformation continues to accelerate, they discuss why understanding emerging risks today may be just as important as preparing for the opportunities quantum technologies could unlock tomorrow. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (00:42) Quantum risks supply chain leaders must know (02:13) Meet apexanalytix quantum risk experts (03:35) Space exploration lessons for innovation (07:03) Apexanalytix protects supplier data at scale (10:16) Why they wrote The Quantum Paradox (10:46) Harvest now decrypt later threat (15:46) Where to start with quantum readiness (21:38) Four major supply chain impacts (24:39) Supplier risk extends beyond tier one (26:27) Why supplier collaboration matters (27:42) Building a three-to-five-year quantum plan (33:20) Audit technology stack and supplier data (48:47) White paper resources and next steps (51:37) Gartner recognition and key takeaway (54:48) Act now on quantum readiness   Additional 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://www.apexanalytix.com/ Learn more about Qbiton: https://www.qbiton.com/ 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This 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/leader-briefing-quantum-risk-to-practical-action-1596 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of The Buzz, Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Dr. Muddassir Ahmed and special guest Anthony Reeves, Vice President of Global Brand & Creative at Kohler and author of Eat the Donkey: Why Great Companies Embrace Discomfort. Together, they explore the realities of AI adoption, decision-making optimization, innovation, leadership, and what separates organizations that thrive from those that struggle to keep pace. As supply chains continue to evolve in the age of AI, organizations face critical decisions about technology adoption, data quality, change management, and leadership. Scott, Muddassir, and Anthony examine why many AI initiatives fail, what companies can learn from both successes and setbacks, and why strong decision-making remains one of the most valuable competitive advantages. The conversation also explores the growing importance of human connection, brand differentiation, organizational culture, and the willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of long-term growth. Drawing on experiences from Amazon, Kohler, Starbucks, and other global brands, Anthony shares powerful lessons on innovation, leadership, and staying true to what makes an organization unique. Key Takeaways: AI success depends as much on adoption, change management, and leadership as it does on technology. High-quality, contextualized data remains the foundation for effective AI implementation. Organizations must learn from failed initiatives just as much as successful ones. Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and human connection will become increasingly valuable as AI handles more routine work. Strong brands remain differentiated by purpose, customer experience, and authenticity—not technology alone. Great leaders make difficult decisions early rather than delaying action until opportunities have passed. Whether you're leading a supply chain transformation, evaluating AI investments, or building a stronger organization, this episode offers practical insights from leaders who have navigated innovation at the highest levels. You'll walk away with actionable advice on decision-making, change management, leadership, and creating organizations that can thrive amid constant disruption. Additional Links & Resources: Guest LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreeves/ Guest Instagram Handle: @anthony.j.reeves Guest Company Website: anthonyreeves.co APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7JUN2026 The Corner Market: https://bit.ly/The-Corner-Market Exclusive: Starbucks scraps AI inventory tool across North America: https://reut.rs/4vuPSkR 4 Supply Chain and AI Predictions for 2026: https://bit.ly/AI-Predictions-2026 AI Strategy Takes A Data Foundation That Cleansing Can't Provide: https://bit.ly/Paul-Noble-Gartner2026-Takeaways 5 Signs Your Supply Chain Has Outgrown How It's Managed Today: https://bit.ly/5-signs-your-SC-has-outgrown-mgmt Eat the Donkey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G97CHK9F When Safety Technologies Backfire and How Managers Can Prevent It: https://bit.ly/When-Safety-Tech-Backfires Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreeves/ SCMDOJO: https://sensei.scmdojo.com/ Connect with Muddassir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/ Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Dr. Mudassir Ahmed. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-adoption-brand-differentiation-embracing-comfort-1595 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most retailers don't have a return policy problem. They have an incentive problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by David Sobie, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns, for a deep dive into the returns crisis and reverse logistics. David brings over a decade of real-world experience helping major retail brands turn post-purchase friction into customer loyalty. He shares critical data from their latest report with the NRF, exposing a staggering rise in retail fraud, the undeniable psychology of the in-person return, and why over 70% of merchants are moving away from free returns to save "dead stock" from rotting off store shelves. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (04:41) Career beginnings and lessons learned (08:15) Hautelook marketing sparks Happy Returns (12:00) BORIS revolutionizes online return experience (19:38) Speed and return fees impact retail (22:53) Combating returns fraud with technology (31:44) Expanding network to ten thousand locations (35:16) Expert advice for supply chain leaders (39:11) Future of personalization and growth Additional Links & Resources: Connect with David Sobie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sobie-a37ab/ Learn more about Happy Returns: www.happyreturns.com 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This 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/driving-innovation-returns-management-happy-returns-1594 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Farm+Food+Facts host Joanna Guza talks with Adam Shrif, Vice-President of Supply Chain at Culver's. They discuss supply chain management (especially as it relates to it's beef supply), how data enhances its guest experience, and the importance of farmers and ranchers to Culver's growth strategy. Adam spotlighted the Thank you Farmers Project and Culver's commitment to USFRA.  To stay connected with USFRA, join our newsletter and become involved in our efforts, here.  

Every industry talks about preparing for the future, but few spend enough time listening to the people who will ultimately shape it.  What often gets overlooked is that this generation may already be bringing exactly the mindset the industry needs: adaptability, systems thinking, technological fluency, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton and guest co-host Liz Raman, Founder and CEO of Supply Chain Gals, sit down with the winning team from the 2026 Supply Chain Gals Case Competition: Madeline Creasman, Founder and CEO of EverChain Solutions; Ashley Bailey, Inventory Analyst at InComm Payments; Thanmayee Maddipati, Global Supply Manager at Apple; and Katerina Folkin, Operations and Economics student at Minerva University. Drawing from backgrounds across agriculture, healthcare operations, entrepreneurship, procurement, technology, and global education, they explore what sets the next generation of supply chain leaders apart, and how younger professionals are navigating disruption with fresh perspectives shaped by diverse experiences, a global mindset, and a growing focus on sustainability and emerging technologies like AI. Along the way, they reflect on the role of curiosity, the importance of questioning long-standing ways of working, and why the strongest solutions are often those that balance today's operational realities with the needs of the future. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:17) Meet the 2026 Supply Chain Gals champions (04:21) Summer plans and personal introductions (07:27) How each leader found supply chain (13:37) The mission behind Supply Chain Gals (15:37) Inside the 2026 case competition (18:48) Solving a supply chain crisis under pressure (21:31) Playing to strengths as a team (22:06) The competition twist changes everything (24:23) Building a realistic supply chain war room (26:15) Why this team stood out (28:45) Are leaders underestimating young talent? (34:53) Information access creates new perspectives (38:55) Why communities like Supply Chain Gals matter (44:00) Advice for leaders and final takeaways Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Liz Raman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethramangrubbs/ Connect with Madeline Creasman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinecreasman47/ Connect with Ashley Bailey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-brantley056355/ Connect with Thanmayee Maddipati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanmayeevmaddipati/ Connect with Katerina Folkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerinafolkin/ Learn more about Supply Chain Gals: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supplychaingals/about/ Learn more about EverChain Solutions: https://everchainsolutions.com/ Learn more about InComm Payments: https://www.incomm.com/ Learn more about Apple: https://www.apple.com/ Learn more about Minerva University: https://www.minerva.edu 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This 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/few-supply-chain-gals-winning-case-competitions-transforming-industry-1593 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate supply chain conversations, but why are so many organizations struggling to move beyond pilots and into enterprise-wide success? In this episode of The Buzz powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton and Alex Pradhan explore the latest research and developments shaping the future of supply chain leadership, AI adoption, omnichannel fulfillment, workforce transformation, and decision intelligence. Special guest Arash Aghlara, Founder and CEO of FlexRule, joins the discussion to share why better decisions—not just better data—may be the key to unlocking supply chain performance. From AI pilot purgatory and omnichannel profitability to talent shortages and protein supply disruptions, this episode tackles some of the most pressing challenges facing supply chain leaders today. Scott, Alex, and Arash dive into new research from leading organizations including MIT, Accenture, GEP, and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Along the way, they explore the growing importance of governance, the role of decision intelligence in modern operations, and why organizations must move beyond visibility alone to create smarter, faster, and more effective business outcomes.   Key Takeaways: Why nearly three-quarters of organizations have yet to move AI initiatives beyond planning and pilot stages. How decision intelligence helps organizations bridge the gap between data, visibility, and action. Key findings from MIT's latest State of Supply Chain Omnichannel research. Why supply chain leaders must rethink workforce development amid a projected talent shortage. The critical role governance plays in scaling AI and improving operational decision-making. How organizations can identify and manage interconnected decisions across planning, logistics, inventory, and customer service. Why practical execution—not hype—is essential for successful digital transformation.   If you're navigating AI adoption, digital transformation, talent challenges, or increasing supply chain complexity, this episode delivers practical insights and actionable strategies from experienced industry leaders. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how decision intelligence can help organizations move beyond visibility, improve execution, and build more resilient supply chains in an increasingly complex business environment.   Additional Links & Resources: APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-31-May-2026 5 Signs Your Supply Chain Has Outgrown How It's Managed Today: https://bit.ly/5-signs-your-SC-has-outgrown-mgmt Supply Chain AI Is Stuck in Pilot Purgatory Because the Operating Model Is Missing: https://bit.ly/4u4dPyj GEP Webinar: https://bit.ly/10-June-2026-Webinar State of Supply Chain Omnichannel Report: https://bit.ly/3RUcHju Turning the supply chain talent shortage into strength: https://accntu.re/4vkqNZQ Protein powder shortage threatens America's biggest food craze: https://bit.ly/3RIkrFd Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ FlexRule: https://www.flexrule.com/ The Supply Chain Whisperer on Why Practicality Still Wins: https://bit.ly/Why-Practicality-Still-Matters Connect with Arash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arashaghlara/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrapradhan/ Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes: https://supplychainnow.com/brands/supply-chain-now/ Subscribe to Supply Chain Now: https://linktr.ee/Supplychainnow Check out the Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Work with Us! Download the Supply Chain Now 2026 Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t For everything else, start here: https://supplychainnow.com This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Alex Pradhan, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychiannow.com/buzz-how-decision-intelligence-transform-supply-chain-performance-1592 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Supply chain is evolving rapidly and AI is changing how decisions are made. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton, Karin Bursa, and Jake Barr talk with Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, about the key insights from the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium. They explore how supply chain leaders can leverage AI to improve operational efficiency, redesign workflows, and enhance decision-making to remain competitive in the coming years. They discuss the importance of cross-functional initiatives, storytelling for CSCOs, and understanding where technology fits as an enabler rather than the solution. The episode breaks down strategies for shifting supply chain operations toward autonomy, including optimizing decision velocity, redesigning critical workflows, and applying AI thoughtfully to reduce manual handoffs and eliminate inefficiencies. Listeners gain insight into how to balance growth, cost, risk, and talent, and why CSCOs need to communicate their strategic value effectively within the C-suite. The conversation also highlights real-world examples of organizations leveraging technology to enable their workforce, not replace it, and emphasizes the potential of agentic AI in planning and disruption management. Together, the panel explores why focusing on decision stacks and workflow design is critical for AI readiness, how to prioritize high-impact areas for operational improvements, and why relying solely on technology without a defined problem can lead to missed opportunities. They provide guidance for supply chain professionals on preparing for the future of planning, autonomous operations, and AI-enabled decision-making, illustrating the massive potential for efficiency gains and strategic advantage over the next several years.   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (04:07) AI adoption challenges and budget concerns (06:41) Avoiding siloed implementation of AI (08:56) CSCO influence and strategic storytelling (10:24) Autonomy as the new operating model (15:45) Technology as an enabler, not a driver (20:00) Decision stacks and workflow redesign (27:42) Planning summit highlights and upcoming events (34:28) Agentic AI market potential by 2030   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/ Connect with Jake Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t Subscribe to our Newsletter, With That Said: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/with-that-said-6966779254495723520/ This 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/key-takeaways-gartner-supply-chain-symposium-2026-1591 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:33) Welcoming Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO of RateLinx (03:12) Chicago Bears draft talk (quick icebreaker) (04:37) Why shippers overspend: hidden & unmonitored charges (05:54) Where technology falls short: data integration & visibility (07:28) Identifying red flags: underperforming carriers & dirty data (08:40) How RateLinx uncovers savings without a sourcing event (18:12) What RateLinx reveals first: data quality & routing context (20:20) Using the right carrier for the right product (22:15) Real-world example: the toilet company & a $200K routing fix (24:32) Parcel vs. LTL: how to know when to shift modes (38:10) Flash poll results: biggest freight cost headaches (53:00) Key takeaways & free savings snapshot from RateLinx   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Shannon Vaillancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ Connect with Kimberly Reuter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/ Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf This 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 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:21) Meet today's packaging industry panel (05:03) Graduation, family, and taekwondo stories (08:30) Building Virginia Tech's packaging program (10:41) Marta finds her packaging passion (14:10) Marta's Unilever packaging internship experience (16:24) Mike's journey from weather to pallets (18:59) Remembering Tyson Steffens' industry impact (21:02) Virginia Tech sustainable packaging programs (23:12) Hands-on packaging projects and sustainability (24:45) Marta's Virginia Tech student experience (26:32) Excitement about packaging industry careers (27:31) Why packaging culture feels exciting (28:16) Sustainable packaging without sacrificing design (28:49) How Pallet Alliance supports manufacturers (31:15) The hidden operational cost of pallets (32:25) Why Virginia Tech graduates stand out (34:25) Strong culture creates long-term employees (38:02) Tyson Steffens' humor and lasting legacy (39:09) Tyson Steffens memorial scholarship program (43:04) AI, sustainability, and packaging's future (47:36) Career advice for future packaging leaders   Additional Links & Resources: Connect with Mike Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jones-a97797b5/ Connect with Dr. Laszlo Horvath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laszlohorvathremeczki/ Connect with Marta Ghigo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-ghigo22/ Learn more about The Pallet Alliance: https://tpai.com/ Learn more about Virginia Tech: https://www.vt.edu/index.html 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf This 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/investing-now-generation-supply-chain-leaders-1589 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you ready to witness the shift in how packages reach your doorstep? In this episode of Talk Commerce, I sit down with Dan O'Toole, the founder and CEO of Arrive AI, to discuss how the industry is moving past the hype of drone delivery and into the era of practical, scalable infrastructure.For years, the logistics conversation has focused almost exclusively on the vehicles—the drones, the ground robots, and the self-driving trucks. However, Dan brings a fresh perspective that challenges the status quo. He argues that the industry has overlooked the most critical component of the supply chain: the physical endpoint. If you cannot securely and effectively drop off a package, the efficiency of the vehicle becomes irrelevant.Dan shares his journey of realizing that autonomous delivery would never scale without a safe, secure, and universal access point. We explore the development of Arrive Points, which act as smart, connected mailboxes capable of handling everything from drone drops to traditional parcel deliveries. This is not just a hardware play; it is a platform designed to orchestrate commerce, providing users with a "shipping store at their door." Imagine managing all your inbound and outbound logistics, returns, and transactional history directly from your curb via an app.Throughout our conversation, Dan highlights the importance of being "platform agnostic." By welcoming all shippers and delivery methods—whether they are drones, robots, or conventional vehicles—Arrive AI is positioning itself to be the standard in the delivery ecosystem, much like the Tesla Supercharger network did for electric vehicles.We also cover the fascinating role of data in this new landscape. Beyond mere delivery, these smart access points provide real-time insights, from micro-weather tracking and pothole identification to emergency response support that can guide first responders to the exact location of a crisis.As we look toward 2026 and beyond, Dan emphasizes that this is an evergreen market. With 170 million addresses in the U.S. alone, the opportunity for growth is massive. However, he cautions that this industry is judged by its failures, not its successes. To achieve widespread adoption, the technology must function with near-perfect reliability.Whether you are involved in ecommerce, supply chain logistics, or simply interested in how AI is reshaping our daily lives, this episode offers a look at the infrastructure that will define the next decade of commerce.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:12 - The Genesis of Arrive AI03:59 - Scaling Autonomous Infrastructure05:24 - Weather Challenges and Solutions06:54 - Real-World Deployments: Hancock Health08:36 - The Philosophy of Co-opetition09:49 - Air Traffic Control for Ground Delivery12:00 - AI as an Accelerant13:49 - Disruption and Security16:25 - Diverse Use Cases18:12 - The "Funnest" Side of Logistics19:16 - Looking Ahead to 202620:48 - Final Thoughts and Closing

(00:00) Introduction to Matt Bell and Mouser Electronics (03:14) Understanding Mouser's Operations and Scale (06:12) The Role of Automation in Order Fulfillment (09:15) Philosophy on Automation and Workforce Integration (12:12) Growth and Expansion of Mouser's Operations (15:15) Identifying Automation Opportunities (18:09) Balancing Existing Technologies with New Innovations (20:58) Strategic Investment in Automation (22:04) Emerging Technologies in Logistics (22:46) Navigating Technology Choices (23:18) Flexibility in Automation (24:54) In-House Development vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions (26:41) Collaboration Across Teams (28:37) The Importance of Team Dynamics (30:21) Lessons Learned Over Two Decades (31:55) Advice for New Professionals (33:48) Listening for Improvement (36:37) The Scale of Operations (38:23) Final Thoughts and Advice This episode was brought to you by Mouser, our go-to source for electronics parts for any hobby or prototype. Click HERE to check out the many resources shared by Mouser across a range of topics from AI to Healthcare.  Want to hear more from Matt? Give him a follow on LinkedIn Become a founding reader of our newsletter: http://read.thenextbyte.com/ As always, you can find these and other interesting & impactful engineering articles on Wevolver.com.

As supply chains expand across global networks, the next generation of leaders is being trained to think beyond trucks and warehouses, toward the broader constraints shaping business today. Dr. Morgan Swink, West Chair, Professor of SCM and Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Innovation at Texas Christian University's Neeley School of Business, joins Supply Chain Now alongside three standout seniors, Ava Scotchie, Joshua Ahn, and Cort Comer, to share what they're seeing in real time as they prepare to enter the industry.In this Now Generation conversation, Scott Luton and Dr. Swink explore what makes TCU's supply chain program so distinctive, from high-touch faculty mentorship and curriculum that mirrors real workplace ambiguity, to site visits, case competitions, and capstone projects designed to deliver real value to companies. The students share how these experiences have shaped their confidence, career direction, and readiness to lead.They also dig into the trends these emerging professionals are watching most closely: reverse logistics and the rising cost of returns, sustainability and ethical visibility across multi-tier suppliers, and the growing energy and infrastructure demands driven by AI and data center expansion. The episode highlights how supply chain thinking is evolving, and why the leaders who can connect operations, ethics, and resource constraints will be the ones who shape what comes next.Jump into the conversation:00:00) Intro(01:43) Spotlight on TCU's supply chain program(02:14) Meet the student leaders of supply chain(03:32) Ava discusses her passion for supply chain(04:05) Joshua shares his global supply chain journey(04:36) Cort focuses on energy and supply chain(12:10) Dr. Swink's vision for the program(14:26) Students discuss top supply chain trends(23:52) Career goals and making a lasting impact(26:33) Joshua on driving supply chain sustainability(28:03) Career advice for aspiring supply chain leaders(29:59) Cort on energy's role in supply chain(38:21) Ava reflects on TCU's hands-on learning(47:28) Building meaningful supply chain connectionsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Dr. Morgan Swink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-swink-8331ab11/Connect with Ava Scotchie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-scotchie,Connect with Joshua Ahn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajahn/Connect with Colt Comer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cort-comerLearn more about TCU's Neeley School of Business:

The trucking industry operates on razor-thin margins and highly optimized schedules. Think free delivery from click to your door in 4 hours. Decarbonizing that kind of industry requires more than green intentions—it requires a highly reliable solution that drives real economic value. In the push to electrify large trucks, we often focus on the vehicles. But this rollout requires industrial-scale access to electricity in the context of an often-challenged distribution grid.My guest today is Patrick Sullivan, CEO of EV Realty.  Building on decades of renewable energy development experience, navigating electricity grid constraints, Patrick and team are enabling the EV semi-truck rollout today.We discuss the coming wave of EV trucks, the realities of the freight supply chain, and how EV Realty is building a network that works for the bottom line, local communities, and the broader climate.Links:EV Realty WebsitePatrick Sullivan – CEO of EV RealtyEpisode recorded  Email your feedback to Chad, Gil, Hilary, and Guy at climatepositive@hasi.com.

Jeff Barry is simplifying complexity inside one of the most operationally demanding supply chains in the country. As Head of Innovation at Dot Foods, the nation's largest foodservice redistributor, Jeff shares how enterprise innovation moves faster and more accurately when it's centralized, CEO-aligned, and always tied to real business outcomes. Jeff breaks down innovation as a four-lap relay race—where innovation runs the first laps through insight, experimentation, and guidance, then hands the baton to the business to deliver ROI. We explore why experiments beat pilots, how running 20–30 tests a year accelerates learning without heavy resource deployment, and why truly understanding a problem means living it—on the docks, in the trucks, and with customers. Jeff also explains why innovation can't be done to or for the business, but only with it, how external perspectives unlock progress inside complex organizations, and why the real challenge isn't technology—it's learning faster than your environment is changing.

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ In this episode, Sarah Ahern, Data Strategist in Supply Chain/Innovation helps us negotiate in the supply chain via a revenue model. How it will affect us in the day-to-day process of decision-making during the pandemic and now a recession, Also, the difficult conversations we need to have to address its impact over the next year. ⁠https://www.pathgrowth.com/⁠ https://www.pathgrowth.com/ ⁠Follow Sarah on LinkedIn⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahahern/ Contact ANI ⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ ⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/ ⁠The Ultimate Negotiation Guide⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/guides/ultimate-negotiation-guide/ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Have-Difficult-Conversations-About-Race/dp/1637741308/ref=pd_%5B%E2%80%A6%5Df0bc9774-7975-448b-bde1-094cab455adb&pd_rd_i=1637741308&psc=1 ⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Confidence-Conflict-Negotiate-Anything/dp/0578413736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PSW69L6ABTK&keywords=finding+confidence+in+conflict&qid=1667317257&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4xNCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMjMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=finding+confidence+in+conflic%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ In this episode, Sarah Ahern, Data Strategist in Supply Chain/Innovation helps us negotiate in the supply chain via a revenue model. How it will affect us in the day-to-day process of decision-making during the pandemic and now a recession, Also, the difficult conversations we need to have to address its impact over the next year. ⁠https://www.pathgrowth.com/⁠ https://www.pathgrowth.com/ ⁠Follow Sarah on LinkedIn⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahahern/ Contact ANI ⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ ⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/ ⁠The Ultimate Negotiation Guide⁠: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/guides/ultimate-negotiation-guide/ ⁠Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Have-Difficult-Conversations-About-Race/dp/1637741308/ref=pd_%5B%E2%80%A6%5Df0bc9774-7975-448b-bde1-094cab455adb&pd_rd_i=1637741308&psc=1 ⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Confidence-Conflict-Negotiate-Anything/dp/0578413736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PSW69L6ABTK&keywords=finding+confidence+in+conflict&qid=1667317257&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4xNCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMjMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=finding+confidence+in+conflic%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1

In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn't charity. It's a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits.She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior leaders doubling down on DEI, this conversation offers actionable takeaways: define the why, build inclusive cultures, and widen the supplier funnel so the best partner wins.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:18) Lushentha's inspirational journey to Easter Island(06:50) Growing up during Apartheid(12:53) The impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership(17:40) Lushentha's professional journey at Unilever(23:45) The power of diversity and inclusion(26:01) The transition to the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP)(29:09) Lushentha's advice for corporate leaders(32:17) Challenges for women in the workplace(33:52) What ESDP does, its mission, and its impact(44:06) The importance of inclusivity and DEIAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lushentha Naidoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lushentha-naidoo-99730439 Learn more about ESDP: https://esdp-org.eu/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.comSubscribe 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/3XH6OVkThis 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/equity-action-inclusion-leads-supply-chain-innovation-1483The content in this video, including all audio, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now. For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com © 2025 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

In this episode hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis from The Remarkable Retail Podcast welcome XRC Ventures' Managing Director Pano Anthos, for a deep dive into the future of retail innovation, investment strategies, and overcoming the systemic challenges that keep great technology from scaling.Pano shares his journey from serial entrepreneur to leading a venture fund focused on pre-seed and seed-stage investments at the intersection of retail, consumer behavior, and technology. With over 150 investments since 2015, XRC Ventures targets transformative sectors including retail media networks, the consumerization of healthcare, commerce enablement, and new distribution channels. Pano highlights examples of groundbreaking innovations—from AI-driven financial automation to diagnostics that detect autism in under two hours—that are redefining operational efficiency and customer impact.A major focus of the conversation is retail's organizational dysfunction, where siloed leadership and competing P&Ls create “warring tribes” that hinder adoption of transformative solutions. Pano argues that true progress requires structural change—appointing an operational leader with end-to-end responsibility for traffic and sales across all channels. The discussion also explores the promise of retail media, particularly in-store applications with untapped margin potential, and spatial intelligence, which can bring the precision of e-commerce analytics into physical stores. Pano shares candid insights on startup strategy, stressing that early-stage companies must demonstrate material ROI—significant EBITDA or revenue growth—to make it into a retailer's short list of investment priorities. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

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.

This week, we, together with SP van Houten, explore how intelligent automation and AI are reshaping supply chain planning. The episode covers overcoming traditional silos, driving real-time collaboration, integrating sustainability goals, and empowering teams with advanced tools for continuous improvement in supply chain operations.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn't charity. It's a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits.She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior leaders doubling down on DEI, this conversation offers actionable takeaways: define the why, build inclusive cultures, and widen the supplier funnel so the best partner wins.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:18) Lushentha's inspirational journey to Easter Island(06:50) Growing up during Apartheid(12:53) The impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership(17:40) Lushentha's professional journey at Unilever(23:45) The power of diversity and inclusion(26:01) The transition to the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP)(29:09) Lushentha's advice for corporate leaders(32:17) Challenges for women in the workplace(33:52) What ESDP does, its mission, and its impact(44:06) The importance of inclusivity and DEIAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lushentha Naidoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lushentha-naidoo-99730439 Learn more about ESDP: https://esdp-org.eu/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.comWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUOWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQWEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZhSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit:

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Tara Milburn, founder and CEO of Ethical Swag, a certified B Corp reshaping the promotional products industry. Too often, branded merchandise ends up as waste or is produced under questionable conditions. Tara and her team are proving there's a better way, where every procurement choice can align with values, improve transparency, and create measurable impact.We discuss how Ethical Swag was built on the principle that business can be a force for good, even in a sector not known for sustainability. Tara explains why greenwashing remains a challenge, how third-party audits are essential for supplier verification, and why embedding sustainability across all departments, much like digital transformation, creates lasting change. She also shares practical strategies for procurement teams, such as offering “good, better, best” options that balance budgets with environmental and social impact.One of the most striking parts of our conversation was the reminder that products with your logo should reflect your brand values, because when those items end up in landfill, so does your reputation. Tara shows how companies can move beyond token gestures to meaningful storytelling, from seed paper giveaways linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to impact reporting that makes sustainability visible.If you're a supply chain leader looking to reduce waste, build brand trust, and rethink procurement as a driver of sustainability, you'll find this episode full of insights and inspiration.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Podcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can become a Sustainable Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to the full back catalog of over 460 episodes.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

This week we, together with Manish Kapoor, explore the rapid evolution of supply chains from supportive roles to strategic business drivers. We discuss how tariffs, shifting consumer behavior, and technology like AI and automation demand adaptable and data-driven supply chains, especially for managing last mile delivery and holiday season surges.

Send me a messageIn this week's episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sat down with fellow Irishman Paul Byrnes, CEO of Mavarick AI, to explore how manufacturers can use AI and data to tackle the notoriously difficult challenge of Scope 3 emissions.Paul brings a unique perspective, rooted in both deep data science and hands-on manufacturing experience, and he didn't shy away from the hard truths: most companies still struggle with messy, unreliable data and limited supplier engagement. We unpack why primary data will soon become table stakes, why spend-based estimates can be 40% off the mark, and how engaging suppliers requires a simple but often overlooked question, what's in it for them?We also discussed where AI genuinely moves the needle:Boosting confidence in data accuracy by identifying gaps and “contaminated” entriesProviding personalised training to help suppliers meet sustainability requestsUncovering and prioritising decarbonisation levers with clear ROIPaul shared real-world examples, from medical devices to automotive, that show how targeted projects, rather than trying to tackle all 15 Scope 3 categories at once, deliver the best results. We also touched on the environmental footprint of AI itself, energy, water, rare materials, and how responsible computing and smaller, purpose-built models can reduce the impact.For leaders wrestling with emissions strategy, Paul's advice is simple: start by mapping your data landscape. Know where you're rich, where you're poor, and build from there.This is a practical, candid conversation about making sustainability and profitability work hand-in-hand, and why efficiency wins are so often sustainability wins.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Podcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can become a Sustainable Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to the full back catalog of over 460 episodes.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

This week we, together with Michael Augustine from Westernacher, explore the critical role of yard management in connecting warehousing and transportation. Michael shares benefits of digitization, challenges faced without proper yard systems, AI use cases, and future trends.

A third of all food produced never reaches our plates. Apeel set out to change that—with an idea and a $10,000 prize from a university venture competition that turned into a $2B food-tech disruptor. In this episode, Jenny Du reveals how a plant-based “second skin” is reshaping the global supply chain and keeping produce fresh without plastic, chemicals, or cold storage.

What You'll LearnThe origins of integrated parcel shipping systems and Clippership's impact (1991)Why traditional carrier APIs limit cost optimization and how Sendflex's engine solves thisThe critical gap between expected shipping costs and actual carrier invoices (north of 15%)How a multi-carrier strategy is essential for modern fulfillment, especially PO box and regional delivery- The rising complexity of omnichannel distribution and its impact on 3PL operations- Lessons from enterprise acquisition failures and maintaining agile, mission-driven growth- How data-driven carrier diversification can unlock real savings versus sales pitchesTimestamped Segments00:00–00:50 – Introduction to Bob Malley and his legacy in parcel logistics00:50–04:39 – Bob's early career and development of Clippership & Tracer04:39–07:24 – The evolving parcel market, rise of multi-carrier shipping, complexities of e-commerce07:24–10:57 – The critical issue of landing cost variance versus expected shipping costs10:57–15:02 – Operationalizing auditing and cost variance fixes through automation15:02–20:04 – Carrier perspectives on load optimization, dimensional weight, and waste20:04–23:30 – Insights on carrier integration and the promise of new, niche carriers23:30–27:33 – B2B ecommerce growth, omnichannel maturity, and the rise of 3PL dynamics27:33–31:17 – Hard lessons on acquisitions and maintaining agility in logistics tech companies31:17–33:06 – Closing thoughts and where to learn more about Sendflex Quotes[10:13] "The cost variance between expected costs and actual costs is north of 15%.” — Bob Malley[06:13] “The real question is: how do shippers narrow the gap that's been growing between expected costs all through that journey of the order...” — Bob Malley[30:44] “I believe in companies that have a mission, are small enough to be agile, and stick to what they do well.” — Bob Malley[21:52] “That's what we're really excited about — data-backed carrier diversification that makes business sense, not just sales sense.” — Bob MalleyAbout the GuestBob Malley is a pioneer in parcel logistics technology with a track record spanning over three decades. He launched Clippership, the first integrated parcel shipping system, scaled Tracer, led e-commerce at Kewill as CEO, and founded Pierbridge, creating the first enterprise cloud-based parcel TMS. Today, as CEO of Sendflex, he is driving innovation in intelligent modular delivery software built for omnichannel complexity and global shipping optimization.Links MentionedSendflex websiteSendflex LinkedIn 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

"Once a quarter, I buy my own company. I step back and ask—what works, what doesn't, and where the opportunity is." — Hannah Kain, CEO of ALOM What does it take to turn a nascent idea in an unfamiliar country into a global success? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hannah Kain, CEO and President of ALOM, a trailblazing supply chain company that began in 1997 and now operates across 20 global locations. Hannah's story is more than a business success—it's a masterclass in innovation, agility, and values-driven leadership. A Leap of Faith—a Vision and a Purpose Born and raised in Denmark, Hannah enjoyed a thriving political and business career before she and her husband bought one-way tickets to the U.S. in 1990. What followed was a journey of reinvention and opportunity. By 1997, Hannah founded ALOM in the heart of Silicon Valley, identifying early on the opportunity to use technology to enhance supply chain operations—well before “supply chain” was a mainstream concept. From the beginning, ALOM was built on innovation. When the company opened its doors, they launched with customer portals and real-time visibility—now standard, but then revolutionary. Their first revenue came from floppy disk duplication. When that technology faded, Hannah pivoted, embracing e-commerce and expanding into regulated industries, always asking: what's next? Mind Games for Modern CEOs One of the most striking takeaways from our conversation is how Hannah rethinks her company—regularly. “Once a quarter,” she says, “I buy my own company.” She imagines herself as an outsider, assessing the business with fresh eyes. What would she keep? What needs to go? What opportunities are emerging? This “buy-your-own-business” mindset keeps her ahead of disruption. This is a deeply anthropological approach—stepping outside your own story to see it anew. It's also core to a Blue Ocean Strategy: shed the outdated, build the new, and serve unmet needs. Innovation, Values, and Culture are What Really Matter While Hannah is passionate about technology and supply chain solutions, her foundation is rooted in values—innovation, collaboration, quality, and diversity. Culture, she believes, isn't a side conversation—it's a strategic priority. And when values misalign, even a high performer may not be the right fit. Culture can make or break agility. “Personnel decisions are more strategic than we think,” Hannah observes, especially in fast-changing environments. You will enjoy watching our Podcast on YouTube: The Future is Here—If You Can See It We explored how Hannah navigates today's volatile supply chain world: tariffs, technology, talent shortages, and trade wars. She shared how she mitigates risks—like storing lithium batteries in an award-winning facility designed specifically for safety—and how she balances immediate challenges with long-term strategic thinking. Her approach? Plan for 95% and build agility for the remaining 5%. “If you don't plan for 95%, you'll be stuck firefighting 100%.” Data, Intuition, and Ecosystems Data is vital, Hannah says—but data alone is not enough. “It's the rearview mirror. You need to look out the windshield.” What she's really looking for is meaning—trends, risks, and opportunities derived from experience, context, and yes, intuition. She credits much of her insight to exploring the entire ecosystem—talking to employees, clients, suppliers, and staying deeply embedded in industry networks. She also emphasized that leaders must separate the urgent from the important, and prioritize the tasks that drive long-term value. What's Next? Hannah believes AI will be transformative in supply chain logistics—especially in image recognition, predictability, and precision. She's skeptical of blockchain until there's wide-scale collaboration, but excited by AI's capacity to reduce risk and increase agility. Her parting wisdom? Don't get stuck managing risk so tightly that you miss opportunity. Reinvention is possible—and necessary. And it begins, quite literally, with a morning shower and one powerful question: “What's the most important thing I can do for my ecosystem today?” Where to learn more about Hannah Kain and the work she is doing: Hannah's Profile: linkedin.com/in/hannahkain Website: alom.com (ALOM) Email: hkain@alom.com Listen to these other podcasts or read the blogs about them: 442: Joyce Salzberg is Changing Lives Through Early Intervention 436: Women, #WorkSchoolHours Can Transform Your Life 429: Embracing the Future: How Matt Leta is Guiding Companies Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.net Email: info@simonassociates.net Books:  Learn more about our books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk! Andi Simon,PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-winning Author| Top 100 Podcaster Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

Send me a messageAir freight has long been the wild west of logistics, complex, opaque, and often wasteful. In this episode, I sat down with Chris Condon, founder and CEO of Aircon and the mind behind Captain Cargo, to unpack how AI and automation are reshaping air freight for the better.Chris brings decades of freight forwarding experience and has built a platform specifically to help small and mid-sized freight forwarders compete with global giants. We explore why air freight isn't just for emergencies, how faster quoting often matters more than faster transit, and how real-time exception management is the missing piece for most operators.We also dig into sustainability. Chris explains how smarter consolidation and capacity optimisation, enabled by predictive analytics, can reduce unused cargo space and avoid unnecessary flights. In a sector where emissions are high and transparency is low, that matters.This isn't just about tech for tech's sake. It's about giving operators the tools to retain customers, improve margins, and respond to disruption, without losing control to the big players.If you're in logistics, supply chain management, or sustainability and you want to understand where AI is actuallydelivering value in freight, this one's well worth a listen.

From China to Southeast Asia: Strategic Manufacturing ShiftsWelcome to another insightful episode of the Asia Business Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with David Alexander, the CEO of Baysource Global. With an extensive footprint in contract manufacturing and consultation across Asia, David brings forward remarkable insights into the evolving landscape of global supply chains, focusing heavily on Asia's dynamic market.Introducing David AlexanderConnect with DavidVisit Baysource GlobalDavid Alexander is at the helm of Baysource Global, a company that specializes in managing contract manufacturing projects across several Asian hubs, including China, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. With a proven track record in due diligence, supplier selection, and organizational integrity, David and his team offer unmatched consulting services in manufacturing and quality assurance.The Changing Landscape of Global ManufacturingReflecting on his initial experiences dating back to 2005, David shares transformative moments that reshaped his understanding of manufacturing processes in Asia. From witnessing delicate manual craftsmanship in China's factories to the integration of sophisticated robotics, the contrast sheds light on technological evolution and adaptation to labor shortages today.The China Plus One StrategyThe push towards diversification has seen many companies adopt a China plus one strategy to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single nation. David discusses the shift and the potential of countries like Vietnam and Cambodia as emerging manufacturing hubs, emphasizing the need for patience and strategic financial analysis given the varied readiness of these countries.Unveiling Manufacturing IngenuityDavid illuminates the ingenuity observed in factories across Asia, from innovative shipping strategies to the birth of new products leveraging existing manufacturing capabilities. His anecdotes highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability deeply embedded within the Asian manufacturing context.Challenges in Supplier SelectionIdentifying the right supplier is often fraught with challenges, compounded by cultural and operational differences. David outlines several red flags and conditions that might elude the untrained eye but can significantly impact production quality and supply continuity.Cultural Nuances in BusinessNavigating cultural nuances remains integral to establishing strong business relationships in Asia. David unpacks how countries like China, Vietnam, and India vary in their business approach and communication, offering invaluable tips for companies looking to make inroads into these markets.The Impact of Tariffs and the Future LandscapeTariff uncertainties have cast long shadows over international trade. Although the future remains uncertain, David discusses potential scenarios and the roles emerging markets like Cambodia might play in the future as cost-effective manufacturing destinations.In ConclusionDavid Alexander's insights underscore the importance of strategic planning, cultural understanding, and innovative thinking in navigating Asia's manufacturing landscape. Whether it's through diversification strategies or tapping into new markets, his viewpoints offer a roadmap for companies seeking to optimize their manufacturing operations.For more insights and consultancy services, David Alexander is reachable through LinkedIn or Baysource Global's website, where listeners can delve deeper into the strategies discussed in this episode. Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:14 Current Supply Chain Challenges00:48 Overview of Bay Source Global01:59 Evolution of Manufacturing in Asia06:36 Innovative Solutions in Manufacturing09:48 China Plus One Strategy12:00 Evaluating Suppliers and Red Flags17:22 Cultural Differences in Business Practices25:57 Impact of Tariffs and Future Predictions30:44 Conclusion and Contact Information  ProducerJacob ThomasFollow UsLinkedInApple Podcasts

Send me a messageWhat if you could track products across your supply chain without relying on batteries or manual barcode scans?In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I speak with Eric Biel, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Powercast, about how wireless power and RAIN RFID are unlocking smarter, more sustainable logistics. Eric explains how ambient RF energy can power sensors and tags over the air, eliminating battery waste, reducing maintenance, cabling, and enabling real-time environmental monitoring.We exploreElevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future. Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome Dr. David Beck of the U.S. Space Force and Richard Donaldson, entrepreneur and circularity advocate, to explore the explosive intersection of space and supply chain.From launching satellites to building sustainable infrastructure beyond Earth's atmosphere, the conversation dives deep into what it takes to support the growing space economy—projected to reach over $1.8 trillion by 2035. Dr. Beck, a veteran technologist and branch chief at the Space Force, breaks down space logistics as a system of innovation, sustainability, and national security.The panel discusses the rise of CubeSats, the critical need for space debris cleanup, how SpaceX's rideshare model is revolutionizing orbital logistics, and why we're no longer preparing for the future—we're living it.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:39) Excitement about space(04:28) Early inspirations for space(12:05) Panelists' backgrounds and journeys(24:19) Space logistics and its importance(39:56) Decoding space acronyms(40:50) Impact of the space economy(42:37) Military and private sector collaboration(44:13) Global space race and competitors(48:22) Opportunities in the space economy(55:47) Innovations and developments in spaceAdditional Links & ResourcesConnect with Dr. David Beck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeckmba/ Connect with Richard Donaldson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/ 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/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Plug the Leaks: Where You're Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin Jackson and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/inside-space-economy-supply-chain-innovation-opportunities-1422

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I'm joined by Jen Chew, Vice President of Solutions and Consulting at Bristlecone. We get into a practical, no-nonsense conversation about where supply chain sustainability and AI adoption really stand today — beyond the hype.Jen shares how the conversation around AI in supply chains has evolved from experimentation to meaningful implementation, with companies now systematically exploring real use cases like AI-driven sales and operations planning (SNOP). We also discuss the critical difference between traditional AI and generative AI, and why understanding that distinction matters when shaping supply chain strategies.One key takeaway: sustainability doesn't have to cost more — in fact, when approached holistically, it should drive efficiency, resilience, and cost savings. Jen explains why organisations need to focus on building data readiness and upgrading their workforce's analytical skills if they want to succeed with AI and sustainability initiatives.We also explore:How AI is already improving supply chain decision-making todayWhy sourcing strategies are under renewed pressure from shifting trade policiesHow to spot real AI opportunities versus over-hyped featuresWhat roles tools like DeepSeek and enterprise solutions like SAP Joule could play in democratising AIIf you're wondering how to future-proof your supply chain while navigating sustainability goals, regulatory volatility, and the flood of new AI tools, this is the episode for you.Listen now to learn actionable insights that could make a real impact.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Micki Vandeloo, president of Lakeview Consulting, to explore a critical but often overlooked funding opportunity: grants for manufacturers. Many manufacturing firms are unaware of the substantial funding available to support sustainability initiatives, equipment upgrades, and workforce training. Micki sheds light on how businesses can access these funds and avoid leaving money on the table.We discuss:The stark lack of awareness among manufacturers about available grants.Key differences between grants, subsidies, tax credits, and loans.How sustainability-related grants are growing in prominence, particularly for energy efficiency, renewables, and supply chain reshoring.Why state-level grants are often easier to secure than federal ones.The impact of changing political administrations on grant availability and funding priorities.With sustainability mandates increasing and businesses under pressure to decarbonise, grants provide a strategic way to offset investment costs. If your company is looking to adopt cleaner technologies, improve efficiency, or expand production, now is the time to explore these funding opportunities before policies shift.Find out how to navigate the complex grant landscape and ensure your business isn't missing out.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Olivier Brusle Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Marc Aliotta of Reveel & Jack Margeson of Deposco talk about how their strategic partnership helps clients overcome challenges, save money & scale to success. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.50] Introductions to Marc and Reveel, and Jack and Deposco. [07.10] The biggest challenges facing Reveel and Deposco customers right now. “The last few years, some of the biggest challenges have been uncertainty – what does the year ahead hold?! There are a lot of changes that happen, both at the global and domestic scale, that go towards: ‘How do I plan as a business? How do I shape where I need to go next year, knowing that supply chain is changing really quickly?'” “After the pandemic, a lot of shippers realized they couldn't trust the major carriers because of capacity issues. And that uncertainty led itself to diversification strategies… So people are trying to build trust in new carriers.” [10.55] How the Reveel and Deposco partnership developed, and why organizations need to lean into collaboration, not competition. “The business world is changing. Clients don't want to have a group of partners that are pushing away… So it's our responsibility to make sure we're providing, not only the best software and platform that we can, but that we're also looking out into the market, looking at what's out there, what's changing, and helping guide them with partnerships and introductions that help grow their business.” [13.53] Why collaboration is crucial for teams, for businesses, and the industry as a whole. [15.51] How Reveel's Parcel Spend Management and Deposco's supply chain technology work together through deep integration. [19.42] A closer look at the data that Reveel and Deposco clients can access, and what they can do with it. “Make decisions in real time: observe, orient, decide and act. That's what customers really want.” [22.53] The different layers of savings, from direct cost reduction to operational efficiencies, that can be created through the Reveel and Deposco partnership. [25.17] Customer experience: why it's more challenging, but more important, than ever before. “Customer satisfaction is harder and harder to attain. You're not really compared against your competitors any more, you're compared against their best experience – period.” [27.50] How Reveel and Deposco are helping companies to refine their strategies, streamline operations, enhance the customer journey, and ultimately scale for success. “A lot of businesses don't want to focus on their operations. They want to focus on their brand, their product… So the more we can take their focus from: ‘Is my product being handled the right way?' towards: ‘What can I do with my product?' the more successful they'll be in their business.” [30.17] What people can expect from the Reveel and Deposco partnership in 2025. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Reveel's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reveel and keep up to date with the latest over   on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Marc or Jack on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Reveel, check out 357: Leverage the Power of Shipping Intelligence, with Reveel.

Discover how sustainable supply chains are transforming businesses worldwide! In this insightful interview, Christophe Girardier dives into the challenges and innovations in supply chain sustainability. From reducing carbon footprints to adopting ethical sourcing practices, learn how companies are making a real impact on the environment and their bottom line. Don't miss this conversation about the future of sustainable business!  

Join us for this week's episode of The Buzz, as we delve into the evolving landscape of supply chain resilience and innovation.In this episode, hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson welcome special guest David Heacock, Founder and CEO of FilterBuy. Listen in as they discuss:Key findings from the recent U.S. Quadrennial Supply Chain Review, highlighting the critical need for diversification and the challenges of relying on single-source suppliersDavid's entrepreneurial journey from finance to air filtration and the lessons learned throughout the pandemicThe importance of adaptability in the workforce and the potential for new opportunities in traditional industriesAnd much more!Join the conversation as we explore the intersection of technology and supply chain management, embrace change, and innovate for future success.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfilterbuy/Learn more about FilterBuy: www.filterbuy.comWith That Said: https://bit.ly/3PwSagwManifest 2025: https://bit.ly/4iDIYULIndustry leaders react to ILA-USMX port deal: https://bit.ly/3Wj2wExInside the US Government's Landmark Supply Chain Review: https://bit.ly/3DTvZP1The Challenge for Made-in-America Bikes? Made-in-China Parts: https://bit.ly/4gQhR7JLearn 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- AI Insights for Smarter Shipping Strategies: https://bit.ly/40wwSWDThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson and produced by Amanda Luton and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-air-quality-supply-chain-innovation-1379