Supply Chain Now

Supply chain technology has been evolving rapidly, but the biggest shifts in operational excellence may still be unfolding.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Ben Gordon, founder and managing partner of Cambridge Capital LLC. Together, they explore what it truly means to scale businesses in the global supply chain, from workflow automation and AI-driven predictive pricing to strategic M&A and operational leadership.

Ben draws on nearly 25 years of experience investing in, building, and advising supply chain companies, including XPO, Greenscreens, and Everest. He makes the case for focusing relentlessly on “the one big thing,” executing with discipline, and using technology not just to cut costs but to enable growth. He also unpacks how AI and workflow automation are transforming logistics operations, creating triple-win outcomes for teams, customers, and the broader ecosystem.

Ben shares the leadership principles that guide him: integrate external insights, be brutally honest in self-assessment, “simplify, focus, execute”, and know when bold, strategic moves are needed. He also highlights the importance of operational rigor and culture, demonstrating how leaders can turn competitors into partners and make businesses indispensable to customers.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:51) Deep Supply Chain Roots

(05:08) Advisory vs. Growth Capital

(06:38) Three Top-of-Mind Market Trends

(11:33) Practical Value of AI in Logistics

(14:47) Growth Focused Approach Not Cost Cutting

(16:40) Leadership and Operational Discipline Create Value

(19:19) Brad Jacobs Scaling Playbook Revealed

(24:27) Volatility Demands Focus and Execution

(28:21) Investors’ Perspective on Tech Opportunities

(31:15) Founder Reality Check Lessons Learned

(35:11) Market Skepticism & The SaaSpocalypse

(39:56) Who Wins and Scales Long Term

(43:39) Final Advice Start With Outside In

(48:13) BGSA Deals Pipeline and Highlights

(51:59) Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Additional Links & Resources:

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/top-of-the-deal-table-ai-supply-chain-next-wave-value-1597

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 [email protected]

© 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

(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:

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 [email protected]

© 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:

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:

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 [email protected]

© 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:

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 [email protected]

© 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 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:

(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:

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 [email protected]

© 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:

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:

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 [email protected]

© 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:

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 [email protected]

© 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:

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 [email protected]

© 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:

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 [email protected]

© 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.

Additional Links & Resources:

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and 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/analysis-q1-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-1588

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 [email protected]

© 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.