Supply Chain Now Radio

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 relationshipsThe critical understanding that effective leadership in supply chain management can either catalyze or hinder operational efficiencyThe influence of artificial intelligence in optimizing supply chain processes, positing it as a transformative force that can enhance decision-making and operational agilityThe 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 marketplaceJoin us today as

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.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: ht

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 tastin

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 demandsCritical insights from industry leaders, who stress the necessity of embracing innovation and adaptability as key strategies for navigating these turbulent timesThe importance of effective communication and the cultivation of a resilient organizational culture that fosters continuous improvement. Tariff impact on coffee pricesJoin us as we embark on this exploration, and reflect on the profound implications of these discussions fo

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 measurabl

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn’t charity. It’s a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits.She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior le

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we discuss the critical role of truck drivers in the supply chain, representing nearly 73% of freight delivery in the United States, as we celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!!Today, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome special guest Kevin Lawton, Founder & Host of The New Warehouse podcast. Listen in as Scott and 'Team Kevin" explore:The current state of the freight economy, highlighting the challenges faced by industry professionals amid a prolonged slump in freight pricingThe significant concerns raised by the largest rail industry labor union regarding the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which may significantly impact safety practices and workforce environmentsTruck Driver Appreciation Week, acknowledging the essential role that truck drivers play in the supply chain and the pressures they endure, as evidenced by survey data revealing their dissatisfactionThe ramifications of th

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor sit down with Lori Boyer, Director of Content, and John Wharff, Director of Sales and Solutions Engineering at EasyPost, to break down the latest shifts in carrier networks and what they mean for shippers preparing for peak season.Lori shares insights into how major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS are adjusting routes, surcharges, and capacity as peak approaches, and why regional carriers and Amazon shipping are becoming critical players in today’s environment. John expands on the importance of diversifying carrier strategies, leveraging data for smarter decision-making, and ensuring businesses can keep promises to customers no matter how volatile the market gets.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:01) Meet Lori Boyer and John Wharff from EasyPost(05:47) Introduction to EasyPost and their offerings(08:56) Major carriers: UPS, FedEx, and USPS(25:30) Innovative shipping solutions(25:54) Old and new shipping strategies(26:48) Big brands

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor welcome Gaurav Malhotra, Partner and Supply Chain Technology Leader at EY, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming supply chains today and where it’s headed over the next five years. Gaurav shares how EY is helping organizations embrace emerging technologies to create competitive advantage, avoid “pilot purgatory,” and build more cognitive and resilient supply chains.They cover practical misconceptions holding companies back from adopting AI, the foundational elements required for successful implementation, and real-world examples of immediate impact in logistics, predictive maintenance, and warehouse operations. Gaurav also discusses how organizations can invest in workforce education, reskilling, and culture change to ensure that humans remain at the center of AI adoption. Looking ahead, he offers his perspective on how agentic AI will reshape supply chains into adaptive, orchestrated ecosystems while freeing people to focus on

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we present an incisive exploration of the current landscape within the global supply chain sector, focusing particularly on the essential role of leadership in navigating prevailing challenges. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!Today, hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy welcome special guest Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, to discuss the Women in Supply Chain Awards and the upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum. Listen as they cover:The rising demand for foreign trade zone accessThe state of the industry report by ColliersInsights from chief people officers on talent strategiesThe 2025 Women in Supply Chain Awards and the upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum The importance of communication, strategic thinking, and inclusivity in navigating the complexities of the supply chain industryJoin us as we collectively seek to understand the implications of these developments on future supply chain operations.Addi

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton talks with Brett Johnson, IT Director at A&A Global, and Shannon Vaillancourt, President and Founder of RateLinx, about A&A Global’s journey to transform their shipping operations. Brett details how they addressed inefficiencies in their old TMS, implementing RateLinx’s flexible toolkit to streamline processes, reduce costs, and scale operations without adding staff.The conversation explores how A&A Global overcame challenges like manual data entry, slow carrier onboarding, and inaccurate rate quoting through powerful integrations like ScanForce, Cubiscan, and mobile printing. Brett and Shannon also highlight the role of Lean Six Sigma practices in driving continuous improvement and achieving significant cost savings, faster shipping, and enhanced efficiency.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:39) Meet the industry leaders(02:46) Challenges faced by A&A Global(05:56) Issues with previous TMS(08:30) The need for speed and efficiency(13:42

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull welcome Will Mansard and Ahmed Arif of Bastian Solutions for a practical, field-tested conversation on retrofitting brownfield warehouses and the real cost of doing nothing. They frame retrofits as logistical projects first, unpack why so much existing space goes underutilized, and share how to minimize disruption while upgrading live operations. They discuss the playbook that works in the real world: start with discovery and reverse engineering when documentation is thin, build a phased mechanical plan, sequence electrical with quick-connect, preassembled components, and treat controls and software as the heart of the system using emulation and thorough testing. With rules one and two both being “get orders out the door,” they stress contingency planning, speaking the customer’s language, and orchestrating equipment, controls, and software to avoid faults and bottlenecks. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(09:27) What

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes special guest Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), to discuss the reinvention of ASCM's annual supply chain event, now rebranded as CHAINge North America 2025. Scheduled for September 9th and 10th in Columbus, Ohio, CHAINge North America 2025 aims to provide supply chain leaders with opportunities to gather critical market intelligence and learn strategies to tackle both existing and emerging challenges. Listen in as Scott and Abe discuss the importance of collaboration, technology, and talent development in navigating the current dynamic supply chain landscape, key insights from the 2025 ASCM Supply Chain Salary and Career Report, and highlight significant gains in supply chain compensation and the increasing recognition of supply chain professionals' roles. Tune in for an episode that underscores the value of human interaction and relationship-building in addressing the complex challenges faced by supply chai

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Jorge Morales, Global COO of the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA), and Sandeep Chatterjee, Growth Leader, Digital Business Solutions, Supply Chain and Sustainability Pillar at INFOLOB, to explore how organizations can build resilience and clarity in today’s dynamic supply chain landscape. Jorge shares how ISCEA is equipping professionals through global certification programs and education, while Sandeep highlights his outcome-based approach to digital transformation and his insights from his book, The Consulting Way.They cover key strategies for driving profitability and resilience, including smarter inventory management, bold choices in multimodal transportation, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as 3D printing and supply chain simulation. Jorge and Sandeep also discuss the importance of continuous skill-building, trust among supply chain partners, and the role of upcoming industry events like the Supply Chain Technol

Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: http://bit.ly/4lGixylEasyPost Guide: https://bit.ly/45PpFCC EasyPost Website: https://www.easypost.com/ Inside the automated warehouse where robots are packing your groceries: http://bit.ly/3Juj213Beauty brands blend AI into operations: http://bit.ly/4oRsVWJSnickers maker Mars pursues stable chocolate supply with gene-editing: http://bit.ly/4mIWHeAKait on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitvinson/Learn more about Locus Robotics: https://locusrobotics.com/Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongiddens/Dave Krache Foundation: https://davekrache.com/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Ag

In this moving episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with Kristi Porter, Adrian Purtill, and Enrique Alvarez of Vector Global Logistics to explore a powerful story of purpose and community. Adrian shares a deeply personal initiative in honor of his late ex-wife, Kathy Purtill, who bravely battled leukemia. To carry her legacy forward, their son Kieran is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.This conversation goes beyond logistics, shining a light on the value of giving forward, building community, and leading with purpose. The Vector Global Logistics team reflects on how purpose-driven action can change lives—both in the global supply chain and beyond.Learn how you can support Kieran’s mission, and be inspired to embrace the power of relationships, resilience, and purpose.Additional Links & Resources:Kathy Purtill's fundraising page for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://diy.lls.org/fundraiser/6467059Connect with Enrique: https://www.l

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Kim Humphrey, President & CEO of AME (Association for Manufacturing Excellence), welcome retired Air Force Lieutenant General Andy Busch, Strategic Advisor at Goldratt Consulting, for a high-impact conversation on the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and its ability to transform complex operations. Drawing from a 38-year military career, Andy shares how TOC’s five focusing steps helped him cut C-5 aircraft maintenance timelines from 340 days to 110, save hundreds of millions through inventory discipline, and reduce a 15-month procurement backlog to just three months. He also highlights the leadership skills required to drive these changes, including clear communication, organizational alignment, and active workforce engagement.They also discuss the universal applicability of TOC across industries and geographies, with Andy recounting implementations at the Defense Logistics Agency, large-scale MRO depots, and in international settings such

In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we present a profound exploration of contemporary developments within the realm of supply chain management, with a particular emphasis on the resurgence of reshoring initiatives. Welcome to The Buzz!Host Scott Luton and special guest host Christine Barnhart, aka The Supply Chain Whisperer, discuss the top news in global supply chain including: The significant investment by GE Appliances to transition production facilities from overseas back to the United StatesThe implications of artificial intelligence in enhancing operational efficiencies, as exemplified by Toro's innovative applications to predict consumer behavior and streamline inventory managementThe significant role of sustainability in modern supply chains, underscoring how companies are increasingly investing in environmentally friendly practices to meet consumer demandsThe transformative impact that artificial intelligence is having on supply chain management, particularly in predicting consumer behavior and o

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Bobby Holland of U.S. Bank and Bob Costello of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for a timely and data-rich discussion on the Q2 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index—and what the latest shifts in the freight economy mean for shippers, carriers, and supply chain leaders.They discuss the first quarter in over two years where all five U.S. regions saw increases in shipment volume, signaling a potential turning point after a prolonged slowdown. Bobby shares fresh Index data on spend and shipment velocity, while Bob brings broader economic context, including consumer spending patterns, inflationary pressure, and the uneven pace of recovery. From driver shortages and regional capacity gaps to policy impacts and shifting inventory strategies, the panel examines how these macroeconomic forces are playing out in freight and what they could mean for the rest of 2025, offering insights for supply chain professionals preparing for continued v

Join Scott Luton from Supply Chain Now at the SAPICS 2025 conference in Cape Town, South Africa, for a high-energy conversation with two powerhouse innovators: Deborah Dull, founder & managing partner of Trillium Digital Services, and Kevin Meredith, “innovation obsessor” with Fourth Sector Innovations and the Circular Supply Chain Network.From Boeing to building innovation systems, Kevin shares how confidence, leadership, and curiosity fuel breakthrough ideas. Deborah dives into the world of circular supply chains, showing how collaboration and sustainable practices can transform industries. Together, they explore:How leaders can create cultures where innovation thrivesThe future of circular supply chains and sustainable impactChallenges and opportunities with emerging tech like quantum computingSneak peeks into their upcoming books—practical guides for innovators and changemakersPacked with insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone ready to embrace new