In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Mike Griswold from Gartner to dig into some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in the supply chain today.

They discuss what we learned from the 2024 holiday shopping season, the growing problem of returns, and how AI is changing the game when it comes to managing risk. Karin and Mike also share their thoughts on why respect matters more than ever in keeping teams engaged and what supply chain leaders can do to prepare their people for the future.

It’s a conversation packed with practical advice on building stronger, smarter supply chains and staying ahead in a world that’s always changing.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(06:47) Reflecting on the 2024 holiday shopping season

(12:15) Addressing the challenges of returns and reverse logistics

(18:30) The growing role of AI in supply chain risk management

(24:05) Key trends shaping supply chains in 2024

(31:20) Predictions for 2025: Risk management and diversification

(37:42) The evolving role of talent in supply chains

(44:18) Why respect matters in workforce retention

(50:05) Final takeaways on building resilient supply chains

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/
• Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en
• Connect with Karin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/
• Connect with Scott: 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- AI Insights for Smarter Shipping Strategies: https://bit.ly/40wwSWD

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicates show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/trends-shaping-supply-chain-strategies-2025-1381