Megan Rudolph talks about her career journey; developing a team through hypergrowth; the challenges & opportunities for parcel in 2026; & finding inspiration.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.15] An introduction to Megan and Saddle Creek Logistics Services.

[03.00] Megan's early career dream of sports journalism, how graduating during the recession led her to take a sales job at UPS, and what she found so fascinating about logistics.

"There was a great structure. I worked under multiple female leaders – some of the people that probably don't even know how much they mentored me still impact me today."

[05.31] How having the opportunity to wear many different hats helped Megan find her niche, what she learned from her time working for both UPS and DHL, and the experience that led her to discover the power of authenticity.

[10.36] A day in Megan's life as the regional senior director of parcel operations at Saddle Creek Logistics Services.

"There was an opportunity for me to delegate more, and that was tough for me… But, as the team grew, bringing in people I could trust really got me away from 12 meetings a day, and I got a more balanced workload... My team manages up very well, and I'm thankful for that!"

[13.07] How Megan successfully grew her department through 'hypergrowth,' and her advice for other leaders looking to supercharge their own teams in 2026.

"One of the best things that served me was hiring a diverse group of people that balanced my skillset. I'm pretty risk averse, data-centric, I want to have all the questions solved before we even hit go. So I needed individuals that were great at solving while in action…. Don't hire people that think like you."

[16.00] Megan's perspective on the parcel industry, and the big challenges and opportunities she's thinking about for 2026.

"Cost continues to increase year over year, for us and our clients. So the only way to really drive savings is through optimization."

[19.26] What Megan loves about the industry.

[21.01] Megan's experience as a woman in the industry, how she learned to trust her instincts and speak up, and why she's so passionate about starting conversations and opening up perspectives.

[26.17] What being an industry trailblazer means to Megan, and how she's using it to empower others.

[28.05] Megan's biggest inspirations in her life and career.

[29.56] The future for Megan.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Megan over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more industry trailblazers, check out 503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome, 484: Women In Supply Chain™, Saskia Van Gendt or 470: Women In Supply Chain™, Melodie Van Der Baan.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Jennie Malafarina talks about her career journey; collaboration & community; building businesses; & turning marketing from a cost center into a revenue driver.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.30] An introduction to Jennie and her businesses Virago Marketing and FR8MVMT.

[05.03] Why Jennie pursued a degree in communications, and how having three kids under five during her final year at university led her to a marketing career.

"Communication, psychology and marketing all tied together… it's a passion for understanding why people do what they do."

[07.55] Why Jennie moved from PR to digital marketing, her passion for tracking and measuring results, and what she loves about agency life.

[11.46] How Jennie came to understand the importance of logistics, and how it impacts the consumer.

"It's impactful – this industry makes the world go round. If we're not optimizing movement or getting just in time shipments, our shelves are empty and our costs are higher."

[12.40] What marketing looks like for supply chain right now, the importance of personal branding, and the biggest changes happening in supply chain marketing, from video to AI.

"People don't connect with brands – they connect with people."

[17.31] Why organizations need to start thinking about marketing as a revenue driver not a cost center, and why it's crucial to understand your goals and KPIs.

[19.40] Why it's so important to break down industry siloes to bring all areas of the community together, and how Jennie is keeping those conversations going through FR8MVMT.

[22.34] The new businesses Jennie has in development, and how she achieves her version of balance.

"I do the things that light me up!"

[26.49] How Jennie's experience as a veteran informs her leadership and gave her the confidence to succeed.

"I learned to earn my spot… So, going into my career, I never feared that I was a meek woman that can't talk – I own it."

[28.46] The increasing number of women in supply chain, and how we can bring more women into the industry.

[30.38] What winning an industry trailblazer award means to Jennie.

"It means that I'm doing something meaningful."

[31.09] The future for Jennie.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Jennie over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in marketing and communications, check out 425: Women In Supply Chain™, Josephine Coombe, 245: Women In Supply Chain™, Marina Mayer or 287: Women In Supply Chain™, Jolene Peixoto.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Kendra Tanner talks about her career journey; what she's learned about leadership, making an impact on boards and conference stages; & inspiring women. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.35] An introduction to Kendra and her company, Allstates WorldCargo.

[03.40] Kendra's education and how her marriage to her high school sweetheart impacted her career path.

"I wanted to get my business finance degree, but I was adamant that I was not taking one more accounting class – so I switched to marketing!"

[05.47] How a family connection led Kendra to Consolidated Freightways, and why she stayed for 12 years.

"Nobody wakes up and says 'I want to be in logistics.' I wanted to be a dentist!"

[09.10] Kendra's experience as a woman, building a career in logistics, in the 90's.

"I found the men to be mostly supportive. Consolidated Freightways were great at allowing women to have the same opportunities, but there were less of us – a lot of women didn't show interest in our industry back then. And nor would I, had the opportunity not have presented itself."

[11.29] Why Kendra always wanted to make a difference, what she's learned about leadership, and her advice for others.

[14.34] Kendra's growth at Allstates WorldCargo, her focus stepping into the President and CEO role in 2020, and her biggest highlights along the way.

[17.28] What Kendra is focused on for 2026, and why it's so important to block out industry noise and keep your finger on the pulse of your own business if you want to achieve success.

[19.56] Kendra's experience on the Board of Directors at The Airforwarders Association, the impact she wants to make, and why industry collaboration is so important.

"You have to get back to your industry. If I have knowledge and can bring value, it's my responsibility to share it. You foster relationships – a lot of my competitors are on the board, but it's a friendly environment."

[22.45] Getting more women on industry stages and why pushing yourself to take opportunities, even if you're uncomfortable, is key in paving the way for others.

"You have to say yes, you have to have a voice. If you don't, it's never going to change."

[26.01] Why sharing stories is crucial to inspiring others and bringing women into the industry.

"Starting as a customer service working nights, filing bills of lading and delivery receipts, to president and CEO – that's quite a journey."

[28.22] What being an industry trailblazer means to Kendra.

[29.42] The future for Kendra.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Kendra over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more industry trailblazers, check out 509: Women In Supply Chain™, Nermine Saad or 433: Women In Supply Chain™, Annie Torikian.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Kris Orlowski of Amazon Web Services talks about their recent survey and what it reveals about data, trust, decision-making and AI readiness in supply chain.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[04.12] An introduction to Kris, his background, and his role at Amazon Web Services.

"A good part of my role right now, as we're continuing to innovate, is understanding what supply chain practitioners actually want and need."

[05.17] An overview of AWS – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[06.20] An overview of Amazon Web Services' recent industry survey, who they spoke to, and what they were trying to understand.

"We were really trying to understand the gap between aspiration and reality – because there's a lot of hype!"

[08.12] The challenges businesses are currently facing when it comes to data and decision-making.

"85% of supply chain teams take two or more weeks to resolve urgent issues… And it's partly because of the 'data gathering tax.'"

[14.14] From engaging in less strategic work to the creation of a risk aversion culture, the business impact of slow and inaccurate decision-making.

"When you spend your time firefighting, you're not doing strategic work."

"The cost of a delayed decision can exceed the cost of an imperfect one."

[17.20] The surprising results revealed by the AWS survey around how supply chain practitioners envision AI as part of their operations, and what the three-step 'execute, adapt, advise' approach could mean for businesses.

"Organizations are envisioning AI as an operational partner, not just a tool… An assistant that can work alongside them."

[21.21] The 'double barrier phenomenon' organizations see when trying to implement AI, and what those barriers to both adoption and utilization look like.

"57% said the top barrier to realizing AI's full potential was a limited understanding of its capabilities, followed by a lack of trust in AI recommendations."

"Organizations are buying AI technology, but they're not building AI readiness."

[27.17] What businesses are looking for to help them build trust in new technology and AI-powered decision-making.

[31.00] How vendors and developers should be thinking about partnership, trust and building the type of AI that businesses are actually looking for.

"There's a trust paradox. Organizations want AI that is simultaneously autonomous, but controllable; intelligent, but explainable; proactive, but compliant. The vendors that understand this will build AI that organizations actually use, not just purchase."

[35.02] The big opportunities for organizations that are able to make real strides in their decision-making, and how listeners can access the report.

[37.36] The survey results that surprised Kris most, and what they might mean for businesses and AI adoption.

[41.15] The practical next steps businesses can take to ensure their AI journeys are a success in 2026.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Amazon Web Service's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with AWS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Kris on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from AWS, check out 489: Time To Swap Your Axe For A Chainsaw: The Power of Agentic AI.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Nermine Saad talks about her career journey; fostering a culture of learning; moving from Egypt to Canada; mentorship; & the future of digital transformation.

[03.48] What sparked Nermine's interest in logistics, and how it led her to seek out a career that connected strategy, people, and operations.

"I realized there's an entire industry behind the movement of goods, and it involves shipping lines, airlines, ports, and so much more. The more I read, the more I was fascinated."

[05.46] The early years of Nermine's career in Egypt and the big lessons she learned, from building credibility to the importance of resilience and consistency.

"It was a rough experience... I was the only woman, and it added a lot of pressure."

[08.53] Nermine's experience of moving from Egypt to Canada, and rebuilding her life, career and network.

"Moving to Canada gave me whole new perspective on diversity."

[12.49] The differences between building a career in Egypt and Canada, and why stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing risk leads to the biggest opportunities.

[15.52] Nermine's commitment to education, from pursuing qualifications outside of work to fostering a culture of learning at Tecsys, and why it's so important.

"Learning has been the driving force of my career. Education doesn't stop the moment you earn your degree – its just the beginning."

"A culture of learning naturally becomes a culture of leadership."

[19.42] Nermine's role as Application Services Manager at Tecsys, and what a day in her life looks like.

[22.47] The importance of digital transformation, where businesses go wrong, and what a transformation journey should look like.

"Digital transformation is not just implementing technology. It's really about people, processes, and a mindset… But when people start, they often get overwhelmed."

"Waiting for a disruption to implement a change can be really risky. The organizations that are proactive and stay ahead of the game are the ones that have a competitive edge and keep their operations steady."

[25.04] Nermine's advice for leaders focusing on digital transformation in 2026.

[27.01] Nermine's experience of collaboration, mentorship and empowerment – how others have supported her, and how she pays it forward.

"Collaboration is so powerful – when people feel supported, seen and heard, they produce their best work."

[29.52] What being named as an industry trailblazer means to Nermine, as a woman and as an Egyptian living, working and thriving in North America.

[32.32] The future for Nermine.

"Supply chain never stops evolving, and that's energising. There's always an opportunity for you to make an impact, inspire others and keep pushing."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Nermine over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more award-winning women, check out 447: Women In Supply Chain™, Nikki Driskill, 438: Women In Supply Chain™, Maria Madrigal or 506: Women In Supply Chain™, Zera Zheng.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Rob Finch talks about Rapid Link Repairs, boosting customer satisfaction with response times; a fresh approach to cost; safety; & reducing downtime for drivers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.11] An introduction to Rob, his background, and his role at DCLI and RapidLink Repairs.

"Most of my career has been figuring out how to bring commercial and operations together."

[03.09] An overview of RapidLink Repairs – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"It's about three things: we want to improve productivity, be cost-effective, and drive high levels of customer satisfaction."

[04.18] The biggest challenge for businesses right now.

"Reducing cost profile is top of mind – the market has been less than ideal..!"

[04.55] RapidLink Repair's origin story.

"You want to have a solution that people are actually asking for."

[07.00] RapidLink Repairs 'anytime, anywhere' service, and the most common repairs they solve for.

[09.26] The ideal client for RapidLink Repairs, and why businesses want a nationwide solution.

"We leverage the size and scale of DCLI to provide cost savings."

[10.44] RapidLink Repair's approach to cost, fighting 'surprise fees,' and why they don't mark up parts.

"Our approach to the market has been to provide a service people can rely on."

[13.26] The importance of efficiency and customer experience, and how RapidLink's response times are delivering competitive advantage.

"We're maniacal about customer satisfaction! If your customers aren't happy, you don't have a good product."

[17.21] A case study exploring how RapidLink Repairs helped a key client eliminate extra fees and enhance communication, allowing them to plan consistently and boost productivity.

[19.59] Why safety is crucial, and the impact RapidLink Repairs are making on the industry.

[22.07] How to work with RapidLink Repairs.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to RapidLink Repairs' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with RapidLink Repairs and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Rob on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from DCLI, tune into 360: Deliver A Great Trucker Experience, with DCLI or Marketing Leader Stacy Kirincic on Dominating Male-Dominated Industries like Supply Chain.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Steven Delperdang of Google Cloud talks about trust; evolution of visibility; & and the big opportunities for logistics providers taking an AI-first approach.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[03.08] After years spent at Caterpillar and Penske, how Steven is now using the 'One Google' approach to run Google's own internal supply chain and solve the legacy pain points he faced in his past roles, and exactly what's so transformative about this approach.

"In my previous roles, many of the frustrations stemmed from fragmented systems and data siloes. You have a warehouse management system here, a transportation management system there, various auxiliary 1P and 3P systems – and often a lot of manual effort to stitch it all together."

"Siloes are a major barrier, and consolidating data is critical. Logistics is simply a chain of interconnected events… so without that centralized view, you're only seeing a piece of the puzzle."

"It's this centralized access that means we can perform more sophisticated analysis and our AI tools can draw on a much richer data set."

[07.00] Why trust is such a big hurdle for providers who are already drowning in data, and the areas Google Cloud focus on to build that trust.

[10.44] The evolution of visibility, why consolidating disparate data is so critical, and how Google is tackling disparate data problems to achieve true centralized access.

"Everybody has basic visibility now, but that leap from dots on a map to true actionable insights is crucial. Basic visibility tells us what's happening. Our target for visibility tells you why it's happening, what's likely to happen next, and what you should do about it."

[13.33] How Steven's experience of using Google Cloud to power Google's own global supply chain helps him strategize, and the business outcomes Google has achieved that other organizations can replicate.

[16.12] The practical, day-to-day logistics problems Steven's team is currently solving with AI.

"AI can help us cut through the noise."

[21.21] How integrating Gemini AI has changed Steven's tools, and why he's seeing faster, better quality insights.

[23.13] How the day-to-day work of Google Cloud's own analysts and developers has shifted with the addition of new AI capabilities.

"For us, it's been a really significant shift up the value chain. Three years ago, a large proportion of my teams time was consumed by manual data extraction, cleansing, building bespoke reports for leaders. Today, we have less firefighting and the team can focus on more strategic work, more complex and impactful problems."

[26.40] How Google is making high-powered AI tools usable for everyday logistics operators.

[29.57] How Steven's past award-winning work at Caterpillar would have been different if he had had the Google Cloud tools that exist today.

[32.47] From hyper-personalized insights to AI-driven collaboration, the biggest untapped opportunity for logistics providers ready to embrace an AI-first approach.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Google Cloud's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Google Cloud and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) or YouTube, or you can connect with Steven on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Zera Zheng talks about her career journey; being open to opportunity; the importance of understanding risk; & what she learned, moving from China to Europe.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[03.36] How Zera began her career, going from University to a graduate program at Kuehne and Nagel, and how it allowed her to learn all about logistics.

[07.20] Why it's important to try different things during your career, why Zera felt like she was getting a new challenge every day at Kuehne and Nagel, and the importance of expanding your comfort zone if you want to strengthen your capability.

"Don't jump into decisions... Look around and see what could keep you interested... Success starts with passion."

[10.42] How Zera came to specialize in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment.

"As a graduate, you don't really know what each department is doing, you have to be open to the opportunity… That knowledge and experience, the things I did in the past, have shaped who I am now."

[12.45] Zera's move to A.P. Moller–Maersk, the types of projects she works on now, and the importance of understanding, and responding to risk.

[17.50] Why Zera took an opportunity to move from China to Holland, the pressures she felt, and the support she received to help make it happen.

"We often hear that the logistics industry is men's work and, especially for a security role – we see men with a background from the military or police. It was rare to offer this opportunity to an Asian woman."

[27.37] What Zera's 'industry rising star' award win means to her.

[29.21] Zera's experience speaking at forums and on panels, and her advice for other women, from leaning into making mistakes to taking the time to practice.

"I still remember making a mistake as a child, when I couldn't speak on stage… It reminds me of where I was to who I am now."

[34.22] The mentors that have made an impact on Zera's life and career, and the scientist who inspires her.

[38.00] The future for Zera.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Zera over on LinkedIn.

If you want to find out more about Zera's work at Maersk, read up on her Supply Chain Resilience Model or Risk Management.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women who have made big moves for their careers, check out 207: Women In Supply Chain™, Shana Zheng, 450: Women In Supply Chain™, Jenny Perlitch or 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about two new products; demystifying AI; the biggest challenge & opportunity in intermodal; & why terminals need to work better.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[02.12] An introduction to Allen and Lynxis.

"We have the tech, services and infrastructure to make terminals work better."

[02.48] Why we need terminals to work better.

[03.16] Why Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is top of mind for the intermodal industry right now.

[04.43] Why investment is a key area of opportunity for intermodal organizations, and how Lynxis is helping customers deliver on their returns.

"People are looking to clarify how they're going to invest, and what that return is going to be. We're talking to our customers about their hopes and dreams for 2026… and we strive to help them execute and meet those commitments."

[06.41] Allen's take on AI and where the industry is now, and why Lynxis is focused on machine learning and using AI to help streamline and reduce time to value.

"We try to demystify the phrase 'artificial intelligence' – it's really software!"

[09.58] Two new product announcements, and an overview of ORCA: software to optimize and orchestrate terminal operations.

[11.18] The ORCA brand, and how Lynxis developed the name.

"It's the killer app that no one else has."

"Orchestration is a key differentiator for Lynxis, and it will be for the terminal operators that implement it."

[12.38] How terminal evolution has historically been driven through complex custom software applications, why orgainzations need to move away from this time-consuming, expensive, and inflexible approach, and what makes ORCA different.

"It's optimization of workflows via configuration, not software coding… Each one is a snowflake, it's unique."

[16.51] An overview of enVision, Lynxis' new computer vision system.

[19.12] How enVision will drive higher inventory accuracy for organizations and create real impact.

"Our vision is to have eyes on every transaction."

[21.08] The impact these innovations will make for the industry.

"Too often, people want to optimize processes before they have a secure grasp on the data."

[23.14] Allen's biggest highlight from IANA 2025.

"Process automation in existing facilities is the next right step."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Lynxis' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lynxis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Allen on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Lynxis, you'll love:

• 458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis
• 448: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Technology, with Buckeye Mountain
• 424: Orchestrate and Optimize Your Terminal Operations, with Lynxis

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Freek Aertsen & Bart Paridaen of EyeOn talk about digital transformation: value discovery, creation & realization; the big challenges; & key success factors.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[04.17] An introduction to Freek and Bart, their backgrounds, and roles at EyeOn.

"I have a background in economics, took a wrong turn somewhere - and ended up in supply chain!" Freek

[07.13] An overview of EyeOn – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"Response is all about planning."

"We connect data, systems, data science and AI with people and processes."

[10.58] The ideal client for EyeOn, and the common challenges and questions businesses come to them with.

[12.29] An overview of EyeOn's recent report on digital transformation in the industry, who they spoke to, and why now was the right time to conduct this research.

"We live in a very volatile business landscape, and there are changes coming to our customers on a constant basis. And, at the same time, there's a new generation of technology. That combination is an interesting one."

[16.14] The main drivers for digital supply chain transformation, and what's important to leaders right now, as they grapple with multiple priorities and challenges.

"Businesses are changing strategies, and changing a corporate strategy means you have to change your supply chain strategy."

[22.47] From balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies to overcoming disruption, the biggest hurdles leaders are faced with as they navigate transformation, and why businesses need to look at these projects from an external perspective as well as an internal one.

[27.44] Why the first stage of digital transformation is value discovery, and how businesses can define an actionable framework for success.

"It's important for leaders to understand and be aligned on their vision for transformation… The key is improving decision intelligence. The tools and capabilities come in to support, but you need to go back to the starting point to know where you want to transform to."

[30.37] The importance of trust, breaking down siloes, and aligning teams in the discovery phase of transformation.

[34.23] How businesses can translate value discovery into tangible value creation initiatives.

"Companies that went too fast on design paid the price afterwards."

[38.03] How value discovery and value creation leads to value realization.

[41.06] Next steps: how businesses can work with EyeOn.

[43.12] What the next few years of innovation and growth are going to look like, for EyeOn and for the industry.

"It all comes back to decisions… Our investments will be in technology, because it's changing – and it's changing rapidly. We need to be at the forefront."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to EyeOn's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with EyeOn and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Freek or Bart on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.