In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton talks with Jake Barr, CEO at BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, and Karin Bursa, CEO of NIRAKIO, to break down key takeaways from Gartner’s 2025 Supply Chain Symposiums in Orlando and Barcelona. They explore the “never normal” concept and why supply chain leaders must embrace constant disruption. Jake shares his insights on why visibility alone is no longer enough and why leaders need to focus on the consequences of real-time data. The trio also discusses the growing importance of AI in transforming supply chain operations, from advanced scenario planning to the rise of agentic AI. 

As we head into the second half of 2025, Jake and Karin provide actionable advice for leaders to better navigate ongoing disruptions and improve their supply chain strategies with a laser focus on continuous learning and AI-driven solutions.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:36) Show overview and key topics

(03:23) Warm-up questions and fun facts

(06:03) Gartner supply chain symposium insights

(11:38) Key takeaways and discussions

(22:38) The role of AI in supply chain

(28:34) AI in supply chain: real use cases

(29:26) Supply chain as a strategic weapon

(31:24) Visibility is not enough

(35:05) The risks of relying on Excel

(38:37) Change management in supply chain

(47:00) The future of AI in supply chain

Resources:

• Connect with Karin Bursa:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/ 
• Learn more about NIRAKIO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nirakio/ 
• Connect with Jake Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/ 
• Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/symposium-us   
• 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.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
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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-2025-1454