Supply Chain Champions

Behind Abercrombie’s transformation is a supply chain that had to move just as fast.

Kristen Kravitz, Group Vice President of Transportation at Abercrombie & Fitch, shares how nearly a decade of operational change helped power one of retail’s biggest comebacks. From rethinking team structure to modernizing delivery strategies, she explains how execution across functions helped turn brand goals into customer reality.

In this conversation, Kristen breaks down what makes a supply chain resilient, where visibility creates real advantage, and why investing in your people is non-negotiable. She also shares her take on buzzwords, the role of tech, and how to keep teams focused in the face of nonstop change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Abercrombie redesigned its supply chain to support a brand-wide shift
• What it takes to manage multiple shipping partners without losing visibility
• Why investing in your people is critical for long-term success in supply chain management

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Kristen Kravitz

(01:02) How the supply chain supported Abercrombie’s brand transformation

(03:06) Rebuilding teams and structure to focus on the customer

(05:45) Shifting from a single-carrier model to a flexible last mile

(07:25) Why real-time visibility became non-negotiable

(12:33) Breaking down data silos to make smarter, faster decisions

(18:14) Making sustainability practical in the supply chain

(23:22) The leadership trait that sets top supply chain pros apart

(28:00) Kristen’s hot take on why people still matter most in supply chain

Resources:

• Connect with Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-kravitz-529a064/ 
• Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
• Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

What if the future of logistics isn't about speed but about trust?

In this episode, Nate Shutes, VP of Global Fulfillment & Logistics at Blu Dot, challenges the conventional wisdom that faster is better. He shares his unique perspective on logistics, supply chain innovation, and what it takes to build a customer-first delivery experience. From his early days in economics to his current role at Blu Dot, Nate highlights the evolution of his career and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He explains how delivering furniture isn’t just about moving products but creating a personal customer experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How supply chain logistics is evolving beyond speed
• The impact of design principles on customer experience
• Why human connections and leadership are essential in the logistics space

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Nate Shutes
(04:06) Designing memorable delivery experiences at Blu Dot
(06:31) The “mule, not a unicorn” mindset
(09:00) Ballast: A community for supply chain entrepreneurs
(14:32) The human toll of entrepreneurship
(16:24) Starting the Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics podcast
(21:38) Recognizing the impact of frontline workers
(23:10) Integration as an underappreciated supply chain skill
(27:14) The future of supply chain: certainty over speed

Resources:

• Connect with Nate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-shutes-logisticstwit/ 
• Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
• Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Tariffs are making headlines and shifting global trade dynamics faster than supply chains can react.

In this episode, Eric Fullerton, Head of Product Marketing at project44, breaks down what supply chain professionals can do to stay prepared in an unpredictable environment.Instead of focusing on the noise, Eric shares examples of how leading brands are using real-time visibility, predictive intelligence, and flexible strategies through project44’s Movement platform. Hear how companies across apparel, retail, and food & beverage are managing tariff risks, protecting margins, and making faster, smarter decisions in a rapidly changing market.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How leading brands are responding to tariff changes
• Using real-time visibility to protect shipments and margins
• Scenario planning for unpredictable trade policies

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Eric Fullerton
(00:32) The unpredictable changes in tariff policies
(05:11) Real-time intelligence to mitigate tariff fees
(11:02) Strategies for optimizing freight and sourcing
(15:42) AI-powered ETAs, news, and communication
(23:35) Managing detention and demurrage to reduce costs
(26:13) Turning uncertainty into competitive advantage

Resources:
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

There’s no margin for error in pharmaceutical logistics when lives depend on timely delivery. 

In this episode, Ammie McAsey, SVP of Customer Supply Chain Operations at McKesson, shares what it takes to run one of the most high-stakes supply chains in the world. From frontline teams answering late-night calls to patients relying on critical medication, people are at the center of every decision. She also recounts how McKesson stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic to help distribute vaccines nationwide. Ammie reflects on the operational pressure, leadership lessons, and how technology like AI can support but never replace human judgment when the stakes are this high.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to build supply chains around people, not just systems
• The challenges of speed and compliance in pharmaceutical logistics
• The role of tech and AI in critical decision-making

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Ammie McAsey
(02:05) Pharma supply chain operations and distribution
(06:02) Navigating complex regulations with precision and speed
(09:53) People first service and leadership
(14:00) McKesson’s response to COVID-19 and vaccine distribution
(20:04) The role of AI and automation in supply chain management
(26:37) People are at the heart of the supply chain

Resources:
Connect with Ammie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammie-mcasey-rabicke/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Disruption is everywhere, and so is opportunity—but only for those who know how to take advantage of it.

Former Chief Supply Chain Officer Bill Hutchinson shares why the best leaders don’t just react to change; they anticipate it and adapt fast. Drawing from his experience at Dell, Chewy, and Westrock, Bill shares how cross-industry knowledge sharpens leadership, where smart tech investments actually pay off, and why sustainability must be balanced with real-world business needs.

Stop scrambling to keep up and learn how to lead with confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Smart ways to invest in supply chain technology
• What enterprise leadership means in the supply chain
• The strategy-first mindset that transforms supply chains

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Bill Hutchinson
(02:07) Lessons in supply chain transformation from Dell, Westrock, Rite Aid
(06:36) Invest in technology with an ROI mindset
(13:58) Aligning business strategy with supply chain operations
(16:32) Career advice for supply chain students
(21:27) Adopting sustainability practices and AI smartly
(23:58) See the opportunity for disruption

Resources:
Connect with Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billhutchinson/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Supply chain success comes from controlling what we can. But no matter how well we execute, we can’t do it alone. Strong networks and lasting relationships are just as critical as operational efficiency. 

In this episode, Michelle Livingstone, longtime industry leader and supply chain executive, shares the importance of balancing control and collaboration. She also explains the "shipper of choice" strategy and why strong relationships with carriers matter. Plus, she highlights the communication skills every supply chain professional needs and how sustainability and cost savings can go hand in hand.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The value of building a strong professional network
• Why, when, and how you communicate matters
• The real business case for sustainability

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Michelle Livingstone
(05:32) Controlling what you can for a resilient supply chain
(06:47) The shipper of choice strategy
(08:52) How sustainability can lead to cost savings
(12:42) Key communication skills in logistics
(17:45) The potential of autonomous trucking

Resources:
Connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledlivingstone/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

If you want something to improve, you measure it.

Michael Jacobs, SVP of Supply Chain at Ferguson Enterprises, believes that tracking the right metrics is the foundation of real change. In this episode, he shares how Ferguson uses perfect order index, on-time deliveries, and net promoter score to build a supply chain that puts customers first. He also explains how he balances the people, processes, and technology to drive transformation.

At Ferguson, the supply chain is more than a function; it’s the backbone of the business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The key metrics that drive real transformation  
• Why supply chain and sales must work as one team  
• How to make smarter technology investments 

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Michael Jacobs
(02:41) Ferguson Enterprises’ unique ecosystem
(08:16) The truth about AI and emerging tech in supply chains
(12:07) Why supply chain is Ferguson’s biggest competitive advantage
(17:40) Lateral moves for long-term career growth
(21:14) Benchmarking and learning from other industry leaders
(27:16) Why COVID reshaped supply chain strategy for the better

Resources:
Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jacobs-bb31a78/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

A supply chain is designed to be efficient—reducing redundancies, cutting costs, and keeping things moving seamlessly.

But here’s the irony: the more efficient it becomes, the more fragile it can be when disruptions hit.

That’s why balancing efficiency with resilience is one of the biggest challenges in supply chain management.  In this episode, David Null, former SVP of Supply Chain at Georgia-Pacific, shares what it takes to manage a $20 billion supply chain. He explains why technology is only as good as the processes behind it, how data visibility improves decision-making, and why a strong supply chain isn’t just about speed, it’s about being prepared for whatever comes next.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why data quality issues can derail even the best supply chain strategies
• How to balance efficiency, cost, and customer satisfaction
• The role of AI in improving logistics and decision-making

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: David Null
(02:10) Inside Georgia-Pacific’s complex supply chain operations
(09:41) Better supply chain visibility through good data quality
(14:29) Georgia-Pacific’s pragmatic approach to sustainability
(17:18) The real impact of AI in supply chain decision-making
(21:12) Balancing efficiency, resilience, and customer satisfaction
(25:33) Teamwork and collaboration for supply chain success
(29:54) Why technology alone won’t solve supply chain challenges

Resources:
Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-null-883a034/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Effective supply chain management boils down to three key actions: know the facts, decide with clarity, and act decisively.

Keith Carter calls this actionable intelligence—having the right data at the right time to drive better outcomes.

As the CEO of KDA Capabilities and former Global Supply Chain Intelligence Lead at Estée Lauder, Keith discusses the opportunities and challenges of adopting AI in the supply chain. He addresses the fears surrounding AI, why cybersecurity should be a top priority, and how companies can use modern technology for faster product launches and improved operational efficiency.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to achieve end-to-end visibility with the right tools
• The importance of cybersecurity for supply chains
• Ways to integrate and experiment with AI for improved workflows

 
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Keith Carter
(00:51) Actionable intelligence in the supply chain
(06:45) Using technology and automation to scale
(09:19) Exploring the different use cases of AI in the supply chain
(20:18) Why you need to focus on cybersecurity
 
Resources:
Connect with Keith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcarter/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

People are recognizing how supply chains shape daily life and drive business success.

As companies start to view them as competitive advantages, interest in the field and demand for skilled professionals are surging.In this episode, Ted Stank, Bruce Chair of Excellence at the University of Tennessee (one of the leading supply chain programs in the country) and Co-executive Director of the Global Supply Chain Institute, shares insights on preparing the next generation of supply chain leaders. He discusses the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing landscape.

Ted also tackles one of the industry’s biggest challenges: uncertainty. From geopolitics to labor disruptions, he explains why companies must prioritize resilience over cost-cutting to stay competitive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare the next generation of supply chain leaders through education and real-world experience
• The necessary shift from operational efficiency to strategic value creation
• Why talent development is crucial in navigating uncertainty and disruption

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Ted Stank
(01:05) The evolution of supply chain management
(04:20) Building technical and soft skills in future supply chain leaders
(08:45) Why passion is the key to success in supply chain careers
(10:57) University of Tennessee’s supply chain program
(15:15) The Global Supply Chain Institute
(17:02) Supply chain resilience over cost reduction
(22:23) Talent recruitment, development, and retention of supply chain professionals
(24:00) Why supply chain is the most exciting industry today

Resources:
Connect with Ted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-stank-724590/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/