In this episode of Supply Chain Now, and part of the Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa series, Scott Luton is joined by co-host Clare Fincham of SAPICS, with guests Nicole Petersen from the South African Graduate Employers Association, and Yaseen Ahmid, CEO of Luna, to explore the biggest takeaways from the SAPICS Annual Conference 2025 in Cape Town. Together, they discuss the rising demand for supply chain graduates, the growing emphasis on sustainability skills, and the widening gap between what universities teach and what employers need.

Nicole shares how initiatives like Quantify Your Future are creating clear pathways for students, while Yaseen highlights the importance of tailoring resumes, building early employer relationships, and showcasing entrepreneurial soft skills. Clare emphasizes the role of community and collaboration in extending conference conversations into universities and businesses. This discussion offers a roadmap for addressing supply chain talent shortages and preparing Africa’s workforce to lead in global innovation.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Supply chain leadership across Africa

(02:10) Introducing Nicole Petersen and Yaseen Ahmid

(04:16) Cape Town experiences and warm-up questions

(07:40) SAGEA’s role in early career talent

(10:24) Luna and career development with Yaseen

(14:12) SAPICS Annual Conference 2025 highlights

(20:47) Talent trends in South African supply chains

(25:05) Recap and industry insights shared

(26:25) Tailoring resumes for specific roles

(28:05) Case study: Quantify Your Future initiative

(32:36) Case study: Drexel supply chain advisory board

(41:13) Innovative leadership examples from Africa

Resources:

• Connect with Nicole Petersen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-petersen-sagea/
• Learn more about the South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA): https://sagea.org.za/
• Connect with Yaseen Ahmid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/
• Learn more about Luna: https://luna-resume.com/
• Connect with Clare Fincham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-fincham-5aab6a27/
• Learn more about SAPICS: https://www.sapics.org/
• 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
• WEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Real stories: People first - Leadership lessons in driving digital supply chain transformation: https://bit.ly/3INxtNw
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Clare Fincham 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-talent-leadership-trends-across-africa-1493

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with two leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics from the floor to the classroom: Troy Campbell, Director of Reverse Logistics Centers at The Home Depot, and Dr. Glenn Richey, Jr., Harbert Eminent Scholar in Supply Chain Management at Auburn University.

Troy opens the doors to Home Depot’s four Reverse Logistics Centers: Phoenix, Pittston (PA), McDonough (GA), and Indianapolis, showing why a people-first culture remains the operating system for returns at scale. He gets real about “automation when the box isn’t a box,” how rethinking inbound flows through 3PLs reduces touches and transportation cost, and why simple vendor conversations (like consolidating daily pallets into a single weekly load) can unlock outsized impact. His north star: make associates’ days easier, and the entire reverse network improves.

Glenn zooms out to the macro shifts: the move from minimizing returns to maximizing returns within a circular economy, generative AI for scenario planning and real-time decision support, and reverse logistics as the operational backbone of sustainability. He maps the skills the next workforce will need, calls for clearer industry coding to separate reverse data from forward logistics, and outlines how universities can build dedicated reverse tracks. 

Together, Troy and Glenn offer a practical, research-backed playbook for turning returns into speed, value, and advantage without losing the human element that makes it work.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:17) Interview with Troy Campbell from Home Depot

(04:20) Challenges and innovations in reverse logistics

(08:49) Networking opportunities and industry insights

(17:20) Interview with Glenn Richey from Auburn University

(19:30) About Auburn’s supply chain management program

(20:52) Maximizing returns in a circular economy

(23:29) Role of generative AI within supply chain operations

(28:34) Reverse logistics and sustainability practices explained

(32:26) The next generation of logistics skills

(34:55) Engaging students in reverse logistics education

Resources:

• Connect with Troy Campbell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-campbell-6321a31/ 
• Connect with Dr. Glenn Richey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennrichey/ 
• Learn more about The Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/ 
• Learn more about The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University: https://harbert.auburn.edu/index.html 
• Learn more about the Reverse Logistics Association: https://rla.org/ 
• 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
• WEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Real stories: People first - Leadership lessons in driving digital supply chain transformation: https://bit.ly/3INxtNw
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode was hosted by Scott W. Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/afterthought-advantage-reverse-logistics-enterprise-scale-1492

Today we're discussing the top news in workforce development in manufacturing, reverse logistics, and circular economy. Welcome to The Buzz powered by AutoScheduler!

Hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, along with Founder & Chief Circularity Officer with All Things Circular, guest Rich Bulger, explore:

• The implications of large-scale investment announcements in U.S. manufacturing, such as Intel's $28 billion project in Ohio
• The potential delays and challenges posed by the U.S. government shutdown
• The importance of workforce development in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for skilled trades and education
• Insights on the reverse logistics and circular economy, advocating for more returns in certain contexts to drive profitability and sustainability
• Orchestration in supply chains, showcasing platforms that streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

Join us for this episode with expert perspectives and actionable insights, offering valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/
• Check out All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/
• Supply Chain and Logistics Summit: https://bit.ly/4q9yeBE
• Check out AutoScheduler's new Warehouse Decision Agent: https://autoscheduler.ai/agent-gate/
• Learn more about AutoScheduler: https://autoscheduler.ai/
• How Intel's $28 Billion Pledge Left an Ohio Town in Limbo: https://bit.ly/48iVgPU
• U.S. Government Shutdown: How Will it Impact the Global Supply Chain? https://bit.ly/48iVgPU
• Workforce Development and Vocational Training: https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/workforce-development-vocational-training-kellanova-pella/761262/
• Complete Protection for Every Shipment with EasyPost: https://get.easypost.com/guard
• Q2 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bank
• Rich's vlog about orchestration: https://bit.ly/4o70Ucq
• 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 Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Real stories: People first - Leadership lessons in driving digital supply chain transformation: https://bit.ly/3INxtNw
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- 
• https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and 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/buzz-insights-reverse-logistics-circular-economy-1491

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with two industry leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics and circular supply chains. Joining the conversation are Sean Cleland, Vice President of Mobility and Asset Recovery at B-Stock, and Rich Bulger, Founder and Chief Circularity Officer at All Things Circular.

Sean shares how B-Stock has pioneered the secondary market for retailers and brands, using data and AI to transform returns from a tactical afterthought into a strategic advantage. He explores how mobile technology sets the pace for the broader supply chain, why retailers like Best Buy are rethinking refurbished and resale programs, and how companies are shifting toward proactive planning and insourcing to better manage reverse flows.

Rich reflects on his journey from building billion-dollar trade-in programs at Verizon and Cisco to launching All Things Circular, a platform dedicated to education, collaboration, and innovation in reverse logistics. He highlights the evolution of returns as a revenue driver, the urgent need for new training and curricula, and the importance of circular thinking in addressing a $1.6 trillion challenge.

Together, Sean and Rich offer a candid look at where reverse logistics is headed, the role of AI in predicting value and shaping contracts, and how leaders can rethink returns as an opportunity for growth, sustainability, and impact. 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Interview with Sean Cleland from B-Stock

(02:55) B-Stock's role in reverse logistics

(04:02) Trends in mobile tech and returns management

(08:15) The importance of data and AI

(11:52) Interview with Rich Bulger from All Things Circular

(13:13) Rich Bulger's journey and insights

(21:56) Introduction to circular platforms

(25:05) The evolution of Going Circular

(27:46) Viewing feedback as blessings for improvement

(31:01) The importance of reverse logistics education

(35:35) Impact of returns and circular logistics

Resources:

• Connect with Sean Cleland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrcleland/ 
• Connect with Rich Bulger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/ 
• Learn more about All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/ 
• Learn more about B-Stock: https://bstock.com/ 
• 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
• WEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Real stories: People first - Leadership lessons in driving digital supply chain transformation: https://bit.ly/3INxtNw
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode was hosted by Scott W. Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/reverse-logistics-spotlight-innovators-turning-returns-revenue-1490

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Angie Jula, Director of Product Management, and Matt Brolsma, Sr. Manager of Product Marketing at SPS Commerce, to discuss how AI and automation are transforming retail supply chains. Angie draws on more than a decade in product leadership, while Matt brings cross-functional expertise from both supplier and buyer perspectives. Together, they share how retailers can transform clean, connected data into actionable insights that enhance demand forecasting, supplier collaboration, and pricing strategy, all while reducing manual work that slows down their teams.

From tackling organizational silos with cross-functional dashboards to equipping executives with real-time visibility, Angie and Matt emphasize why AI is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative. They highlight case studies on supplier scorecarding, automation-driven fill rates, and proactive exception management, showing how early adopters are gaining competitive advantages in resilience, agility, and customer loyalty. This discussion is a roadmap for retailers navigating tariffs, disruptions, and the rising expectations of today’s consumers.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:46) Warm-up stories: golf and DJing

(05:36) Professional journeys and SPS Commerce background

(07:31) How AI is reshaping retail supply chains

(09:16) Barriers to AI adoption and implementation gaps

(12:22) Retailer priorities in today’s uncertain market

(14:56) Why many retailers still manage suppliers manually

(18:38) How AI is transforming supplier management

(29:50) Breaking down silos with cross-functional understanding

(31:20) SPS Commerce’s role in enabling retail automation

(33:53) Moving from reactive to proactive supplier management

(37:10) How automation impacts team productivity

(39:59) AI-driven strategic decision making in the C-Suite

(44:48) Performance metrics as a competitive advantage

(51:20) Practical advice for starting the automation journey

(55:16) The billion-dollar question: key takeaways

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Angie Jula: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-jula-9aa59258/
• Connect with Matthew Brolsma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbrolsma/ 
• Learn more about SPS Commerce: https://www.spscommerce.com/ 
• 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
• WEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Real stories: People first - Leadership lessons in driving digital supply chain transformation: https://bit.ly/3INxtNw
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Joshua Mirnada, Trisha Cordes, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/revolutionizing-retail-supply-chain-operations-ai-automation-1489

Today we're diving into the multifaceted dynamics of the global supply chain landscape, emphasizing the pivotal role of leadership and workforce management within this intricate system. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

Hosts Scott Luton and Koray Kose welcome special guest Katie Date with Manifest to discuss:

• The implications of recent workforce surveys, revealing that a significant proportion of employees express discontent with their managerial relationships
• The critical understanding that effective leadership in supply chain management can either catalyze or hinder operational efficiency
• The influence of artificial intelligence in optimizing supply chain processes, positing it as a transformative force that can enhance decision-making and operational agility
• The importance of adaptability and proactive engagement with emerging technologies, advocating for a shift from reactive to proactive supply chain strategies to ensure resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving marketplace

Join us today as we focus on leadership development and technological integration as essential components of modern supply chain management.

Additional Links & Resources:

• With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-27Sept2025 
• EasyPost: www.easypost.com
• Koray Kose’s keynote: https://bit.ly/KorayKose-keynote 
• Koray Kose on Supply Chain Wars: https://bit.ly/SupplyChainWars
• LinkedIn Workforce Survey: https://bit.ly/LI-workforce-survey
• AI & ketchup: https://bit.ly/AI-ketchup
• Europe lagging in AI: https://bit.ly/AI-Gaps
• Join SCN at Manifest: https://partner.manife.st/partner/supplychainnow
• Connect with Koray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koraykoese/
• Connect with Katie:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-date-89573215/
• 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 Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Real stories: People first - Leadership lessons in driving digital supply chain transformation: https://bit.ly/3INxtNw
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- 
• https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Koray Kose and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-leadership-workforce-management-1488

Join Supply Chain Now host Scott Luton for a timely conversation with Max Garland, Senior Reporter at Supply Chain Dive. In this episode, they break down the biggest stories shaping logistics and e-commerce right now—from Target’s next-day delivery expansion and FedEx’s 2026 rate hikes to the rise of regional carriers like OnTrac and Veho. They’ll also unpack how the end of the de minimis exemption is reshaping international e-commerce and what it means for businesses adapting to new rules.

Packed with insights on technology, customer experience, and the future of supply chain operations, this discussion is a can't miss for anyone navigating today’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Max on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxgarland/
• 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 Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Real stories: People first - Leadership lessons in driving digital supply chain transformation: https://bit.ly/3INxtNw
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- 
• https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode is 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/breaking-news-now-ecommerce-shake-ups-1487

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for a conversation on the future of supply chains. Mike explains why reverse logistics and returns management are now critical, how AI-powered demand sensing improves agility, and why organizations must treat reverse supply chains with the same discipline as forward ones. He also shares predictions on AI certification in hiring and the risk of losing soft skills as technology takes on a bigger role.

Using football as a lens, Mike highlights resilience from the Buffalo Bills, core focus from the Ravens, and orchestration from the Patriots—lessons supply chain leaders can apply directly. He also previews Gartner’s Planning Summits, where strategy meets hands-on execution. From tackling fraud in returns to preparing talent for an AI-driven future, this episode offers clear takeaways for balancing technology, people, and process.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:45) Coffee culture, Starbucks tastings, and Chick-fil-A fries

(09:06) How AI improves supply chain planning accuracy

(10:49) Retail fraud and challenges in returns management

(14:26) Using AI tools to build supply chain agility

(17:01) Football lessons applied to supply chain resilience

(22:59) Ravens’ defense as core competency analogy

(27:33) Patriots’ orchestration shows teamwork across supply chain

(32:30) Cowboys vs. Patriots on leadership delegation differences

(36:19) Gartner planning summits in London and Denver

(38:50) AI certification, soft skills, and workforce readiness

Resources:

• Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/
• Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en
• 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 Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

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/resilience-strategy-orchestration-supply-chain-leadership-lessons-nfl-champions-1486

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we dig into the imperative nature of supply chain transformation in the current global landscape, characterized by incessant change and complexity. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

Today, hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr welcome special guests Pierre Abou Hamad, Managing Partner USA with Citwell, Inc., and Koray Kose, Founder and Chief Analyst with Kose Advisory. The conversation includes:

• The multifaceted challenges faced by supply chain leaders, particularly in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions and evolving market demands
• Critical insights from industry leaders, who stress the necessity of embracing innovation and adaptability as key strategies for navigating these turbulent times
• The importance of effective communication and the cultivation of a resilient organizational culture that fosters continuous improvement.
• Tariff impact on coffee prices

Join us as we embark on this exploration, and reflect on the profound implications of these discussions for the future of supply chain management.

Additional Links & Resources:

• With That Said: https://bit.ly/4nmrLBy 
• EasyPost: www.easypost.com
• Supply Chain Dive on coffee prices: https://bit.ly/CoffeePricesUp
• Ideology Versus Pragmatism: Choosing A Side In The Supply Chain Wars: https://bit.ly/SupplyChainWars
• Pierre Abou Hamad on USS Cassin Young: https://bit.ly/DestroyerAndSupplyChain
• EasyPost’s Advanced Tracking: https://get.easypost.com/advanced-tracking 
• Pierre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-abou-hamad/
• Koray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koraykoese/
• The Bridge Webinar: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5090303/21DFF09E74113F3ED3821921E9F2CD2D
• 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 Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- 
• https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh
• WEBINAR- Empowering Decision-Making in 2026 with Supply Chain Orchestration: https://bit.ly/3W7swlL

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-new-era-geopolitical-challenges-1485

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Karin Bursa welcomes a powerhouse panel of women supply chain leaders who are rewriting the rules in today’s “never normal” world. Joining the discussion are Stephanie Beal, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Hasbro; Tamera Fenske, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Kimberly-Clark; Eliza Simeonova, Vice President of Global Supply for Mars Pet Nutrition; Whitney Shlesinger, Vice President of Global Planning and Logistics at McCormick; and Sylvia Wilks, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lamb Weston.

Together, they share defining moments that shaped their careers, from early plant leadership to global transformation initiatives. They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping supply chain performance: driving operational discipline, improving demand planning, enhancing knowledge management, and freeing teams to focus on creative, strategic work. The panel also reflects on the importance of clean data, talent development, and building integrated value chains that deliver measurable business results.

Looking back, each leader offers advice to their younger selves, highlighting the power of mentorship, confidence, and learning from failure while encouraging the next generation to own their careers and pay it forward. 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:45) Panel introduction

(13:56) Defining career moments

(25:13) AI’s impact on supply chains

(27:19) Data’s role in AI success

(29:25) AI for employee efficiency

(31:11) AI in inventory and demand forecasting

(32:33) AI in decision making and strategy

(33:39) Personal productivity and AI

(36:33) AI in knowledge management

(37:41) Career advice for supply chain leaders

(47:47) Connecting with supply chain experts

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Stephanie Beal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebeal/ 
• Connect with Tamera Fenske: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamera-fenske-08121a7/ 
• Connect with Eliza Simeonova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliza-simeonova-787999151/ 
• Connect with Whitney Shlesinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-shlesinger/ 
• Connect with Sylvia Wilks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-wilks-7658513/ 
• Learn more about Hasbro: https://corporate.hasbro.com/en-us 
• Learn more about Kimberly-Clark: https://www.kimberly-clark.com/ 
• Learn more about Mars Pet Nutrition: https://www.mars.com/ 
• Learn more about McCormick: https://www.mccormickcorporation.com/ 
• Learn more about Lamb Weston: https://www.lambweston.com/ 
• Connect with our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/our-team-and-hosts/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com 
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/on-demand-programming/
• 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 Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKo
• WEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGg
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh

This episode was hosted by Karin Bursa 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-leadership-never-normal-power-panel-women-rewriting-rules-1484