Let's Talk Supply Chain

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Sean McGee of Samsara talks about maintenance; tackling key pain points; the impact of automation; flexibility, and driving successful change management.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.15] An introduction to Sean, his role at Samsara, and why their conference, Samsara Beyond, is the highlight of the year.

[03.31] What the landscape of maintenance has typically looked like, and why Samsara have learned to pay attention to post-it notes.

"A lot of operators are trying to figure out how to go from reactive and chaotic to proactive and planned."

[05.52] Why Samsara has gone all-in on maintenance.

"What caused us to take the next step was… getting out into the field, talking to the shop managers, and hearing the pain of how hard it is to close the loop. And AI accelerated that. A lot of the pain points we can automate now."

[07.29] The biggest pain points maintenance teams see day-to-day.

[08.37] How Samsara puts a focus on realistic adoption and usage to meet people where they are.

"We had this idea, we went out into the field and tried it… and it was an immediate fit… but we had to run the feedback loop to understand that."

[10.24] How Samsara's 'Day In The Life' process helps drive successful change management.

"We map out the process and then work into the technology piece. It's not about: 'Here's the demo – good luck!'... We co-create."

"Flexibility is so important, and what a lot of the legacy systems got wrong was they're very rigid, they're very opinionated… You almost have to fit the tool instead of the tool fitting you."

[13.14] How seeing maintenance differently is a competitive advantage for both Samsara and their customers.

"If you can tell us: What does this fault code mean, what does it tell us, and how fast is that going to happen - that is operational advantage."

[16.59] A real-life example exploring how post-it notes on a customer's shop floor led to the development of a custom Samsara solution to fit their workflows.

[20.00] The future for maintenance and asset management, and where Samsara are focusing next.

"Everything is possible – science fiction is becoming reality right in front of our eyes."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Samsara's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Samsara and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Sean on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out:

552: Expand Your Visibility and Achieve Asset Tracking at Scale, with Samsara
529: Empower The People Who Power The World, with Samsara
524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Dan Gardner of Trade Facilitators talks about AI hype, challenges & opportunities; & how their Total Landed Cost engine is driving big impact for US importers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.17] Dan's collection of currency notes, and what they say about his career journey.

[05.33] How, and why, Dan transitioned from logistics to global supply chain management.

"There's a lot of competition in that space, so to legitimately differentiate is difficult… I started to look beyond logistics, to see how I could enhance a clients performance in other areas."

[10.26] Dan's experience as an adjunct professor of global trade, and his perspective on the future of trade related education in the 'Age of AI.'

"There's a need for more education, not less."

[14.34] The hype around AI, and how much we should all be buying into it.

"I don't believe the hype, but I do believe in the fundamental power of AI… It's data-oriented and the global supply chain runs on data, so there's a natural compatibility there."

"Blockchain didn't do us any favors!"

[19.06] Why TFI focus on Machine Learning, and some of the best applications Dan currently sees in the market.

[23.30] The issue of job displacement alongside the rise of AI, and how individuals need to think about upskilling at all career stages.

"People have to continue to skill up – but that might not be enough."

[26.54] From cost to over-reliance, the key pitfalls of AI that supply chain professionals need to keep an eye on.

[29.47] Why TFI developed the Total Landed Cost engine for U.S. importers, and why it matters.

[33.25] What makes TFI's Total Landed Cost engine different.

"Total landed cost is what drives so many other activities across the supply chain… How do you know how to price a product unless you really know what it will cost you?"

[36.35] How TFI's Total Landed Cost engine navigates constantly changing tariffs.

"The element of human knowledge still plays a huge role in all of this."

[41.26] The data security issues around AI, and how companies can address the 'oversharing' of data and still achieve their goals.

"Legal, policy, technical and monetary – you need to bring these things together."

[44.27] From 'hyper-scalers' overwhelming power grids to heavy water consumption, how sustainability concerns around AI data centers are driving innovation.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Trade Facilitator's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Trade Facilitators and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Dan on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Tony Graham of XPO talks about their partnership with Samsara; AI; the importance of gaining employee buy-in; & driving impact with new technology solutions.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.18] An introduction to Tony and his nearly 30-year career journey at XPO.

[02.35] An overview of XPO, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"We have about 300 locations, 22,000 employees – we moved 16 billion pounds of freight last year!.. So we play a pretty important role in the North American supply chain."

[03.45] Re-investing in LTL – how XPO has evolved over the past few years.

[04.57] The importance of technology at XPO, and why they're committed to investing in proprietary systems.

"Technology is a big part of our DNA, it's infused into every aspect of our business."

[06.13] From dock operations to immediate employee feedback, how AI is driving results for XPO.

"AI helps to improve the customer experience at every touchpoint."

[09.11] How XPO determined they needed a partner, and why they chose Samsara.

"We're very proud of our proprietary technology so to go outside of that box wasn't an easy choice… But we wanted to better support our drivers… And we knew it wasn't going to be a one-size-fits-all, so we wanted a partner that could grow with us."

[11.04] Tony's advice for other businesses looking to find the right match.

"It all starts with: what are the problems you're trying to solve, and what are the goals you're trying to achieve?"

[12.13] From in-cab cameras to digitizing maintenance, how XPO leverage Samsara solutions to tackle challenges and drive value.

[14.14] How XPO navigate change management and effectively roll out technology to frontline employees and gain buy-in, particularly from drivers.

[17.17] How technology will make an impact at XPO over the next five years.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out:

552: Expand Your Visibility and Achieve Asset Tracking at Scale, with Samsara
529: Empower The People Who Power The World, with Samsara
524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Edward Burek of SmartKargo & Marco Ferrara of DeliverDirect talk about issues impacting small parcel delivery; fuel price reality; & keeping costs low & simple.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.04] An introduction to Edward and Marco, and their roles at SmartKargo and DeliverDirect.

[03.07] An overview of DeliverDirect – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[03.29] As the industry deals with ongoing fuel volatility, why Delta Airlines have a structural advantage other carriers don't have, and what it means in practice to have an airline like Delta running the middle mile for e-commerce shipments.

"Fuel is the biggest cost with an airline but, because our passenger aircraft are flying around anyway, a lot of that fuel cost is absorbed – we're able to insulate and reduce what we're charging our customers."

[05.52] As shippers see fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, and pricing complexity hit unprecedented levels, have surcharges stopped being about fuel and started becoming part of a business model?

"There are a lot of carriers that are taking advantage of the market forces right now. A lot of businesses are built on surcharges... It's become a mechanism to dial up your revenue."

[08.20] How DeliverDirect are approaching pricing differently.

"It's so easy to forecast – it's a CFO's dream!... We want it to be a win-win all the way through the supply chain."

[10.50] How DeliverDirect pulls together what already exists in the ecosystem, and the role SmartKargo's platform plays in making those pieces work together as a single delivery experience.

[12.42] How SmartKargo is using real-time data and automation to predict shipment issues and recommend corrective actions before DeliverDirect customers feel any disruption.

[13.56] Why quality data is the real foundation behind successful AI in logistics.

"If you don't have good data, you can't put an AI engine over that."

[14.39] From ocean backlogs to cross-border tariff complications, how big industry impacts are translating into challenges for businesses, and the impact of big e-commerce market growth.

[16.42] Whether there are enough packages and profitable demand for everyone competing in a tough market, and how companies are differentiating themselves beyond just lowering prices.

[19.17] The future for small parcel logistics.

"What if it becomes coop-etition?!"

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to DeliverDirect's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with DeliverDirect and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Marco or Edward on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from DeliverDirect, check out 538: Enjoy Ecommerce Delivery at the Speed of Flight, with DeliverDirect.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Chris Hamley of Brecham Group talks about people - 'accidental' supply chain careers; leadership; balancing teams & tech; and creating futureproof careers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.17] An introduction to Chris and the Brecham Group.

[04.10] The current pace of change across the industry, and whether it's actually ready for widespread AI adoption.

"The speed of change, and the amount knowledge you have to consume and gain, is amazing."

[06.34] 'Accidental' supply chain careers – how Chris sees people entering the industry, and why there are so many 'accidental' supply chainers.

"They took a job because they needed the income… People didn't start out wanting to do this, but they discovered they were good at it and stayed!"

[09.32] What career progression typically looks like for 'accidental' supply chainers, the pros and cons of learning on the job, and why resilience is key.

"There's a component of self-awareness: 'what do I need to do to get to the next level?' Because there's not really a playbook for moving from one job to another or getting a promotion."

[15.29] What this means for career growth up to leadership level, and the big leadership training gaps.

"I had to learn to be a good leader… I was watching people, mimicking, recognizing what I needed to be good at. I created an environment to close the gaps, know my strengths and avoid my weaknesses."

[18.42] Why the AI revolution has created a problematic knowledge gap for leadership.

[20.49] Whether technology is replacing fundamental understanding, and the impact of bringing people and new tech together.

[22.27] Balancing tribal knowledge and learned 'hands-on' skills alongside the integration of AI and new technology.

"You don't have to know the details of a process to be an effective leader. But you do have to understand the levers you can pull to change the outcome."

[24.47] From employee turnover to productivity loss, the risks inherent in this period of fluctuation in the industry.

"We rely too heavily on the data side and not enough on the people side."

[28.10] How a different approach to leadership, one that isn't entirely executive-focused, could drive results and fill gaps.

[34.56] How businesses can also lean on partners to help fill those gaps.

"We solve the same three or four problems everywhere we go. So the value of leaning on a partner is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel… How do you find people that have cracked the code.. and leverage it?"

[40.58] Chris's advice for companies looking to navigate this workplace complexity.

[44.07] How the workforce will continue to change in the future.

"Our thought processes around how and what we do have to evolve."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Brecham Group's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Brecham and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Brecham Group, check out 537: How To Ask Better Questions and Drive Project Success, with Brecham Group, 515: Experience Precision Supply Chain Operations, with Brecham Group or their live show Performance Paradox.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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David Gal of Samsara talks about their new Tracking Label; shipment visibility; cargo theft, building a tiered tracking strategy; and becoming proactive.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.13] An introduction to David and his role at Samsara.

"We digitize everything that's not a vehicle!"

[02.03] What visibility into a shipment's journey typically looks like, the biggest barriers to accurate visibility, the solutions currently on the market – and why they don't solve the problem.

"For consumers, tracking can be frustrating. But, for businesses, it's a real challenge… The most you're getting is barcode-based scans on the package… And to call that breadcrumbs is generous."

[05.25] How the Samsara Tracking Label works, how it evolved from the Asset Tag, and what makes it different from existing shipment tracking approaches, and why the Samsara network is key to success.

"Everyone is familiar with the concept of Bluetooth tracking but it didn't exist in the world of physical operations until we built it… In consumer it works with mobile phones, but that's not enterprise-grade and it doesn't scale."

[09.28] Real-world use cases for Samsara's range of tagging solutions, and which you should choose for your challenge or asset.

[12.09] The big issue of cargo theft, and how the Samsara Tracking Label helps tackle it.

[15.04] How customers are thinking about building a tiered tracking strategy, and creating a hybrid approach with Samsara's GPS-powered device, Bluetooth tag and new ultra-compact XS.

[18.20] How real-time visibility shifts teams from reactive to proactive and what that means for incident prevention and recovery timelines.

"This shifts the game from reactive to proactive... The key is to detect anomalies as they're happening."

[20.30] How Samsara's vision of a fully digitized job site could help businesses thrive in a complex landscape.

"This is a complicated ecosystem. There's a lot that goes into every shipment… so you need to identify risks sooner."

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out 524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara or 529: Empower The People Who Power The World, with Samsara.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Ita Zur of Veho talks about what they do; the ecommerce industry; the Amazon effect; & balancing cost, speed and optionality for the best customer experience.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Veho's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Veho and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) or YouTube, or you can connect with Ita on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Jimmy Sebastian of FourKites talks about AI; visibility; the problem with 'AI-washing;' the simple steps to get started; & how to measure scalable success.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.57] An introduction to Jimmy, his background, and role at FourKites.

"I care about AI that's not just powerful, but explainable, secure, and enterprise-ready."

[04.38] An overview of FourKites, their evolution, the three layers that make up their offering, and the customers they serve.

[07.28] How visibility has evolved from differentiator to table stakes, what that means for businesses, and how agentic AI is helping to bridge the gap.

"10 years ago, knowing where your truck was was a great competitive advantage. Today, everybody has that… The problem we see now is that companies are information rich, but action poor… Visibility tells you there's a problem, but it doesn't fix it."

[09.46] The difference between an AI agent and a chatbot.

"It's almost like a team mate that gets the job done."

[12.18] The impact 'AI-washing' is having on leaders and teams, how to avoid getting stuck in 'pilot purgatory,' and how companies can cut through the noise.

"Slapping AI on everything breeds skepticism, teams get burned by pilots and once burned, twice shy."

[17.14] Finding the balance for governance – understanding areas that need to be tightly controlled versus kept loose enough for innovation.

[19.33] An overview of persona-based AI agents and how they're different, why they're a good fit for supply chain, and how they can help drive adoption.

"Some organizations have gone the route of building one giant monolithic AI brain – we've built a team."

[23.22] What AI agent autonomy really means, and finding the right balance between independence and control.

"We need agents to be autonomous because that's ultimately where the value is… but it has to be under controlled conditions. It's not all or nothing. It's a dial, not a switch."

[25.38] The best practices for developing that correct level of autonomy, and red flags to look out for if organizations aren't seeing the right results with AI agent autonomy.

"It needs to be actively managed."

[30.20] How organizations can find the balance between people and technology, and what change management and AI trust-building should look like.

[33.06] How teams can get started with AI agents, the best workflows to test first – and why you don't need perfect data to start.

[35.18] What success should look like, and how organizations can think about measuring it, in the short and longer terms.

[37.52] From self-healing supply chains to shifting human responsibilities, the future developments we can expect in supply chain AI.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to FourKite's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with FourKites and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from FourKites, check out:

536: Prevent Supply Disruptions and Protect Revenue, with FourKites
235: Use Real-Time Visibility To Transform Your Entire Supply Chain, with FourKites

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Gabrielle Murabito of Reveel & Gloria Seckler of GOAT Group talk about anomaly detection; data & visibility; & why automation is key to finding issues early.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.42] An introduction to Gabrielle, her background and role at Reveel; and a reminder of who Reveel are, what they do, and their customer profile.

"We help shippers level the playing field with their carriers, and understand where their spend is going across all modes of transportation."

[04.22] An introduction to Gloria, and GOAT Group.

[05.18] What anomaly detection means in a shipping context.

"It's having the systems and models in place to understand what that baseline looks like so you're able to detect surges, whether they're up or down, before they snowball."

[06.30] Why anomaly detection is such a challenge, and the impact early anomaly detection could have for businesses.

"When we're talking about hundreds of thousands of packages shipped on a monthly basis, a lot of times anomalies are hidden between the averages… But that 1% can scale and turn into losses in profit margin or customer satisfaction – so it's really important to catch them early."

[08.08] The vast amounts of data involved in large volume shipping, why 'you don't know what you don't know,' and the importance of automation to identify problems early.

"Teams can't manually audit every invoice that comes through, especially if they're a large volume shipper… And a lot of issues aren't obvious. So, without any type of automation, they're really hard to catch."

"Early anomaly detection expands your visibility into those 'unknown unknowns'."

[09.46] Real-world examples of hidden anomalies that could impact your business.

[11.25] How Reveel capabilities help GOAT Group with anomaly detection.

[13.10] A recent challenge GOAT experienced with FedEx packages, and exactly how that issue was identified.

[15.33] The potential business impact if that FedEx issue wasn't identified so quickly.

"The speed with which we can pinpoint issues is super important."

[17.07] Whether a company could ever catch an anomaly like this without a solution like 'Weekly Insights' from Reveel.

[18.44] How Reveel insights helped GOAT resolve the FedEx issue, and the importance of collaboration and feedback.

"Instead of spending time finding the issue, you spend time finding a solution."

[20.44] From identifying trends to asking the right questions, Gabrielle and Gloria's advice for shippers who may not have access to the kind of data Reveel provides.

[22.11] The big potential in AI for the future.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Reveel's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reveel and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Gabrielle or Gloria on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Reveel, check out:

528: Is Your Shipping Budget Ready? Survive the 2026 GRIs with Reveel and Paccurate
474: Leverage Data-Driven Optimization to Mitigate Tariffs, with Reveel
453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco
357: Leverage the Power of Shipping Intelligence, with Reveel

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Bobby Strenk of SecurSpace talks about cargo theft; market challenges & opportunities; & equipping suppliers to redefine their competitive advantage.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.51] An introduction to Bobby and his role at SecurSpace.

[04.07] An overview of SecurSpace and their customers.

"It's like Airbnb but, instead of booking a home for vacation, you're booking parking and storage for containers, trailers, chassis and trucks!"

[06.04] Why industrial outdoor storage is mission-critical, and the current market gaps.

[08.50] From a brand new partnership to product integrations, what SecurSpace have been working on since they were last on the show.

"Parking and storage is evolving at a rapid pace… and we want to put our network into the hands of more people."

[15.07] What the industry landscape and macro impacts look like right now for SecurSpace and their customers.

"Demand is there, but capacity is constrained… There's a chance we're going to start seeing congestion at warehouses, rail hubs and ports. So, for us, that means we're going to see a heightened need for drop yard storage."

[18.58] How the current landscape and challenges are translating to a business level, what leaders are focusing on, and the key strategies at play.

[23.11] The ongoing evolution of cargo theft, and why collaboration will be key to tackling it.

"Criminals are staying a step ahead, and AI accelerates that… But we're at a point where people understand the importance of working together to solve the problem."

[25.37] How SecurSpace is tackling the issue of cargo theft, and how their customers are responding to their solutions.

[30.03] Bobby's big takeaways and learnings from his attendance at the recent National Association of Industrial Outdoor Storage's annual Summit.

"What can we do to ensure this facility is fully functional, dynamic and secure?"

[34.17] From automation to visibility, a closer look at SecurSpace's next-generation IOS.

[36.54] How SecurSpace are equipping suppliers to redefine their competitive advantage, and what competitive advantage actually looks like for them.

[41.56] The biggest areas of opportunity for the second half of 2026.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to SecurSpace's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too, or you can connect with Bobby on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from SecurSpace, check out 451: Cargo Theft is a $700+ Million Problem. What Can Shippers and Carriers Do? or 363: Grab On-Demand Access To Yard Space, with SecurSpace.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Jason Anderson of BlackBerry Radar & Alysse Ligon of Gulf Winds International talk about their partnership, solving fleet challenges & driving efficiency.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.18] An introduction to Jason and his background.

[04.45] An overview of BlackBerry Radar, what they do, what's new for them since they were last on the show, and what we can expect in 2027.

"We're different to other companies that do asset pairing, because we can pair anything – the chassis to the container, the trailer or the chassis to the power unit, all three! It's a very versatile, flexible system."

[06.16] An introduction to Alysse and Gulf Winds International.

[07.20] Why Gulf Winds decided to build a controlled GPS-enabled fleet of chassis, allowing them to easily right-size their pool and plan fleets in advance.

"Chassis are one of the most operationally painful pieces of equipment in our industry. They're expensive, they move constantly, nobody ever knows where they are… So GPS is completely non-negotiable for us."

[09.00] From real-time location to usable data, the key challenges Gulf Winds were trying to tackle.

"Real-time data unlocks everything."

[12.05] Jason and Alysse's reflections on what's happening in the industry today with technology adoption and future evolution.

"The data layer is finally maturing, the standards are improving, cost of visibility has come down… AI is the obvious next wave but, the truth is that, AI is only as good as the data underneath it. So the operators that win the next five years are the ones who've invested in clean data infrastructure NOW. AI on top of a messy data layer is just faster chaos."

[16.07] Understanding the problem first: how Gulf Winds realized they were ready for a new partnership.

[17.07] The challenges Gulf Winds experienced with their prior pairing solution, the approach they took to finding the right partner, and why they wanted to go back to basics by focusing on their core competencies.

"A lot of operators struggle with build vs buy, especially in 2026 when the ability to build software is so easy."

[20.13] How BlackBerry Radar approached Gulf Wind's challenges to develop the right solution.

"It was presented to us a puzzle, with one big missing piece."

[22.22] How easy access to BlackBerry data helps Gulf Winds drive efficiency.

[24.03] The BlackBerry Radar API integration, how it helps customers turn data into real-time automations that improve efficiency and reduce cost, and how it empowers them with a 'confidence score' for decision-making.

[29.05] A closer look at the Gulf Winds and BlackBerry Radar partnership, and how they worked in collaboration to build out the ideal solution, from discovery to implementation.

"It was iterative – which is how a partnership like this should work."

[31.02] Why good partnerships can help break down siloes, and how Gulf Winds manage internal change management when it comes to new technology investments.

[33.35] From meaningful improvement in chassis utilization to better customer experience, the positive impacts of the BlackBerry Radar solution for Gulf Winds.

[36.26] The future for the BlackBerry Radar and Gulf Winds partnership.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to BlackBerry Radar's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with BlackBerry Radar and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Jason or Alysse on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from BlackBerry Radar, check out

455: Discover Event-Driven Platform Technology, with BlackBerry Radar
358: Harness The Power Of Asset Tracking Engineered for Intelligence, with BlackBerry Radar
322: Innovative Asset Tracking Made Easy, with Blackberry Radar
Shannon Hamilton on Authenticity and Bringing Diversity to Transportation & Logistics

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Mary Casillo & Patrick Noone of Pallet Alliance talk about people, process, partnership & performance, & how their unique approach drives results for customers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.22] An introduction to Patrick and Mary, their backgrounds, and roles at Pallet Alliance.

[04.42] An overview of Pallet Alliance, and the importance of using fit for purpose pallets.

[07.20] What this year's MODEX theme, 'From Every Angle,' means to Pallet Alliance and supply chain optimization.

"If you look at something from every angle, you're able to optimize it to the best it can be… And you're able to fix it from every angle."

"It's the opportunity to tear something apart and say: 'How do we put this back together for you?'"

[09.18] Why designing custom pallet programs is like playing Tetris, or being a detective.

"Every customer is different, you have to figure out what fits where… And you're factfinding along the way."

[10.37] A closer look at the journey to developing a new pallet program, from sourcing and testing through to suppliers and transportation, exactly why that process is so challenging, and Pallet Alliance's approach to problem-solving.

"The amount of work is monumental. We're so successful because we do all of it for them with our pallet management program… We want to make people in procurement look good."

[14.38] What makes Pallet Alliance's process different from traditional sourcing approaches.

[17.00] In a landscape increasingly defined by AI, why Pallet Alliance strive to find the balance between people and technology, and why AI is only as good as the data you feed it.

"Part of the challenge we have now is that people understand that the data is wrong, but they don't want to invest the time to allow us to fix it for them. Or, it's that automatic RFQ, without thinking about bad data in, bad analysis out."

[24.19] The kind of impact Pallet Alliance customers typically see, and how they can continue to uncover substantial savings across locations even with long-term customers.

"We can save millions year over year through cost savings, more efficiency, and education in general."

"We're all pallet heads!!"

[26.04] What results can look like for Pallet Alliance customers, and how to measure them.

"We don't have a crystal ball, but we can see where things are going. And if we can see that, we can be proactive instead of reactive, and that's something our customers really appreciate."

[28.19] A selection of case studies exploring how Pallet Alliance have helped customers avoid fines, improve customer experience, meet high demand, and utilize improved materials to boost resilience and drive huge cost savings.

[33.46] Where teams should start when approaching a new pallet program, and the small steps they can take towards making meaningful change.

[36.00] What Mary and Patrick want listeners to take away from today's discussion.

"Pallets and crates are way more complicated than you think!!"

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Pallet Alliance's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Pallet Alliance and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Mary or Patrick on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Pallet Alliance, check out epsidoes:

501: Uncover Hidden Inefficiencies and Opportunities, with Pallet Alliance
482: Transform the Way Your Business Moves, with Pallet Alliance
146: A Holistic Approach to Pallets

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Scott Kramer of Infios talks about intelligent supply chain execution; why visibility & optimization are key building blocks; & leveraging AI the right way.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.25] An introduction to Scott, his role at Infios, and his background.

[03.20] An overview of Infios, who they are, and what they do.

[03.50] The ethos that has informed Infios's journey with AI and new technology.

"From the beginning, our solution has been based around adaptability and openness. And now, with the advent of not just AI but AMRs, that openness has allowed us to navigate these waters more easily. We're flexible in how we can operate in this environment."

[05.51] Why visibility and optimization are the building blocks for AI-enhanced execution.

"Visibility and optimization are still important… But when we add the agents, they can understand what's going on, prescribe solutions, and take away a lot of the heavy lifting of research and analysis."

[06.41] What Infios's recent supply chain execution readiness report reveals about how leaders are thinking about execution and optimization, particularly around manual workflows.

"Some workflows have been optimized, but only within their silo. They may have optimized a workflow for transportation or warehouse – but how do you connect them?"

[09.14] The biggest issue in the market right now with AI understanding and adoption.

"People are asking us: "What are you doing right now with AI?" And that's the wrong question."

[11.15] Where Scott sees companies on the reactive vs proactive scale right now, why mindset is still a limiting factor, and how visibility is changing.

"People are still thinking in the ways they've traditionally solved problems. They're thinking about automating a single task; they're not thinking about connecting the dots together."

[13.25] How leaders are thinking about the future of technology.

"The art of what's possible has changed."

[15.03] Why many AI pilots still aren't getting off the ground, and how we can actually create value from AI investments.

"I've seen all too often: 'I have a great technology, now let me go and search for a problem.' We really need to start with the problem, then define the technology. AI is an amazing tool, when leveraged correctly."

[18.13] What intelligent, connected execution should actually look like.

[20.54] Training AI slowly, how bias is holding us back, and discovering what's really possible with AI.

[22.53] The benefits to teams and businesses when they achieve intelligent, connected execution.

[24.18] The small steps teams can take now to position for success.

"Don't think of it as an LMS problem, WMS problem or TMS problem. Ultimately, it's a customer problem."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Infios' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Infios and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Scott on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Infios, check out 520: Enter the New Era of Supply Chain Management, with Infios or 532: Turning Purposeful AI into Business Outcomes, with Infios.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Mark Fralick of IFS Softeon talks about what they do; measuring your warehouse tech ROI; joining IFS; being nimble; & embracing a limitless philosophy.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.27] Why Mark is still so passionate about supply chain after over 30 years in the industry.

"I was in the industry before Amazon made it cool!... I'm driven by this idea of inspiration, it feeds me when folks come to us with ideas and notions… there's nothing better."

[04.20] An introduction to Mark, his background, and how he came to join IFS Softeon.

[05.17] Softeon's recent acquisition by IFS.

[06.30] What the IFS acquisition means for Softeon, and the new chapter it unlocks for them and their clients.

"All the things that made us successful are going to stay the same. But being part of IFS now allows us to tap into industrial AI and the abilities that being part of a larger, AI-forward organization brings."

[08.40] The ideal client for IFS Softeon.

[09.37] Why being nimble is critical in the current climate.

"A lot of people don't think about that as a core competency of a system. But it should be! Speed is life in our world."

[11.18] The importance of flow, recognizing that every business and warehouse is different, and why IFS Softeon's approach to solution design is a key differentiator for them.

"I tend not to believe in industry practices, we should just eliminate bad practices and adopt good ones… I don't want to force some industry standard… We orient our systems to be micro-tuned to your business."

[14.46] IFS Softeon's unique 'challenge and refine' process, and how it helps achieve that all-important flow.

"It's co-ordinated movement, and that's the key."

[16.05] What AI and new technology looks like now for IFS Softeon, and how it's helping companies combat variability and unlock the next level of optimization and resilience.

"If you're going to employ digital workers, you need the same ability to have measurable results that you would expect from a team member, so how do you do that? We have a circular approach to define what the digital worker does, validate the results, tune it – and create a feedback loop."

[20.20] How to determine which technology ROI measurement is right for your warehouse.

[22.39] IFS Softeon's unique philosophy of being limitless, and what that means for technology, competitive advantage and positioning for the future.

[26.16] Why Mark is so focused on time-to-value when it comes to new projects and clients.

[28.07] The other exciting announcements IFS Softeon are sharing at MODEX.

"It's a really cool, best-of-both-worlds approach."

[30.46] Mark's key takeaway from today's discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to IFS Softeon's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with IFS Softeon and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Mark on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Ilhan Kolko of Aviro360 talks about yard blindness and how visibility & clearer decision-making shifts teams from reactive execution to predictable performance.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.31] An introduction to Ilhan and the career journey that led him to Aviro360.

[03.39] The industry challenges that led to the creation of Aviro360, and why they 'built what the industry needed.'

"It's a huge industry, and you have all these generations of technology within the yard and warehouse. But at the yard level, visibility is rare... And you can't manage what you can't see."

[05.13] The ideal client for Aviro360.

[05.59] Exactly what yard blindness means, and what Aviro360 research highlights around where and how it shows up.

"There's not a lack of software in the industry! But there's a lack of real-time input from the yard. You don't know where assets are, who checked in and out, how long it took to process – and you don't have control over the decisions being made."

[07.45] From congestion to safety, the big business impacts of yard blindness.

"To mitigate, operators either slow down, to not make mistakes – so the entire operations slow down – or they rush, and give up on safety and security."

[09.34] Why yard blindness is causing decision latency, and how that impacts throughput and reliability.

"It's all about data confidence. Decision latency is not only an inefficiency, but your service quality also goes down. Everything you offer to your customers, everything in your ecosystem – it's all impacted negatively. There's brand erosion that goes along with it."

"If you have 6,000 containers in the yard, we can capture the entire inventory in less than an hour, with 99% accuracy."

[13.45] Shifting visibility from passive to actionable to drive results, without manual labor.

"When you have reliable data, used in a proactive way, it helps us execute workflows perfectly."

[15.31] How Aviro360 solutions bridge the gap and work alongside existing systems to solve issues with legacy tech and siloes.

"We don't want to be a system of record – we want to be a system of reality."

[18.23] What integration and onboarding looks like with Aviro360.

[20.34] How better visibility and clearer decision-making helps teams move from reactive execution to predictable performance.

[21.47] How Aviro360 helps customers save more than $650,000 per year, per site.

"We've become part of our customers AI transformation story."

[24.26] 'This is real' – Ilhan's final takeaway from today's discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Aviro360's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Aviro360 and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Ilhan on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Meagan Gauthier of TGW Logistics talks about how 3PLs and consultants are reshaping warehouse automation, and the business potential in transformation.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.13] An introduction to Meagan and her role at TGW Logistics.

"I have an engineering background, so that allows me to connect the operational KPI's to the financial realities and ROI in a very practical way. I help simplify automation decisions, align stakeholders and help clients feel more confident in investment in automation."

[03.27] An overview of TGW Logistics – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"We are Team Possible!"

[05.33] The evolution of the warehouse automation industry, the impact of decisions made during the pandemic, and where the industry is now.

"The industry has shifted from an urgency-based automation to a strategy-based automation... We're seeing companies hone in on smart, scalable, flexible integration and total system performance."

[08.18] With a 2025 survey revealing that 63% of respondents say their operations are still fully manual, where TGW see organizations on their automation and integration journeys, and the mindset shift that's starting to move the needle.

[11.20] How leading 3PLs and consultants are reshaping warehouse automation, and the one thing that's top of mind for all of them.

[14.12] The common gaps TGW see between expectations and strategy decks and real-world execution, the key focus areas to drive success, and why culture is critical.

"Feedback is a gift!"

[17.26] How integrators can partner more successfully with consultants, the questions they should be asking, and the mindset they should be embracing to drive success.

"It starts with curiosity and neutral alignment."

[18.50] Who actually influences decisions when multiple stakeholders are involved in transformation projects, from executives and operations to finance and IT, and how teams can navigate that complexity.

"The teams that can translate and speak the language of their stakeholders, those are the teams that win."

[20.42] Meagan's approach to building long-term partnerships, not just transactional sales.

[21.56] TGW's 3D walkthrough that brings typically 2D product demos to life.

[23.18] The potential business impact that can be achieved through successful warehouse automation.

"Warehouse automation, done right, is a competitive advantage not a cost center."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to TGW Logistics' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TGW and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or you can connect with Meagan on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from TGW Logistics, check out 465: Your Fulfillment Transformation Starts Now, with TGW Logistics.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Bill Catania of OneRail talks about why visibility isn't fixing the last mile, simplifying complex tech stacks & translating AI investment into outcomes.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.49] An introduction to Bill and OneRail, and how their commitment to innovation and collaboration has seen many of their customers become investors.

"About a third of our capital has come from our partners – and there's no greater compliment."

[05.38] OneRail's attendance at Manifest over the years, and the current conversations dominating the show, from AI to partnership.

"AI is the topic of the day. I don't want to say it's an over-used term, but we have to be specific. Is it AI-native, agentic AI or AI optimization?"

[07.51] How OneRail has evolved alongside their customers needs, the current landscape of last mile, and how the big factors impacting it are translating into challenges for businesses.

"Wholesalers have to solve problems further up in the order stream."

"When you have a start-up, you learn more about yourself as you grow. Our early positioning was last mile orchestration. That's not what we are any more. We're a transformation enabler for the whole order lifecycle."

[12.21] Visibility alone doesn't solve problems – why execution is key.

"Visibility is a great thing, there's a lot of growth from a tech standpoint. But the industry is looking at visibility and saying: 'Now what?'"

[14.39] Why visibility is only a starting point, how OneRail future-proofed their platform by building with AI from the ground up, and how companies should be using AI now.

[22.43] Why early AI investments aren't necessarily driving the expected outcomes, the importance of simplifying complex tech stacks, and why AI is making SaaS solutions work harder.

"There's a lot of experimentation, but it all comes back to working with solutions that are natively producing primary data. And you need to narrow your stack."

[25.34] Turning AI and visibility into outcomes.

"The problem is not having a clear vision of what the outcomes need to be… Be an expert in your outcomes. If you can't work backwards, I don't see how you can even implement an AI solution."

[26.58] How OneRail implemented an AI delivery support solution, where AI answered 41% of calls for faster customer response times and increased profitability, and the importance of finding the balance between people and technology.

[28.38] The opportunities for growth when you work with OneRail, how continuous improvement is critical to success, and why OneRail is putting a focus on profit-per-stop to turn transportation from cost center to revenue driver.

[33.11] Bill's advice for making your next steps with AI a success.

[36.40] The intersection of shopper marketing, payments and supply chain – what excites Bill about the future of the industry, and his predictions for 2026.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to OneRail's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Bill on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out:

496: AI-Powered, Human-Led – Discover the Future of Routing, with OneRail
481: Combine the Power of In-House and Outsourced Fleet Management, with OneRail
461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo
440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail
419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail
393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail
349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Jesscia Webb of ShipStation & Rachel McGarry of DHL Express talk about changing consumer behavior & how express shipping & new tech is shaping modern commerce.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.14] An introduction to Jessica and her role at ShipStation, and Rachel and her role at DHL Express.

[03.50] The evolution of the e-commerce market and the factors influencing it, from cost to consumer experience.

"The shopping experience for consumers has changed. Now shopping and shipping is the same."

[07.03] What ShipStation's recent report reveals about customer expectations for delivery, and how much they're willing to pay for premium and express shipping.

[09.18] How delivery speed translates to brand trust, credibility and reliability, and the online research consumers are willing to carry out to find the right shopping experience.

"If you don't have those options, the customer will go to another brand. Delivery options and speed are part of the full brand and shopping experience, starting at the checkout."

[11.50] Willingness to pay: when and where consumers typically expect free shipping, when they're happy to pay, and how much.

[16.52] How technology with ShipStation helps SMBs get visibility into buyer behavior around shipping choices.

[18.42] How SMBs can turn this data into customer insights to make smarter, more confident decisions.

[19.40] What ShipStation's report reveals about AI-mediated shopping, and how companies need to invest in AI if they want to get ahead of the game.

"80% of customers are already using some sort of AI chatbot for shopping or decision-making… So if that many people are willing to trust AI in their day-to-day life, it's something that e-commerce brands need to take seriously."

[21.54] Why AI and a lack of accurate data can undermine trust if done wrong.

"The fragility is in the data."

[23.05] How SBMs can compete, in a climate where margins are being squeezed from all angles, and what they can leverage as a differentiator instead of a focus on price.

"Having this data and understanding what customers are actually willing to pay for that premium delivery will help you keep those margins under control."

[24.36] The top three priorities for e-commerce businesses, the importance of testing solutions and measuring outcomes, and how you can focus on speed and convenience without sacrificing profitability.

[26.42] A case study exploring how one ShipStation customer leveraged the rate shopping feature to multiply operations x3 in peak season without adding headcount, whilst another was able to expand into new regions and create new revenue streams.

[30.59] What 2026 is going to bring for the industry and ShipStation.

"There's a lot of uncertainty, but with that shift there's such incredible areas of opportunity for carriers and technologies to unite in a way that's really meaningful."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to ShipStation's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ShipStation and keep up to date with the latest over on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram, or you can connect with Jessica or Rachel on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Jeffrey Elder of Delta Air Lines & Derreck Travers of SmartKargo talk about DeliverDirect & combining speed, tech & simplicity for the best shipping experience.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.06] An introduction to Derreck and SmartKargo.

[02.33] An overview of DeliverDirect – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"We're an alternative delivery network… We're pulling different carriers together, with Delta as the middle mile."

[05.47] The ideal client for DeliverDirect.

[06.54] Why speed is a top priority for e-commerce businesses, the challenge of balancing speed and cost, and how DeliverDirect's network helps tackle that.

"The most successful e-commerce companies have strategies focused on serving the customer with speed. But the challenge retailers have is that speed often comes with a cost."

[09.28] How Delta partnered with SmartKargo to create DeliverDirect, specifically to tackle shipper's key pain points from predictability to pricing.

"It's January, you've planned the year and know the numbers you have to execute to. And then, a few weeks later, someone upgrades 1,000 zip codes to the next zone, and all your rates increase… For shippers, it makes it really difficult to plan – and we're talking about big dollars."

[13.01] How Delta recognized its own limitations when wanting to enter the small package delivery business, what they were looking for in a partner, and how and why they chose SmartKargo.

"Innovation is important for Delta, but recognizing what we do well, and what we don't do well, has also been very important. That's how things really came together."

[15.51] A closer look at how the solution works, from pickup to doorstep.

[19.40] The technology that powers DeliverDirect, and how businesses can customize their solution with add-on features.

[21.36] What integration, communication and customer relationships look like with DeliverDirect.

"Lots of service providers are trying to reduce cost, and they're making things self service. We've gone out of our way to do the opposite. We're very integrated and engaged with customers."

[23.55] The biggest benefits revealed from DeliverDirect's recent customer survey.

[27.18] How DeliverDirect is helping businesses reduce cost and make sustainability progress.

[28.30] A case study exploring how DeliverDirect helped a small retailer optimize delivery, with cost in mind, to reduce delivery speed by days and enhance customer satisfaction.

[32.55] Jeffrey and Derreck's predictions for the year ahead, and what they'll be focusing on at DeliverDirect.

"It's a great time to be a shipper, but there will be a capacity crunch… There's a lot of players in this business now. There's going to be a lot of pressure put on businesses to be viable and profitable. And I worry that customer experience is going to suffer as a result."

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Chris Hamley of Brecham Group talks about setting projects up for success; asking better questions; why implementation isn't the end; & progress NOT perfection.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.01] An introduction to Chris and Brecham Group.

"Too many organizations focus on perfection. Really, our goal is to suck less. It's to get better, change how you think about the way you do business, and evolve every day."

[06.25] Why technology projects fail: the problem with people, why we need to define what failure actually looks like, and the experience that taught Chris to ask better questions.

"Too often it's not that the project was a failure, but it's that it didn't achieve the success that was expected… And the degree of that is defined by: how well did we talk and understand what we were doing – and were we ready for it?"

[12.10] The importance of diving deep, before you even start a project, and how mismatched expectations and project failures can be prevented by having better conversations.

"It's more than asking better questions, it's having better conversations. Because when you're asking a question, you're looking for an answer… How do you give a conversation prompt instead of a yes or no? That uncovers the detail."

[17.06] From a lack of shared language to rigidity in project structures, why customers don't ask the right questions or have the right conversations up front.

"People have a fear, because they don't always have that breadth of knowledge, of asking questions that make them look stupid. I've never suffered from that!"

[21.34] The key questions businesses should ask potential partners at the beginning of any new project.

[24.10] Chris's advice for facilitating better communication between client and vendor.

"You've got to come without ego or fear about what you do or don't know… Hear about what other people have done to be successful, and learn from it."

[26.11] How companies can keep positive communication going over time, and why the 'course-correcting' part of a project is more important than the 'go-live.'

"There's a misnomer that implementation is the end of a project – in reality it's maybe 60%. Then it becomes: what did we expect on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis, how do we expect the results to change, what will adoption look like... And that's a joint conversation."

[31.06] Whether striving for perfection is ever realistic.

"If you had a static environment where everything was the same every single day, you could probably be perfect at it. But I don't know where that exists."

[32.12] The impact created when companies do ask the right questions and have better conversations with their partners.

"It's about value realization. We all have financial or performance objectives we're trying to hit. When we have better conversations… it ultimately allows you to achieve the overall result faster."

[37.51] What businesses need to be thinking about now to prepare for success in 2027.

[38.59] Teaser alert: news on a brand new project partnership between Brecham and Let's Talk Supply Chain.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Head over to Brecham Group's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Brecham Group and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Brecham Group, check out 515: Experience Precision Supply Chain Operations, with Brecham Group or their live show Performance Paradox.

Find our other podcasts HERE.

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Stephen Dyke of FourKites talks about inbound logistics: fragmentation; manual work; data siloes; AI; & why the receiving dock is such an under-invested area.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.25] An introduction to Stephen, his background combining computing and supply chain and, as a self-confessed 'passionate practitioner,' what he loves about supply chain.

[07.05] An overview of FourKites – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"Over the last five years, we've really become a supply chain orchestration control tower… and embedded persona-based AI agents."

[10.33] Why 2026 MIT research found that fragmented inbound logistics is still wreaking havoc across organizations, what that fragmentation typically looks like, the big impacts coming from it, and what that all means for businesses.

"On average, a common inbound operation can have anywhere between six and eight different internal applications that teams need to be able to plan and execute against. That's created siloes… and fragmentation naturally spirals."

[14.38] Why the transfer of data is central to the issue of fragmentation and siloes, the core business disciplines that need access to historically logistics-owned data, and how they're actually getting it.

"Data is everywhere… But it's not distilled and harmonized into one connected language."

[19.41] The type of manual work inbound teams are still doing daily, the problem with human validation, and why a shift from reactive to proactive action is critical.

[22.31] From manual status updates and delay notifications to document processing, what supplier communication typically looks like and why it's so hard.

"Since EDI, every operational team has been chasing standardization, compliance and reliability. But there's not going to be a perfect standard format, a perfect technology."

[24.47] The first thing you should do if your inbound process still runs on spreadsheets and phone calls, and why transformation and innovation is more than just an operational benefit.

"Qualify and quantify the level of pain, challenges and tolerance that you have across the whole execution ecosystem."

"I've never been around an operational team that doesn't look for that thrill of modernizing – there's a great mental and emotional benefit that comes from trying to drive ones destiny forward."

[30.13] Why the receiving dock and yard don't get as much attention as areas like outbound delivery, and the business cost of not looking at them equally.

[33.02] The power of AI within your ecosystem, and how it can change the way teams make decisions.

"When AI is placed within the broader supply chain planning and execution capability, a lot of great opportunities arise."

[37.05] The key tenants of gold standard inbound logistics, and the potential benefits from achieving it.

[40.27] The one thing listeners should take away from this conversation.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED Head over to FourKite's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with FourKites and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from FourKites, check out 235: Use Real-Time Visibility To Transform Your Entire Supply Chain, with FourKites.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Darin Brannan talks about Terminal Industries & what they do; building the industry's only Yard Operating System; & reinventing the future of logistics.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.25] An introduction to Darin, his background, the recipe for business success that led to the founding of Terminal, and why Top Gun might just have inspired his University degree.

"I started, deep in Silicon Valley, as a VC investing in start-ups. And there was a point at which it looked like it could be more fun across the table as an entrepreneur, taking big ideas and revolutionizing the industry."

[08.59] What Darin has learned from advising and investing in companies at the intersection of AI, logistics, and vertical SaaS, and the power of being AI native.

"These businesses are disruptive. We're delivering products that are 10 to 20 times the capabilities of the market, at half to one third of the price, with one third of the deployment time, that are three times easier to use."

[12.39] The big inhibitors to success in the yard logistics market, why SaaS doesn't work, and an overview of Terminal Industries – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"There's been a massive adoption problem with technology in the yard logistics sector. It's a headscratcher given it represents a third of all supply chain movement! Why is yard logistics such a laggard?"

"We're on a bold mission to make goods flow better, faster, cheaper and cleaner every single day. It will help businesses thrive, and consumers live better."

[17.18] Why Terminal is 'not a typical start-up,' and why a commitment to co-creation with industry sets them apart.

[21.18] The ideal customer for Terminal Industries.

[23.36] The biggest challenges in yards right now, and how the issue of yard blindness and fragmentation is creating big problems downstream.

[27.32] How Terminal reinvented a customer's yard logistics and reduced check-in time from 14 minutes to 34 seconds, which in turn had a transformative downstream effect in the warehouse, and a closer look at the modular, configurable, AI-native yard operating system that makes it possible.

"It was designed with industry titans for high velocity complex sites all the way down to mini sites… And it's end-to-end, which is unlike any system in the market."

"Fancy tech is great, but it's all about solving problems in an economical way."

[34.16] The difference between a Yard Operating System and a Yard Management System, and why the Yard Operating System is the future of logistics.

"The minute a new transformational wave comes out, the incumbents say 'we're just going to bolt that on.' Within the last 12 months, every SaaS company has said they're agentic. But 99% of them are just bolting a chatbot onto their system."

[41.00] A case study detailing how Terminal helped a big customer, that was losing 15% of their gate and yard capacity leading to big costs and downstream impacts, improve throughput and accuracy, boost gate capacity, reduce costs and improve employee experience, delivering three to six times ROI within 12 months.

"A lot of what we sell is change management. How do you go from how you did things in the past to how you're going to do them in the future? It has to make people's day better and make them champions, and have a real cost benefit – not in three years, but in 12 months."

[47.01] Terminal's focus for 2026, and the next big transformation they're driving for yard logistics in the future.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Terminal Industry's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Terminal and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) or YouTube, or you can connect with Darin on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Alexia Vitali of Colibri S&OP talks about what they do; why most mid‑market companies still run on Excel; & making planning simple, collaborative & impactful.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.55] An introduction to Alexia and her journey moving from Europe to Canada to build Colibri's American presence.

"It's a bit like building a company inside a company… so the beginning was just about listening to planners and supply chain teams."

[06.37] An overview of Colibri S&OP – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers – and what makes them different.

"Our co-founders were used to implementing solutions like Colibri, but they were so tired of long implementations and never-ending projects..."

[10.19] The ideal customer for Colibri S&OP.

"It's not really the size that matters – it's the mindset."

[11.41] The biggest macro and micro challenges Colibri regularly see with their customers in 2026, and how their technology helps address these issues.

"We're seeing market volatility, margin pressure, supplier disruptions, and shorter decision cycles."

[16.17] What ROI looks like for Colibri customers, and why it goes deeper than simply cost savings.

[18.51] With 80% of mid‑market companies still running their S&OP on Excel, why businesses need to make a change, and Excel's key limitations.

"Excel is great! It's flexible, familiar. But it's great for what it was built for – and planning isn't what it was built for."

[22.53] Despite the challenges with Excel, why most of that 80% think they're 'not ready' for a planning tool, and the common misconceptions and fears Colibri often see around the alternatives, from failure to security.

"A lot of times people are traumatized by previous ERP implementations that went wrong!!"

[26.43] How Colibri are leveraging simulation to help organizations build better supply chain strategies and understand their business-wide impacts.

[29.58] A closer look at Colibri's supply and demand planning solutions – how they work, what teams can do with them, and what they look like versus Excel.

[33.38] How Colibri solutions can make people's jobs simpler and more collaborative, and drive impactful results at a business level.

"Everyone is working better together, but also better by themselves."

[37.52] Why AI is changing supply chain planning, but not in the way many people expected.

[40.10] A case study exploring how Colibri helped a cosmetics brand still using Excel, despite an international network and high complexity, reduce time spent on planning from 3 days to 3 hours, improve accuracy and service levels, and streamline processes.

[44.00] Alexia's final words of advice

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Colibri S&OP's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Colibri S&OP and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Alexia on LinkedIn.

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Trace Haggard of TSG Fleet talks about the freight downturn; what 2026 will bring; converting what you already own into opportunity; & building partnerships.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.07] A re-introduction to Trace and TSG Fleet.

[05.07] An overview of the prolonged freight recession: where it started, the factors driving it, and the impact on the industry.

"During the pandemic, the smartest brains in the industry were saying: "It's ecommerce forever, now!" We were proven wrong again, and fleets took another big hit. They had to pull back, but had all this equipment. There were more trucks, trailers, and containers than there was freight to move."

[09.14] Why businesses weren't prepared for just how long the freight recession has lasted.

[11.54] What the freight recession has meant for TSG Fleet, and how it led Trace to look at his business in a different way to review what was and wasn't working, and pivot.

"We lost track of what we were founded on."

[19.28] The evolution of technology in fleet management, and what TSG's investment in maintenance and repair visibility solutions means for customers.

[24.58] How TSG converted what they already own into their next big opportunity, why communication and collaboration is critical, and the importance of challenging the status quo to position for the future and identify new opportunities, without huge investments in time and money.

"It all starts with constant communication with our customers, and always being willing to collaborate."

[27.52] TSG's approach to creating impactful, long-lasting strategic partnerships.

"The key is to talk less and listen more!"

[31.25] Trace's advice for other businesses, looking at their operations in a tough landscape, for how to start identifying opportunities to pivot.

"Figuring out 'how did we get here?' was the eye-opener for me."

[33.33] What businesses with aging assets need to do next to keep their fleet moving, when budgets and new equipment availability are tight and replacement lead times are long.

[36.30] The future for TSG Fleet, and what we can expect from the market in 2026.

"There's been a huge surge in volumes in domestic freight. Usually, when the tide changes and we're on an upward swing, we see a lot more port activity and we haven't seen that yet. But that could be tariff uncertainty. I'm optimistic."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to TSG Fleet's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TSG and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Trace on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from TSG Fleet, check out 431: Fleet Logistics Made Easy, with TSG Fleet.

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Aadil Kazmi of Infios talks about purposeful innovation; intelligent execution; tech readiness; and turning AI into measurable business outcomes.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.14] An introduction to Aadil, and an overview of Infios.

"Supply chains run best when operators can execute them on a single stack."

[03.20] How Aadil's experience at Amazon sparked an entrepreneurial journey that ultimately led him to Infios.

"When retailers and shippers offered faster shipping to their end customers, cart values and repeat rates went through the roof. That led me deep into supply chain..."

[05.17] Aadil's focus in his role as Head of AI, what excites him, and what keeps him up at night.

"We're using our own tools internally to produce what our customers will eventually use."

[08.32] What purposeful innovation means to Infios, and the big unlock that happened three years ago that changed the game for AI.

"We partner with customers to develop only use case driven AI workflows."

"Purposeful innovation is looking at what workflows within our business depend on unstructured data and reasoning, and focusing on those for AI automation... Not everything is a fit for Gen AI."

[12.08] What AI agents mean in the context of supply chain, how they're being used now, and how we can understand automation through a three-level phased framework.

[15.31] How AI agents compare to traditional automation, and how businesses can decide which is the right fit for each challenge or workflow.

"When companies embark on their automation journey, they should start with the highest leverage ROI workflows that have the lowest risk factor."

[19.15] The challenge of organizational debt, and leaning into AI readiness by connecting people's tribal knowledge to contextualize AI decision-making.

[21.41] How Infios are meeting customers where they are to overcome technology debt with intelligent orchestration.

[24.55] What Aadil's Executive Roundtable at Manifest uncovered about intelligent supply chain, and how to get the most from AI adoption.

"You can't just throw AI at a problem… The best way to adopt AI is to actually pull the workflow and, from a first principles perspective, re-engineer it from the ground up to be AI native."

[28.31] Why technology readiness is still a big constraint on connected execution, and why AI ambition is yet to meet execution reality.

[29.23] How businesses can move toward intelligent connected supply chain execution to turn purposeful AI into business outcomes, and how to measure success.

[33.17] What teams should do now as they plan for the year ahead.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Infios, check out 520: Enter the New Era of Supply Chain Management, with Infios.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Don Durm of PLM Fleet talks about what they do; maximizing fleet flexibility; cold supply chain challenges; & leveraging trailer telematics for success.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.30] An overview of PLM Fleet and how they help their customers, and an introduction to Don and his 30+ year career, from law enforcement to supply chain.

"We breathe cold chain!.. We help people manage risk, save time and money, and make big decisions."

[08.58] PLM's 'personalized lifecycle management approach,' and what their consultative problem identification, solution development, onboarding and integration process typically looks like.

"We work backwards to your service promises and cost targets. The challenge in the leasing world is that companies out there ask customers to live in their world, the financial world… We have a more holistic approach."

[14.25] From regulatory pressures to tariffs, the biggest challenges for PLM and their customers in the cold supply chain.

"We're in the midst of a great freight recession."

[18.55] Why OEM lead times for trailers and TRUs are increasingly stretched, the factors driving the delays, and how they impact refrigerated fleets and their strategies to scale and replace assets.

"Trailers have never been older than they are today. And, when a trailer gets that old, things start to break – expensive things."

"My message to the industry: put your orders in now!"

[24.21] How PLM's flexible rental and leasing solutions help customers right-size or stabilize their fleets, particularly in an environment where OEM availability is tight and demand cycles are fluctuating.

[28.07] The regulatory changes reducing the number of drivers on the road, the impacts PLM anticipate in the cold chain, and how they can help.

"Once the impact fully hits, capacity will tighten up. Fleets that were working on tighter margins, and utilizing these drivers, will start to go out of business."

[32.32] PLM's ColdLink and TrustLink technology-enabled solutions, and how they're leveraging trailer telematics to deliver results for customers.

"Don't manage the 150 trailers you've got out by looking at 150. Manage the one you've got a problem with – set your exceptions… People do what you inspect, not what you expect."

[38.13] How PLM use telematics to track emissions.

[39.25] A selection of case studies exploring how PLM help clients reduce carbon, save fuel, and reduce costs with their solutions, from a shift to electric vehicles to old-to-new replacement.

"Nobody goes green until it pays green."

[43.53] Don's final words of advice.

"This period of time is all about managing risk. Do you really want to put your money into an asset that's going to depreciate immediately?"

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to PLM Fleet's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with PLM Fleet and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube or Facebook, or you can connect with Don on LinkedIn.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get: 10% off a rental order with PLM Fleet until March 31. Quote PLM Rental LTSC.

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Carlos Perico of ProcureAbility talks about supply chain resilience in 2026; tariffs & disruption; supplier relationships; & key strategies for the future.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.47] An introduction to Carlos, and how his international experiences helped shape his career.

"I'm passionate about travel, culture, food – and my career has supported that... My career has been very relationship driven, and that international exposure has helped me tremendously."

[07.40] An overview of ProcureAbility – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[09.11] The current landscape of ongoing disruption, the biggest industry challenges in 2026, and Carlos's advice to help businesses stay on top.

"Change is the only constant… We're getting more resilient – because of practice! But the impact is real."

[15.16] What supply chain resilience really means in 2026, the power of strategic partnerships, and the importance of traceability.

"It means knowing your risk and how you can manage it. And it implies you understand there's disruption ahead – in supply chain, we can't be naïve… 'Things will change and I need to adapt' should be your operational model."

"You need to have strategic partners. You need to understand your supply chain… Can we invest together, share information, co-create so we're more agile together?.. It's in our best interests to work closely, but that doesn't come easy."

[26.20] What ProcureAbility's recent survey, in partnership with ProcureCon, reveals about the biggest challenges in 2026, and how supply chain leaders are navigating impacts from disruptions to shortages.

[32.18] With tariff instability set to continue in 2026, how the issue interplays with other core industry challenges.

"There's a lot more cost. But that hasn't completely translated to the consumer… The market was expecting it to be worse. That tells me that the middle guy is the one absorbing that, and CEO's are hoping they can ride the wave. That's not sustainable."

[35.36] How equipped organizations actually are to adapt to tariff instability.

"The lack of visibility is the biggest risk."

[38.01] Changing supplier relationships: what organizations now expect from their suppliers, whether or not suppliers are actually meeting those expectations, and why it's crucial to remember that the best client-supplier relationships are two-way.

[44.03] The next steps listeners should take to navigate disruption and resilience in 2026.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to ProcureAbility's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcureAbility and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Carlos on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from ProcureAbility, check out 462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility.

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Tim Nagy of Samsara talks about tech & AI: what workers really think; agility; retaining talent; & shifting from reactive to predictive road safety & logistics.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.41] An introduction to Tim, his role as a sales engineer, and a reminder of how Samsara helps their customers.

"You get two different kinds of engineers: the kind who don't really want to be out in the field talking to customers, they do the coding and product development. And then you get my team, who love to be out there. We get to see a lot of different tech, and a lot of different businesses!"

[04.34] The biggest conversations happening at Manifest 2026, are about the impact of AI across the industry.

"There's a lot of talk about the impact of AI on supply chain and operations."

[06.59] How Samsara can monitor real-time issues, from weather to driver behavior, to help businesses shift from reactive to predictive road safety and logistics.

"Our job is to prevent accidents before they happen and AI, tech in general, is making that possible now. We're able to detect when a driver is becoming drowsy… and tell the driver to pull over."

[09.56] Samsara's recent advert at the Super Bowl, and their first celebrity coaching avatar.

[11.42] How Samsara see workers thinking about technology and AI, and a real-world example of driver feedback on Samsara solutions.

[14.33] How technology and AI can help businesses attract and retain talent, and Samsara's success with the gamification of driver safety.

"Driver churn is a big issue, it's hard to keep people employed and happy in a role that can be physically challenging and difficult… When you make their lives easier, it makes the world of difference."

[17.41] The continuing problem of data siloes, how Samsara are helping bridge the gap, and why that's so important.

"Companies have data in many different systems – even in physical operations, it's not uncommon for us to speak to people who have more than 10 systems just for transportation. And when data exists in different environments, it's almost impossible to make any correlations between it – even with AI."

[22.01] Why unification is so important, and how siloes prevent the success of new technology projects.

[23.31] The role of technology in supply chain agility.

[25.56] From routing efficiency to idling reduction, how sustainable decisions can also be leveraged for cost savings.

"A big part of environmental responsibility comes from using fuel efficiently, but right now it's surprising how many vehicles are still idling in supply chain fleets… If you take control of idling you can really drive down cost, and help the environment."

[28.48] The big challenges and opportunities for Samsara customers and the industry over the next year.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out episode 524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara.

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Quinn Nelson of Reveel & Tony Villanova of Paccurate talk about the 2026 General Rate Increase; the current parcel shipping landscape; & keeping costs down.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.16] An introduction to Quinn, his background, and role at Reveel.

[02.49] An introduction to Tony, his 25-year industry career, and role at Paccurate.

[04.23] The current parcel shipping landscape, and the key industry factors that have led us here.

"Carriers are incredibly focused on generating revenue, specifically increasing the revenue per shipment of all packages in their network."

[06.09] The 2026 GRI, why it looks different to previous years, and why it's more important than ever to have strong transportation technology and packaging partnerships.

"Although the increase is that same 5.9% we've seen historically, the carriers are actually moving to non-stop pricing changes throughout the course of the year… They're coming with a 'death by a thousand cuts' mentality."

[11.52] The changes carriers have made to target large and inefficient packages in their network, and how good data visibility and packaging can help mitigate these price increases.

"Carriers are narrowing their ideal package profile, as much as they're trying to narrow in on their ideal customer, to get those inefficient packages out of the network."

[16.57] The 'what, where, and how' of solving problems with data visibility, the power of continuous improvement in partnership, and how data visibility and packaging optimization solutions can work in tandem to drive results.

"The improvement is cyclical… It doesn't matter which way the data is coming, we feed each other."

[19.50] Why it's typically been so difficult to make changes to packaging, and how Paccurate makes it easier.

"Packaging touches everything – warehouse layouts, automation, labor… But not many companies have packaging engineers that can look at this dynamically. So you end up static."

[24.38] How improved transportation data visibility is helping businesses identify and realize opportunities for cost saving, and the power of negotiation capital.

[28.51] Why transportation networks are like onions, and how 'peeling back the layers' can help you fully understand your costs and the underlying reasons for them.

[30.20] Where AI will have the greatest impact on the transportation data visibility and optimization space.

"The transportation industry is really well situated to get a lot out of AI."

[32.07] How a combination of real-time data, agility, and packaging optimization can bring a real competitive advantage.

"We're in such a rampantly changing environment. Every day there's something new. So using technology solutions and data visibility to stay on top of what's changing allows you to be a proactive shipper instead of a reactive one."

"An educated shipper is a carrier's worst nightmare."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Reveel's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reveel and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Quinn or Tony on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Reveel, check out:

474: Leverage Data-Driven Optimization to Mitigate Tariffs, with Reveel
453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco
357: Leverage the Power of Shipping Intelligence, with Reveel

You can also hear more from Paccurate: 297: Make Smarter Packing Decisions, with Paccurate.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Troy Shen of Cervo AI talks about what they do; simplifying customs, compliance & tariffs; people & tech; & how Cervo is changing the narrative for startups.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.28] An introduction to Troy, his background, and how the U.S.-China trade war – and the power and fragility of global trade – ultimately inspired him to build Cervo AI.

"My Dad came to the US with $50 in his pocket, and the American Dream."

[06.21] Why logisticians are tired of being burned by tech start-ups, the impact on trust across the industry, and what sets Cervo apart.

"With every wave of innovation, there are many companies that over-promise and only a few that actually deliver on those promises."

"Ultimately, building a world-class solution in this industry isn't achieved by just being good at the technology or just having the domain expertise. It really requires a combination of tech expertise and an obsession with the problem space."

[08.00] The range of business ecosystems across the industry, from digital-first to manual and paper-based.

[09.48] An overview of Cervo AI – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[10.30] The ideal customer for Cervo AI.

[12.25] What the current customs landscape means for forwarders and brokers and, from tariffs to compliance, the biggest challenges making an impact right now.

"It's a crazy time in the customs world. Entries that used to take minutes can now take hours or even days because of the constantly-changing complexity… And this introduces more compliance risk, which creates further downstream cost for both customs brokers and forwarders."

[14.19] How Cervo AI are helping to give control back to their customers in this complex, changeable landscape.

"Teams can process three to four times more entries on the customs side or they can save about 30 minutes per shipment on the operations side."

[17.16] The balance between people and technology as AI replaces manual work, what the human side of logistics is going to look like, and the Japanese principle that guides the team at Cervo.

[19.39] The problem with change management, and Troy's advice for leaders looking to drive change and build AI-enhanced operations that actually make an impact.

"AI isn't the right fit for every company today. But the biggest barrier is rarely the technology. It's often the internal alignment within the organization."

[23.16] A case study detailing how Cervo AI helped a key customer achieve over 80% reduction in manual processing time with over 95% accuracy and position for a longer-term transformation, and why AI is a service enhancer, not a detractor.

[25.27] What the integration and onboarding process looks like with Cervo AI, for both technology and operations.

"It's about being a partner, not just a vendor."

[27.44] Cervo's predictions and focus areas for 2026.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Cervo AI's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Cervo AI and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Troy on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Valentina Jordan of Nauta talks about what they do; making data simple & actionable; being AI-native; & going beyond visualization to modernize execution.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.01] An introduction to Valentina, her background, and how she came to co-found Nauta.

"I really enjoy working and building with technology and engineers – and what's more exciting than building in supply chain, one of the biggest industries in the world?"

[03.04] An overview of Nauta – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"We're seeing a lot of companies and initiatives around AI, but the reality is that most people still don't talk enough about the foundations. And the foundation of all of it is data."

[04.40] The ideal client for Nauta.

[05.26] What it means to be AI-native, and the power in having solutions that are built with AI from the ground up.

"For us it's a mindset. It's understanding that the world has evolved, and in order to build scaleably, test fast, and capture a company's context, you need to choose and use the tech that's available – and right now, that's AI."

[06.56] Why shippers still spend most of their time in emails and Excel, and how Nauta capture and unify that disparate data.

[07.37] Why operations are still 63% manual, and why it's so important to leverage technology to support the transactional nature of supply chain.

"Our operators are working for technology, the technology isn't working for them. The tech stacks they have are systems of record, and there's nothing more transactional than supply chain."

[08.20] How Nauta brings all data sources together through integrations and stakeholder connections and centralizes it in an AI context engine.

[09.28] The importance of timely decision-making, and how Nauta leverages their understanding of the day-to-day life of operators to remove noise, add value, and turn visibility into action.

"If it drives me as crazy as my phone, it won't work!"

[12.20] What decision latency means for businesses, how Nauta can help with both cost savings and revenue generation through automation, and why a top down approach to change management is critical to success.

[14.16] Why companies are leaving money on the table if they don't go beyond visualization to modernize execution.

[14.59] How Nauta is helping customers decrease complexity and turn data chaos into clarity, to tell clear business stories.

"We help our clients get to know themselves inside out. Everyone understands how their high level operations work, but what tells the story of a company is their data."

[17.38] A case study exploring how Nauta helped a client spending $30,000 per day on penalties dig deeper to understand and solve the real issues behind the cost.

[20.53] The future for Nauta.

[22.20] Valentina's experience at Manifest, and what it says about supply chain in 2026.

"It's a celebration that the industry is growing… It's looking for change, it's ready to adapt, and we need to stop seeing supply chain as an antiquated industry that isn't ready for transformation."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Nauta's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Nauta and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Valentina on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Paula Natoli of Google Cloud talks about 2026 supply chain challenges & opportunities; AI & data; and what teams can do now to build a better tomorrow.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.20] An introduction to Paula and her decades-long supply chain career.

[06.15] The single biggest mindset shift supply chain leaders need to make this year to stay ahead of the curve.

"2026 is going to be a pivot point... Decades ago our brains, as supply chain professionals, were wired to solve for least cost… But now it's not just a cost center mentality… It's a mindset shift that has exploded into a new foundational element that gets away from traditional siloed thinking, and moves us into a value creation model."

[10.39] Why organizations need to move past a focus on resilience, the next frontier for competitive advantage, and how Google Cloud is guiding leaders to think beyond just surviving disruptions.

"The move from just efficiency to overall agility becomes key."

[13.42] Why companies are still struggling to turn data into action, and how Google Cloud helps bridge the gap.

"We're not short of data! We're capturing and storing data at crazy amounts but, as organizations, we still haven't fully unlocked the value associated with that."

[17.18] The role of technology, particularly AI and data, in helping companies meet aggressive sustainability goals, and why achieving a unified data platform is critical.

[20.52] Why powering its own global supply chain is a big advantage for Google, and how it informs customer conversations around making their operations more resilient, efficient, and sustainable.

"It establishes a level of proven solutions and credibility."

[23.31] The multi-layered approach that sets Google Cloud apart and makes them the ideal partner for companies dealing with immense complexity.

"It's the full stack that allows us to work with customers wherever they are on their AI journey."

[27.21] How Google Cloud is making powerful AI and analytics tools accessible to the everyday supply chain planner or logistics operator.

"It's really being democratized. This AI is being injected into the tools and technologies that supply chain professionals and frontline workers are using every day."

[30.26] Beyond faster insights, how Agentic AI is fundamentally changing how supply chain teams interact with their data and systems.

"We're moving from a passive level to actually executing things… Don't just tell me what my options are. Find the right option, and execute it."

[34.05] As AI takes on more of the analytical heavy lifting, how the role of the human supply chain professional is going to evolve, and the new skills that will be most valuable in 2026 and beyond.

[36.07] Paula's one piece of advice for C-Suite Leaders and Chief Supply Chain Officers who want to build a truly AI-driven, future-ready supply chain.

[39.54] The combination of emerging technologies that will have the biggest impact on supply chains in the next five years.

[41.09] The one thing every supply chain professional needs to do differently today to start building a better supply chain.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Google Cloud's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Google Cloud and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) or YouTube, or you can connect with Paula on LinkedIn.

If you want to hear more from Google, check out 507: Logistics Providers: Ready For An AI-First Approach? Then Discover Your Biggest Opportunity, with Google Cloud.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Kiren Sekar of Samsara talks about what they do; data, AI and unification; improving driver safety; and cutting costs whilst boosting engagement.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [3.19] An introduction to Kiren, his background, and why supply chain is a big opportunity to make an impact.

"What's always motivated me is solving hard technical problems that have big impact in the world."

[07.16] How the Samsara founding teams' vision, that sensors and software could impact the world of physical operations at a global scale, led them to establish Meraki and ultimately Samsara.

[11.23] An overview of Samsara, and how they helped DHL cut asset-related costs by approximately 49% and put a clear focus on driver safety.

"We saw, across the industry, that keeping folks safe out on the road was becoming a bigger and bigger challenge, and the cost of accidents was getting higher and higher."

[15.40] The role of habits in change management, and why leading consumer apps have played a key role in Samsara's product design.

"Strava, Duolingo… There's really effective ways these apps can change habits. Gamification, leaderboards, friendly competition, rewards… We've built those types of experiences into our product."

[18.44] The ideal customer for Samsara.

[20.59] From safety to efficiency, the common challenges Samsara customers are looking to solve, and why digitization is their critical opportunity.

"We now have a digitally native set of leaders at many of these companies. They have all the cutting edge technology in their personal life… and they want to be at the forefront."

[25.36] What the discovery, solution development, onboarding and integration process looks like with Samsara, and why being flexible and fast-to-value is key.

[29.51] How the Samsara platform allows teams to run all operations from one place, and the big benefits to unification.

"It starts with unified data. Historically there were technologies for driver safety, GPS tracking, compliance, digital documents – and they were all siloed… You end up with fragmentation and complexity. It doesn't work, and it doesn't scale."

"Collaboration is a fundamentally human thing. But it's really inhibited when each person has a different view of the world."

[34.33] How Samsara Intelligence leverages AI to drive impact for customers.

[38.55] A case study exploring how Samsara helped Mohawk improve driver safety and reduce miles driven, and how the technology changed their relationship with drivers.

"It translates to bottom line savings and increases driver engagement, which turns into lower turnover and vacancies."

[40.50] The future for Samsara, and why data is helping them build solutions that were previously impossible.

"There are still so many unsolved problems in the world of operations. And we're still in the early days of how technology can improve safety, efficiency and sustainability."

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Duncan Angove of Blue Yonder talks about supply chain in 2026 and beyond; AI; & how businesses can get out of testing mode and lean into scalable innovation.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.52] An introduction to Duncan, his background and career journey, and what has always interested him about technology.

"I'm lucky to have lived through multiple computing transitions, and I always loved the idea that you could leverage technology and code to solve problems."

[07.55] The biggest challenges and opportunities for 2026, and why businesses need to step back and look at the bigger picture.

"Disruption and complexity is business as usual in supply chain… So we don't get hung up on how you're going to solve for tariffs. You need to have a systemic approach to being more agile, resilient and efficient all the time."

[12.54] From the importance of change management to putting a focus on building trust, how organizations are adjusting to a new reality of near-constant disruption and emerging technologies.

"There's a lot of experimentation, but not a lot of companies have crossed the chasm from pilot and sexy demo into production… The consequences of getting something wrong have huge business implications."

[18.20] How businesses can actually prepare for disruption.

"Fundamentally it's about speed and precision, and having a business and software architecture that enables that. Supply chain, historically, doesn't look like that."

[22.27] Blue Yonder's long-term vision for transforming global supply chains, and how technology is shaping that future.

[26.06] The biggest roadblocks right now with AI integration and adoption, and why supply chain sits in a unique position bridging the digital and physical worlds.

"The worst people to innovate in a category are experts."

[30.47] How businesses can get out of testing mode and lean into scalable innovation.

"Helping people understand and manage their data is step one."

[32.59] How Blue Yonder has combined multiple types of AI to create new solutions for retailers, practical examples of that AI in action, and why complete automation is the ultimate end goal.

[39.13] What truly sets an organization apart as innovative.

[41.49] What leaders should be doing and thinking about now to position for the future.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Blue Yonder's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blue Yonder and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Duncan on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out:

516: Innovation, Transformation, and Modern Supply Chains, with Blue Yonder
497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder
434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder
417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder
503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Tariq Choudry of Amazon Web Services talks about why AI pilots still fail, cyber risk, decisions over dashboards, & why AI will replace heroics, not humans.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.13] An introduction to Tariq, his background, and role at AWS.

"I spend my time thinking about how we move from software that explains problems to software that actually solves them at scale."

[06.18] Why AI will replace heroics, not humans.

"Supply chains are held together by caffeine, guilt, that one person that hasn't had a vacation since 2019. There are a lot of late nights and Slack war rooms, and there are groups of people that have the entire network in their hands. That's extremely fragile – and not scalable."

[10.10] Why so many AI pilots still fail, what's going wrong with both technology and people, and the big problem with incentive and blame culture.

"Pilots don't fail because the underlying model is bad. They fail because the organizations are very good at protecting how decisions are currently made. Companies are saying they want AI – but only if nothing important changes."

"If all you're doing is trying to determine what failed, why, and who's to blame, you've missed the point."

[15.30] How businesses can incorporate new capabilities and integrate them into their existing systems and workflows, and use agentic AI to surface the need for critical decisions earlier when there's more time and optionality.

"Time is the one commodity you can't earn back… Use the agent to surface those weak signals earlier – that's when you still have options."

[21.17] From dashboards and Excel to tribal knowledge in our workflows, how AI is exposing organizational debt, and what that means for teams.

"You spend your time fighting the fires, and less time designing the new systems to prevent them."

[26.49] What does all of this means for planners?

"The best planners won't get replaced – they should be promoted!"

[30.43] Why cyber risk is now a supply chain problem, and how AI can helps teams navigate it.

"Your weakest supplier is your weakest point in your firewall."

[33.39] Why people want AI but don't trust it, and why trust is built from predictability.

"When humans make mistakes, over time we call that judgement. It comes from experience – that's a judgement call. But when AI makes that mistake, it's scandalous."

"Trust isn't perfection, it's predictability."

[38.37] Tariq's advice for how businesses can build trust in AI, prove predictability, and scale with confidence.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Amazon Web Service's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with AWS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Tariq on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Amazon Web Services, check out 489: Time To Swap Your Axe For A Chainsaw: The Power of Agentic AI or 519: Overcoming The Perfect Storm: Moving Beyond Basic Automation To Realize AI's Full Potential.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Ruth Rojas talks about her career journey; bridging the gap between frontline teams and supply chain tech; mentorship; & what drives her in her life & career.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.57] An introduction to Ruth and her company Tecsys.

[04.04] Ruth's early interest in engineering and how she chose her major.

[05.42] Why Ruth moved from Texas to New York, and her first industry job as a logistics coordinator.

"It taught me how to interact with different cultures… It was a very enriching experience and I'm so happy I found it at that moment, because I wasn't planning it."

[08.18] Ruth's experience at Canon, and how it allowed her to travel, learn and grow.

"I was offered my dream job. It involved diverse cultures and travel… It was a turning point for me."

[11.28] Ruth's current role as a Platinum Application Specialist at Tecsys.

"I get to talk to different people, from a CEO to a warehouse worker picking an order."

[13.32] An overview of the warehousing and distribution landscape right now, and the challenges impacting it.

[15.42] Ruth's role as the bridge between frontline operational teams and sophisticated supply chain technologies, her advice for other leaders looking to bridge that gap effectively, and why it's so important to let teams know they're not alone.

"Get into the frontline workers shoes! You can imagine… but if you don't go to the floor and actually see the warehouse space, the equipment they use, the tools they have available – you're not getting the real picture."

[19.08] What makes Ruth a workforce innovator, and why workforce innovation is key.

"It's all about adding value. And that can be as simple as having new ideas."

[20.26] How Ruth found her voice.

[21.35] Ruth's experience as a woman moving through engineering and logistics, and how these industries are changing for women.

[23.05] Ruth's experience of mentorship, why finding a mentor is crucial to success, and how to find one.

"Everybody should have a mentor – if you don't have one, get one!"

[26.52] What drives Ruth in her life and career, and her commitment to personal growth.

[28.50] The future for Ruth.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Ruth over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more female leaders at Tecsys, check out episodes 509: Women In Supply Chain™, Nermine Saad or 433: Women In Supply Chain™, Annie Torikian.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Beth Hendriks talks about Infios: what they do; intelligent supply chain execution; moving AI from hype to outcomes; & what 2026 will bring for the industry.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.33] An overview of Beth's 30-plus year career and how she learned to balance it with motherhood.

"I'm a mother of six, and that gave me a lot of skills to be effective in my everyday job… To balance challenges, to learn to prioritize, and how to have peace in the midst of chaos."

[06.07] An overview of Infios and what they do, and what their recent mergers and acquisitions mean for their customers.

"Being data-driven is crucial because, as we get into things like AI, it's only as good as the data that feeds it."

"For our customers, the acquisitions translate into broader functionality with less integration complexity, so they benefit from a more connected platform that allows them to align inventory, fulfilment and transportation decisions."

[08.57] The ideal customer for Infios.

[11.06] From poor visibility and slow decision-making to an inability to coordinate across channels, the common challenges Infios customers experience, and how Infios help to solve them by delivering tighter control over planning and execution through unification.

"Customers come to Infios when their operational complexity has outgrown either their existing systems or processes and is starting to impact from a cost, service level or scalability perspective."

"They want to run a more agile, efficient, resilient supply chain while keeping pace with ongoing disruption and growth."

[14.00] What 'intelligent supply chain execution' means, the benefits, and the impact it's driving for Infios customers.

[18.04] How Infios' modular technology helps tackle historical tech stack issues and support quicker testing, flexibility, and transformation.

"It ultimately results in a supply chain execution platform that evolves with the business, rather than constraining it, and it supports continuous improvement instead of periodic disruptive overhauls."

[22.23] Beth's perspective on AI in the current market, the gap between hype and reality, and how Infios is driving AI with purpose.

"Many organizations talk about AI in conceptual terms: 'AI is going to help transform my supply chain'… But, in practice, common challenges like fragmented data, legacy systems and unclear ROI means most are still in early stages of adoption."

"Hype around AI hasn't fully materialized into broad operational impact."

[27.00] A case study exploring how Infios helped a customer struggling with slow order-to-ship cycles and low inventory visibility by implementing an integrated stack that resulted in 70% fewer back orders, a 20% increase in customer satisfaction, and improved delivery accuracy as well as lowered inventory costs.

[30.42] Why Infios believe that the future can be better if we make supply chains better, and their vision for moving toward it.

"Supply chains quietly shape almost every aspect of modern life – people that aren't familiar with it don't even realize the impact it has."

[34.13] What 2026 is going to bring for the industry, and for Infios.

"2026 is going to be a year of practical AI adoption, tighter integration and smarter execution."

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Kris Orlowski of Amazon Web Services talks about their recent survey and what it reveals about data, trust, decision-making and AI readiness in supply chain.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.12] An introduction to Kris, his background, and his role at Amazon Web Services.

"A good part of my role right now, as we're continuing to innovate, is understanding what supply chain practitioners actually want and need."

[05.17] An overview of AWS – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[06.20] An overview of Amazon Web Services' recent industry survey, who they spoke to, and what they were trying to understand.

"We were really trying to understand the gap between aspiration and reality – because there's a lot of hype!"

[08.12] The challenges businesses are currently facing when it comes to data and decision-making.

"85% of supply chain teams take two or more weeks to resolve urgent issues… And it's partly because of the 'data gathering tax.'"

[14.14] From engaging in less strategic work to the creation of a risk aversion culture, the business impact of slow and inaccurate decision-making.

"When you spend your time firefighting, you're not doing strategic work."

"The cost of a delayed decision can exceed the cost of an imperfect one."

[17.20] The surprising results revealed by the AWS survey around how supply chain practitioners envision AI as part of their operations, and what the three-step 'execute, adapt, advise' approach could mean for businesses.

"Organizations are envisioning AI as an operational partner, not just a tool… An assistant that can work alongside them."

[21.21] The 'double barrier phenomenon' organizations see when trying to implement AI, and what those barriers to both adoption and utilization look like.

"57% said the top barrier to realizing AI's full potential was a limited understanding of its capabilities, followed by a lack of trust in AI recommendations."

"Organizations are buying AI technology, but they're not building AI readiness."

[27.17] What businesses are looking for to help them build trust in new technology and AI-powered decision-making.

[31.00] How vendors and developers should be thinking about partnership, trust and building the type of AI that businesses are actually looking for.

"There's a trust paradox. Organizations want AI that is simultaneously autonomous, but controllable; intelligent, but explainable; proactive, but compliant. The vendors that understand this will build AI that organizations actually use, not just purchase."

[35.02] The big opportunities for organizations that are able to make real strides in their decision-making, and how listeners can access the report.

[37.36] The survey results that surprised Kris most, and what they might mean for businesses and AI adoption.

[41.15] The practical next steps businesses can take to ensure their AI journeys are a success in 2026.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from AWS, check out 489: Time To Swap Your Axe For A Chainsaw: The Power of Agentic AI.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Saurabh Gupta of GreyOrange talks about how AI is transforming the modern warehouse, the role of partners, & why automation without orchestration underdelivers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.33] Saurabh's career journey and what he learned from being involved in software development for iPods and the very first iPhone at Apple.

"The most powerful technology is one that works so seamlessly that it's invisible to the user."

[09.39] Why Saurabh pivoted from a career in consumer robotics to supply chain and warehouse robotics.

"In consumer robotics, we start with the technology first, then figure out what to do with it… And, beyond cleaning the house, not many robots are really changing your life in the home. In supply chain, the value is clear."

[11.10] Why GreyOrange shifted from robotics company to an orchestration platform, and the importance of focusing on decision-making systems, not product.

"Warehouses need a symphony – robots are the instruments, and orchestration is the conductor."

[16.40] Why automation without orchestration underdelivers.

[18.47] What AI orchestration actually means for complex, omnichannel warehouses, and the three-question framework to determine if software and systems are actually AI.

"AI is not perfect, it's never going to be perfect. But it is going to make our lives better. It's about getting that balance right."

[23.47] What hyperintelligence means in real operational terms.

[27.23] What the warehouse of the future is going to look like when it comes to robotics, and how AI orchestration is going to help enable it.

"It won't be a room full of robots. It will be a living ecosystem."

[31.11] The role of system integrators, robot partners, and technology providers in scaling outcomes, and why orchestration platforms need strong partners to deliver real-world results.

"We want to give system integrators the intelligence to more confidently predict performance. They should be able to do that before a single piece of hardware is put on the floor."

[34.25] How GreyOrange thinks about collaboration and shared accountability and outcomes with their partners.

[38.02] What warehouses will expect from AI orchestration platforms in the next few years that they don't expect today, and why they're going to get their 'ChatGPT moment.'

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to GreyOrange's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GreyOrange and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Saurabh on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from GreyOrange, check out 495: Discover Hyper-Intelligent Orchestration, with GreyOrange.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Lucien Besse of Shippeo talks about navigating supply chain chaos; data quality & continuous improvement; AI; and the keys to visibility project success.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.38] An introduction to Lucien and the journey that led him to co-found Shippeo.

[07.07] The biggest sources of chaos for supply chain teams, and why they need flexibility and visibility.

"Supply chain managers need to make hundreds of decisions every day, every hour, every minute – they need to navigate uncertainty every single day, and that hasn't changed… What has really changed is the number of disruptions."

[09.28] Why supply chain professionals are 'the calm in the storm,' what even small problems amidst the backdrop of chaos mean for businesses, and how Shippeo help customers with both inbound and outbound challenges.

[15.00] The big issues that sit behind supply chain chaos, and why trust in data is crucial.

"Visibility is a commodity, everybody needs it. But accurate visibility is not a commodity. The reliability of the information you provide to the customer needs to be correct, and they need to have the ability to take action. Because the end goal is not just to look at an ETA on a platform, it's to take an action."

[18.02] The importance of data quality and why it's a continuous improvement project.

"When we talk to our customers, we tell the truth. There is work to be done, there's no magic wand. It's continuous improvement."

"Visibility is about technology, but also about process and people."

[23.47] The importance of honesty and setting clear expectations in communications with customers, and why three-way collaboration between vendors, carriers and customers is key.

[28.37] How data issues impact the success of AI, and how Shippeo is leveraging AI for customers.

"There are two main pillars when it comes to AI – data quality and automation of manual tasks, and making visibility actionable through workflows."

[33.31] What success looks like, how organizations can ensure their visibility projects are a success, and why change management relies on understanding people and their daily habits.

[40.13] The two core areas Shippeo will be focusing on in 2026.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Shippeo's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shippeo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Lucien on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shippeo, check out:

494: The Digitization Dilemma: Overcoming Transformation Failures with Shippeo
443: Mastering Visibility: Insights from LogTech Live with Shippeo
486: Revealed – The Number One Way To Make Your Supply Chain Future-Proof
475: Leverage Real-Time Transportation Visibility, with Shippeo

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Andrea Morgan-Vandome of Blue Yonder explores what true end-to-end supply chain transformation looks like amidst unprecedented complexity and disruption.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.47] An introduction to Andrea and her role, and how Blue Yonder helps their customers.

"We bring the physical and digital worlds together, and that's key in supply chain."

[06.05] Why end-to-end planning will be crucial in navigating supply chain complexity and disruption in 2026.

"When people look to drive transformation, they can sometimes get mired down in the complexity. So how do you drive clarity in outcomes?"

[08.19] What true end-to-end supply chain transformation looks like today, and why how we think about transformation has changed.

"It's become a lot more practical… and it's the breaking of siloes that allows you to bring it all together."

[13.48] Why companies need to see supply chain as a new business enabler, not a cost center; how agile supply chains help facilitate new business initiatives, deliver services and keep promises; and how Blue Yonder is doing this for customers through increased personalization.

[18.56] As many companies continue to navigate legacy systems, why a shift from reactive to proactive is essential for competitive advantage and, from AI to your supplier network, the key elements of a modern solution.

"If you think about businesses as differentiators, it comes down to speed and precision. And the only way you can do that is by moving from a reactive to a proactive supply chain."

[23.44] The businesses leveraging AI within their supply chain to achieve real results, and how Blue Yonder helped a grocer minimize waste whilst improving on-shelf availability to ultimately gain market share.

"I'm a firm believer that AI and agents are critical going forward, but it has to be done in a pragmatic way."

[28.10] The challenge of inventory amidst omnichannel complexity, how organizations can get it right, and the huge opportunities when they do.

[33.50] As companies continue to invest in technology but struggle to achieve true transformation, what differentiates the ones that succeed, and the importance of interoperability and unified data.

[39.29] The biggest opportunities in 2026 for businesses that commit to successful transformation, and some of the practical steps they can take to start the new year strong.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Andrea or Blue Yonder, check out:

503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome
497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder
434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder
417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Chris Hamley & Andy Smith of Brecham Group talk about what they do; what makes them different, Precision Supply Chain Operations; & helping you suck less.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.58] Chris's background and the journey that led him to co-found Brecham Group.

"I started out loading trucks!... And it got to a point where I got frustrated trying to broker conversations. People didn't pay attention to details, I found myself translating – and that was the catalyst."

[06.04] Andy's 30+ year industry career, and his role at Brecham Group.

[08.26] An overview of Brecham Group – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[09.00] The ideal client for Brecham Group.

[10.46] What makes Brecham Group's consultants different to traditional strategic supply chain consultants, and how their unique thought process helps customers scale solutions up and down.

"We have real-world experience and take a practical approach to problems… We can always get to a consistent outcome, although every problem and solution looks very different."

[15.31] Brecham Group's 'Precision Supply Chain Operations,' what that means, and how it applies in the real world.

[19.56] Brecham's tagline "suck less," how it was developed, and what it means for customers.

"I'm watching people get pulled in a thousand different directions, get yelled at… That sucks. So let's make it suck less tomorrow. How do we do that?... Everyone wants to get better, but nobody knows how."

[24.07] How Brecham Group works with clients to determine their problem, identify the disconnect between best practice and reality, and widen everybody's view to help them tackle it with an aligned approach.

"We're often approached by senior leadership – "go solve this problem for me" – but they may or may not have a strong understanding of what's happening on the shop floor. So we'll listen, but then we'll go see."

[28.07] How Brecham Group use a unique value system to prioritize customer problems, and how they recently helped an organization reduce overall labor spend in their network by 9%.

[30.19] Brecham Group's special offer for LTSC listeners.

"So much of what we do is education, it's about teaching people how to think a little differently about their problem."

[31.43] The biggest trend exciting Brecham Group for 2026.

"The most interesting thing is how we use AI in our industry and in the tactical execution of work."

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Brecham Group, check out their brand new live show Performance Paradox, where operators and engineers talk about turning strategy into execution.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Scott Jennings of Anaplan talks about retail inventory optimization, planning challenges, AI & how Anaplan enables retailers to sell more and carry less.

[03.37] An introduction to Scott, his background, and experience in the industry.

"Siloes are present functionally across different pieces of the business, whether it's merchandise, supply chain or finance. But they're also persistent inside the systems that support those different groups – and that's where it gets tricky."

[05.53] An overview of Anaplan and what they do.

[06.53] How retail planning has historically worked, and the limitations of that approach.

"Retail suffers from siloed planning, disconnected processes and latent decision-making, which leads to buying the wrong inventory and having the wrong inventory at the wrong place at the wrong time, with little ability to adjust based on market feedback."

[09.58] Why retail planning is arguably more complex than CPG or consumer goods supply chain planning.

"Retail is detail."

[12.55] How challenges and limitations have impacted the industry, particularly in light of additional external factors like increasing customer demand.

"Getting ahead is important. But being able to react in an agile way, in season, is also extremely important. Retailers have fallen behind because that demand signal is all over the place."

[16.14] From data to specificity, the foundations needed for retailers considering AI solutions, and the problem of 'testing fatigue.'

"People are sick of testing and learning."

[22.25] How retail planning technology will continue to evolve over the next 12 to 24 months.

[24.28] Scott's advice for retailers looking to implement AI in their planning and ensure successful implementations.

"It starts with the ROI you're looking to drive… If you can't define the ROI: skip it."

[28.39] The biggest opportunities for retailers embracing evolving technology and a new approach to retail planning.

[30.08] How Anaplan Intelligence and its retail engine enables retailers to harness the power of AI to plan at a granular level not possible before, and the importance of hyper-localization.

[33.01] How Anaplan focuses on retail-specific best practices to achieve higher forecast accuracy and boost sell-through rates for their customers, ultimately helping them sell more and carry less.

[34.37] What Anaplan is focusing on for 2026.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Anaplan's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Anaplan and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Scott on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Anaplan, listen to Emily Nicholls talk about how integrated business planning helps automotive OEMs navigate EV growth on episode 499: Navigating the EV Revolution, with Anaplan.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Megan Rudolph talks about her career journey; developing a team through hypergrowth; the challenges & opportunities for parcel in 2026; & finding inspiration.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.15] An introduction to Megan and Saddle Creek Logistics Services.

[03.00] Megan's early career dream of sports journalism, how graduating during the recession led her to take a sales job at UPS, and what she found so fascinating about logistics.

"There was a great structure. I worked under multiple female leaders – some of the people that probably don't even know how much they mentored me still impact me today."

[05.31] How having the opportunity to wear many different hats helped Megan find her niche, what she learned from her time working for both UPS and DHL, and the experience that led her to discover the power of authenticity.

[10.36] A day in Megan's life as the regional senior director of parcel operations at Saddle Creek Logistics Services.

"There was an opportunity for me to delegate more, and that was tough for me… But, as the team grew, bringing in people I could trust really got me away from 12 meetings a day, and I got a more balanced workload... My team manages up very well, and I'm thankful for that!"

[13.07] How Megan successfully grew her department through 'hypergrowth,' and her advice for other leaders looking to supercharge their own teams in 2026.

"One of the best things that served me was hiring a diverse group of people that balanced my skillset. I'm pretty risk averse, data-centric, I want to have all the questions solved before we even hit go. So I needed individuals that were great at solving while in action…. Don't hire people that think like you."

[16.00] Megan's perspective on the parcel industry, and the big challenges and opportunities she's thinking about for 2026.

"Cost continues to increase year over year, for us and our clients. So the only way to really drive savings is through optimization."

[19.26] What Megan loves about the industry.

[21.01] Megan's experience as a woman in the industry, how she learned to trust her instincts and speak up, and why she's so passionate about starting conversations and opening up perspectives.

[26.17] What being an industry trailblazer means to Megan, and how she's using it to empower others.

[28.05] Megan's biggest inspirations in her life and career.

[29.56] The future for Megan.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Megan over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more industry trailblazers, check out 503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome, 484: Women In Supply Chain™, Saskia Van Gendt or 470: Women In Supply Chain™, Melodie Van Der Baan.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Jennie Malafarina talks about her career journey; collaboration & community; building businesses; & turning marketing from a cost center into a revenue driver.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.30] An introduction to Jennie and her businesses Virago Marketing and FR8MVMT.

[05.03] Why Jennie pursued a degree in communications, and how having three kids under five during her final year at university led her to a marketing career.

"Communication, psychology and marketing all tied together… it's a passion for understanding why people do what they do."

[07.55] Why Jennie moved from PR to digital marketing, her passion for tracking and measuring results, and what she loves about agency life.

[11.46] How Jennie came to understand the importance of logistics, and how it impacts the consumer.

"It's impactful – this industry makes the world go round. If we're not optimizing movement or getting just in time shipments, our shelves are empty and our costs are higher."

[12.40] What marketing looks like for supply chain right now, the importance of personal branding, and the biggest changes happening in supply chain marketing, from video to AI.

"People don't connect with brands – they connect with people."

[17.31] Why organizations need to start thinking about marketing as a revenue driver not a cost center, and why it's crucial to understand your goals and KPIs.

[19.40] Why it's so important to break down industry siloes to bring all areas of the community together, and how Jennie is keeping those conversations going through FR8MVMT.

[22.34] The new businesses Jennie has in development, and how she achieves her version of balance.

"I do the things that light me up!"

[26.49] How Jennie's experience as a veteran informs her leadership and gave her the confidence to succeed.

"I learned to earn my spot… So, going into my career, I never feared that I was a meek woman that can't talk – I own it."

[28.46] The increasing number of women in supply chain, and how we can bring more women into the industry.

[30.38] What winning an industry trailblazer award means to Jennie.

"It means that I'm doing something meaningful."

[31.09] The future for Jennie.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Jennie over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in marketing and communications, check out 425: Women In Supply Chain™, Josephine Coombe, 245: Women In Supply Chain™, Marina Mayer or 287: Women In Supply Chain™, Jolene Peixoto.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Kendra Tanner talks about her career journey; what she's learned about leadership, making an impact on boards and conference stages; & inspiring women. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.35] An introduction to Kendra and her company, Allstates WorldCargo.

[03.40] Kendra's education and how her marriage to her high school sweetheart impacted her career path.

"I wanted to get my business finance degree, but I was adamant that I was not taking one more accounting class – so I switched to marketing!"

[05.47] How a family connection led Kendra to Consolidated Freightways, and why she stayed for 12 years.

"Nobody wakes up and says 'I want to be in logistics.' I wanted to be a dentist!"

[09.10] Kendra's experience as a woman, building a career in logistics, in the 90's.

"I found the men to be mostly supportive. Consolidated Freightways were great at allowing women to have the same opportunities, but there were less of us – a lot of women didn't show interest in our industry back then. And nor would I, had the opportunity not have presented itself."

[11.29] Why Kendra always wanted to make a difference, what she's learned about leadership, and her advice for others.

[14.34] Kendra's growth at Allstates WorldCargo, her focus stepping into the President and CEO role in 2020, and her biggest highlights along the way.

[17.28] What Kendra is focused on for 2026, and why it's so important to block out industry noise and keep your finger on the pulse of your own business if you want to achieve success.

[19.56] Kendra's experience on the Board of Directors at The Airforwarders Association, the impact she wants to make, and why industry collaboration is so important.

"You have to get back to your industry. If I have knowledge and can bring value, it's my responsibility to share it. You foster relationships – a lot of my competitors are on the board, but it's a friendly environment."

[22.45] Getting more women on industry stages and why pushing yourself to take opportunities, even if you're uncomfortable, is key in paving the way for others.

"You have to say yes, you have to have a voice. If you don't, it's never going to change."

[26.01] Why sharing stories is crucial to inspiring others and bringing women into the industry.

"Starting as a customer service working nights, filing bills of lading and delivery receipts, to president and CEO – that's quite a journey."

[28.22] What being an industry trailblazer means to Kendra.

[29.42] The future for Kendra.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Kendra over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more industry trailblazers, check out 509: Women In Supply Chain™, Nermine Saad or 433: Women In Supply Chain™, Annie Torikian.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Nermine Saad talks about her career journey; fostering a culture of learning; moving from Egypt to Canada; mentorship; & the future of digital transformation.

[03.48] What sparked Nermine's interest in logistics, and how it led her to seek out a career that connected strategy, people, and operations.

"I realized there's an entire industry behind the movement of goods, and it involves shipping lines, airlines, ports, and so much more. The more I read, the more I was fascinated."

[05.46] The early years of Nermine's career in Egypt and the big lessons she learned, from building credibility to the importance of resilience and consistency.

"It was a rough experience... I was the only woman, and it added a lot of pressure."

[08.53] Nermine's experience of moving from Egypt to Canada, and rebuilding her life, career and network.

"Moving to Canada gave me whole new perspective on diversity."

[12.49] The differences between building a career in Egypt and Canada, and why stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing risk leads to the biggest opportunities.

[15.52] Nermine's commitment to education, from pursuing qualifications outside of work to fostering a culture of learning at Tecsys, and why it's so important.

"Learning has been the driving force of my career. Education doesn't stop the moment you earn your degree – its just the beginning."

"A culture of learning naturally becomes a culture of leadership."

[19.42] Nermine's role as Application Services Manager at Tecsys, and what a day in her life looks like.

[22.47] The importance of digital transformation, where businesses go wrong, and what a transformation journey should look like.

"Digital transformation is not just implementing technology. It's really about people, processes, and a mindset… But when people start, they often get overwhelmed."

"Waiting for a disruption to implement a change can be really risky. The organizations that are proactive and stay ahead of the game are the ones that have a competitive edge and keep their operations steady."

[25.04] Nermine's advice for leaders focusing on digital transformation in 2026.

[27.01] Nermine's experience of collaboration, mentorship and empowerment – how others have supported her, and how she pays it forward.

"Collaboration is so powerful – when people feel supported, seen and heard, they produce their best work."

[29.52] What being named as an industry trailblazer means to Nermine, as a woman and as an Egyptian living, working and thriving in North America.

[32.32] The future for Nermine.

"Supply chain never stops evolving, and that's energising. There's always an opportunity for you to make an impact, inspire others and keep pushing."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Nermine over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more award-winning women, check out 447: Women In Supply Chain™, Nikki Driskill, 438: Women In Supply Chain™, Maria Madrigal or 506: Women In Supply Chain™, Zera Zheng.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Rob Finch talks about Rapid Link Repairs, boosting customer satisfaction with response times; a fresh approach to cost; safety; & reducing downtime for drivers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.11] An introduction to Rob, his background, and his role at DCLI and RapidLink Repairs.

"Most of my career has been figuring out how to bring commercial and operations together."

[03.09] An overview of RapidLink Repairs – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"It's about three things: we want to improve productivity, be cost-effective, and drive high levels of customer satisfaction."

[04.18] The biggest challenge for businesses right now.

"Reducing cost profile is top of mind – the market has been less than ideal..!"

[04.55] RapidLink Repair's origin story.

"You want to have a solution that people are actually asking for."

[07.00] RapidLink Repairs 'anytime, anywhere' service, and the most common repairs they solve for.

[09.26] The ideal client for RapidLink Repairs, and why businesses want a nationwide solution.

"We leverage the size and scale of DCLI to provide cost savings."

[10.44] RapidLink Repair's approach to cost, fighting 'surprise fees,' and why they don't mark up parts.

"Our approach to the market has been to provide a service people can rely on."

[13.26] The importance of efficiency and customer experience, and how RapidLink's response times are delivering competitive advantage.

"We're maniacal about customer satisfaction! If your customers aren't happy, you don't have a good product."

[17.21] A case study exploring how RapidLink Repairs helped a key client eliminate extra fees and enhance communication, allowing them to plan consistently and boost productivity.

[19.59] Why safety is crucial, and the impact RapidLink Repairs are making on the industry.

[22.07] How to work with RapidLink Repairs.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to RapidLink Repairs' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with RapidLink Repairs and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Rob on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from DCLI, tune into 360: Deliver A Great Trucker Experience, with DCLI or Marketing Leader Stacy Kirincic on Dominating Male-Dominated Industries like Supply Chain.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Steven Delperdang of Google Cloud talks about trust; evolution of visibility; & and the big opportunities for logistics providers taking an AI-first approach.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.08] After years spent at Caterpillar and Penske, how Steven is now using the 'One Google' approach to run Google's own internal supply chain and solve the legacy pain points he faced in his past roles, and exactly what's so transformative about this approach.

"In my previous roles, many of the frustrations stemmed from fragmented systems and data siloes. You have a warehouse management system here, a transportation management system there, various auxiliary 1P and 3P systems – and often a lot of manual effort to stitch it all together."

"Siloes are a major barrier, and consolidating data is critical. Logistics is simply a chain of interconnected events… so without that centralized view, you're only seeing a piece of the puzzle."

"It's this centralized access that means we can perform more sophisticated analysis and our AI tools can draw on a much richer data set."

[07.00] Why trust is such a big hurdle for providers who are already drowning in data, and the areas Google Cloud focus on to build that trust.

[10.44] The evolution of visibility, why consolidating disparate data is so critical, and how Google is tackling disparate data problems to achieve true centralized access.

"Everybody has basic visibility now, but that leap from dots on a map to true actionable insights is crucial. Basic visibility tells us what's happening. Our target for visibility tells you why it's happening, what's likely to happen next, and what you should do about it."

[13.33] How Steven's experience of using Google Cloud to power Google's own global supply chain helps him strategize, and the business outcomes Google has achieved that other organizations can replicate.

[16.12] The practical, day-to-day logistics problems Steven's team is currently solving with AI.

"AI can help us cut through the noise."

[21.21] How integrating Gemini AI has changed Steven's tools, and why he's seeing faster, better quality insights.

[23.13] How the day-to-day work of Google Cloud's own analysts and developers has shifted with the addition of new AI capabilities.

"For us, it's been a really significant shift up the value chain. Three years ago, a large proportion of my teams time was consumed by manual data extraction, cleansing, building bespoke reports for leaders. Today, we have less firefighting and the team can focus on more strategic work, more complex and impactful problems."

[26.40] How Google is making high-powered AI tools usable for everyday logistics operators.

[29.57] How Steven's past award-winning work at Caterpillar would have been different if he had had the Google Cloud tools that exist today.

[32.47] From hyper-personalized insights to AI-driven collaboration, the biggest untapped opportunity for logistics providers ready to embrace an AI-first approach.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Zera Zheng talks about her career journey; being open to opportunity; the importance of understanding risk; & what she learned, moving from China to Europe.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.36] How Zera began her career, going from University to a graduate program at Kuehne and Nagel, and how it allowed her to learn all about logistics.

[07.20] Why it's important to try different things during your career, why Zera felt like she was getting a new challenge every day at Kuehne and Nagel, and the importance of expanding your comfort zone if you want to strengthen your capability.

"Don't jump into decisions... Look around and see what could keep you interested... Success starts with passion."

[10.42] How Zera came to specialize in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment.

"As a graduate, you don't really know what each department is doing, you have to be open to the opportunity… That knowledge and experience, the things I did in the past, have shaped who I am now."

[12.45] Zera's move to A.P. Moller–Maersk, the types of projects she works on now, and the importance of understanding, and responding to risk.

[17.50] Why Zera took an opportunity to move from China to Holland, the pressures she felt, and the support she received to help make it happen.

"We often hear that the logistics industry is men's work and, especially for a security role – we see men with a background from the military or police. It was rare to offer this opportunity to an Asian woman."

[27.37] What Zera's 'industry rising star' award win means to her.

[29.21] Zera's experience speaking at forums and on panels, and her advice for other women, from leaning into making mistakes to taking the time to practice.

"I still remember making a mistake as a child, when I couldn't speak on stage… It reminds me of where I was to who I am now."

[34.22] The mentors that have made an impact on Zera's life and career, and the scientist who inspires her.

[38.00] The future for Zera.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Zera over on LinkedIn.

If you want to find out more about Zera's work at Maersk, read up on her Supply Chain Resilience Model or Risk Management.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women who have made big moves for their careers, check out 207: Women In Supply Chain™, Shana Zheng, 450: Women In Supply Chain™, Jenny Perlitch or 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about two new products; demystifying AI; the biggest challenge & opportunity in intermodal; & why terminals need to work better.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.12] An introduction to Allen and Lynxis.

"We have the tech, services and infrastructure to make terminals work better."

[02.48] Why we need terminals to work better.

[03.16] Why Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is top of mind for the intermodal industry right now.

[04.43] Why investment is a key area of opportunity for intermodal organizations, and how Lynxis is helping customers deliver on their returns.

"People are looking to clarify how they're going to invest, and what that return is going to be. We're talking to our customers about their hopes and dreams for 2026… and we strive to help them execute and meet those commitments."

[06.41] Allen's take on AI and where the industry is now, and why Lynxis is focused on machine learning and using AI to help streamline and reduce time to value.

"We try to demystify the phrase 'artificial intelligence' – it's really software!"

[09.58] Two new product announcements, and an overview of ORCA: software to optimize and orchestrate terminal operations.

[11.18] The ORCA brand, and how Lynxis developed the name.

"It's the killer app that no one else has."

"Orchestration is a key differentiator for Lynxis, and it will be for the terminal operators that implement it."

[12.38] How terminal evolution has historically been driven through complex custom software applications, why orgainzations need to move away from this time-consuming, expensive, and inflexible approach, and what makes ORCA different.

"It's optimization of workflows via configuration, not software coding… Each one is a snowflake, it's unique."

[16.51] An overview of enVision, Lynxis' new computer vision system.

[19.12] How enVision will drive higher inventory accuracy for organizations and create real impact.

"Our vision is to have eyes on every transaction."

[21.08] The impact these innovations will make for the industry.

"Too often, people want to optimize processes before they have a secure grasp on the data."

[23.14] Allen's biggest highlight from IANA 2025.

"Process automation in existing facilities is the next right step."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Lynxis' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lynxis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Allen on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Lynxis, you'll love:

458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis
448: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Technology, with Buckeye Mountain
424: Orchestrate and Optimize Your Terminal Operations, with Lynxis

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Freek Aertsen & Bart Paridaen of EyeOn talk about digital transformation: value discovery, creation & realization; the big challenges; & key success factors.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.17] An introduction to Freek and Bart, their backgrounds, and roles at EyeOn.

"I have a background in economics, took a wrong turn somewhere - and ended up in supply chain!" Freek

[07.13] An overview of EyeOn – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"Response is all about planning."

"We connect data, systems, data science and AI with people and processes."

[10.58] The ideal client for EyeOn, and the common challenges and questions businesses come to them with.

[12.29] An overview of EyeOn's recent report on digital transformation in the industry, who they spoke to, and why now was the right time to conduct this research.

"We live in a very volatile business landscape, and there are changes coming to our customers on a constant basis. And, at the same time, there's a new generation of technology. That combination is an interesting one."

[16.14] The main drivers for digital supply chain transformation, and what's important to leaders right now, as they grapple with multiple priorities and challenges.

"Businesses are changing strategies, and changing a corporate strategy means you have to change your supply chain strategy."

[22.47] From balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies to overcoming disruption, the biggest hurdles leaders are faced with as they navigate transformation, and why businesses need to look at these projects from an external perspective as well as an internal one.

[27.44] Why the first stage of digital transformation is value discovery, and how businesses can define an actionable framework for success.

"It's important for leaders to understand and be aligned on their vision for transformation… The key is improving decision intelligence. The tools and capabilities come in to support, but you need to go back to the starting point to know where you want to transform to."

[30.37] The importance of trust, breaking down siloes, and aligning teams in the discovery phase of transformation.

[34.23] How businesses can translate value discovery into tangible value creation initiatives.

"Companies that went too fast on design paid the price afterwards."

[38.03] How value discovery and value creation leads to value realization.

[41.06] Next steps: how businesses can work with EyeOn.

[43.12] What the next few years of innovation and growth are going to look like, for EyeOn and for the industry.

"It all comes back to decisions… Our investments will be in technology, because it's changing – and it's changing rapidly. We need to be at the forefront."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to EyeOn's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with EyeOn and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Freek or Bart on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Andrea Morgan talks about her career journey; the similarities between supply chain & astrophysics, innovation, and why women need to bloom where they land.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.37] Andrea's degree in astrophysics, and why curiosity was her biggest driver.

"I had a deep interest in the origins of the universe… It gave me the training to ask the right questions."

[5.14] How a post-graduate placement at IBM exposed Andrea to a range of business areas, and ignited a passion for supply chain.

"I learned that I didn't want to be a researcher, I liked being with people… Quickly I started to specialize in supply chain, I was drawn by the nature of the problems we were trying to solve."

[07.20] From the emergence of the cloud to transformation at scale, Andrea's experience at Oracle during pivotal years in the adoption and expansion of new technology.

[10.09] Andrea's role in digital transformation at Nike and what we can learn, from the alignment of business strategy and vision to the importance of metrics and measurement.

"The biggest thing is putting the concept behind product management at the centre of that digital transformation… You can't do transformation for transformations sake."

[15.56] Andrea's current role at Blue Yonder as Chief Innovation Officer, what the role entails, and how it has evolved.

[19.15] What innovation means to Andrea, and where the industry is when it comes to innovation.

"For me, innovation at its core is: 'How do you do things differently?'"

[21.03] Andrea's perspective on AI, and how they're thinking about agentic AI at Blue Yonder.

"The ones that aren't successful are the ones that aren't focused on deep domain expertise. Where we're going with agentic is not just the general knowledge, but really understanding the specifics of supply chain."

"It's important to get started, because we know it's coming. So you might as well try it out, and see the value you could get along the way."

[24.58] Andrea's experience as a woman in male-dominated spaces.

[26.49] Why a rising tide lifts all boats, and why women need to support collective growth and empowerment.

[29.44] Why Andrea wants to encourage women to bloom where they land, even when the circumstances aren't ideal.

"It's not always about the destination, it's about the journey."

[32.25] What being an industry 'trailblazer' means to Andrea, and how others can follow in her footsteps.

[34.02] The future for Andrea.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Andrea over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out

497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder
434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder
417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder
484: Women In Supply Chain™, Saskia Van Gendt

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Jason Murray of Shipium talks about AI: its impacts, now and in the future; common misconceptions; investment; developing new skills; & changing your mindset.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.04] An introduction to Jason, his career, and why he founded Shipium.

"Lots of companies are going through an Amazon-ification. Amazon was really good at dealing with this complex multi-source, multi-destination supply chain, and everything is evolving towards that."

[07.04] Jason's take on the factors that sit behind his success, and how he got to where he is today.

"Focusing on being a builder, a lifelong-learner, continuing to evolve how I thought about things… really being curious."

[10.12] How AI is making an immediate impact on supply chains.

"People are trying to decode multi-factored issues. A carrier, a model, a rule – all of this culminates to make a decision. We've always been good at automating that, but the ability to use new information and diagnose it has been critical."

[16.35] From automation to a completely fresh approach to problem-solving and business management, where AI is going to have the biggest impact in the future.

"You do have to adjust. From a leadership perspective, you need a new culture. If you keep doing things the way you've always been doing them, eventually you're going to get outcompeted."

[23.13] Why Jason believes we're still under-hyping AI, the common misunderstandings, and why AI isn't simply a productivity tool.

"We're not putting enough energy into fully embracing it – people are quitting too early. There's also a problem around understanding what it can and can't do."

[32.17] AI investment, and Jason's advice to leaders about finding the balance between success in the now and future potential.

"You have to be thoughtful about how you approach this… and figure out what spaces it's going to work the best in."

[36.13] The role of software providers, and how Shipium is helping customers on their AI journey's.

"It's really our job to innovate on behalf of the customer, and push to make it as easy and seamless as possible."

"You have to work with a partner that you believe will be able to adjust as these times change. That's where the human element comes back into it."

[41.06] The skills that will be most important for supply chain operators of the future.

[46.26] What 2026 is going to hold for the industry, and what that means for Shipium.

"The innovation funnel is going through AI, and that is what 2026 is going to be defined by."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Shipium's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shipium and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shipium, check out 491: 2028 – Shipium Counts Down to the AI Revolution, 299: Modernize Your Ecommerce Supply Chain, with Shipium or Unlock Retail Growth This Quarter with Multi-Carrier Tech from Shipium.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Mary Casillo & Aubrey Galbraith talk about how Pallet Alliance's onsite audits uncover inefficiencies & identify opportunities for cost-saving & sustainability.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.04] An introduction to Mary and Aubrey, their backgrounds, and roles at Pallet Alliance.

[07.30] An overview of Pallet Alliance – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[10.10] From cost to sustainability, the big challenges and opportunities for Pallet Alliance customers in the current landscape.

"We see organizations trying to find opportunities for cost-saving… especially because of tariffs."

[12.37] How pallet optimization can make an impact, in light of these challenges and opportunities.

"When we're talking about optimization, we're not just talking about the pallets themselves. We're talking about taking a holistic approach to manufacturing."

[17.14] Onsite audits – what they can look like for a customer, how they can be used to create cost-effective and fit-for-purpose solutions, and align pallet programs across multiple locations.

"Onsite audits allow us to meet with a customer, understand their specific pain points, look at their specifications – and a lot of times we see these things don't match."

[21.20] The benefits of pallet and crate customization.

"Customization is very important for long-term efficiencies."

"When we talk about total cost of ownership of pallets and crates, we're not just talking about the product itself. We're talking about the entire supply chain process that the pallet or crate interacts with. It's a whole universe out there!"

[27.35] The ROI for pallet customization, the importance of figuring out your 'why,' and leveraging the science behind pallet redesign to develop the best solutions for cost, sustainability and efficiency.

"When you hear customization, you think expensive. But it's an opportunity, it's like solving a puzzle. Making savings and redesigns… so customers aren't seeing an increase in cost or inefficiencies."

"We use the wood science behind the decisions, and share the knowledge."

[36.08] How smarter pallet designs can be key to a company's sustainability initiatives.

"Redesign and sustainability go hand in hand."

[39.16] Next steps: how you can request a free onsite audit from Pallet Alliance.

[41.38] What 2026 is going to look like for Pallet Alliance.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Pallet Alliance, check out 482: Transform the Way Your Business Moves, with Pallet Alliance or Mary Casillo on Solving Problems and Building Advocacy.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Angela Woody talks about her career journey; learning to let go of inherited beliefs; making IT investments; & the guiding principles that have shaped her life.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.09] Angela's coincidental career – how volunteering at an event led to an internship that led to a full-time role at Kimberly-Clark.

"It was a happenstance!... Someone took a chance on me."

[08.41] Angela's 13-year tenure at Kimberly-Clark: how her career progressed, what she learned, and her biggest achievements.

"Working for a global manufacturing company, you just had a wealth of opportunities… There was an opportunity to work on a first-of-a-kind project… and on that project, I could be innovative, experimental – it was career-changing."

[14.21] Why Angela made a move from large CPG to small healthcare business, and how she changed her assumptions around what a stable, long-term career should look like.

[17.45] What Angela loves about supply chain.

"Supply chain is not a flashy job! … It's dirty, and for some reason that sparked my intertest... Supply chain is the last thing that's going to touch a product before it's delivered to the customer, that's our responsibility – and I fell in love with that."

[21.40] How the pandemic shone a light on the industry, and why hesitation to make capital investments in IT systems is one of the biggest challenges in supply chain right now.

"2020 was a blessing in disguise for supply chain. It brought some immediate visibility into how fragile our global supply chain really is – and it finally became a topic in the boardroom."

"The companies that are truly making the investment in IT, making the investment in upgrades, they're the ones that are winning."

[24.40] Why change management is still such a big problem, and how businesses should be approaching it for success.

"Change management takes focus, time, resources and empathy. Change management is one of the most underleveraged capabilities, and I've seen many IT transformations fail because of a lack of investment in it."

[27.40] Angela's 'Bring Your Kid To Work Day' experience with her daughter, and how we engage the upcoming generations in supply chain.

"I have two girls, and I want to be a role model for them. I want to show them they can do anything they set their minds to, as long as they work hard."

[31.31] Angela's experience as a woman in supply chain and technology.

[35.15] The guiding principles that have shaped Angela's success, in life and work.

[36.08] The importance of mentorship, and how Angela supports the next generations.

"When I first started, mentorship wasn't something that was available, or even discussed… So, as we've evolved, and have seen its importance, I've taken male and female mentees and worked with them to have an opportunity to talk about things – I wish I had that."

[38.35] The future for Angela.

"I've worked hard to be where I am, but the feeling you get when you spend time out in the community and truly give back, is very special to me."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Angela over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in tech, check out 493: Women in Supply Chain, Natalie Walker, 470: Women in Supply Chain, Melodie Van Der Baan, or 479: Women in Supply Chain, Lina Castaneda.

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Emily Nicholls of Anaplan talks about how integrated business planning helps automotive OEMs navigate EV growth & build finance-forward future-ready businesses.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.38] An introduction to Emily, her background in physics, and how her boutique supply chain specialist consultancy was acquired by Anaplan.

[05.44] An overview of Anaplan – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"We provide a cloud-based platform that helps people truly connect their plans. We operate across all the major business functions of the business, and can connect data to people, processes and plans. It's a holistic approach."

[07.07] The significant transformation happening in the automotive industry, and the geopolitical factors and supply chain volatility impacting that transition.

"When you're doing a massive transformation, you're usually thinking three to five years out, but trying to predict where the world will be in three to five years is nigh on impossible. It's an interesting backdrop to what should be a fairly simple transition, from a supply chain perspective."

[11.41] Integrated business planning: exactly what it is, why it's no longer a 'nice to have,' and how it's giving leaders much needed visibility, as well as both horizontal and vertical connection within a business.

"It's a process that tries to align a company's financial, operational and strategic objectives, which often coexist but in quite siloed environments."

[15.57] Why teams are still using spreadsheets and legacy tools, and how traditional S&OP processes are falling short in today's volatile market.

[19.41] How integrated business planning breaks down siloes to connect the dots and empower teams to make better decisions.

"Part of the process is to eliminate siloes by making sure that every element of the business is brought in at the right time. Technology enabling that process is really where the collaboration comes in, and you can make it not just effective but enjoyable."

[24.50] The power of scenario planning and AI-driven modeling, how they're helping teams to avoid analysis paralysis, and the big impact they can have for teams juggling different priorities and making trade-offs, against an ever-changing backdrop.

"Issues in your source data can have real insidious effects in your supply chain, that can add up to something quite dramatic."

[31.37] The problem with cost-cutting, and how integrated business planning can elevate a company's financial health to North Star status and ensure that all decisions are tied back to that, from cost cutting to investments for the future.

"Cost-cutting feels like an easy option, but it doesn't make you more resilient. It's very reactive – it's a scattergun approach to fixing a problem."

[35.19] How integrated business planning can help businesses achieve competitive advantage.

"If you have a strong cost-management strategy – not a cost-cutting objective – you can build resilience and identify opportunities and investments."

[37.14] A case study exploring how Anaplan helped a large global automotive OEM manage tariffs by modelling scenarios, allowing them to make agile decisions and pivot quickly to minimize impact and maximise opportunity.

[40.26] How listeners can work with the Anaplan.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Noel Hacegaba of the Port of Long Beach talks about tariffs, sustainability, infrastructure investments & the creation of a Supply Chain Information Highway.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.02] An introduction to Noel, and his role at the Port.

"Our tagline is 'the port of choice.' And one of the reasons we are the port of choice is because we have a team that's committed to excellence."

[03.19] An introduction to the Port and what sets it apart, from sustainability to customer service.

[04.51] The Port's record-breaking year – why they achieved the busiest year in their 114 year history and what made 2024 different.

"What's even more remarkable about our record year is not the number of containers we processed, but the fact that we did so without any congestion, backlogs or delays... Last year set a new standard."

[06.33] The Port's perspective on tariffs and why, despite the challenges, the Port is still thriving.

"There's a lot of uncertainty, and that's what slows investments… In spite of that uncertainty, 2025 is on track to be another record year for the Port of Long Beach… But all these record volumes are not translating across the supply chain."

[09.22] What the remainder of 2025 will bring for the Port.

[10.16] From upgrading infrastructure to capacity expansion, the strategic projects and big investments being made by the Port as they look to enable growth over the next 10 years.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it."

[13.24] The Port's Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility project, its purpose, and why it matters, not just for the region but for the nation's transportation system.

[15.43] The Port's Supply Chain Information Highway, and the impact it will have for the industry.

"We're trying to leverage the power of data sharing… The Supply Chain Information Highway was designed to bring value to the industry by maximizing visibility, velocity, and value. And, by pairing technology with collaboration, we're unleashing the power of data sharing."

[18.30] The importance of sustainability and the Port's commitment to green initiatives, including a new wind turbine project.

[22.14] Noel's prediction for the industry in 2026.

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Tim Robinson of Blue Yonder talks about returns: the challenges & potential, role of AI, inventory management, tariffs, & the importance of customer experience.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.42] Tim's career; how he founded his business, Doddle, and the story behind the name; and how that journey led him to Blue Yonder.

"It's quite rare that you isolate and identify supply chain as your chosen goal in life, but I fell into it and have loved it ever since."

[06.34] The current returns landscape, and what Blue Yonder's recent survey revealed about consumer-brand relationships, and how retailers approach returns.

"Free and easy access returns, or buy as many as you like and return as many as you like – that philosophy has been one of the major drivers behind the success of ecommerce. How do you create the convenience and the relevance of physical shopping, where I can see a product, touch it, try it on?"

[12.10] How tariffs and market turbulence are putting pressure on businesses, squeezing margins; and the importance of customer experience.

"This is ultimately an age of uncertainty, if you're in a business that involves crossing borders for any reason. Whilst the challenge around tariffs may have emanated in one part of the world, the reality is that the ripple effect means the whole landscape is re-setting itself – it's a global phenomena now."

"The majority of consumers consider a poor return policy as a bad experience, whether they want to return or not. They may love the product, but now they have a poor sentiment of you and your brand... And if a bad policy is a bad experience, you've lost a customer. "

[20.46] Changing customer expectations and shopping habits, and the challenge of inventory management.

"The pace of ever-changing demands is at the heart of everything."

[25.59] The role AI and machine learning can have in overcoming returns and inventory management challenges; and the importance of transparency in consumer communication.

"You have complex inventory allocation decisions being made at the time a consumer hits the return button... We're able to orchestrate, influence consumer behavior, and make allocation and replenishment decisions in real-time."

"If we want to change consumer behavior, want them to think more carefully about shopping habits and the choices they make, we should be more transparent with them."

[29.52] The problem and opportunity of returns, and the impact businesses could make by considering returns as a source of extra inventory.

[33.28] Blue Yonder's recent acquisition of Optoro, and what that means for customers as they navigate returns and inventory management.

[38.57] Why Blue Yonder is so committed to 'sustainable abundance,' and how businesses can work with them.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out 434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder or 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Bill Catania of OneRail & Adam Isenberg of National Association of Wholesale Distributors discuss routing - the challenges, the tech & why unification is key.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.02] An introduction to Adam and the National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW).

"We're the leading advocacy and government affairs voice for the distributors, whether you're moving computer chips, potato chips, or anything in between!"

[04.34] How listeners can catch up on OneRail content, and why Bill believes in collaboration and connection.

[06.03] An overview of OneRail – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"We're really focused on exercising our horsepower around data science and AI to help internal fleets optimize. When you take that internal optimization, and bolt on third-party, you have something really unique. And over the top of all of that is the human component."

[08.12] Traditional routing engines, and their biggest weaknesses.

"The problem with routing software in general is that it's really just a calculator… And there are a lot more constraints now; there's a tighter SLA window, more demands on the wholesale channel – the routing solution has to contemplate many more variables, and a lot of the solutions out there don't do that."

[10.32] The biggest pain points right now for distributors, and the impact of changing, multi-generational workforces.

"The wholesale distribution industry, as vast as it is, are laggers in technology historically. But now, with the advent of so much technology, changing so fast, you're seeing distributors say: 'We can't wait any longer.'"

[14.33] The business impact of using routing engines that can't consider all the relevant inputs.

[18.13] How exceptions and traditional routing solutions erode profitability, the importance of extracting tribal knowledge in the workplace, and how new technology can allow businesses to make smarter decisions, reducing costs and empowering teams.

"It's about being able to move those levers in real time, and that's the difference between the visibility era and the actionable insights era, which is where we are today."

[24.16] The challenge with change management and how new technology can ease the transition and remove friction.

[26.38] The importance of leaning into tech, and how wholesalers are balancing rising delivery expectations and cost pressures with data-driven decision-making.

"People want to make informed decisions but they need data, they need intelligence. And when you have a software and a partner that provides you real-time intelligence, that's how people are going to make those informed decisions to drive their business forward."

[30.19] Why many dispatchers 'swivel-chair' between systems, and why it's such a big problem.

[33.57] The new mindset, innovative distribution strategies and technologies NAW members are adopting to improve fulfilment and the last mile.

[37.04] Why OneRail is uniquely positioned to lead the future of last mile, and why their network is as important as their software.

"We have a large network that allows us to execute; not just connect with a courier, but pick a courier because of price, quality, time of day, zip code, SKU… So when we're matching a delivery, it's extremely informed."

"It's a chief supply chain officers best friend, because it allows that professional to let their team do their job, but be more accountable; to leverage external partners and bring their data back in, make sense of it, and apply it."

[42.21] How partnerships between wholesalers, carriers and technology providers are shaping the future of last mile.

[46.20] The future of last mile, and why the market is finally coming to OneRail.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out:

481: Combine the Power of In-House and Outsourced Fleet Management, with OneRail
461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo
440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail
419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail
393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail
349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Akash Gupta of GreyOrange talks about warehousing and inventory challenges; taking a vendor-agnostic approach to tech; and hyper-intelligent orchestration.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.43] Akash's background and how and why he co-founded GreyOrange.

"When we were in college, we were building humanoids… But the technology wasn't mature enough, so we explored industries that could really benefit from a combination of AI and robotics – and supply chain came to light!"

[06.33] The story behind the name GreyOrange, and why culture is key to business success.

[08.25] An overview of GreyOrange – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[13.27] The ideal client for GreyOrange.

[15.55] The current challenges and considerations in warehousing and inventory, and why optimizing inventory is crucial.

"Optimizing inventory and working capital has been top of mind for the last few years, and balancing between warehouses and stores – how do you make sure you're able to use every single node?"

[19.56] How industry challenges, and the way businesses are thinking about their changing operations, are driving GreyOrange's approach to innovation with flexibility, machine learning and commercial collaboration in mind.

[23.40] GreyOrange's warehouse orchestration solution GreyMatter, and what makes it 'hyper-intelligent.'

"It's looking at every single aspect of the warehouse every second, and evolving the decision that can be taken for the next second."

[27.54] The challenge of change management, and how GreyOrange encourage tech adoption by empowering teams.

"Change management is still a challenge in the industry… When you go from a manual warehouse to a technology-driven warehouse, leadership can feel that they're losing control, so we give them enough real-time visibility and power to influence decisions."

[31.51] From 30-40% cost-per-unit reduction to 250 thousand units picked per day, how working with GreyOrange drives big results in warehouses.

[35.01] GreyOrange's approach to multi-robot infrastructures.

"We support a wide spectrum of AMR's… GreyOrange is pretty much the only software that can bring all of these technologies together."

[37.45] The growth of GreyOrange's other flagship solution, gStore.

"We've gone from having no presence in retail stores in 2022 to now operating more than 3,000 stores, connected to tens of thousands of IoT devices."

[41.00] Why GreyOrange put a focus on store associates to create a better experience for the end consumer, and why that's crucial for successful tech adoption.

[43.19] A case study exploring how GreyOrange helped Fabletics with store inventory accuracy, boosting sales across their store network by 15-20% and increasing customer satisfaction, in only nine months.

[46.03] Why GreyOrange is investing in building even more intelligent foundational models for warehouses and stores in 2026.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Anand Medepalli of Shippeo talks about why most supply chain transformations fail; good data; workflows focused on outcomes; and why AI isn't a quick fix.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.57] An introduction to Anand and Shippeo.

"Our goal is to provide trustworthy data so you can make decisions. Your supply chains are constantly hit with disruptions – it's no longer a disruption here, a disruption there. It's actually tranquility here, tranquility there, and disruption the rest of the time!"

[07.40] The latest Gartner data on the state of supply chain digitization, and why most transformations fail to deliver the promised value.

"Businesses run out of energy – these are big projects. People think: 'We must architect the whole thing before we can do anything,' so perfect becomes the enemy of good, fast... Digitization doesn't happen because someone has a grand vision, it's the incremental steps you take towards it."

[14.09] Why AI isn't a quick fix for all your digitization challenges.

"It's not a magic wand, you can't just sprinkle AI and think things will work... And the problem is that, particularly the LLM models, have been trained to please you."

[16.07] Why data is the foundation for success, and the importance of building trust.

"It used to be that, when these disruptions happened, even if you didn't have the perfect data at hand to make a decision, you at least had the human capital to be focused on figuring it out. So reactivity was a plausible strategy."

[21.29] How Shippeo is investing in data quality, and why it's so critical as they support customers on their digitization journeys.

[27.21] Why visibility alone isn't enough, and how people, AI, and good data also need to be weaved in to drive success.

"Visibility is not enough – engagement is required. And, if I engage with that, what are the actions that I need to take to overcome the problem?"

[30.39] Why workflows are crucial, and how they help to bridge the gap between 'knowing' and 'doing.'

"Don't get caught up in the buzzwords, or worry that you're missing out… Think: "If I can solve this problem without AI, why aren't I solving it?" Solve it, then challenge yourself to make it better."

[35.58] How to define simple but effective workflows that focus on outcomes.

[42.34] The business impact you can create by working with Shippeo.

"You can live with fewer surprises, let Shippeo give you a little more tranquility."

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shippeo, check out 443: Mastering Visibility: Insights from LogTech Live with Shippeo, 486: Revealed – The Number One Way To Make Your Supply Chain Future-Proof or 475: Leverage Real-Time Transportation Visibility, with Shippeo

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Natalie Walker talks about her career journey; the importance of mentors in creating space for women; the changing face of workplaces; & the future of robotics.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.06] Natalie’s education journey, how a family friend inspired an interest in supply chain, and why international business is a crucial, but sometimes overlooked, component of the industry.

“I had this abstract idea of getting into international deal-making, international negotiations… So she encouraged me to check out supply chain.”

[07.47] Why supply chain is often misunderstood, and why it’s a great career choice for women looking to drive meaningful change.

“When people think about supply chain… especially in traditional manufacturing and operations, there’s more of a connotation of heavy, manual labor… For me, it’s about explaining what supply chain is and thinking about it more in a corporate sense – how to streamline and centralize operations.”

[11.58] Natalie’s career journey, how her intentional decision-making built a foundation for where she is now, and the biggest lessons she learned in her early years.

“I started in federal utilities… And starting in the utilities space really piqued my interest in energy as this foundational thing we take for granted… And energy led me to robotics, because it’s the next transformational technology that has huge energy requirements.”

“Learning about myself, and how to apply my strengths to whatever position I was in, was core.”

[19.14] Why collaboration is the future of technology, and the vision for how humans and machines collaborate at Cobot, Natalie’s place of work.

“We’re not trying to design a product that looks like a human. It’s designed with the intent of being safe, smart, and reliable…. And we’re not saying we need to wait until a point in time, where AI is at a particular level, to make a difference. We’re building a platform that can make a difference today, and improve as AI improves.”

[22.55] Natalie’s perspective on where supply chain is at, as an industry, with robotics.

“We’re talking a lot about reshoring and revitalizing manufacturing… Everyone is under a lot of pressure… Cost volatility coupled with labor shortages and the rising complexity of the environments we’re working in are pushing companies to find automation solutions that are flexible, reliable and fast.”

[25.09] Natalie’s role as Head of Supply Chain and Manufacturing Operations at Cobot.

[30.04] Natalie’s experience, as a woman, working across the utilities, oil and gas, clean tech, EV and robotics industries.

“How is the way I represent myself going to be perceived, and how might that affect my eligibility for the job?”

[35.00] The importance of mentors, and the role they’ve played in Natalie’s career so far.

“I can’t overstate the value of mentorship.”

[39.20] Natalie’s experience of boards, and her advice for young people looking to pursue board opportunities.

[42.18] How workplaces are changing, and why collaboration and communication is key.

[48.12] The future for Natalie.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Natalie over on LinkedIn or Instagram.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about robotics, check out 294: Optimize Warehouse Productivity, with Locus Robotics, 465: Your Fulfillment Transformation Starts Now, with TGW Logistics or 308: Stabilizing Safety in the Workplace, with Ideal Warehouse Innovations.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Conrad Smith of Graphite Connect talks about building a network to create global efficiency, speeding up communication; and bringing you data you can trust.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.42] Conrad’s background and career journey.

“I got to Intel and they were doing procurement with paper – white, pink, yellow triplicate requisitions… it blew my mind! Intel in the 90s was THE powerhouse tech company… I showed up, and they were doing paper. That started my career into: ‘Let’s figure out how to make it better.’”

[06.15] How and why Conrad established Graphite Connect.

“What’s the difference between a fax machine and email? It isn’t the same magnitude of improvement as snail mail to fax machine. It’s not a printed piece of paper, it shows up in an inbox electronic, but it’s kind of the same thing. And we’ve got to figure out how to move past that one-to-one sharing of information. We’re stuck.”

[14.19] An overview of Graphite Connect – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Supplier management starts with onboarding. And that step is what everyone is struggling the most with.”

[18.50] The ideal client for Graphite Connect.

[22.01] The biggest challenges impacting Graphite Connect customers, whether procurement can keep up with the pace of modern business, and why supplier risk and data are the ‘biggest hairball’ in procurement.

“Business friction is a real problem. But you can’t just evaporate it, because there are suppliers and situations where risk is a significant concern. You do need friction in some places.”

[27.18] Why paperwork, legal, and compliance can make it almost impossible to establish new relationships and do business, and how Graphite Connect can help ease that pressure.

[34.11] Graphite Connect's Rapid Response feature, how it helps to speed up communication, and why that’s so crucial.

“Things happen: most recently, tariffs. And the first thing that happened was that executive teams said: ‘Which of our suppliers are most impacted by tariffs, and what does that look like?’ The answer is: ‘I don’t know, call procurement.’”

[38.10] A case study exploring how Graphite Connect helped a grocery store chain cut down time spent on their supplier management process by 75%, reduce labor, and improve data quality.

[41.26] The big AI misconception, and the best way to prepare for the future of AI now.

“AI eats data, it lives on it. Data is what makes it work. And I think there’s a false belief that AI is going to fix it, like: 'I have an AI magic wand and all of a sudden I’ll have clean supplier data.' But it’s not going to work that way.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Graphite Connect’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Graphite Connect and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Conrad on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, check out 468: Make Intelligent Purchases Driven by Data, with ProcurementIQ, 462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility or 243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Jason Murray of Shipium talks about AI - its potential, what the future will look like, and why businesses need to commit to AI before they're left behind.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.42] Shipium’s origin story, how the business has evolved, and what’s changed in the industry since their last appearance on the show.

“The pandemic is no longer front and center. The thing that’s dominating the narrative now is AI. With us being data-first, it’s a comfortable spot. But even we’ve had to re-think our approach, because the new form of AI acts as an accelerator for all of the data science and machine learning work we’ve done in the past.”

[12.15] Shipium’s perspective on tariffs, the trends impacting the industry, and why AI is still dominating the narrative.

“What we hear from our customers is that they don’t like the uncertainty… They’re having trouble planning, but that speaks to the need for autonomous processes that help you deal with it in a much faster fashion.”

“There are going to be things happening all the time, so if you’re going to be competitive, you have to get out of this human analyst cycle of six months to make a decision. So you’re back to AI again. That is the meta story for everything in 2025.”

[14.55] What the future will look like based on the current pace of change and innovation in AI, and why you’re not making strategic decisions if you’re not embracing AI investment now.

[22.47] Whether or not organizations can move fast enough to stay competitive, and how Shipium talk to their clients about data-driven decision-making.

“People want tangible results. So if you’re thinking about a practical way to move into this future, you have to think about it as incremental wins that provide immediate productivity.”

[31.57] How new technology can be used to solve industry problems and reduce manual work, and a closer look at Shipium’s current AI pilot program.

[35.32] How Shipium are talking to their customers about cost, navigating investment in a cost-sensitive climate, and how AI can help prove ROI.

[39.38] Jason’s biggest takeaway from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Shipium’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shipium and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shipium, check out 299: Modernize Your Ecommerce Supply Chain, with Shipium or Unlock Retail Growth This Quarter with Multi-Carrier Tech from Shipium.

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Colby Ward of Amazon Web Services talks about leveraging agentic AI for competitive advantage; navigating change management; data; & eliminating spreadsheets.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.04] An introduction to Colby, his background, and role at Amazon Web Services.

[06.58] An overview of AWS – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Everybody knows the expression: ‘Garbage in, garbage out!’ But no one seems to focus on that area enough. They seem to say: “Well, here’s our solution, whatever your data is, we’ll take it.” And nobody focuses on: “How can I connect your data in an easier way?”

“Our goal is to eventually eliminate the spreadsheet on every supply chainers desktop!”

[10.30] Where enterprise technology has focused over the last couple of decades, the positives and negatives, and how we’ve got to where we are today.

[14.17] The problem with generic SaaS systems in supply chain, and how agentic AI can deliver improved orchestration and eliminate bias.

“SaaS systems are designed to fit any customer need, not your specific needs…. It has to be built in a generic way, so they offer configurable options, different APIs, but you’re molding a generic system. And the problem is: supply chain problems aren’t generic. They’re specific. When you translate the word supply chain, what you’re really saying is business operations. So that’s a big topic!”

“Not conjecture, not just leaving it up to somebody’s best instinct… When you’re operating on data-driven decisions, you don’t have to second guess.”

[22.27] How businesses can tackle outdated processes and deal with dirty data to leverage agentic AI in the most effective ways.

“People say that data is the new oil, and that’s true. But, like oil, if it’s unrefined, it’s useless.”

[29.17] Leveraging agentic AI for competitive advantage, and why businesses should be thinking about creating the most amount of outputs from the least amount of inputs.

“Enterprise A that doesn’t use AI will eventually be the lumber yard that never bothered with a chainsaw. There’s a reason we moved from axes to chainsaws, and AI is your chainsaw!”

[35.21] Whether or not agentic AI will level the playing field.

[37.34] An overview of ontologies, process and knowledge graphs, and how they can guide agents to achieve next-level intelligence.

[42.36] Change management, and how businesses should be thinking about people alongside technology to ensure the best chance of success.

“If you visualize this as a tool to help you with your job, you’re immediately going to be better off… Make sure you have an AI strategy in place. Don’t be dismissive that this is the next new fad. It’s not. It’s transformative.”

[45.00] Are we ready? What organizations should take away from this discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Amazon Web Service’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with AWS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Colby on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about AI and change management in supply chain, check out 458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis or 486: Revealed – The Number One Way To Make Your Supply Chain Future-Proof.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Kimberly Rodriguez talks about her career journey; tackling the industry’s sustainability challenges; overcoming imposter syndrome; & finding her place.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.15] Kimberly’s experience growing up in the Philippines, her university education in Abu Dhabi, and how those experiences shaped her, introducing her to the complexity of supply chain and the importance of people.

[06.45] How Kimberly’s education in political science and business sparked an intertest in human rights and began a career in supply chain.

“It stemmed from understanding how workers are such a big part of a complex problem… understanding the complex relationships between contractors, sub-contractors, agencies – supply chain is not just products or processes, it’s people.”

[09.49] After entering supply chain not knowing what to expect, what Kimberly thinks of the industry seven years later.

“The more I’m in the space, the more I realize how much supply chain makes everything we do, it’s how everything works, it’s all interlinked and there’s nothing that can be done without the consideration of supply chain. It blows my mind that it’s not talked about more!”

[12.41] Kimberly’s role as manager of supply chain sustainability at BSI.

“Increasingly we’ve been helping clients navigate the alphabet soup of regulatory requirements!”

[15.31] The change in how important sustainability has become to a company’s overall strategy.

[18.17] From mapping their supply chains to auditing suppliers, the biggest goals and challenges BSI clients are focusing on right now.

[23.09] Kimberley’s advice to organizations looking to focus more strategically on sustainability in 2025.

“Understanding how different functions work together is key... Sustainability shouldn’t just be one person or teams job.”

[27.00] Kimberly’s experience as a woman in supply chain and sustainability.

[29.14] Kimberly’s experience of impostor syndrome, and what helps her to rise above the moments of self-doubt and find her power again.

“It matters a lot, who champions you and who pushes you forward.”

[33.38] What it means to be honored as an industry ‘rising star’ at the Women in Supply Chain awards.

[35.18] Kimberly’s support network, and the mentors that have helped her along her journey so far.

[37.50] The future for Kimberly.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Kimberly Rodriguez over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more industry rising stars, check out 479: Women in Supply Chain, Lina Castaneda, 466: Women in Supply Chain, Alexia McLaughlin or 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Chris Haas of Blume Global talks about how IoT is reinventing rail freight visibility and building a more agile, optimized intermodal network for everyone.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.55] IoT and its role in intermodal.

[05.15] The big, macro-level challenges Blume see across the intermodal freight ecosystem.

“Intermodal logistics is inherently complex – there’s multiple modes, multiple stakeholders, and disconnected systems which makes visibility a real challenge.”

[06.48] How big industry challenges translate to a business level, the day-to-day challenges Blume see their clients facing, and why visibility is critical to navigating those challenges.

“Fragmentation, theft risks, equipment inefficiencies – all of that shows up in day-to-day operations. When you don’t have visibility, delays and missed hand-offs often go unnoticed, until it’s too late… And that reactive mode causes stress across the board.”

[10.02] The lack of IoT adoption across North America and, despite that underdeveloped adoption, the huge potential IoT holds to modernize intermodal operations.

“For a long time IoT was seen as expensive, complex and hard to scale, devices were pricey and battery life was limited. Many legacy systems just weren’t built to handle real-time IoT data, so you can understand the hesitation to invest in something that didn’t feel practical.”

[14.58] How IoT has evolved, particularly for rail.

“It used to just be GPS… but now that we have smart geofencing, sensors, temperature and humidity monitors and predictive alerts, we’ve gone from: ‘Where’s my stuff?’ to: 'Here’s what’s happening, why, and what to do next' – it’s exciting transformation!”

[16.12] The different types of use cases for IoT in intermodal freight, and their impacts.

“Insights let businesses course-correct, before it turns into a systemic problem.”

[17.55] Why IoT is a win-win for all stakeholders from shippers and railroads to IMCs, and how it’s delivering tangible benefits across the entire supply chain.

[19.08] The Blume tools that process 1.3 million IoT events per day, and what those events look like.

“It can sound overwhelming. The key is not just collecting the data, it’s making it usable.”

[22.14] How the Blume platform helps customers to manage all of that data and deliver visibility for scale and flexibility.

[24.30] A case study exploring how Blume worked with an IMC to establish geofencing and GPS tracking solutions, helping them achieve a range of positive results from real-time visibility to recovering stolen containers.

[27.25] How IoT can help to build a more agile, optimized intermodal network, and the impact of that for the industry.

“We’re really talking about removing the guesswork, and replacing it with real-time intelligence. The intermodal ecosystem is under a lot of pressure, rising cost, tighter service expectations… With everyone operating with limited or delayed information, the system ends up being reactive rather than proactive and IoT changes that. It’s created a shared single source of truth.”

[29.17] What’s to come for Blume Global.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Blume Global’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blume and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about Blume Global, check out 330: Transform Every Move, Every Mode and Every Mile, with Blume Global or 346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Ross Hickey of Shippeo talks about supply chain visibility - closing gaps, building future-proof tech stacks, change management, and driving business value.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.39] An introduction to Ross and his role at Shippeo, and a reminder of who Shippeo are and how they help their customers.

[04.45] From in-transit uncertainty to the first and last miles, the typical blind spots Shippeo see with their customers, the problem of fragmentation, and why organizations often overlook key areas in their transportation networks.

“Fragmentation really is the root cause behind so many problems.”

[07.53] How businesses can start to evaluate their ecosystem to shine a light on blind spots and tackle fragmentation.

“Organizations need to take a more diagnostic approach at the actual problem itself.”

[10.24] Shippeo’s seven value drivers, and how closing visibility gaps leads to overall performance improvement.

“What if your logistics team had immediate access to information at their fingertips, understanding exactly what’s going on with their shipment and proactively alerting the external stakeholders as to what’s going on? Meaning any time a customer is reaching out, you can treat that as an escalation, that shouldn’t be standard business as usual.”

[15.25] How real-time visibility impacts key business outcomes for Shippeo customers.

“Think of visibility as your system of information powering your system of orchestration.”

[18.25] Understanding your ‘why’ and leveraging that to build a business case for real-time visibility.

[20.58] How organizations should be thinking about their tech stack as they look to translate visibility into business value.

“The technology is the enabler, to enable people to become more effective in achieving the outcomes they want to achieve. So rather than focusing on: ‘What tech do I specifically need?’ It’s about identification of the problem, and aligning technology to that.”

[25.31] The importance of partnership, and how businesses should approach choosing the right partner, ensuring that their investment is scalable and technology future-proof.

[29.17] Why change management is critical to digital transformation, and how organizations can shift their teams mindset to work with new solutions in a more strategic, proactive way.

“The technology works, but getting people to adapt to it, to work with it and use the information they’re being given – that’s the bigger challenge.”

[34.04] Collaboration and what successful cross-functional alignment needs to look like.

[36.27] Ross’s final words of advice for listeners to take away from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Shippeo’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shippeo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Ross on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shippeo, check out 443: Mastering Visibility: Insights from LogTech Live with Shippeo.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Saskia Van Gendt talks about her career journey; sustainability challenges & opportunities; the importance of knowledge-sharing; & her experience as a woman.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.52] How Saskia discovered a passion for sustainability, and how that passion grew into a career.

“From a young age, I’d always felt a connection to nature… But, it wasn’t until I was in high school and I did competitive debate. One of the debate topics was all about renewable energy, the environment and the impact of technology and innovation in reducing emissions from fossil fuels. And that’s when a light switch turned on. It was a translation from a passion for the environment to some of the practical things we can do.”

[07.03] How the sustainability landscape has changed since Saskia’s first role at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2006.

“It’s important to take a long view. There’s a lot of change that’s needed, but we’ve also made a lot of progress… Now there are carbon accounting standards that are on the same level of credibility as financial accounting standards. So we’ve really matured in how we’re approaching some of these issues.”

[11.26] The biggest sustainability lessons Saskia learned from the consumer market during her time at retail businesses Rothy’s and Method.

“They both had a really engaged consumer fanbase… And that makes sustainability a little bit easier. You can engage the consumer directly because they’re active, and they often come to the brand because sustainability is woven into the value proposition.”

[15.01] Why Saskia embraced supply chain and joined Blue Yonder.

“The supply chain aspects were always there… But there’s been a general awareness that supply chain is almost the last frontier when it comes to addressing the embedded carbon emissions and waste that eventually make it to the consumer. So companies that really want to be responsible for all of their practices have to be looking to supply chain.”

[18.26] Saskia’s role at Blue Yonder, and the big sustainability initiatives she’s currently working on.

“If we’re not addressing the elephant in the room, we’re really not making a difference.”

[20.41] Saskia’s take on the biggest sustainability challenges in supply chain right now.

[25.42] Key sustainability opportunities, and Saskia’s advice for how organizations can prioritize sustainability and take strategic action for the future.

“We know how interconnected all of the different parts of the supply chain are. But the reality is that companies have still been dealing with supply chain activity in an isolated way... I’m excited about the power of technology to bridge those gaps in a truly connected supply chain.”

[29.50] Saskia’s experience as a woman moving through government, consumer and B2B environments.

[32.40] The importance of knowledge-sharing and engaging with a range of mentors to career success.

“I have friends working in aerospace or manufacturing, and they have a completely different lens for how we approach sustainability. That crowdsourcing of knowledge across different industries, since sustainability is such a holistic practice, is really beneficial.”

[35.47] Saskia’s biggest inspiration, and her advice for people exploring a career in sustainability.

“Sustainability isn’t just one thing. If you have a speciality, whether it’s packaging engineering, transportation management or inventory planning, you can fold sustainability as a passion and a knowledge framework into those specialties.”

[39.08] What being an industry trailblazer means to Saskia, and the importance of representation for women.

[41.17] The future for Saskia and her sustainability initiatives at Blue Yonder.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Saskia Van Gendt over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more inspirational women talking about sustainability, check out 364: Women in Supply Chain, Lisa Morales-Hellebo, 372: Women in Supply Chain, T.J. Kragenbrink or 239: Women in supply chain™, Joanna MacDonald.

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Chad Dittberner of Werner talks about supply chain sustainability - challenges, alternative fuels, cost, partnerships, and why it's a strategic advantage.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.09] Chad’s 32-year career at Werner, and an introduction to their Innovation Council and what it does.

[06.37] The biggest sustainability challenges for the industry, and for Werner clients.

“It can be messy aligning goals and initiatives. The overall pressure to reduce greenhouse gases is immense. There’s progress in so many different things… But solutions aren’t widely available at scale, especially in long-haul operations… And most of those solutions come with a premium cost.”

[10.13] Why sustainability is good business, not just the right thing to do, and why it’s a strategic advantage for Werner.

[12.23] How Werner are helping organizations approach their sustainability efforts, a closer look at alternative fuels like bio and renewable, and what a future-ready fleet might look like.

“What people often forget… is that the newest trucks on the roadway are very efficient and their emissions are much lower. So we believe in keeping the cleanest trucks on the road. Our average age of truck is just over two years old, the industry average is six plus.”

[19.29] The impact of sustainability investments in both the short and longer term.

“It’s tough. We do a lot of exercises, and a lot them end with: ‘Whoa, I didn’t want to pay any more money for that.’ But we have to share that cost if it’s going to work. Short-term, there are some operational costs incurred to get emissions savings and efficiency gains. But we’re seeing many shippers who are prioritizing partnerships with carriers that can demonstrate sustainability progress.”

[21.11] The importance of data for making smart decisions, and how Werner give real-time insight into sustainability issues like emissions.

“It’s a lot of information, it’s a daily capture of fuel economies… and you’re talking about millions of miles run every day. It becomes very difficult to do it in an Excel spreadsheet!”

[23.27] How Werner use data to scorecard and report their own sustainability performance, and demonstrate their successes to inspire others.

[26.11] Why it’s so important that logistics solutions are scalable and built for sustainability.

“To get real impact, efficiency requires solutions… And ultimately all of our big shippers want real solutions. Not just one lane, not just once in a while – they want it every day… It has to be scalable.”

[29.17] Two case studies highlighting how Werner helped a food client overcome challenges to successfully establish an electric fleet, and helped another client add devices to trailers and save 3% in fuel economy.

“Companies have different themes of what they’re working towards. So we need to know where we are today and where we’re looking to go tomorrow.”

[33.52] From solar charging to carbon capture, the sustainability innovations Werner have their eye on for the future.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Werner’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Chad on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out:

477: 95% of Cybersercurity Breaches Start With Email
446: Keep America Moving, with Werner
460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner

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Bill Catania of OneRail talks about fleet management - challenges & opportunities, change management & achieveing competitive advantage with a hyrbid model.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.31] OneRail’s rapid growth and ‘work hard, play hard’ culture.

“It’s all about work hard, play hard. We take our role in serving our customers very seriously… But we’re not afraid to play too!”

[04.22] The importance of partnerships, OneRail’s customer strategy, and why they don’t take serving big category leaders for granted.

[05.52] An overview of OneRail – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We help customers marry fulfillment and last mile delivery to create one seamless transaction… We’re the connective tissue of an omnichannel fulfilment journey.”

[06.43] From fleet optimization to last yard, the evolving landscape of last mile delivery and some of the biggest challenges shaping that evolution.

“We’re seeing the optimization of internal fleets being a big thing for wholesale. And wholesale is now tuned into the way retailers think… You wouldn’t have seen that five years ago.”

[10.18] The biggest areas of opportunity for retailers, and the ways last mile can help businesses to rise above the challenges.

“For retailers, it starts with re-thinking the way they’ve thought for decades... Re-networking, thinking about how the different modes work together, and being able to optimize them, is everything. Every retailer on the planet wants to fulfil faster, more dependably, and at less cost – that’s the normalizing problem.”

[11.54] Why fleet management is an increasingly important consideration for businesses looking to tackle challenges, enhance customer experience, and scale for success.

“It’s all about competitive advantage – how do I use fulfilment as a weapon, to gain market share?”

[13.41] Why internal fleets are increasingly hard to justify in today’s on-demand economy, and the potential in outsourced fleets.

“The holy grail for industrial and wholesale distribution is the merging of internal and external fleets.”

[17.59] OneRail’s commitment to solutioning and working closely with customers.

[19.15] From utilization rates to revenue yields tied to assets, the biggest red flags that signal your internal fleet might be holding you back.

[21.31] What a hybrid fleet model looks like, the strategies businesses can employ to build a successful hybrid model for themselves, OneRail’s role in helping customers navigate change, and why every transformation is a process, not a one-off.

“We learned a lesson. We need to do more in speaking with the end user… It’s nice to spend time with the person in the warehouse or the store, and that’s what our solutions team does.”

[29.38] A case study exploring how OneRail helped an automotive customer launch and fulfil a 90 minute or less express delivery product, which has grown to almost 10% of their current delivery volume, driving real competitive advantage, enhancing customer experience and boosting revenue.

[33.46] The new innovations and partnerships coming up for OneRail.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to OneRail’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Bill on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out:

461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo
440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail
419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail
349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail
393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail

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Mary Casillo talks about Pallet Alliance; taking a holistic view; putting a focus on cost management; and integrating tracking into your transportation.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.23] An overview of Pallet Alliance – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We take a scientific approach to pallet and category management.”

[06.35] The ideal client for Pallet Alliance.

“So much money is spent on packaging. And a lot of times people don’t consider the pallet as part of the packaging.”

[09.23] From consistency to the impact of differing weather conditions, the biggest packaging problems Pallet Alliance see most regularly from their customers.

“The packaging responsibilities are left to local teams with a decentralized strategy. So having a national pallet program is something that really entices our customers to work with us. The value of a national approach, with control and visibility, is really important.”

[15.40] The industry challenges impacting Pallet Alliance’s customers, why they’re driving a need for cost management and improved efficiency, and the hidden costs in pallets.

“Everything costs more with the current economic environment. And that’s impacting the clients profitability and time... So, finding other ways to optimize costs is more important than ever.”

[20.06] Pallet Alliance’s product range, and how they help customers understand what’s right for them.

“How a pallet interacts with a facility starts when it’s delivered… What happens when it gets there, what machinery does it interact with, how are you handling it?”

[23.27] Pallet Alliance’s IntelliPallet IoT-enabled logistics platform, how it allows businesses to avoid converting their workflows, and how it helped one company save over $600,000 per year in only one location.

[31.16] How Pallet Alliance work with customers, and their five steps to success.

“Using our experience, knowledge and technology, we’re always looking for continuous improvement opportunities.”

[35.11] A case study detailing how Pallet Alliance helped a client with a pallet redesign, resulting in $500,000 worth of savings for only one project.

“Clients rely on us as more than just quoting pallets. We’re experts in sourcing, design, industrial system engineers, and logistics experts.”

[39.06] A special offer for Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Pallet Alliance’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Pallet Alliance and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Mary on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about packaging, check out 297: Make Smarter Packing Decisions, with Paccurate, 332: Make Fulfilment Easy and Sustainable, with Renewal Logistics or 223: Women in supply chain™, Tara St James.

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Omar Abuhashish of Reform talks about scaling without increasing operational overheads; why AI isn’t just a tool; & redefining what’s possible in supply chain.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.23] Omar’s background and his journey of discovery in supply chain.

“I’m a builder at heart, and I love solving very challenging problems. I went to school and studied the hardware AND the software to see what’s possible and what solutions I can build.”

“I really wanted to go after a foundational industry with a lot of room for improvement, but at the forefront of innovation, where there’s room for opportunity and challenges that can be solved with the best technologies.”

[07.28] The big challenges Omar saw as he became increasingly interested in global transportation networks, and how they led him to establish Reform.

“I really noticed how operationally intensive a lot of the workflows are. There a lot of people doing the same job, the data is siloed, things are living on paper… I just felt there was a clear way to improve all of this.”

[11.21] An overview of Reform – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[14.29] The ideal client for Reform, and why they’re putting a focus on duty drawback providers, having helped one provider reduce process time on a project from 450 hours to 40 minutes.

[19.13] Reform’s vision for AI in supply chain, why it isn’t just a tool to help businesses reach a goal, and how it’s going to transform how both businesses and the industry operate in the coming years.

“Customers deserve much quicker turnaround times, companies deserve higher margins, higher revenues per employee, and employees actually doing what they’re best at.”

[23.34] How Reform’s AI-first platform can help customers automate up to 90% of their manual freight operations.

“Manual flows, looking at a stack of paper, sifting through them, entering data – that’s the first step. The second step is actually synthesizing the data and doing some manipulation and reasoning, before it’s placed in the system. The third is to start taking action.”

[28.00] Some of the key features within Reform’s workflow automation platform, what teams can do with it, and the different sets of teams that can use the platform.

“One of the biggest challenges outside of the manual work is that, even when the work is done, there’s still no visibility, both internally and to the customer. It’s super important to actually make sense of that data.”

[30.09] How Reform can help customers navigate complexity in the midst of disruption and manage exceptions.

[33.34] The impact Reform can have at a business level and, with its mission to transform how freight moves, the impact it will also have on the industry.

[36.02] A case study detailing how Reform helped a mid-size freight forwarder automate manual processes, saving approximately 1500 hours per month, optimizing processes, and allowing them to scale without adding more headcount.

[40.25] Reform’s special offer for Let’s Talk Supply Chain customers.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Reform’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reform and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Omar on LinkedIn.

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Lina Castaneda talks about her career journey; being an industry rising star, the importance of staying coachable; & why our differences are our superpowers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.00] Why Lina emigrated from Colombia to Canada, and what the move taught her.

“It was a big change, but I saw it as a chance for growth on my own journey. I’ve always believed that stepping outside of your comfort zone is where real growth happens.”

[06.35] How Lina found supply chain, and why she fell in love with the industry.

“I quickly fell in love with the complexity and the impact of the industry. Supply chain touches every single part of our lives – it’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse that keeps the world moving!”

[07.59] Lina’s journey moving through operations and customer service, and how each role added a new layer to her expertise and developed her leadership style.

“It’s been quite a journey. Tons of learning, tons of growth – and a few surprises along the way!”

[11.41] Lina’s role as Chief Customer Officer at Tai Software.

[13.33] Lina’s take on why customer experience is harder, but also more important, than ever before, and the challenges of balancing personalization with scalability.

“Customers have higher expectations. They’re not just comparing us to other companies in the industry, but to the best experiences they’ve had anywhere. So there’s a constant need to raise the bar.”

[16.04] From technology to collaboration, Lina’s biggest takeaways from Manifest in February.

“Being surrounded by so many passionate creative minds was really energizing.”

[18.29] What it means to be a Certified ScrumMaster and Scrum Product Owner, the importance of staying coachable and continuing to learn, and why that mindset has been key to Lina’s leadership style and success.

“Great leaders are learners forever.”

[20.58] What being named an industry ‘Rising Star’ means to Lina, and why awards and recognition for women are so important.

“Representation matters. So when women see other women being celebrated for their worth, it reinforces that there is a place for them at the table. It breaks down stereotypes, inspires the next generation, and helps create a more diverse, inclusive industry.”

[23.06] Why our differences are our superpowers, and how Lina encourages her team to recognize and leverage their own unique superpowers.

[26.49] Lina’s experience, as a woman and immigrant, moving through the male-dominated worlds of technology and supply chain, and how a sense of purpose was critical to overcoming challenges.

“These fields have historically been male-dominated. Being an immigrant meant I often had to overcome not just gender biases but cultural barriers. I had to work harder to prove myself or make my voice heard, but I focused on what I could control – my work ethic, my ability to adapt, my commitment to learning. And I leaned into my differences.”

[29.50] Lina’s advice to those looking to follow in her footsteps.

[31.39] The future for Lina.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Lina Castaneda over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more women discussing the immigrant experience, check out 422: Women In Supply Chain, Kiran Mann, 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina, 450: Women In Supply Chain, Jenny Perlitch or 207: Women in supply chain, Shana Zheng.

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Rob Norlander of Circle K Pro talks about the difference between a fleet card and a credit card, industry challenges, driver satisfaction; & saving you money.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.12] Rob and his career journey, and how Circle K has evolved over the past 60 years.

“What drives the business is a focus on the customer… Our mission is to make their lives easier every day.”

[08.09] Circle K Pro’s unique view of the industry and the biggest challenges they see, from cost to efficiency.

“Businesses are under pressure to do more with less… They’re having trouble with keeping costs in check and making sure their employees are taken care of. Fuel is one of the largest variables for fleets and how they manage that, and try to keep it as low as possible, is more important than ever.”

[11.55] An overview of the Circle K Pro fleet card and how it works.

[14.08] How the Circle K Pro fleet card differs from a traditional business credit card, and how businesses should decide what’s right for them.

“With a traditional credit card, all you see is that fuel cost. But if you want to know more and want to optimize your business, a fleet card helps you to have more visibility.”

[17.47] Circle K Pro’s two different fleet card options, the differences, and how businesses should decide which to choose.

[19.17] Why looking after drivers is so important to Circle K Pro, and the fleet card benefits specifically for them.

“A driver can benefit personally from their decisions professionally… We can sign up a company, but it’s the driver that makes the choice every day to fuel with us, and we don’t take that for granted.”

[20.49] The business benefits of utilizing a Circle K Pro fleet card.

[22.28] From real-time transaction monitoring to alerts, the types of reporting businesses can access with Circle K Pro, and what they can do with that data.

[25.27] The ideal client for Circle K Pro.

[27.08] How Circle K Pro customers can save between 5% to 15% on fuel costs, whilst reducing their administrative time, consolidating bills, lowering fraud, and boosting driver satisfaction.

“The controls limit variability – and variability is what costs money.”

[29.42] What Circle K Pro are excited about as we head into the second half of 2025.

[32.21] Circle K Pro’s special offer for Let’s Talk Supply Chain customers.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Circle K Pro’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Circle K Pro and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Rob on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 467: Put The Pedal To The Metal with Hassle-Free Rentals & Leasing, with Premier Trailer Leasing, 431: Fleet Logistics Made Easy, with TSG Fleet or 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines.

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Daragh Mahon talks about driving competitive advantage, the importance of cybersecurity, real-time visibility & their 'Cloud First, Cloud Now' strategy.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[04.26] An overview of Werner, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We run all modes of transportation… And we’ve proven over and over again that we’re excellent at every single one of them.” [05.24] Daragh’s reflections on the first half of the year, why 2025 is the year of AI, and how Werner’s digital transformation journey has positioned them for the future. “The first half of the year has been tough, we’re still in this freight recession… There’s a lot of volatility, but it does feel like it’s leveling out a bit.” [12.22] From demand predictability and labor issues to sustainability and cyber security, the biggest challenges faced by Werner customers, the types of technologies they’re looking for to tackle them, and why Werner tech is built around what their customers need most. “You combine all those things, and what you have is a very unpredictable environment. What we have to do… is help level out that playing field and give our customers technology that will help them in all of those places… so that everything is reliable, scalable and secure.” [16.56] Whether data security is being compromised because of increasingly large tech stacks. [20.26] How Werner customers can use their interactive tools to access insights, drive better decision-making and, ultimately, gain a competitive advantage. “Data is more real-time than it’s ever been before… And when you give customers real-time access to visibility, that gives them a competitive advantage.” “It’s crazy what the supply chain looks like today versus 20 years ago… It’s night and day. And the beauty of it is that 20 months from now it will look different, and 20 years from now it will be unrecognizable. That’s why I get so excited – especially at the pace we’re moving at now.” [27.25] Werner’s data access strategy, and how it helps with flexibility, speed, and decision-making support. “I think of data as the great equalizer.” [31.36] The issue of increasing cyber threats and cargo thefts, an overview of Werner’s security and safety solutions and how they’re protecting what matters most to customers. “You have to think about a cyber attack as ‘when’ and not ‘if’ – you have to think about how vulnerable you can be, and how you watch and shut down those vulnerabilities.” [36.46] Werner’s ‘Cloud First, Cloud Now’ strategy, what it means, and how it translates to results for customers. “The tech part is easy. It’s the change management that gets really hard.” [40.42] Daragh’s key takeaways from today’s discussion.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner or 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner.

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John Conrad of Evans Transportation talks about tariffs, navigating challenges, the importance of partnerships; technology; & their customer-centric approach.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.10] John’s reflections from the show floor at Home Delivery World.

[02.56] An introduction to John, his 20-year career history, and his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Evans Transportation.

“We’ve experienced some pretty athletic growth over the last five years… I’m responsible for our team finding and keeping revenue, it’s a big job. And when your President and CEO wants to double in the next five years, it’s a really big job!”

[04.08] Evan’s roots as one of the country’s first 100 freight brokers 40 years ago, their evolution, and how they helped pioneer the transportation management system.

“There’s about 30,000 registered 3PL’s and maybe about 30,000 that aren’t, working out of their basement or garage. There’s no shortage of competition in this space! So it makes it really hard to differentiate.”

[06.43] An overview of where Evans is now, and how they help their customers.

“We continue to be an organization that’s focused on our customer… We’re a people and technology company, that happens to be in the logistics space.”

[08.17] The ideal client for Evans Transportation.

“From an industry and vertical perspective, we don’t have an ideal client. Our ideal client is someone that understands the beauty of working with a partner… And they have to value technology.”

[09.47] Why Evans is committed to embracing a customer-centric approach, and an inside look at their recent customer advisory panel, the common challenges it exposed, and the surprising answer to the question: ‘What’s one activity in your organization that you’d like to see never happen again?’

[13.04] Some of the biggest opportunities that were revealed at Evans’ customer advisory panel, how the technology applications of their Execution Engine helps clients pursue those opportunities, and the importance of collaboration in overcoming shared challenges.

[15.24] How tariffs are impacting Evans’ clients, and how they’re helping them respond.

“With the current reprieve, there’s a mad dash to make things happen while they can. But we’re also seeing a significant amount of hesitation to a commitment on what people are going to do moving forward. There’s so much uncertainty… So we’re trying to be a problem-solver.”

[17.58] The ever-evolving world of parcel, and how high customer expectations and carrier changes are creating big challenges for shippers.

“From an end customer perspective, your expectations are changing… And the carrier landscape has also evolved… So, from a shipper perspective, they’ve got to maintain speed, be agile, and they’ve also got to be sustainable. Not just environmentally, but from a cost perspective.”

[22.30] The growing problem of cargo theft, and how Evans is helping clients ensure their goods are safe and accounted for while in transit.

[25.36] A case study exploring how Evans helped a client struggling with damage on LTL shipments to leverage technology and data and build a solution that reduced handling and dropped their freight claim percentage significantly, whilst also maintaining speed and reducing cost.

[29.31] The most significant impending transformation John anticipates for the supply chain and logistics industries, and how Evans is preparing for it.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Evans Transportation’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Evans and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or X (Twitter), or you can connect with John on LinkedIn.

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Chris Mazza of Shippeo talks about their obsessive focus on data quality, visibility, and how current geopolitical disruptions are impacting shippers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.08] An introduction to Shippeo, who they are, and what they do.

“We answer two foundational, practical questions that almost every supply chain, transportation or logistics manager wants to know: where is my stuff, and when will it arrive?”

[06.21] How current geopolitical disruptions are impacting shippers, and why real-time visibility is crucial in navigating challenges.

“If you don’t have a good understanding of where your cargo is, what ship it’s on, how it’s routed, you can’t credibly predict how you’re going to manage things like buffer stock, real lead-time or real customer service expectation – without that data, you’re lost.”

[09.29] From an obsessive focus on data quality to an investment in integration options, what sets Shippeo apart in a very competitive and rapidly evolving market.

“We spend a lot of time educating our customers about what can be a credible expectation in this market, because so much of the data that’s out there is of a degraded quality.”

[16.34] Shippeo’s founder story – the industry challenges that helped shape Shippeo’s solutions, and how their growth in Europe helped position them for success in the US.

“The advantage the founders had, because they didn’t come from the industry, was that they could come to the problem eyes wide open.”

[21.03] The ideal client for Shippeo, and the typical challenges those businesses are looking to solve.

[26.57] A case study exploring how Shippeo helped Yamaha achieve greater visibility to improve customer experience and internal operations via ocean and road.

[33.21] How Shippeo is using AI and predictive analytics to help customers move from a reactive to a proactive mindset, and why this technology has been critical in navigating the current ocean challenges.

“It’s still too early to take the human out of the loop with some of these things, like strikes or fires on ships where a human has to say: ‘This is significant’. A machine can’t spot that yet.”

[39.14] The importance of sustainability, and some of Shippeo’s key initiatives.

[43.03] Chris’s advice to help supply chain leaders future-proof their logistics strategies.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Shippeo’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shippeo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shippeo, you can hear Chris Mazza talking to our own Eric Johnson on episode 443: Mastering Visibility: Insights from LogTech Live with Shippeo.

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Michael Falls of Reveel & Jennifer Mitchell of GOAT Group talk about tariffs, network design, SKU analysis, carrier negotiation and decision intelligence.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.22] An introduction to Michael, his background, and what excites him about supply chain.

“Work smarter, not harder – that’s what I’m passionate about. There’s great technology out there that shippers can leverage, but so many people are still working out of spreadsheets. That hasn’t changed as rapidly in our industry as it has in others.”

[03.49] An overview of Reveel, who they are, and what they do.

“Our CEO always says that modeling is the hill we’re going to die on. We have a lot of tools in our repertoire that are different to a lot of the other analytics tools on the market.”

[04.36] An introduction to Jennifer, her background, and her company GOAT Group.

[05.58] An overview of the current tariff landscape, and how businesses are approaching adaptability and cost impacts.

“We’re now in a period where shippers have a new normal, which is: we don’t know what the future will hold, but we know we’re going to have to adapt to change.”

“Now there’s a very public conversation around who absorbs the cost of tariffs. Tariffs are here to stay. The question is: are consumers going to pay for them, or are companies going to absorb the cost and use that as a competitive advantage?”

[07.55] How tariffs have impacted GOAT Group, and why increased tariffs for China are driving up apparel costs and forcing companies to rethink their manufacturing locations.

[09.07] From cost volatility to the impact of the unknown, the biggest negative impacts, driven by the current tariff landscape, for shippers.

“It’s ever-changing. The minute you make a decision to do something, it changes and you’re back to square one.”

[11.34] Network design and optimization, and why shippers need intelligence, agility, and a strategic command of their shipping network to manage current volatility.

[14.28] How network design and optimization can help companies to design more efficient distribution strategies, what those strategies might look like, and the positive impact they can have for shippers.

[15.16] How SKU profitability analysis can help businesses identify problem products and make more informed decisions on their portfolio.

“There’s much more that you can do with SKU level insights than just explore profitability.”

[17.13] Why contract negotiations have changed, and how Reveel can help to simulate ‘what-if’ scenarios and compare carrier performance so shippers can push for reductions or pivot.

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure. So we empower our customers to measure all the KPIs that are going to impact their transportation spend.”

“The duopoly is over!.. Carrier contract negotiation is becoming an ongoing activity.”

[20.07] The importance of flexibility and expanding carrier options to reduce dependency, lower cost, and improve customer experience.

“Flexibility is crucial… Customers expect more from delivery, they expect it faster, more personalized. The bigger carriers are very rigid in what they do and a lot of these emerging carriers have more flexibility, they’re more customizable to your company.”

[21.23] Why, when tariffs are out of our control, intelligence is the best defence, how companies can use intelligence to stay competitive, and why parcel spend management can be an organizations competitive advantage in an unpredictable global market.

“There’s so much noise. Carrier billing data has hundreds of elements, it’s not normalized… Having a shipping intelligence platform helps arm you with the most important insights at a glance.”

“A lot of shippers are just resigned to this belief that the carriers are going to do what the carriers are going to do, and we have to sit back and take it… But I would say that any shipper has between 5-30% of spend that’s available to be eliminated.”

[23.47] The ideal client for Reveel, and the types of clients they’re currently onboarding most.

[24.41] GOAT group’s experience with onboarding and implementation with Reveel.

[25.52] The biggest challenges GOAT Group were experiencing, why they chose to work with Reveel, and the benefits they see from their ongoing partnership.

[27.38] In a constantly evolving market, what shippers might expect over the next few months.

“The only thing we know for sure is that more change is coming!.. But the shippers that have the best data, the best data-driven insights, and the best technology are ultimately the ones that are going to come out ahead.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Reveel’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reveel and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Michael or Jennifer on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Reveel, check out 453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco or 357: Leverage the Power of Shipping Intelligence, with Reveel.

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Stephanie Dominguez talks all about the Port of New York and New Jersey, big infrastructure projects, collaboration, sustainability & preparing for the future.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.30] An overview of the Port of New York and New Jersey, who they are and what they do.

“We have a long history… Containerization started at our port.”

[05.40] Why organizations should choose the Port of New York and New Jersey, the many factors that give them their competitive edge and how, in turn, that can give companies doing business with them their own competitive edge.

“We’re a world-class gateway port… We’re focused on efficiency and reliability… Today we have 45 weekly ocean carrier services, and we’re the first port of call on 75% of them.”

[11.36] Some of the biggest challenges of the last few years, and why resiliency, communication and collaboration Is key.

[15.43] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s ‘Master Plan’, and how a predicted increase in volume will impact the port and local community, from challenges to investments.

[17.30] From road improvements to improving navigation channels, the major infrastructure projects the Port of New York and New Jersey is focused on right now, and how they work with other key stakeholders.

“You have to have honest conversations. There will be times when you don’t agree, but you’ll find a solution together.”

[22.58] The potential impact of those infrastructure challenges and opportunities, and the Port of New York and New Jersey’s approach to embracing the future.

“This industry is all about flexibility, adaptability – you never know what’s going to happen… We have to be open-minded, and evolve with the industry. So when there’s new emerging technologies or tools, it’s common for people to be scared. But we need to educate ourselves, and work with other best practices.”

[25.17] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s new marine terminal operator leases with Port Liberty New York and Bayonne and the APM Terminals, and why they’re all focused on planning for the future.

[29.22] Why collaboration is so important as the industry prepares for the future, and Stephanie’s advice for other organizations looking to improve their collaborative efforts.

“Your partners are experts in what they do… So when they’re at the table giving you honest feedback, listen… Bring them in at the beginning, proactively not reactively… It takes time, effort, it takes thick skin! But there’s a level of respect and trust that builds out of those conversations.”

[34.33] Key sustainability initiatives for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

[38.04] What the rest of 2025 will bring for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to the Port of New York and New Jersey’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with the Port of New York and New Jersey and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about keeping freight moving, check out 388: See The Future of Transportation, with Win Global, 338: Set a New Standard for Global Trade, with Flexport or 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise.

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Neil Fisher of Birdseye Security Solutions talks about cargo theft, leveraging AI for proactivity & why security solutions drive business-wide improvements.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.28] An introduction to Neil, his background, and role at Birdseye Security Solutions.

[03.12] How a shifting approach to security led Mike Grabovica to establish Birdseye.

“There was this shift in security in general, from being reactive to having proactive solutions. And our founder identified early on that trucking and logistics companies have really specific needs when it comes to security.”

[03.57] The ongoing issue of yard security and cargo theft.

[04.47] An overview of Birdseye – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[05.11] The ideal client for Birdseye Security Solutions.

[05.50] The biggest factors influencing the rapid rise in cargo theft.

“There’s some economic uncertainty out there and, with that, comes all sorts of challenges… And criminals are getting smarter and bolder.”

[06.55] An overview of Birdseye’s security solutions and the benefits of implementing them.

“We can protect a yard, starting at the gate. Just like if you were going to protect your home, the most important part is your front door.”

[08.11] The two primary ‘traditional’ ways of tackling security, and their fundamental weaknesses.

[09.21] How Birdseye can help organizations analyze their infrastructures and determine the security solutions that are right for them.

[10.27] The importance of efficient gate management, and how it works with Birdseye.

“It’s important that you process trucks as quickly as possible, for efficiency but also for safety… We create a tunnel of cameras… so we can gather all that information quickly.”

[12.26] Birdseye’s hybrid people-plus-technology approach to security, and how they’re leveraging AI to tackle a range of issues, from preventing fire to reducing liability.

“In the old days, you would have a couple of agents looking at a handful of monitors. With AI, an agent doesn’t have to see every action… The AI alerts the live agent that something’s going on, and then the agent jumps into action… The whole point is to be proactive.”

[15.10] What implementation and onboarding looks like with Birdseye.

[16.04] How Birdseye’s solutions and approach helps organizations with driver safety and satisfaction, ultimately helping them to retain drivers.

“Drivers want to keep moving… A line-up at a facility typically counts against a drivers hours of service. So if we can move them more quickly and efficiently – which can be up to 50%, versus a live guard – drivers love it!”

[17.31] A case study detailing how Birdseye helped a transportation company avoid theft and operate more efficiently.

[19.43] From cargo theft to AI, the big conversations coming out of 2025 conference season.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Birdseye Security Solutions’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Birdseye and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Neil on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Kristin Kay of Manhattan Associates talks about their Active TMS, continuous innovation & automated testing, & why transportation is more complex than ever.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.20] An introduction to Kristin, and Manhattan Associates.

“We don’t view supply chain as a cost center – it can be a competitive advantage, if you start to remove some of the siloes between your solutions.”

[06.18] The biggest impacts on the transportation industry right now, and why the industry is more complex than ever before.

“It’s a whirlwind! We have a lot of different things coming into play. Macro economic shifts, sky high customer expectations, pressure to hit sustainability targets… Depending on the industry, the days of just managing your transportation are gone.”

[09.17] Why Transportation Management Systems often come with their own set of problems, and the biggest TMS challenges Manhattan see with their customers.

“Whatever challenge comes up, sometimes that challenge isn’t the biggest problem. The problem is how inflexible either your systems or operations are. If they’re inflexible, you don’t have options.”

“The burden of maintaining integrations between all of these systems takes a lot of time. We find that teams are spending more time managing their systems and TMS than managing their freight. And that can be a red flag wherever you have volatility.”

“As things change, your pendulum swings between ‘I really need to save money’ to ‘I really need to give service to customers’… But there is an answer between speed and cost, and we need to be able to react to that.”

[12.58] What connectivity and integration speed and ease looks like with Manhattan’s Active TMS, and the impact on key focus areas like visibility, collaboration and flexibility.

“Transportation is a team sport… And that connectivity is the heartbeat of agility.”

“If you’re going to do any software implementation, decide: ‘What are my key KPIs, how do I know what’s right, how do I build that confidence?’ So that when I turn that switch on, I’m getting those benefits – not just creating more questions.”

[16.57] Manual versus automated testing, how automated testing works with Manhattan, and the business benefits of continuous validation and accelerated deployments.

[19.37] How automated testing can help to reduce risk and allow businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions in a climate filled with risk and unexpected disruption.

[23.34] The importance of communication and transparency, the power of partnership, and how customer-driven enhancements make Manhattan’s Active Transportation Management unique.

“True innovation can’t happen in isolation, it happens through partnership.”

“It really comes down to the end user experience. If that’s bad, it doesn’t matter how good your integration is, or how great your reporting is, or how fast you can change. If people don’t like using the product, you’re going to have trouble.”

[27.29] Why scalability means more than just scaling up or down, and how continuous innovation helps businesses with future-proofing, allowing them to stay ahead of the game without having to constantly overhaul systems.

[32.24] What Manhattan’s synchronization of operations and end-to-end unification mean for teams and businesses.

[35.59] A case study exploring how Manhattan helped a grocery client shift their mindset, unify, embrace dynamic planning and unlock big benefits.

[40.08] What we can expect from Manhattan in the second half of 2025.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Manhattan Associate’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Manhattan and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Kristin on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Manhattan, check out:

439: Breaking Down Silos: Discover The Power of Unified Supply Chain Planning, with Manhattan Associates
432: Discover the Future of Forecasting, with Manhattan Associates
430: Unify Your Supply Chain Systems, with Manhattan Associates

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Melodie Van Der Baan talks about her career journey; juggling motherhood & entrepreneurship; positivity; and the intricate dance between supply and demand.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.04] The early years of Melodie’s career, why she fell in love with retail, and how her experiences laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.

“I loved every store, every city, every boutique owner I visited and sold to. But, without fail, they would point out what didn’t sell from the season before, and say ‘Mel, what are you going to do about it?’ And so I had to find a solution to their problem.”

“My husband said: ‘This isn’t a you problem, it’s an industry problem. It’s a lack of a network that needs to exist, and you should create it!’ But this was before Amazon, Shopify wasn’t a thing yet, Point of Sales were server-based, not cloud-based. So even though the problem was real, the industry wasn’t ready for the solution.”

[08.31] Why Melodie chose not to go to college, her Mother’s words of advice, and why she decided to open her own retail store.

“Every step of my journey has been so natural.”

[11.56] Melodie’s experience as a working Mom, setting an example for her daughter, and why experience is the best teacher.

[15.09] Melodie’s advice for parents struggling with work/life balance, and why consistency is key.

“We can’t give our best at work and leave the scraps for our family.”

[19.33] How Melodie developed a unique understanding of the intricate dance between supply and demand, the biggest challenges faced by retailers and distributors, and why understanding your inventory is crucial.

[24.57] Why Melodie moved from retail to technology, an overview of her business Max Retail, and how she brings retail experts and tech leaders together to solve the biggest industry challenges.

“It was never an intention to become a CEO of a technology company. The truth is that there was no way to solve the problem without technology.”

[29.37] Melodie’s experience as a woman navigating the worlds of retail, technology and supply chain, and her uniquely positive outlook.

“When you know the authenticity of someone, it can gender-neutralize.”

[32.22] Melodie’s commitment to taking a ‘we lift while we climb’ approach, the role others have played in her success, and how she pays it forward.

[36.00] Melodie’s biggest achievements, personally and professionally, and the passion that drives them.

[38.18] The future for Melodie, and for Max Retail.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Melodie Van Der Baan over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear the experiences of other hard-working Moms, check out 464: Women in Supply Chain, Beverly Steele, 359: Women in Supply Chain, Alexis Mizell-Pleasant or 425: Women In Supply Chain, Josephine Coombe.

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Megan Keith & Shawn Piper talk about Uber Freight; bridging tech & service; bringing product & design together; automation; & the future of freight technology.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.00] Introductions to Megan and Shawn, and their roles at Uber Freight.

“I was drawn to logistics because of its complexity and impact. It’s a space where smart, intuitive tools can really make a difference, and I love simplifying that complexity so transportation teams can move faster and make better decisions.”

[05.21] An overview of Uber Freight, the evolution that brought together deep industry expertise from Transplace with Uber’s tech DNA, and how that combination is driving the way they approach logistics today.

“That fusion means that we’re not just building smart tools or interesting technology, we’re building tools that work in the real world. Our approach is to really get that balance of being tech-forward but operationally-grounded, to make customers more agile, resilient and informed.”

“Uber Freight’s mission is really leading WITH logistics professionals, that’s the key word. We really go alongside our customers… The customer is the multiplier for the impact and results we can get.”

[07.35] The types of customers Uber Freight typically serves, and how those customers influence Uber Freight’s product strategy and service philosophy.

[08.49] How Uber Freight combines managed services with advanced technology, why that blend is so important in today’s complex logistics environment, and an example of how it helped solve a real operational pain point for a customer.

“Identifying opportunities and actualising or contextualising them are two different things… We’re able to take those opportunities and make sure those benefits are being realized, so technology and services are working together, in a loop of continuous improvement.”

[11.29] The importance of scalability and flexibility, so that customers of all sizes can leverage Uber Freight’s high-powered tools.

[13.44] How product and design work together to tackle complex challenges across the freight ecosystem, and the core principles Uber Freight relies on to guide platform development.

“When you have both in the room, you end up with more thoughtful, more elegant solutions.”

[15.44] How Uber Freight builds tools that are powerful enough for complex operations, but intuitive enough for teams that may not have dedicated logistics tech staff.

[18.26] How customer feedback, from customers of all sizes, shapes the Uber Freight roadmap, and the importance of putting a focus on usability.

“Too much feedback is a great thing!”

[22.06] Why AI has always been part of the Uber Freight ethos, why they’re investing heavily in automation, and the ways they’re using these technologies to empower smarter, faster decisions.

[25.42] Uber Freight’s Insights AI, and how it helps smaller teams punch above their weight.

“It actually interprets the data, it doesn’t just visualize it. It’s able to identify patterns, flag risks and recommend actions, which shifts teams more to proactive management rather than reactive firefighting.”

[27.25] The future of freight technology, and how Uber Freight is leading the charge.

“It’s connecting these different islands of automation into more systemic automation; it’s a shift away from just efficiency, which has been the historical role of automation, to effectiveness.”

“It’s one thing for a system to identify a change but, in the real world, that change has to be implemented by people.”

[29.21] The key takeaway that shippers and industry leaders should walk away with from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Uber Freight’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Uber Freight and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram, or you can connect with Megan or Shawn on LinkedIn.

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Anthony & Lyle of ProcurementIQ talk about client collaboration, leveraging data, the growth of procurement & the biggest challenges impacting teams in 2025.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.08] Lyle’s background and the journey that led him to co-found ProcurementIQ.

[09.00] How ProcurementIQ has evolved over the last decade, and where they are now.

“We were learning – and so was procurement in its own right. The concept of category intelligence wasn’t really a thing in 2013... Back then there was market intelligence so what we really had to learn about was that evolution.”

[11.13] Anthony’s background, how it sparked a passion for supply chain and why, after years in the industry, he decided to go to school for supply chain.

“It’s never a bad time to invest in yourself and develop your skillset.”

[14.08] The biggest supply chain challenges and disruptions, and the impact they’re having on procurement practitioners and their ability to plan ahead and do their jobs effectively.

“It’s creating a ton of uncertainty – which is the bane of our existence in this industry! It’s making it much harder to plan and strategize for de-risking supply chains. And the on-off again approach to tariffs makes it even more difficult, because the calculus is constantly changing.”

[16.09] Creating effective feedback loops between vendors and clients, the importance of listening, and the true story of how ProcurementIQ leveraged client feedback and collaboration to create their upgraded product suite.

“We’ve been through a digital transformation to help our clients better navigate the complex environment they live in... Change is constant, whether it's priorities, cost savings, consolidation, risk mitigation, supplier diversity – clients are ultimately leaning on us to help them better understand, from an external market standpoint, what all of this means.”

“It created a very open and honest feedback loop… And it all started with conversation and collaboration.”

[22.47] ProcurementIQ’s interactive website, how its market dashboard helps clients understand their buying power and leverage insights to improve it, and how benchmark pricing allows clients to engage with the marketplace in a way they haven’t been able to do before.

[25.58] ProcurementIQ’s data and category insights, and how enhanced depth into areas like occupation profiles, external demand determinates and price driver profiles helps clients.

“There’s additional depth and analysis on price driver profiles to help customers construct better ‘should-cost’ models and ask better questions.”

[29.17] The ideal client for ProcurementIQ.

[30.44] A case study detailing how ProcurementIQ helped a manufacturing client, that were looking to centralize their indirect spend and build category plans that supported stakeholder recommendations and transparency, to shorten their speed to information, boosting stakeholder engagement and supporting the team to increase efficiency.

[34.20] The big questions facing the industry in the second half of 2025, and what procurement teams should be focusing on.

“The big question, especially with the tariff environment, is: 'Is this going to last for the full term of this administration?' And what the heck is trade policy going to look like?! In the short-term, it’s about getting creative with manufacturing capacity… and re-working supply chain networks.”

“Procurement leaders are facing challenges retaining, developing and attracting strong talent… There’s going to be growth in the procurement profession, so leaders and individuals need to think about what they’re doing to set themselves up for success, not only for what we’re facing now but what we’re anticipating in the future.”

[38.47] How to take advantage of ProcurementIQ’s special deal for Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to ProcurementIQ’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcurementIQ and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Instagram, or you can connect with Anthony or Lyle on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, check out 462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility, 243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge or 211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip.

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Craig Barth of Premier Trailer Leasing talks about understanding if your business needs to buy, rent or lease; & leveraging fleet management for success.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.31] An overview of Premier Trailer Leasing – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[06.07] What sets Premier apart, and the secret to their success as they celebrate 20 years in business.

“There are several companies that will rent or lease you a semitrailer. So why do people come to Premier? The reality is: it’s the people. It’s the partnerships we form, the services we provide – we take a very personal approach, and we look to help the customer solve a problem first.”

[07.57] From economic issues to continued overcapacity, the biggest challenges in the transportation industry right now.

“It’s one of the most challenging environments we’ve ever been in. The transportation industry, depending on your measurement, is between two to three years into a recession… And now we have mass uncertainty. Our customers don’t know what’s happening from one day to the next, they don’t know how much their goods are going to cost – or if they’re even coming!”

[10.31] Premier’s inventory of over 65,000 trailers and network of locations across the US, and how customers can work with them.

[12.51] The difference between trailer renting and leasing, the benefits to each, the factors businesses need to consider when they’re deciding whether to buy, rent or lease, and how Premier help businesses decide what’s right for them.

“Most companies should own a portion, lease a portion, and rent a portion of their fleet. And we help customers understand where those lines are.”

[17.08] The ideal client for Premier Trailer Leasing.

[19.18] Premier’s trailer and cargo tracking solution, and an overview of some of the most promising innovations they're seeing in the space, from cargo sensors and volume metrics to weight and door sensors.

“There’s almost too much data available. It’s all about helping the customer understand what data they need and what they can actually use.”

[24.51] How Premier find the balance between supporting clients and managing their own business in uncertain times, and how Premier data gives clients a competitive advantage.

[27.55] A case study detailing how Premier helped a large packaged goods company, that had always owned 100% of their fleet, cut their maintenance costs in half through strategic trailer leasing.

“They’ve taken a far more proactive approach based on what we were able to demonstrate through the leasing side... Trailers for them were a small piece, so they weren’t really paying attention. We were able to save them millions of dollars.”

[32.18] What we can expect from the industry as we look towards the second half of 2025.

“We’re approaching the second half of the year cautiously optimistic. There are going to be a lot of opportunities out there, we hope there will be some resolution to a lot of the chaos and uncertainty that’s in the market. But we are going to see some price increases.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Premier Trailer Leasing’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Premier and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Craig on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner, Where are trucking rates headed in 2025? 7 execs weigh in – Supply Chain Dive, or 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines.

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Alexia McLaughlin talks about making an impact through innovation; her commitment to cultures of excellence; & her big achievement as an industry rising star.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.52] An introduction to Alexia and her role at Veho.

“If Uber and UPS had a baby, it would be Veho!”

[05.08] How Alexia began her career in sales, and her journey through roles at Oracle and Jebbit to her current position at Veho.

“I never thought I was going to be in sales! That used car salesman connotation springs to your mind… But, when I was coming out of college, a lot of mentors who’s careers I admired started in sales. So I thought: ‘OK, I’m going to give this a try! I don’t know if I’ll love it, but I’ll learn a lot.’”

[09.07] Alexia’s experience moving from a big, corporate environment to a smaller, start-up culture.

“When you’re working for a big company, there’s a lot of layers, it’s very bureaucratic, there’s a lot of structure and process. But I wanted ambiguity. Both of my roles after Oracle you were building as you were steering the ship… It was exciting, and every day was different.”

[11.08] Making impact through innovation, the importance of ‘selling in’ to internal stakeholders, and how Alexia successfully led a new business opportunity, navigating the complexity of managing risk, expectation, and leadership buy-in.

“When you’re on the front line selling, and then coming back to the business to help inform the products and the offerings that we build, that’s a role that drives impact – and that’s exactly what I wanted.”

[15.31] From working with mentors to backing your approach with data, Alexia’s advice for building career confidence.

[17.23] Alexia’s biggest career achievement, and why it’s vital for women to understand their impact and to share and celebrate their successes.

[20.54] The challenges Alexia has faced during her career, and the turbulent nature of sales.

“I’ve had so many times of doubt, thinking: ‘I’m done with sales!’… It’s an up and down rollercoaster… There have been a thousand little failures along the way.”

[22.06] How to foster a culture of excellence, and why that’s so important.

“You have to lead by example… With new hires there’s only so much you can do in the training and onboarding process. The rest has to come from them seeing excellence throughout the organization. If everyone is operating at a high bar, you start to learn from observing the actions that are celebrated, the calibre of the team – and if you hire great, hungry people that want to operate at that level, then there’s a nice healthy stimulating environment.”

[24.29] What Alexia’s Rising Star award at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Awards means to her, and her advice for young women looking to follow in her footsteps.

[26.02] The future for Alexia, and her ambition for Veho over the next five years.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Alexia McLaughlin over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more inspirational women, check out 444: Women In Supply Chain, Gina Anderson, 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines or 410: Women In Supply Chain, Julie Tilenius.

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Dexter Weber of TGW Logistics talks about the trends, challenges & opportunities in warehouse logistics; building strategic partnerships; and TGW's new brand.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.31] TGW’s 50+ year journey from small fitters shop in Austria to global manufacturing leader.

“Part of our journey was becoming a foundation-owned company... We reinvest our profits into our solutions and capabilities, and to charity. We’re not chasing goals and pleasing shareholders – we’re focused on that long-term vision.”

[09.07] Where TGW are now, their vision for the future, and a why they’re unveiling a new brand for a new era.

[12.21] The ideal client for TGW Logistics.

“What we’re really looking for is someone that wants to build a true partnership. We need to be an extension of their team and share a vision to really accomplish the goals they want to achieve. Being collaborative makes sure we’re both successful.”

“Building relationships and trust is the foundation of any good, solid business project.”

[15.03] The landscape of warehouse logistics and, from service level agreements and inventory to skill shortages and temperature control, the biggest challenges in the industry right now.

[19.56] From improving fulfilment speeds to facilitating more frequent small shipments from stores, the biggest opportunities in warehouse logistics and ecommerce, and why automation is increasingly important in helping organizations pursue those opportunities.

“Automation, at its core, is all about process improvement. The goal is to eliminate multiple non-value-add manual touches, boosting speeds… You can take manual efforts, that may take hours or days, to pick orders – and move it up to minutes.”

[23.44] Robotics, conveyor, automatic storage and retrieval systems – the different types of automation TGW uses within their solutions.

[25.19] How TGW work with customers to understand their challenges and develop customized solutions, using their warehouse automation technologies, to help customers achieve smarter, more efficient intralogistics.

“We have experts in different areas, so we can understand the industries a lot better: what do their typical supply chain setups look like? What are some common challenges?… Then we look at each process in the warehouse, from receiving to outbound.”

[29.24] The warehouse management software that sits behind TGW’s products, and how that tech pulls everything together.

“The WMS is the backbone of your warehouse operations.

[31.18] How TGW support both equipment and software with their range of lifetime services, and how they build strategic bonds with customers to empower them to meet their short-term goals as well as plan and prepare for long-term success.

[35.28] A case study showing how TGW helped a key client tackle big issues to create a network of 650,000 storage locations, managing 125,000 SKUs, with the ability to handle more than 300,000 order lines per day during peak season, ultimately helping them to achieve the best cost per unit in their entire network.

[40.09] From mobile and palletizing robotics to robotic picking, the trends and technologies shaping the future of the warehouse logistics sector.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to TGW Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TGW and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or you can connect with Dexter on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about warehousing, listen to 412: Maximize Warehouse Efficiency and Profitability, with CargoWise or read The Warehouse of the Future.

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Beverly Steele talks about her journey, making a big change mid-career; what it means to be a workforce innovator; and her take on work-life balance.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.29] An introduction to Beverly and her role at Inmar.

[05.11] Beverly’s career journey, and her decades of varied experience.

“I’ve been in reverse logistics well over 20 years. I actually stopped saying how long because I realized I’d been in it longer than some of my colleagues have been alive!”

[07.15] Beverly’s 20-year tenure at CORT, and an overview of the roles she took on as she climbed the ranks.

[08.07] Inmar’s joint venture with Blue Yonder to create a returns drop network that reduces costs for brands and makes life easy for consumers.

[09.46] Why Beverly made a big change mid-career, what she was looking for in her next step, and her advice for other mid-career professionals considering making a change.

“I’d moved up in the ranks and there weren’t many places for me to go to make the money I wanted to make and have the challenges that I wanted… It was scary, but sometimes I think: why didn’t I leave sooner?!’”

[12.33] From sales to reverse logistics technology – why Beverly transitioned to a different space in the industry, and the benefits of pivoting.

[14.41] Beverly’s Woman in Supply Chain Forum award, what being a ‘workforce innovator’ means to her, and the importance of increasing support and success for work from home teams.

“I’ve always had a passion for women in supply chain, and giving them the tools and opportunities to move into leadership.”

[15.46] As a part of multiple organizations and a champion for women, the big issue Beverly hears women in the workplace raise, time and again.

“Women don’t want to complain, it’s hard to find a voice without being looked at as angry or difficult.”

[17.49] What her ‘workforce innovator’ award means to Beverly, and why forums and awards for women are so important.

[20.05] Beverly’s experience of being a working Mom, the bias and discrimination still in play, and what needs to change to improve workplaces and cultures for working mothers.

“I spent most of my life hiding the fact that I was a Mom at work, I never wanted to talk about my kids in case people thought I was less dedicated. Then I dropped my kids off at school and, to my Mom friends who didn’t work, I was hiding the fact that I was a working Mom because they would say: ‘oh she’s leaving her kids.’ It was lonely.”

[23.03] Beverly’s take on work-life balance, and why it’s crucial to build a lifestyle that works for you.

“You need to be really clear on what’s important to you. And if you’re in a work environment where you’re not able to live the life you want, maybe it’s time for a change. Because not every company is going to have a culture that you’ll thrive in.”

[26.05] The future for Beverly.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Beverly Steele over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Inmar, check out 372: Women in Supply Chain, T.J. Kragenbrink or SEA 2, EP 87 – Are you getting the most out of your returns?

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Phillip Lechter of CXT Software talks about challenges in last mile; building a people-first culture; & how they're helping customers grow, compete & thrive.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.45] How CXT innovated over the past 25 years to meet the changing needs of an evolving logistics landscape.

“25 years is a long time in the software space!… In maturation of software, it’s easy to want to 'set it and forget it', and live off the benefits. But you can’t do that today. Supply chain is changing so rapidly, and our focus is on innovation, connectivity, and our ability to make it easy for our clients to do what they want to do - and not be hamstrung by the business we’ve created.”

[09.13] Where CXT is now, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“It’s about making ourselves as configurable as possible to our clients... our ability to serve multiple workflows based on the business our clients are doing for their own customers.”

[11.08] The ideal client for CXT.

[13.25] From the uniqueness of workflows to real-time visibility, some of the biggest challenges in the industry right now, as last mile strives to catch up with changing consumer expectations.

“Amazon has done some amazing things, but it’s made it very difficult for the average courier service – everyone wants that Amazon experience… And that’s the opportunity we have in the TMS space, to even the playing field.”

[16.04] How CXT’s white-labeled portal empowers clients with the tools they need, without a big costly investment, and how that ultimately drives customer loyalty and boosts satisfaction.

“Too often we’re in reactive not proactive mode. And the more we can streamline that, the more we can meaningfully create relationships with our clients.”

[18.59] How CXT’s shipment management technology supports operations teams across a range of functions, and a closer look at the user interface.

“We’re ensuring that a dispatcher still has the ability to make decisions, but some of the heavy lifting gets done for them. They’re managing exceptions rather than every single element along the way.”

“We see a ton of waste that’s really low margin. Even a 1% increase in profit can be pretty significant in this type of business.”

[24.30] The importance of driver management, and how CXT’s app integrates with operational and client functions to tackle challenges, and drive efficiency, accountability and customer service.

[30.19] Some of the key opportunities and growth areas CXT are supporting their customers with.

[32.53] A case study showing how CXT helped a long-standing client enter the medical space and demonstrate a significant efficiency metric, and the importance of partnerships.

[36.44] Why CXT consciously built a people-first culture, and what we can expect from them in 2025.

“This business is a people business… We use software as a way to make efficiencies, but it’s still somebody delivering to somebody else!”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to CXT Software’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with CXT and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or YouTube, or you can connect with Phillip on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about last mile, check out 365: Delivering the Amazon effect: how to increase your last mile delivery efficiency by 30%, 348: How COVID Changed Last Mile Delivery Forever, with SEKO or 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail.

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Carlos Perico of ProcureAbility talks about sourcing best practices in a tariff-driven world & how to turn procurement from cost center to competitive advantage

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.29] An introduction to Carlos and ProcureAbility.

“All we do is procurement! It’s our speciality, it’s what we’re passionate about. And that’s key.”

[05.59] Tariffs: what they are, and why supply chain professionals need to pay attention.

[07.07] Diversification: Some of the strategies companies can employ to build agile supply chains for long-term resilience, the big challenge with long-term strategies, and why your supply chain is like Tetris.

“Diversification is the name of the game. You don’t want to have all your eggs in one basket – but the challenge now is that the baskets are getting very complex!!”

“For those long-term strategies to pay off, you have to start now.”

[14.08] How companies can utilize scenario planning or future-proofing to prepare for further tariff fluctuations.

“You need to know your risk. It sounds simple… but you need to go deeper. You need to dive deeper into understanding your supply chain at different levels, your supplier network – and data becomes even more important.”

[19.17] Dual-sourcing: what it is, and the impact that implementing dual-sourcing strategies can have on risk mitigation.

“Communicate to your stakeholders, because we human beings have a tendency to forget the risk when it’s not present... Communicate the risk you’re trying to mitigate in advance, build that relationship with the business.”

[24.57] How to effectively work with suppliers: How fluctuating tariffs are impacting supplier pricing and contract stability, and how businesses can think about strengthening long-term partnerships whilst retaining the need for short-term agility.

[31.19] Working with technology: How businesses can leverage AI and data analytics to predict and mitigate tariff impacts.

“Live data visibility is critical right now… Technology is allowing us to be immediately alert… So you can prepare and be more educated.”

[37.09] How AI helps businesses to shift the focus from damage control to proactivity, and turn procurement into a competitive advantage rather than a cost center.

“Everybody wants to mitigate cost… But you need to continuously evolve your procurement organization to become more of a business support and value driver, as opposed to just one cost center.”

[39.49] The key lessons to learn from this discussion.

[42.01] How Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners can benefit from a limited-time discount with ProcureAbility.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to ProcureAbility’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcureAbility and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Carlos on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, read The Three Biggest Challenges For Procurement – And What To Do About Them or listen to 243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge or 211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip.

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Bill Catania of OneRail and Anna Farberov of PepsiCo talk all about their strategic partnership, how it works & the benefits it drives for Pepsi customers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.42] Introductions to Bill and OneRail, and Anna and PepsiCo Labs.

[06.22] Why PepsiCo reached out to OneRail to explore partnership opportunities.

“They have the solution and we have the problem; they have an entrepreneurial mindset and can move fast, and we have the business expertise and deep industry understanding. And when we’re able to feed that back, that’s where the magic happens.”

[06.48] The PepsiCo Labs model, and how the team proactively seek out companies to partner with.

“We want to solve problems in the business versus having shiny toys, saying a lot of buzzwords and ticking boxes.”

[08.52] The impact of their strategic partnership for PepsiCo and their customers, and OneRail’s business.

[11.24] From expanding capacity to maintaining service levels across different customer sizes, the business challenges PepsiCo were looking to solve.

[12.19] How OneRail approached the relationship with PepsiCo.

“It comes down to being a good listener… There have been a lot of operational changes that had to happen that weren’t easy… But we’ve perfected the model.”

[13.54] How OneRail worked flexibly with PepsiCo to achieve strategic alignment and become a true extension of their team.

[16.19] The importance of transparency, and the ability to positively give and receive feedback, in building successful partnerships.

[17.15] From an increased top line to improved customer experience, the benefits PepsiCo are realizing through their partnership with OneRail.

“The vastness of PepsiCo is unbelievable! I get excited when I think about the path forward, because there are so many different things we can do together and problems we can solve.”

[18.38] What 2025 is going to bring for the PepsiCo and OneRail partnership.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out:

440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail
419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail
349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail
393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail

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Eric Downing of Werner talks about dedicated freight solutions, the benefits, and the landscape of freight shipping and logistics in 2025.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.54] Eric’s background and transition from US Air Force to supply chain, and the different business areas he’s moved through in his 27-year tenure at Werner.

[08.57] The landscape of freight shipping and logistics and the biggest challenges in 2025, from tariffs to navigating seasonal disruption.

“Most carriers are glad to put 2023 and 2024 in the rear-view mirror. 2025 is better, we’re seeing more robust bid activity, better engagement with customers… Are we out of the woods? No. But are we seeing some good things? Yes!”

[11.39] Why an increasing number of shippers are turning to outsourced dedicated solutions instead of managing their own private fleets.

“Customers want to focus their resources, time, and people on what they do – their primary business. Because it’s a competitive world… And, let’s be honest, running your own trucking company takes a ton of capital investment.”

[13.34] The challenges of tracking and visibility when working with multiple third-party providers and the benefit of having a single dedicated outsourced solution.

[15.45] The Werner approach and how they work with clients to understand their fleet challenges and opportunities and deliver customized solutions.

“The first step is actually listening to your customer! Dedicated providers can get caught up in “I know how to do this, I’ve done this business before” – but you’ve got to start out by learning your customer’s business… Every business is unique, and you’ve got to treat it that way.”

[18.34] Werner’s investment in new equipment, sustainability initiatives, and maintenance programs, and how it’s helping to ensure the highest levels of reliability and efficiency for shippers.

[23.04] The critical role of driver training, compliance, and proactive safety measures in dedicated fleet operations, and how companies can leverage safety as a competitive advantage.

[27.03] The technology that supports Werner’s dedicated solutions, and where they are on their own digital transformation journey.

“Everybody has limited resources, so how you do not chase every shiny bauble? How do you focus and vet what’s going to make the biggest difference?”

[32.57] The value in dedicated freight solutions and the impact they have on teams at a business level and at a wider industry level.

[35.04] A case study showing how Werner worked with one of their most long-standing clients to optimize their business, from reducing fleet on the road and boosting productivity to improving service and visibility and driving sales in-store.

[39.43] From customer service to growth, Werner’s focus for the next six months.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner.

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Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about industry challenges, the biggest buzzwords, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.20] An introduction to Allen, and Lynxis.

[04.53] The biggest conversations on the show floor at Manifest.

“Agentic AI is the new buzzword – it’s the new blockchain! There’s a lot of hype, but there’s also a lot of hope.”

[06.29] The biggest problems in the intermodal industry right now.

“Visibility is still key, because there’s so much complexity when all of this data comes together. We’re not certain who’s right and who’s wrong, there’s no system of record as this cargo moves inland and then back through the flow.”

“A lot of the technology projects we’ve seen have been focused on an insular basis, intra-company process improvement versus: how do we make this entire supply chain more efficient and effective for the shippers and carriers that move it?… We’re trying to take costs out of our own internal operations, but we’re not looking at the big picture on what makes everything more seamless.”

[10.24] What Lynxis is building to help solve the industry’s biggest challenges.

“We’re a custodian of technology for our customers... And we add the infrastructure to support it.”

[11.59] AI and how it’s being talked about, and utilized, across the industry.

“Everybody wants to use the AI buzzword, when what they’re using isn’t actually AI.”

[16.11] Why process automation, not robotic automation, needs to be top of the priority list for landside logistics facilities.

“Most container operations we see really can leverage more of the process automation.”

[18.28] The importance of data and analytics in driving operational performance and competitive advantage.

“You either have to invest in-house, or have a good partner to help you mine the data that’s critical to your business operation. The thing that differentiates you, and enables your core competencies, is a firm grasp on data.”

[22.25] Why AI isn’t an easy fix for scheduling, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.

“It’s nothing that AI needs to solve, or even can solve right now, because there’s not even the connectivity between all the players.”

“When you say automation and scheduling, we hear ‘orchestration.’”

[24.46] How improved planning and orchestration can help shippers eliminate excess inventory and reduce costs.

[26.17] From talent shortages to managing infrastructure, the biggest obstacles standing in the way of improved intermodal efficiency.

[32.02] The importance of case studies and why Allen wants to talk about proven results, not just hype.

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Tony Winters of Rygen Technologies talks about being inspired by customer challenges; why visibility is still a challenge; & investing big in agentic AI.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.33] An introduction to Tony, his career journey, and his role at Rygen Technologies.

“In college, you learn how to solve these algorithms and problems. And, in supply chain, you really get to implement them.”

[06.24] An overview of Rygen Technologies – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We’re hoping to leave our mark on the industry, solve some problems – and have fun doing it!”

[08.14] From visibility to technology, the biggest challenges Rygen customers are facing right now.

[09.39] Why Rygen is inspired by customer challenges, and their approach to technology and problem-solving.

“We crave what the industry wants. They’re asking for things, and we crave that knowledge!.. We take the feedback, learn from it, and make it better.”

[11.22] Rygen’s Corsair transportation management, and why it’s not your typical TMS.

[12.32] How Rygen are bringing ‘integration platform as a service’ to their customers with their X1 technology.

“Integrate at the speed of AI.”

[13.40] How Rygen's Blackbird Business Intelligence is solving big data challenges for customers.

“We have disparate systems, tech stacks for days, legacy systems, big monster enterprise systems, ERPs, WMS’s, TMS’s... Blackbird is an attempt to forget the bias and have an industry standard.”

[15.39] A case study exploring how Rygen helped a major customer to identify and understand their biggest operational problems, and bring together their disparate systems with Corsair, improving processes, boosting visibility, and allowing them to manage their whole supply chain in one place.

[18.27] Tony’s hot takes from Manifest, and what Rygen is investing in for 2025 and beyond.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Rygen Technologies’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Rygen and keep up to date with the latest over LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, or you can connect with Tony on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more of our special episodes filmed live at Manifest, check out 453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco or 455: Discover Event-Driven Platform Technology, with BlackBerry Radar.

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Josh Allen of ITS Logistics talks about challenges & opportunities in 2025; & how they're providing strategic capacity & smart solutions for complex needs.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.23] How ITS Logistics has evolved, since its inception in 1999, and the reason behind its sustainable growth.

“ITS has always been about smart, customer-driven growth. No acquisitions, all organic – just explosive, consistent expansion. We’ve grown by solving real problems. Customers don’t just stay with us, they expand with us.”

[07.25] An overview of ITS Logistics – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Customers don’t just need capacity. They need efficiency, visibility, and control.”

[09.37] The ideal client for ITS Logistics.

[13.12] The biggest challenges and opportunities in the market now, and what interests Josh about the transition from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025.

“Q4 was a dogfight. The demand is still soft compared to previous years and typical peak environments, and cost of spending and inventory corrections all made it tough. Q1 is now fascinating – because it’s bid season... You have a lot of carriers and logistic providers out there that are still in scramble and ‘stay-alive’ mode.”

“I don’t think the market is broken. But it’s not thriving yet. So to me the question becomes: how are folks positioning for the future?”

[17.21] Capacity – whether it’s a challenge or opportunity, and what companies need to be thinking about.

[19.20] Why ITS coined the term ‘hybrid capacity’, what it means, and why it’s so valuable.

“It’s the best of both worlds!”

[21.30] The unique ITS approach – why they focus on going beyond delivering a traditional logistics service, why they invest in customer problems, and how they work with customers to deliver value where they need it most.

“You’ve got to make investment in technology. It’s one thing to be able to execute – but can you communicate, can you bring visualization to the environment, can you bring nimbleness and speed? That unlocks power. We find the problems, we fix them, and we make stronger, smarter supply chains for the long run.”

[26.13] How ITS Logistics’ distribution and fulfilment solutions help customers keep up with the rapidly changing e-commerce landscape.

“We have a different approach… Our facilities are built for speed. We know that ecommerce moves fast – so do we.”

[28.43] The technology that sits behind the ITS solutions.

[33.46] A case study showing how ITS helped a retail client successfully launch a new initiative, giving them a fully functional network, technology and visibility overnight, eliminating complexity so they could focus on successfully scaling their business.

[36.45] The trends shaping 2025 and what we can expect from the year ahead.

“There’s an arms race going on in utilizing AI… but we have a view that might be a bit different to others…”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to ITS Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ITS Logistics and keep up to date with the latest over LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Vimeo, or you can connect with Josh on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to read more about logistics, check out Above the Fold: Supply Chain Logistics News (December 13, 2024) – Talking Logistics or Global Logistics Industry Expected to Expand – Material Handling & Logistics.

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Shannon Hamilton of BlackBerry Radar talks about the digital trends shaping 2025; tech challenges; event-driven data; and the importance of scalable solutions.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.24] An introduction to Shannon and BlackBerry Radar.

“We truly believe that doing more with our partners is a value-add for our customers.”

[05.50] From AI and blockchain to IoT, the big digital trends that are going to shape 2025.

“Some of the trends are really about: How are we using the information, how are we connecting with partners – and how are we making it smart.”

[07.23] The biggest challenges Shannon sees across the industry when it comes to technology.

“How do you buy technology that meets your needs today, but is also scalable as your business grows and evolves?”

[08.43] The business-level challenges standing in the way of successful tech implementations and digital transformations.

[11.00] Why technology is a foundation for process optimization, the importance of focusing on integrating the right tech into our businesses, and why it’s OK to try out multiple technologies.

“Piloting and testing tech is very important – there’s still a time and a place to try out some of the new things we’re seeing.”

[13.02] The benefits of combining technology implementation with physical assets, and how it can drive business improvement.

[16.04] BlackBerry’s Radar Asset Tracking Solution, how it works, and how it’s delivering more data for customers.

“We’re seeing more and more customers get excited about the data – but they want more.”

[18.57] How BlackBerry Radar pulls data together into one pane of glass, and the benefits for their customers.

“We want our data to be intelligent. The last thing we want our customers to do is sift through lots of data. So we easily surface all the critical events… we make life easy.”

[20.33] Why, in a climate of cost-cutting, disruption, and failing digital transformation projects, scalable technology solutions are key.

[22.32] A case study showing how BlackBerry Radar helped a customer improve turn times and move assets through their lanes faster, ultimately driving operational efficiency, reducing cost, and improving revenue.

[25.11] What 2025 has in store for BlackBerry Radar.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to BlackBerry Radar’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with BlackBerry Radar and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from BlackBerry Radar, check out 358: Harness The Power Of Asset Tracking Engineered for Intelligence, with BlackBerry Radar, 322: Innovative Asset Tracking Made Easy, with BlackBerry Radar or read Shannon Hamilton on Authenticity and Bringing Diversity to Transportation & Logistics.

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910 Advisors talk about cost-to-serve - the challenges, its impact on supply chain efficiency & profitability; & transforming inefficiencies into opportunities.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.03] Introductions to Greg, Janet, and Robert, and why Greg and Robert co-founded 910 Advisors.

“So many consultancies are focused on these long-term, big-dollar transformational programs... Everyone wants to hit you with the strategy book, but no ones there to help guide you there… We make sure we have a lens towards the long-term, but also in helping companies understand what to do in three, six, nine and twelve months, in support of that three-year plan.”

“So many people hire technologies to solve commercial and supply chain problems.”

[13.48] An overview of 910 Advisors – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[16.40] The ideal client for 910 Advisors.

[19.54] ‘Cost-to-serve’: What it means, why it’s so often overlooked, and why teams have a handle on their customer acquisition costs, but not ongoing ones.

“Most organizations are commercially-focused first, they’re all about the customer – and rightfully so! That’s who pays the bills, and you need that focus. But, a lot of times, the back end tends to get overlooked.”

“Some customers may be costing you money and you don’t necessarily realize it... What really improves your business is when you start to understand, and make decisions around, that total cost-to-serve.”

[25.25] From lack of data to disparate systems, the biggest challenges in understanding up-front cost-to-serve.

[26.36] The impact of that lack of understanding on a company’s supply chain efficiency.

[29.17] The cost of not understanding cost-to-serve, and its impact on profitability.

“It’s direct – it’s coming straight from the bottom.”

[33.18] What organizations can do to better understand cost-to-serve earlier in the journey, and how they can start to build processes and workflows to manage both efficiency and cost.

“You can make an improvement in one area, and it may impact another one negatively. You have to have a holistic view. Take that journey yourself – what does a day in the life of that order look like?”

[35.43] The role of 910 Advisor’s tech implementations and consulting in helping customers tackle challenges and transform inefficiencies into opportunities.

“We’re the master mediators!... We’re really good at taking symptoms, getting to the root cause, and applying it across the process. Most consultancies you hire to fix one thing, and they’ll fix the symptom, but they cause something else up or downstream…. We own outcomes.”

“Everybody wants to talk about their technology problems. But we try to re-focus that conversation around process-first, and that will lead us to if we need to address technology issues – you may not have to if you fix the process!”

[41.14] What organizations can achieve if they better understand efficiency and cost.

[42.45] A case study illustrating how 910 Advisors helped a client understand their cost-to-serve, prioritize, refine their process and structure, and save money.

[47.24] 910 Advisor’s special offers for Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to 910 Advisor’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with 910 Advisors and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Greg, Robert and Janet on LinkedIn.

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Marc Aliotta of Reveel & Jack Margeson of Deposco talk about how their strategic partnership helps clients overcome challenges, save money & scale to success.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.50] Introductions to Marc and Reveel, and Jack and Deposco.

[07.10] The biggest challenges facing Reveel and Deposco customers right now.

“The last few years, some of the biggest challenges have been uncertainty – what does the year ahead hold?! There are a lot of changes that happen, both at the global and domestic scale, that go towards: ‘How do I plan as a business? How do I shape where I need to go next year, knowing that supply chain is changing really quickly?’”

“After the pandemic, a lot of shippers realized they couldn’t trust the major carriers because of capacity issues. And that uncertainty led itself to diversification strategies… So people are trying to build trust in new carriers.”

[10.55] How the Reveel and Deposco partnership developed, and why organizations need to lean into collaboration, not competition.

“The business world is changing. Clients don’t want to have a group of partners that are pushing away… So it’s our responsibility to make sure we’re providing, not only the best software and platform that we can, but that we’re also looking out into the market, looking at what’s out there, what’s changing, and helping guide them with partnerships and introductions that help grow their business.”

[13.53] Why collaboration is crucial for teams, for businesses, and the industry as a whole.

[15.51] How Reveel’s Parcel Spend Management and Deposco’s supply chain technology work together through deep integration.

[19.42] A closer look at the data that Reveel and Deposco clients can access, and what they can do with it.

“Make decisions in real time: observe, orient, decide and act. That’s what customers really want.”

[22.53] The different layers of savings, from direct cost reduction to operational efficiencies, that can be created through the Reveel and Deposco partnership.

[25.17] Customer experience: why it’s more challenging, but more important, than ever before.

“Customer satisfaction is harder and harder to attain. You’re not really compared against your competitors any more, you’re compared against their best experience – period.”

[27.50] How Reveel and Deposco are helping companies to refine their strategies, streamline operations, enhance the customer journey, and ultimately scale for success.

“A lot of businesses don’t want to focus on their operations. They want to focus on their brand, their product… So the more we can take their focus from: ‘Is my product being handled the right way?’ towards: ‘What can I do with my product?’ the more successful they’ll be in their business.”

[30.17] What people can expect from the Reveel and Deposco partnership in 2025.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Reveel, check out 357: Leverage the Power of Shipping Intelligence, with Reveel.

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Christine Barnhart talks about the issues faced by women in supply chain, the impact of bias and changing DEI narratives, and the women who inspire her.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.01] An introduction to Christine and her new role at Nulogy.

[07.45] Christine’s experience as a woman in both US and Canadian companies, the differences in organizations across different territories, and what we can learn from the countries leading the way in gender equity.

“For me, it’s been interesting to compare and contrast what the culture is like in these companies, but also what regulation and policy differences there are.”

[10.38] The challenges for women in developing countries, the misunderstood areas of supply chain, and why data showing strong female representation across the industry doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story.

“When we look at developing countries in particular, they need expertise and strong leaders but, in a lot of those countries, it’s a very masculine, patriarchal society... They’re not going to get the results they need unless they bring women to the table.”

“It’s more than how many women. It’s what percentage are actually in a managerial or leadership position, do they actually have a voice? It’s about more than just opening the door and letting people in – it’s about making sure you’re inviting them to the table.”

[14.11] The impact of bias and changing conversations around DEI, and the importance of women coming together towards a shared goal and building ecosystems that make a difference.

“I look at representation – does an organization really represent the geographies it’s serving?”

[28.27] Some of the incredible women in supply chain that inspire Christine and Sarah, and the importance of opening up better methods of communication within the community.

[40.21] From transparency to empathy, Christine’s advice for organizations looking to empower women and achieve gender pay parity.

[42.38] Helpful resources, and the importance of female relationships, as well as of prioritising yourself as a woman.

“I love my husband and my children and my job. But I also need the time to nurture me, and to educate me, and to have conversations. Because I’m better in every part of my life when I do that.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Christine over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Christine, listen to 380: Women in Supply Chain, Christine Barnhart or check out her live show Supply Chain Unfiltered.

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Bobby Strenk of SecurSpace & Ron Greene of Overhaul talk about cargo theft - the biggest challenges & trends, and best ways to keep your shipments safe.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.38] An introduction to Bobby and SecurSpace, and Ron and Overhaul.

[07.54] Exactly what cargo theft is, the different types, and the trends to look out for.

“There’s a whole new world in cargo theft. We’re three years into a significant spike in cargo theft, and the US takes the lead in how much it’s increased… There’s been an expansion of theft techniques and a lot of criminal organizations, that historically weren’t in the cargo theft space, have jumped in with both feet.”

[10.09] The current scope of the cargo theft problem, and why gathering data to measure it accurately is problematic.

[13.13] The future of cargo theft, and why it’s going to continue to rise.

“It’s going to take a collaborative industry, plus government and associations, joining forces to curb this issue.”

[14.47] What shippers can do, from a people perspective, to mitigate freight theft and risk, and why organizations need to focus on security through compliance.

[21.35] How technology and security can help shippers mitigate risk and prevent theft.

[25.25] Why secure parking and storage is so important, and what organizations should look for in a secure yard.

[30.54] How providers can better secure their yards.

“What are you doing at your facility, what is your infrastructure, and how does it compare to the gold standard? Not every yard needs to be Fort Knox, so take a ‘good, better, best’ approach.”

[35.03] How shippers, and their 3PL partners and carriers, can better secure their freight in-transit.

“Everybody, the entire organization from the top to the bottom, needs to adhere to a security culture... Building a safety culture is what the industry has to do to help mitigate this problem.”

[38.44] Why freight at rest is at risk, and what companies can do to secure it.

[43.03] How SecurSpace helps customers with their growing national network of secure parking and storage.

[46.18] The role Overhaul play in protecting cargo for their customers.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to CargoWise Landside’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with CargoWise and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook,or you can connect with Bobby or Ron on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, you're in luck! We have lots more content from CargoWise, SecurSpace and Overhaul:

412: Maximize Warehouse Efficiency and Profitability, with CargoWise
406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise
346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech
367: Going Beyond Visibility – Unveiling The Invisible
369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance
371: Going Beyond Visibility – From Risk to Resilience: How Technology Is Transforming Global Supply chains
373: Going Beyond Visibility – Culture and Digitization
363: Grab On-Demand Access To Yard Space, with SecurSpace
246: Achieve Complete Command & Control For Your Supply Chain, with Overhaul

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Jenny Perlitch talks about her career journey; lessons learned as a woman & immigrant; and supporting diversity within the transportation industry.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.15] Jenny’s journey from Ukraine to Germany to Cananda, and what it taught her.

“It taught me a lot. All of a sudden you’re thrown from your comfortable environment to one with a completely different language and culture… I learned resilience and adaptability, and they really helped me in business. It made me independent and I believed things could be done.”

[07.58] Why Jenny’s computer science background is so compatible with a career in supply chain.

“It’s a way of thinking. I’ll look at things as a problem that could be solved by building an algorithm. Take something complex and break it down into smaller parts, automate those parts, and put it all back together like a beautiful puzzle.”

[11.35] How a summer job became a lifelong career in supply chain for Jenny when she discovered a joy in pushing out of her comfort zone and a talent for problem-solving.

[13.39] Why Jenny co-founded IRT Technologies, specializing in equipment for the satellite market, in 2011.

[15.14] Why, in the same year, Jenny also founded Perlitch Transport, and the challenges of founding and growing two businesses simultaneously.

“I was single, I had to do something!”

[19.00] The areas of business Jenny is most passionate about, as a founder and CEO, and why it’s important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses.

“I really like the strategic side of the business. You try something, look at the results, and try a different way… But I’m very quick to do things, sometimes I lack patience… It’s important to be honest about your weakness, fill in the gaps with great people, and then empower those people.”

[20.52] Some of the toughest challenges Jenny has faced whilst running her businesses, and her unique approach to overcoming them.

[27.31] Jenny’s experience as a woman in supply chain, and what she’s learned.

“It’s a very male-dominated industry… You feel it very quickly when you’re trying to get in... In the early days, when I had a good idea, a good vision, and I knew how to do things… they brushed me off, didn’t take me seriously or let me finish. And eventually your voice becomes low and apologetic. At that point, you have to put yourself back together, and try a different door.”

[31.47] How Jenny creates positive and inclusive cultures within her own organizations, and her advice for other businesses looking to do better.

[34.28] The importance of awards, and what they mean for the industry as it continues to strive for improved diversity and equity.

[38.48] The future for Jenny.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Jenny over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more incredible women, check out 422: Women In Supply Chain, Kiran Mann, 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina or 207: Women in supply chain™, Shana Zheng.

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Greg Dunnell of Buckeye Mountain talks about his founder journey; how big challenges impact workers; & why Buckeye are stewards of technology for customers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.17] An overview of Greg’s journey – how he found supply chain, innovated in technology whilst working for some of the industry’s biggest names, and ultimately co-founded Buckeye Mountain.

“I grew up working on a farm, so transportation came naturally to me. And, when I graduated from college, I wasn’t what you’d call an honors student…! I went back to what I knew, and ended up driving a truck.”

[12.43] An overview of Buckeye Mountain – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[15.47] The ideal client for Buckeye Mountain.

“It’s really about our history and experience because we feel our role – our obligation – is to share those lessons learned. We’ve been down the pothole of technology for many years… And the secret to success is failure. We’ve been on that journey.”

[18.25] From visibility to productivity, the biggest challenges currently faced by landside logistics facilities, and how they impact frontline workers.

“Those people, when the tech goes down – imagine the frustration. ‘I’m not paid to be a technology troubleshooter, I’m paid to operate.’ That’s the big migration.”

[23.45] How Buckeye are helping customers solve their toughest problems remotely and out in the field with their TechOps teams, who ‘think like operators, but act like tech experts.’

“It is about the technology, but it’s more about: ‘What is the giant problem you’re trying to solve?’”

[27.28] Why Buckeye act as a steward of technology for their customers, and how TechOps are changing the game.

[31.11] How and why Buckeye developed Rapid Deploy technology, and the importance of guaranteed connectivity.

[34.28] A case study showing how Buckeye helped an isolated intermodal facility, with no power or network, to be operated as a modern facility with Rapid Deploy and solar technology.

[37.30] What we can expect from the landside logistics facilities of tomorrow, and the future for Buckeye.

“If we can pull things into an easy workplace environment, and still provide the benefits operationally, that’s a no brainer – but you need the infrastructure to do it.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Buckeye Mountain’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Buckeye and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Greg on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out 424: Orchestrate and Optimize Your Terminal Operations, with Lynxis.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Nikki Driskill talks about her career journey; the changing face of customer service; people leadership; & why women should pursue a career in logistics.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.08] How Nikki found supply chain, and how the industry has changed over the course of her career.

“I started so long ago that when you looked for a job, you looked in the newspaper!”

[10.59] Why Nikki’s career ambitions changed when she fell in love with supply chain; how she discovered a passion for people leadership; and why strong women inspired her to want to build relationships and make a difference.

“I was very young and my intent was: ‘I’m going to take this role, and then figure out what I want to do when I grow up’… Then I realized I loved it. There were so many bold women in leadership roles - and I wanted to be them.”

[15.38] Nikki’s experience of repeated mergers and acquisitions, and how they gave her opportunities to explore the industry and learn new skills.

“Each time that we were acquired, things got better in so many different ways… I feel like I’ve worked for four different companies.”

[23.12] How customer service, and its role in relation to wider business success, has changed throughout Nikki’s career, with the impact of factors like technology and new generations of workers.

“A verbal conversation is good for relationship-building, but we don’t have that so much anymore with tech… you have to work differently.”

[32.46] The importance of industry awards, especially for women.

“It matters so much for women… We need to be reminded to celebrate each other.”

[34.32] Nikki’s experience as a woman moving through a male-dominated industry, climbing the ladder, and holding leadership positions.

[39.59] Why Nikki wants to inspire others to pursue a career in logistics, and why it’s such a good career choice for women.

[42.32] The future for Nikki.

“I want to spend a lot more time mentoring, and making a difference… I want to share what I have – and I don’t plan on exiting the industry, that’s for sure!”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Nikki over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women excelling in customer service and client experience, check out 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina or 415: Women In Supply Chain, Evin Sisemore.

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Lance Dixon of Werner talks about transportation challenges & opportunities; cross-border potential; & how Werner helps to give companies a strategic edge.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.26] An introduction to Lance, and to Werner.

“It’s an ever-changing, dynamic world. And what a change since 1992 when I started at Werner! Things are so different... There are more rules, regulations – probably good for society in general, but it’s a chore to keep up!”

[08.23] The ideal client for Werner.

“It’s someone that’s open to multi modes of shipping, whatever is most efficient… Someone that’s flexible and wants to partner, someone who doesn’t look at Werner as just a service provider. We want to work together to solve these transportation and supply chain issues.”

[10.20] How both Werner and the industry have changed, and the huge business potential in Mexico.

“The pandemic taught us a lot about how fragile long supply chains are, so there’s been a move to source closer to the end consumer.”

[16.05] The key challenges facing Werner customers right now, and how Werner help tackle them.

“There’s a northbound-southbound imbalance, with northbound volume outpacing the southbound – there’s a lot more coming into the U.S. than there is going out, and nearshoring is going to exacerbate that.”

[19.05] The biggest opportunities for organizations in 2025, and the future for nearshoring.

“Nearshoring is in the early stages – it’s going to take a decade to play itself out, but I’m excited to see where it’s going to go.”

[22.58] The cross-border potential in Canada, the difference in logistics execution between Canada and Mexico, and the overall importance of the logistics and transportation industries.

“It’s complex, it’s dynamic, it’s challenging – but that’s what keeps it interesting!”

“I don’t think we always fully grasp how important logistics and transportation is to so many people… It can seem like a thankless job but what we do, all of us collectively, is so important to companies, to societies.”

[28.36] The challenges and risks shippers might face when shipping to and from Mexico, how Werner are helping mitigate them, and Lance’s advice for organizations in the early stages of nearshoring.

[34.38] Werner’s recent $8 million investment to improve operations and capabilities in Mexico, and the importance of providing flexibility, speed, and capacity to customers.

[37.55] A case study detailing how Werner helped a client that needed to double their normal volume to keep transportation costs down and boost ROI.

“Flexibility is going to be the key to success for many shippers coming out of Mexico, going forward, as nearshoring ramps up.”

[40.44] The future for the industry, and for Werner.

“We don’t practice any more, we’re experts at this game.”

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about cross-border transportation, check out 414: Section 321: Borderless Ecommerce At Your Fingertips,or 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise.

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Amber Salley of GAINS talks about being data-driven - its four-stage evolution, misconceptions, the problem with LLMs & the benefits of letting the data lead.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.43] An introduction to Amber, her background, and her role at GAINS.

“I’ve taken all that I learned in the past 25 years and brought it to GAINS, to help them think through: ‘Where should we take our product in the future, and what should we be focusing on to help our customers make the highest-quality decisions for their supply chain?’”

[07.42] The evolution of data-driven thinking, as technology and mindsets have changed.

“You come up with an instinct, a feel for a decision, and then you use the data you have to back it up. You have a lot of confirmation bias in your decision-making.”

[10.50] The new paradigm in data-driven thinking.

“The new paradigm focuses on discovering patterns and finding correlations over explaining causality… It’s not trying to get into the ‘why’ that is – it just IS.”

[16.18] From confirmation bias to managing leadership pride and instinctual approaches, the common misconceptions and challenges around being data-driven.

[21.12] A case study detailing how GAINS helped a key client to get on top of volatile lead time predictability and utilize full data-driven decision-making.

[24.50] The challenges of emerging technologies like Language Learning Models.

“Generative AI is ultimately a predictor, and it’s trained to predict around text. And it’s very good – it knows the rules of language, that are pretty rigid and have been around for a very long time… But, if we’re thinking about forecasting or creating inventory plans or production plans – there’s not an established pattern.”

[27.54] The four stages of data-driven evolution and what they mean for teams.

[32.44] The benefits of letting the data lead, for both teams and businesses.

“For teams, it allows for faster actionable insights and a reduction in manual effort and bias, so they can start to focus on more value-add activities… And the business can achieve better inventory management, better supply chain design, and increase their overall resilience.”

[35.20] Exactly how GAINS can help organizations to adopt a truly data-driven approach.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to GAINS’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GAINS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Amber on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from GAINS, check out 390: Achieve Real Results And Innovate For The Future, with GAINS, 385: Make The Right Decisions For Your Supply Chain, with GAINS or 374: Achieve Supply Chain Optimization In Record Time, with GAINS.

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Gina Anderson talks about her career journey; sitting on boards; mentorship; the power of reinvention; and why she's a self-confessed parcel fanatic.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.54] An introduction to Gina and her role at Reveel.

[06.42] Gina’s career journey, and how she found supply chain.

“Someone early on took a chance on me… Ron wanted to bring me into his freight forwarding business to do sales. So I said: “Well, what does that look like – and what does it pay?!”

[08.24] Why Gina has entered her 7.0 era, and the power of reinvention.

“If you stay stagnant, it’s going to be really hard to feel fulfilled.”

[09.53] Why Gina took the leap from corporate America to entrepreneurship to found the Savii Group in 2010.

“It was powered by purpose. I wanted to help companies drive efficiencies within their supply chain, but then also take part of the money I was helping them save and reinvest that into their people and social good… I couldn’t do the corporate grind at that time in my life. Having kids and being able to create something that was purposeful and impactful was a gamechanger for me.”

[12.04] What Gina learned from entrepreneurship, and how to identify opportunities to pivot.

“If you pay attention, you’ll know when it’s time to pivot, when it’s time to take a passion and reinvent. Having an entrepreneurial spirit isn’t easy, it’s not something that everyone has. But recognize it if you do have it. Because it could be something spectacular.”

[13.47] Gina’s advice for successful networking.

“There’s no secret sauce – it’s just being curious!”

[16.02] From AI to a lack of transparency, the tech trends that supply chain teams need to pay attention to.

[18.55] Gina’s perspective on the industry and where businesses are at with big trends like data, technology, and business intelligence.

“It’s exciting – people are starting to get out of a fear-based mindset, and they’re willing to actually see and experience what’s out there.”

[21.09] Why Gina is a self-proclaimed parcel fanatic.

[22.18] Gina’s experience of sitting on boards, and her advice for others looking to get a seat at the table.

[26.17] Gina’s experience of mentorship, and her perspective on its importance.

“I’ve never had a mentor – but I love mentoring!”

[28.59] Gina’s advice for young professionals looking to build a career like hers.

[30.16] The future for Gina.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from other long-standing women in supply chain, check out 342: Women in supply chain™, Juliette Samson or 191: Women in supply chain™, Lora Cecere.

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Eric Johnson & Chris Mazza of Shippeo talk about visibility, how big challenges in 2024 impacted the market, & overcoming data quality challenges.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.06] A closer look at two key upcoming conferences: TPM 25 – listen out for a special discount! – and Journal of Commerce’s Breakbulk and Project Cargo.

[08.19] From an Uber Freight product launch to how technology is enabling companies to pursue smaller incidents of overbilling in freight payments, Eric dives into the big supply chain news of the week.

“They announced a product… which you might think looks like a product from Convoy, a company that’s now out of business, released a few years ago. And you’d be right.”

[14.12] An introduction to Chris Mazza, his career journey, and an overview of Shippeo.

“All of a sudden this thing called the internet happened (!), and it began to change the things ocean carriers did internally and how they began to view their customers externally.”

[17.51] From the Baltimore Bridge collapse to ongoing port strikes, the biggest challenges of 2024, and how they impacted the visibility market.

“At TPM last year you had Robert Gates speaking. And when you have somebody who’s basically a geopolitical and defence specialist speaking at what is arguably a transportation and supply chain conference, you know you probably have a problem.”

“People are realizing that the first requirement to resiliency in their supply chain is visibility. And, for the vast majority, they do that in an older, more outdated way. They may still be relying on systems or methodologies that were developed in the 90s or 2000s.”

[22.07] A closer look at visibility in the ocean and over-the-road markets, the different levels of demand and maturity, and the increasing focus on boosting ocean visibility.

“We’ve seen an enormous jump in the quality of the data, but at the same time, we’ve seen a huge degradation in the underlying service. The on-time performance, the scheduling integrity – it’s not good.”

[31.54] A listener question: Should we consider contingency planning as part of the visibility function?

[35.55] Carrier APIs – their role in accessing the best data and the challenge of navigating multiple layers of business relationships.

“APIs don’t clean data. But what they do, ideally, is provide you with easier access. The question in the market is: Are you going to get the best access to the best data via API, EDI or some other methodology?”

[40.04] How visibility can be used to prevent missing shipments.

[44.13] What Shippeo customers want when it comes to accessing, understanding, analyzing, and reporting their data.

[47.02] Chris’s favorite musician and why.

[49.18] Eric’s Dad joke of the week!

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Explore more industry news over on Journal of Commerce, and connect with Eric on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show, there are lots more episodes of Logtech Live With Eric Johnson to explore. You can also hear Eric on episode 238, episode 300 and episode 420.

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On The Margins: How procurement leaders can maintain supplier relationships, support teams, nurture trust and build resilience in volatile markets.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.24] An introduction to Michael van Keulen, and what he loves about travel and spending time with the supply chain community.

“I love to connect, I take so much pride in what I get to do every day… Helping and playing a role in the community we’ve created keeps me energized.”

[08.31] From the opportunities in technology to big macro challenges, the issues that are top of mind for the procurement community right now, and why collaboration remains crucial.

“We’re excited about technology, there’s so much out there… Finding the right solution isn’t easy, but there’s a lot of attention now paid to technology in procurement.”

[12.48] Coupa’s Mind Your Business campaign.

[14.08] The importance of talking about how to thrive through cost-cutting and corporate changes.

[15.09] An introduction to Rendi Miller from GitLab, and what she loves about procurement.

“Like many people, I fell into procurement. And it’s served me so well because of the network of people I’ve met, friends that I’ve made. It’s a really unique group.”

[18.10] How to approach change and navigate transition, and Rendi’s personal experience of managing big corporate transitions.

“The one thing we can always count on is change. You need to be adaptable, and not be afraid of it… Have trust with your employees as a leader, and have a solid foundation built for your people, processes, and technology.”

[21.48] Rendi’s advice to her younger self for navigating change.

“Every time I’ve been through some sort of change, it’s really been for the better in the long run... You can’t be shortsighted.”

[25.14] The challenges Rendi faced, and lessons she learned, from managing corporate transitions.

[27.40] Rendi’s advice for procurement leaders to help maintain supplier relationships in the face of pressure.

“The time when you need them to step in and help you with a reduction is not the time to start building a relationship! The time to build relationships is right from the beginning… Treat them as partners instead of just vendors that work for you.”

[30.13] How leaders can support their teams emotionally during big changes.

[34.18] What procurement leaders can do now to improve resilience for the future.

[35.15] It’s trivia time! Three questions stand between an audience member and a brand new pickleball set.

[40.02] Coupa Inspire returns in 2025 – don’t miss your chance to meet Sarah and Michael in Las Vegas.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: If you enjoyed the show, there are plenty more episodes of On The Margins to explore, or check out 213: Manage Your Supply Chain Planning Smarter and Safer with Coupa.

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Tom Burke of CargoWise Landside talks about how drayage rating & quoting best practices can improve supply chain management, visibility, & logistics execution.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.59] An introduction to Tom and his career journey, how he founded DrayMaster, and its current place in the extensive CargoWise Landise portfolio.

“You could say that I’ve had my hand in every cookie jar when it comes to this industry, and I’ve gained valuable insights from each experience.”

[09.49] Trend one: The importance of collaboration in supply chain management, the improving integration and interoperability between stakeholders, and how a shared access to pricing is helping to drive improvement.

“A supply chain without collaboration would be fragmented, inefficient, and unable to meet the demands of modern commerce… It’s the glue that holds the entire industry together.”

[13.23] Trend two: What visibility and transparency mean to CargoWise Landside, the areas of supply chain where they’re most impactful, and how they support drayage rating and quoting best practices.

“Forwarders are working across multiple time zones, they need instant access to accurate rates… Waiting for hours or days just doesn’t cut it any more. And for trucking companies, if you’re not providing rates electronically, your likely missing out on opportunities to quote and move freight.”

“Together, they’re the foundation of today’s drayage and quoting practices.”

[18.05] Trend three: The role of automation in shipping logistics and supply chain management – how it’s reducing manual effort, breaking down data siloes, and ensuring accuracy across data, from quote to invoice.

“Ultimately, it’s all about efficiency and transformation. Automation is changing the way businesses operate, enabling them to run leaner and more efficiently with the precision that’s now needed.”

[21.05] From rising customer expectations to issues with change management, the biggest challenges these three core trends present to drayage operators.

[26.26] How drayage operators are managing through these trends and challenges, and why digitalization is no longer a nice-to-have.

[28.47] ‘Good, better, best’ – the three step approach to best practices, why best practices are needed across the industry, and how they pull together the key trends of collaboration, transparency, and automation.

[32.52] How DrayMaster can help truckers to reduce quote turnaround times by up to a huge 95%.

[34.59] A case study detailing how DrayMaster helped a 3PL to achieve 44% lower rates, resulting in annual savings of over $1.5 million, and drastically reducing invoice discrepancies by over 50% and counting.

[39.30] How DrayMaster helps truckers and 3PLs to work together, deliver collaboration, visibility and data, and how drayage rating and quoting best practices can improve supply chain management and logistics execution.

“When truckers and 3PLs work together seamlessly, the ripple effect benefits everybody involved.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to CargoWise Landside’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with CargoWise and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook, you can connect with Tom on LinkedIn.

If you want to hear more from CargoWise, we have plenty more for you! Check out 412: Maximize Warehouse Efficiency and Profitability, with CargoWise, 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise, 346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech, 367: Going Beyond Visibility – Unveiling The Invisible, 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance, 371: Going Beyond Visibility – From Risk to Resilience: How Technology Is Transforming Global Supply chains, or 373: Going Beyond Visibility – Culture and Digitization.

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Bill Catania of OneRail talks about their recent Series C funding; collaboration with IBM Sterling®; & the challenges for retailers and wholesalers in 2025.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.46] An introduction to Bill, and how OneRail are empowering customers to design and execute their own brand of delivery solutions.

“I love what we do – we’re solving a shopper marketing problem with supply chain and logistics... We’re helping our customers fulfil excellence at scale.”

[09.57] OneRail’s successful Series B funding round in 2022, and the exciting changes they implemented with this initial investment to position themselves for growth.

[12.37] How OneRail are building on that growth with $42 million of Series C funding and an overview of the OneRail vision that this further investment will help propel them towards.

“Venture capital for logistics and supply chain tech start ups has reduced by 90%. We just raised a Series C – a very difficult round under good circumstances – at a time when 90% of funding is gone. And there’s only one way to recognize that – the team.”

[18.32] OneRail’s new partnership with IBM Sterling® Order and Fulfillment Suite, and how it aligns with Bill’s vision for creating frictionless experiences.

“We’re trying to remove friction. When we look at the pandemic, there were a lot of point solutions, solving little pieces of the problem. And now we’re seeing a lot of deprecation in some of those platforms, because they’re not solving enough of the bigger problems.”

[21.17] The customer benefits of the OneRail and IBM Sterling® collaboration.

“The only way to build trust is repeatable success, and then you build a behavior, and then you build loyalty.”

[26.20] Why OneRail built its own fintech platform expansion for freight audit pay and claims, how it helps customers and its pioneering place as the first solution in the market for this category.

[31.49] The biggest challenges facing retailers and wholesalers in 2025.

“Data siloes are what holds up optimization, but optimization is where the value is.”

[33.32] With those challenges in mind, where retailers and wholesalers need to focus, and what they need to prioritize, for the year ahead.

“A decentralized, fully interoperable solution is absolutely the future.”

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, listen to 419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail, 349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail, and 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail.

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Mandar Rahatekar of Manhattan talks about unified supply chain planning; breaking siloes; UI design; & leveraging AI and machine learning to reduce complexity.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.47] An introduction to Mandar, and an overview of Manhattan.

[07.48] Mandar’s career, his journey from Manhattan customer to employee, and what he loves about supply chain.

“I’m a mechanical engineer. I started my career in manufacturing and the first lesson I learned, day one on the shop floor, was: I knew nothing.”

[11.13] Why the industry is starting to pay attention to unification, and why technology, the ever-growing complexity of supply chain, and increasing speed of business mean it’s more important than ever to merge supply chain planning with execution.

“We’re at the right intersection of the requirement of us as customers, and the technology that will support it.”

[16.07] Why supply chain has historically been so siloed, and how the changing speed of communication and evolution of siloed working led to a culture of tech integrations.

“As humans, we need to solve problems that are manageable… There’s a limit to how much we can do, so we have departments… And everybody chose to solve the problem they can actually influence.”

[21.38] How creating one single plan can help to break down siloes, and align all resources to a common business objective.

“I learned, as a forecast analyst, as soon as I publish a forecast, I’m lying! Because it’s no longer right, things have already changed… The process is there, but the speed doesn’t match the speed of business. We have to use technology to match that speed.”

[24.58] How organizations can simplify the planning process, to build a plan that works for everyone across departments and priorities.

[29.59] The challenges of different internal and external data sources, and how businesses can leverage AI and machine learning to sift through them and produce more accurate demand forecasts.

“More data is good, but it doesn’t always lead to accurate forecasts.”

[36.29] The importance of UI design, and how it can bring simplicity and transparency for users.

[41.26] Continuous order build – what it means, and why it’s important.

[44.02] How having a broad unified view, and keeping everyone focused on a common business objective, benefits a business’s bottom line; and the key drivers of ROI for customers.

“The biggest cost driver is inventory itself, with the cost of labor to add value and move it around, then warehousing and transportation. About 70% of the cost of goods sold is inventory.”

[48.06] Why generative AI is the trend every supply chain professional should be thinking about in 2025.

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Maria Madrigal talks about her career journey; overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry; her leadership style; & the achievement she’s most proud of.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.56] An introduction to Maria and WSI.

[07.20] Maria’s 24-year tenure at WSI, and what she loves about the business.

“I built relationships, I just love WSI, it’s like a family… like home.”

[08.02] Maria’s first role as a window clerk and what it taught her.

“I saw a lot of disgruntled drivers, but that started my journey of building a thick skin!”

[09.27] Maria’s perspective on formal education within the industry, and finding the balance between real-life experience and academic learning.

“Education is important, but there’s no textbook that’s going to teach you what you learn hands-on.”

[11.27] The challenges Maria faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

[14.27] How WSI supported Maria in her journey to becoming their first female Director of Operations, and the role of both mentors and advocates in her growth.

[17.45] The three key qualities every mentor should have and Maria’s advice for mentees.

“You’ve got to be brave enough to raise your hand – it’s OK to ask for help… And if you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

[19.25] The biggest challenge, and opportunity, for the industry right now.

“I know we have to be automated to be competitive… but, in doing so, the challenge is making sure we don’t lose the connectivity with individuals, that personal one-on-one touch. With automation, we lose that.”

[21.33] Maria’s leadership style, and how it translates to success for her team.

[24.32] Maria’s biggest achievement.

“I felt vindicated. The fact that I’m here, I am who I am now – that’s a testament to my success.”

[27.37] What winning the Women In Supply Chain ‘Trailblazer’ award means to Maria.

“For those that doubted me, here I am today as a trailblazer and a Director.”

[28.31] Maria’s biggest inspiration.

[29.27] The future for Maria, and WSI.

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Mercedes Pina talks about her career journey; her experience as an immigrant; her passion for logistics; and why she believes that anything is possible.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.05] Mercedes’ experience as a young immigrant in Long Island, and why her parents instilled in her a sense of hard work and perseverance.

“The sacrifices my parents made gave me the opportunity to strive for excellence in everything I do.”

[08.47] The challenges Mercedes faced as a young immigrant in a new country, her approach to tackling them, and how those experiences shaped the woman she is today.

[10.11] Where Mercedes’ career began, and how she discovered a passion for logistics.

“Initially, I thought logistics would be something temporary. But as I got deeper into the industry, I became captivated by it’s vastness and complexity, and by the challenges of understanding the full scope of it.”

[11.58] Mercedes’ role as Vice President of Client Services and Expedited Pricing at STG Logistics, and the importance of collaboration.

“I focus on nurturing relationships, and understanding our clients evolving needs.”

[14.25] The increasing focus on client services, and how businesses are leveraging customer experience as a competitive advantage.

“The rising focus on client services marks a pivotal shift in how businesses approach customer relationships. Exceptional service is now vital for retention and brand loyalty, which sets companies apart in the market.”

[15.39] How Mercedes approaches pricing strategies, and finds the balance between value and cost.

“Navigating pricing amongst inflation – it is challenging. We focus on transparency and value creation.”

[17.38] Mercedes’ trend predictions for logistics in 2025.

“In today’s world, it’s hard to predict anything! But, come 2025, I anticipate several key trends with automation, AI and sustainability… And more sophisticated final mile solutions – people want everything faster!”

[18.42] What Mercedes’ Rising Star award at this years Women in Supply Chain Awards means to her, as a young woman and immigrant.

[20.01] Mercedes’ passion for mentoring, and how she’s bridging the gap and meeting young women where they are.

“Mentoring is crucial, especially in supply chain where diversity and inclusion can significantly enhance innovation and problem-solving. My experience as a young woman gives me a unique insight into the challenges people face entering this field.”

[21.41] The biggest challenge for young women looking to find their place in the industry.

[23.23] Mercedes’ belief that anything is possible, and her advice for translating a positive mindset into action.

“Failure is just a stepping stone to success.”

[24.55] The future for Mercedes.

[25.31] Mercedes’ advice for senior leaders thinking about creating safe spaces for young women in the industry.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from incredible women in the industry, check out 433: Women In Supply Chain, Annie Torikian, 425: Women In Supply Chain, Josephine Coombe or 422: Women In Supply Chain, Kiran Mann.

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Alex Yaseen of Parabola talks about his founder journey; the future of spreadsheets; empowering teams with workflow control; and embracing AI.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.34] An introduction to Alex, his background, and the journey that led him to found Parabola.

“Most people seem to engage with new tech with fear and a lack of agency… People describe fighting against technology. And that’s a shame, because you could have such a positive, productive, empowering relationship with technology once you know how to use it.”

[12.48] The challenges Alex saw as a consultant at Deloitte, and the problems he still sees across the industry, when it comes to people and technology.

“Even at Fortune 50 companies, people were still doing incredibly non-scalable, crazy, manual processes on spreadsheets.”

[16.46] An overview of Parabola – who they are, what they do and how they help their customers – and Alex’s take on the mismatch between operations and IT that Parabola is helping to solve.

[21.09] The growing importance of AI, and how Parabola are integrating it into their solution with impact in mind.

“Combining two things together is important – the ability to grab the data, and the ability to action on it.”

[26.16] The ideal client for Parabola.

[28.23] A closer look at the Parabola platform, its intuitive drag-and-drop workflow, and how teams can use it.

[31.37] Why integration isn’t something you need to be scared of with Parabola.

“When people hear the word ‘integration’ they get scared. It’s normally a big long process, you have to work with your IT team and they’re going to get mad at you… We want to do things differently.”

[34.23] How the Parabola platform can help supply chain teams optimize processes from scorecarding and management to audits and track and trace.

[39.43] From improving productivity and facilitating growth, to saving time and giving teams ownership over their own workflows, the impact of that optimization on businesses and their bottom lines.

“Operations people are probably the most important people at a company – they know how things work and have great ideas… We’re trying to shine a spotlight onto them… And our best users have a track record of being promoted pretty quickly.”

[42.05] The impact of leveraging the power of Parabola on the industry.

[45.02] A case study detailing how Parabola helped a large retail brand achieve multiple levels of ROI – saving them money, but also boosting team engagement and job satisfaction, and helping the Director of Operations get a better seat at the table in leadership conversations.

[49.51] From AI to nurturing a better understanding of business problems, what we can expect from the industry in 2025.

“Increasingly, the hard thing within companies is actually understanding the problem... It’s that knowledge of what’s important within the company, and having people on your team who know where the bodies are buried! Companies who are great at cultivating and empowering their people are going to rise to the surface.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Parabola’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Parabola and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Alex on LinkedIn.

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Tiffany Brewer of Blue Yonder talks about synchronizing supply chain execution; building resilient businesses; & helping clients reduce spend & drive growth.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.23] An introduction to Tiffany, her background, and the expertise she brings to her role at Blue Yonder.

“I’ve been in the shoes of our customers, and I’m able to speak to the product teams and say: “Hey – this is what’s going on in the industry, this is what our customers need.”

[08.24] What synchronizing supply chain execution means to Blue Yonder and their customers.

“We’ve historically had point solutions that solve each problem, from warehousing to transportation… but they’re not really separate processes to the point that systems shouldn’t be talking to each other.”

[12.35] The macro challenges rocking the industry right now; why a lot of current tech architecture isn’t capable of keeping up; and how connected solutions can help.

[20.35] How those big challenges impact Blue Yonder customers, and the challenge of navigating the push and pull between the different perspectives on the right amount of synchronization.

[25.28] What it means to be a resilient and agile company; why it’s so important; and how synchronizing supply chain execution can help achieve that resilience and agility.

“What it comes down to is focusing on bringing the most value to the business.”

[30.09] The paradigm shift that’s needed to increase that resilience and agility; the benefits that will come out of it; and the importance of measuring the right things.

“Getting all of the opinions and perspectives into the room is key… How can we, as an organization, make these decisions together and figure out which thing is the most important for the business, instead of the most important for individual business areas.”

[34.27] An overview of Blue Yonder’s platform and solutions that are enabling a synchronized approach to handling supply chain execution and disruption for customers.

[36.55] The benefits of synchronizing supply chain execution, and how Blue Yonder are helping to reduce transportation costs by 30-40%, decrease labor costs by 10-15%, and lower inventory costs by 8%.

[40.14] What Blue Yonder’s recent Supply Chain Executive Survey can tell us about what teams are thinking about, and focusing on, for 2025.

“Over 80% of execs are getting ready to bring more AI/ML into their businesses.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Blue Yonder’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blue Yonder and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder.

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Annie Torikian talks about her career journey; her passion for innovation; balancing professional and social responsibility; and being named a trailblazer.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.47] The journey that led Annie from Lebanon to Canada, and what she learned along the way.

“When I first came to Canada, I was really ready to embrace a new chapter in my life. I came looking for stability and security… It was a big shift… and it gave me a new perspective on life.”

[08.30] The surprisingly practical reason that led Annie to supply chain, and how she fell in love with the industry.

“Over the years… I realized how impactful and important the job I was doing was... As I discovered the complexities and global impact of supply chain, it became a no-brainer for me, I thought ‘I’m going to stay in this industry and thrive’… Sometimes, the most rewarding paths are the ones we never planned to take.”

[10.37] An overview of Tecsys, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[11.54] Annie’s role as Vice President of Enhanced Business Solutions at Tecsys, and how she became a driving force in innovation, spearheading initiatives and incorporating new automation technologies.

“Automation in itself is not a new concept, but there’s such a rapid shift in the technology that it’s become a gamechanger. And any company that needs to remain competitive has no choice but to deploy some kind of automation in their warehouses.”

[16.28] Annie’s 26 year tenure with Tecsys, how she evolved from analyst to VP, and some of her biggest challenges and achievements along the way.

“For anyone to stay so long in the same company, there needs to be an alignment between your personal and company values. For me, it was integrity, professionalism, respect and teamwork.”

[20.35] How supply chain and technology has changed over the course of Annie’s career.

“It’s cool to have a front row seat in this evolution.”

[23.07] With a historic lack of women in leadership, how the industry has changed for women.

[25.53] Annie’s take on mentorship.

[30.36] The importance of balancing professional and social responsibility, and why volunteering is key to good leadership.

“For me, it became an integral part of my leadership identity, and I think its crucial for any executive that wants to be impactful to do some kind of volunteering… You meet so many people, of different backgrounds, characters, and personalities… It sharpens your leadership skills and prepares you for complex roles.”

[33.57] Annie’s recent Women in Supply Chain Forum award win, and what it means to be named a ‘trailblazer’ in the industry.

“Never assume that you’ve reached your full potential.”

[35.17] The future for Annie.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Annie over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from women who have moved countries and continents to excel in supply chain, check out 389: Women in Supply Chain, Carmit Glik, 326: Women in supply chain™, Paige Wei-Cox, or 275: Women in supply chain™, Amani Radman.

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Jeff Beadle of Manhattan talks about their Unified Forecasting Method; how the hybrid approach is different; & the benefits to supply chain planning.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.28] An introduction to Jeff, his role at Manhattan, and how, as a physicist coming from a job at the “applied chaos lab,” he found his way to supply chain.

“As a data scientist, there’s not a better sandbox than supply chain – and especially at Manhattan, given the breadth of solutions we have across the space.”

[09.10] Why unification is key to both Manhattan’s approach to helping clients and to improving the industry; and its importance in forecasting.

“By unifying demand forecasting methods into a single composite model, it elevates capability, robustness, adaptability, and accuracy – and therefore all of the optimization of supply chain processes, and applications that are consuming that output.”

[12.32] An overview of UFM, how its hybrid forecasting approach differs from more traditional statistical models and standalone machine learning models, and why Manhattan have combined these approaches into one model.

“Hybrid forecasting combines statistical time series models with machine learning algorithms offering a uniquely powerful and balanced approach to demand forecasting.”

[17.38] The challenges with machine learning, and the benefits that UFMs hybrid approach brings to supply chain planning.

“There are still shortcomings to machine learning, and high failure rates… Machine learning builds knowledge strictly from the data it observes. So if it has an incomplete aspect of the data model… it can lead to misleading results.”

[23.56] How UFM allows organizations to make decisions that have benefits across all business areas.

“That combined hybrid approach takes on an inside-out, outside-in demand planning approach… this provides a very adaptive, accurate mechanism… and that impacts all cross-functional processes.”

[27.07] An overview of how UFM continuously learns and updates its forecasts in real-time.

[30.07] The low-management nature of UFM, and how that frees up teams to take on the more strategic and creative work.

“It’s very autonomous and hands-free – it doesn’t require special staffing or oversight.”

[33.30] The ideal client for Manhattan’s UFM.

“The better plans and forecasts we have, the less we have to react through execution systems – that’s sub-optimal. You want a better plan, a better projection, and the more accurate and tighter that is, the better the overall downstream impact.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Manhattan’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Manhattan and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Jeff on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Manhattan, check out 430: Unify Your Supply Chain Systems, with Manhattan Associates.

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Trace Haggard of TSG Fleet talks about his founder journey; the problem of overcapacity; avoiding delays; & the benefit of providing solutions under one roof.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.45] Trace’s entrepreneurial background, and the journey that led him to found TSG Fleets.

“I came from an agricultural family, and I wanted to get off the farm!... By coincidence, I did an internship at a 3PL… The general manager asked if I’d be interested in coming back for a job, and that sounded much better than law school!”

[14.10] An overview of TSG – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[16.09] The ideal client for TSG.

“I prefer relationship-based customers… When things happen strategically, or when economics aren’t working out, you can sit down and have a discussion and accomplish something. Transactional customers come and go.”

[19.11] The current landscape of trucking and biggest challenges, from theft to over-capacity.

“The pandemic sent a tidal wave of capacity out there, we all thought the world was going to change… And it did for about 18 months… then everything snapped back. And that wave of capacity crashed.”

[23.01] The opportunities in US-Mexico trade, and why TSG are well placed to help clients maximize those cross-border opportunities.

[26.56] TSG’s terminal operations solutions and how they’re helping brands optimize their logistics processes, especially when combined with maintenance and repair services.

[32.36] TSG’s 24/7 secure storage, and how it helps to combat the rising issue of security and theft.

[37.45] Real-life examples of how TSG proactively monitor a range of factors for clients, from temperature and fuel to maintenance, to keep trucks on the move, avoiding delays and saving money.

“When minor issues happen, they cause big delays – and that costs money.”

[42.40] Trace’s perspective on what’s to come for the industry.

“Things are still unpredictable… the rate of motor carriers closing their doors is insane… but I’m cautiously optimistic.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to TSG Fleet’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TSG and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Trace on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 404: Parking Your Truck Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3, with Truck Parking Club, 360: Deliver A Great Trucker Experience, with DCLI or 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines.

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Bryant Smith of Manhattan talks about supply chain unification; visibility, resiliency & cost; overcoming siloes; and delivering big results with their TMS.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.52] An overview of Manhattan – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[08.20] The basics of supply chain unification, what it means, and the common misconceptions.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about unification… Sometimes you hear other companies express unification as integrations between different systems… that’s not our definition of unification!”

“There are a lot of different components and workflows that are associated with managing a supply chain… and we have a single platform that manages all those workflows in one central place.”

[10.39] A closer look at Manhattan’s transport management solutions and modernized tech platform, and how the platform has evolved over time.

“Supply chain execution is hard – but using the technology shouldn’t be.”

[18.20] Why supply chain has historically been so siloed, and how we can unify our fractured ecosystems.

“Supply chain tech started as on-premise, and that creates siloes… And the approach was very pointed. People would say “I have this problem, I need to create a software to solve it” – so now we have a bunch of software’s that do really specialized things.”

[23.10] Visibility: what it means to Manhattan, why it’s so important, and the huge potential it has for supply chain, from optimizing buying patterns to improved labor utilization.

“It’s not warehouse versus transportation any more. It’s inbound versus outbound.”

[29.39] The power of resiliency, and what it means for organizations as they face continued global disruption.

“Being resilient is about seeing and understanding, but also about being able to proactively – or reactively – resolve exceptions as they happen.”

[37.06] The impact of supply chain unification on cost, and the range of business areas in which companies can make significant reductions.

[41.30] A case study detailing how Manhattan helped a global specialist in energy management to unify, simplify their technology landscape, and reduce cost, resulting in a huge seven-figure return on investment.

[45.33] The ideal client for Manhattan.

“Our architecture allows you to scale up and down based on your complexity.”

[46.48] The future for Manhattan, and the big role generative AI and automation is going to play in supply chain unification.

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Kameel Gaines talks about her career journey; her business Rig on Wheels; driver recruitment; & the importance of elevating African American women in trucking.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.37] Kameel’s career journey, and how she found her way from educational sales to trucking recruitment.

“Trucking chose me!”

[10.38] Why Kameel founded her own business, Rig on Wheels, and why she always had an entrepreneurial mindset.

“I came from an entrepreneurial family, so I wasn’t afraid of it.

[13.42] A closer look at Rig on Wheels; what makes it different; and Kameel’s reputation for innovation and taking a driver-centric approach to business.

“We are very much an advocate of the professional driver. Innovation is very important because evolution is coming, it’s here! We want to make sure that our drivers are ready.”

“Recruitment is changing, and social media is the new CB radio! We need to meet drivers where they are.”

[16.54] Rig on Wheels’ upcoming 15-year anniversary, and Kameel’s laidback approach to the celebrations.

“I’m just excited that my team is excited!”

[18.10] Why Kameel launched the first-of-its-kind Rig on Wheels podcast; her passion for ongoing learning; and why she’s always looking to improve.

“I started educating myself, and looking at other peoples shows. And, instead of looking at them as a spectator, I was looking to learn… How can we do this better? We’re not looking for perfection, but we are looking for excellence.”

[21.46] Kameel’s perspective on the rise of supply chain media, and the innate inclusivity in helping professionals from all walks of life to engage, learn, and communicate in new ways.

“There are a lot of voices, and there’s a voice for everyone – that’s what’s great. Everybody identifies with someone.”

[26.29] Kameel’s previous role as co-chairwoman of the African American Women’s Trucking Association, and the importance of elevating the representation and success of African American women in trucking.

“Representation matters. You can’t be what you don’t see.”

[29.31] The role of mentors in Kameel’s career journey, and how she maintained those relationships over time.

[34.33] Kameel’s advice for the young women looking to follow in her footsteps.

“Open up your eyes to new possibilities, get out of your comfort zone – the world is your back yard.”

[36.47] The one (unexpected) career achievement that Kameel is most proud of.

[37.47] The future for Rig on Wheels.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Kameel over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in trucking, check out 347: Women In Supply Chain™, Seretha Willingham, 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman, or 205: Time To Make A Move, with Knichel Logistics.

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Amit Sharma of Narvar talks about leveraging intelligent communication to boost consumer trust, create memorable shopping experiences & maximize conversions.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.56] Amit’s career journey, and how it led him to establish Narvar.

[10.12] An overview of Narvar – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Online, after we buy, there’s a waiting period. And often that waiting period is overlooked, or under-invested. We help businesses engage their customers with the intention of driving long term loyalty and advocacy.”

[12.54] The ideal client for Narvar.

[14.28] Amit’s take on the biggest e-commerce challenges right now, especially when it comes to the post-purchase experience.

“Once you buy a product, it’s a chore. ‘Find a tracking number; When can I get it?; Do I have to be at home,?; Will the package be secure?’… There are all these questions that lead to anxiety about the order you placed. So the challenge is to build the trust every step of the way.”

“There’s a disconnect... you have to understand the customers context and provide the right information at the right time.”

[17.13] Narvar’s mission to simplify the everyday lives of consumers, and why taking care of retail customers isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good business.

“Everything is “and” now. It has to be cheaper AND it has to be faster AND it has to be on time AND it has to be an amazing customer experience.”

“Consumers want returns policies and processes that are easy to understand and follow… and making it convenient is better for the retailer as well.”

[25.18] Why 60% of shoppers are more likely to choose a retailer that can tell them the exact date a package will arrive at the time of order; and the role of Narvar’s ‘Promise’ solution in helping retailers utilize intelligent delivery estimates to drive conversion and deliver transparency.

“Given a choice, customers select visibility and predictability of delivery dates versus faster delivery. And, from the merchant perspective, we then see consumers buy more, and make less customer service enquiries, because you’ve built trust and confidence…. There’s a big benefit from setting that expectation.”

[31.46] How Narvar helps retailers continue to communicate with consumers using post-purchase marketing and different touchpoints to keep them informed, but also boost trust, keep experience levels high and upsell.

[35.35] The challenge of returns, and how Narvar helps retailers to find the balance of retaining revenue and reducing costs, whilst also offering customers easy, convenient, positive experiences.

“All of the data and sophistication gets applied on the acquisition side, but not much on the retention side. Returns is an opportunity for that.”

[40.38] Why Narvar is fostering collaboration between retailers, and how a unique relationship with Kohl’s is setting a standard for smoother, cheaper, and more sustainable returns experiences for brands and consumers alike.

“Cheaper, convenient, and beneficial for everybody.”

[44.42] The upcoming trends and opportunities in the ecommerce industry that we should be looking out for.

“Using intelligence, the supply chain is going to get more and more intuitive, more consumer-friendly, and more cost-effective for all the players involved.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Narvar’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Narvar and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Amit on LinkedIn.

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Jeremy Reeves of Relish & Matt Montgomery of SAP talk about how technology can automate supplier data validation and mitigate risk; our data end games; & AI.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.15] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do.

[08.59] An overview of the landscape of supplier data and the challenges of validation.

“Supplier management needs to be thought of as the foundation for everything. It’s the knowledge that you need to have for every single decision you’re making.”

“As we look at solutions and talk about supplier data, we can’t just talk about ‘company name and address.’ We have to think: What do you need to know to make the choice to use that supplier, to make a better decision, to streamline processes? … How do you collaborate and drive efficiency so you can spend more time on the good decisions versus data collection?”

[13.25] The supplier data end game – what supplier data should look like, and what it should do for their businesses, if organizations have the right solutions to their challenges.

“Speed and efficiency are the name of the game.”

[17.11] How businesses should be measuring and validating supplier data, and the different techniques and strategies they can use to do it.

“You first have to understand where the problems are lying within the overall process, so measuring that information is key.”

[20.52] The role of technology in automating the supplier data validation process.

“Speed becomes a competitive differentiator.”

[23.26] Whether process drives technology, or technology drives process.

“Technology can really optimize that knowledge of region, industry, commodity, business unit… but as much as the technology can optimize, it becomes much more efficient when you can trust the data source.”

[28.27] How technology can help suppliers be active participants in the risk management process.

[32.51] The hidden prevalence of AI; where the industry is at on its AI journey; and what the future of supplier data validation and risk mitigation is going to look like.

“The term is overused – it means everything! People think Siri, ChatGPT – people’s perception of AI is the microcosm of how they’re experiencing it.”

[36.53] How SAP and Relish are automating supplier data validation, and what we can learn from their approach.

[43.44] The future for Relish and SAP, and for the industry, as we look towards 2025.

“The ability for technology to automate the speed of development – we’re going to see a lot more capabilities, delivered faster.”

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Thomas Bagge of DCSA & Thomas Morris of FINN Partners talk about digitalization in container shipping; drivers & barriers to change; and progress & priorities.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.45] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do.

“DCSA aims to help digitalize and make container shipping more effective. We’re open source and vendor neutral… and our members represent about 75% of the world’s containerized capacity.”

[10.13] An overview of DCSA’s new state of the industry report: what it’s about, why they commissioned it, and what they’re aiming to achieve.

“Decision makers are strongly advocating for more digital tools, more interoperability – they want to improve efficiency… So how do we convert these demands into firm commitments that will help drive digitalization forward?”

[13.41] A closer look at the methodology and analytics that were used in the creation of the report.

“We’re excited. Given the amount of ground we’ve covered, and the amount of research we’ve done – we think it’s one of the most comprehensive reports looking at digitalization within container shipping.”

[17.35] The landscape of digitalization in container shipping, and the historic issues with data, visibility and interoperability.

“There have been a lot of great initiatives and strides made in our industry… but we need to take the next steps. A lot of those previous digital initiatives were invented in siloes. So, the biggest issues we have today are a lack of data and interoperability.”

[21.32] The current sentiment in the industry towards digital, and whether or not that sentiment was a surprise; and the impact being made by increasing standardization.

“I was surprised by the level of manual interventions that we still see in the industry!”

“86% of cargo owners said that digitalization is a tool that would help improve efficiency and process, and they see the opportunity – we saw cargo owners talk about customer satisfaction, operational costs, and competitive advantage.”

[26.18] The key drivers and barriers to digitalization in the container shipping industry.

“Cargo owners are ready to go, but two thirds said they need help and support. Some are fearful of legacy systems… and there’s also some internal company resistance. We need to get the tech right, but businesses are made of people, and we need to bring them along on the journey as well.”

[30.55] Industry progress, and supply chain stakeholders’ priorities for further change.

“We have a complex industry, there are many stakeholders – this is a problem of a whole ecosystem…. Removing the barriers to trade is in everybody’s interest.”

[36.51] Why sustainability has to be one of the industry’s biggest priorities; how organizations are approaching increasingly stringent regulations and impending ESG deadlines; and how digitalization is going to make a difference.

“The fuel transition is not something that’s around the corner, we’re going to have emissions for many years to come… but the industry can save up to 14% on fuel through collaboration and implementation of just-in-time standards – and that’s work we can do today, we don’t have to wait for 2040.”

[39.23] What DCSA are currently working on to help address key industry priorities, and an example of how they helped a retailer save costs, standardize, and integrate quickly through effective digitalization.

[41.05] How enhanced collaboration can help to accelerate the adoption of digital tools.

“Almost a third of cargo owners talked about hesitancy to adopt new technology solutions before their peers or partners. It’s a classic case of ‘who jumps first?’!”

[43.40] DCSA’s vision for the future of container shipping, and how the industry is going to continue to evolve.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to DCSA’s website now to find out more and download the report. You can also connect with DCSA and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Thomas Morris on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about container shipping, listen to 340: Container Confusion: Are Shipping Trends Lost at Sea? with Steve Ferreira, or read The Use Cases and ROI of Container Tracking for Freight Forwarders.

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Josephine Coombe talks about her career journey; how marketing has changed; work/life balance; & why it’s never been a more exciting time to be in supply chain.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.26] Josephine’s career journey; her transition from the arts to technology and supply chain; and why embracing ambiguity is a good thing.

“I wouldn’t say my career was planned, or at least the first half was more serendipity than planning. But, around halfway through, I started being much more deliberate about where I was going as a professional. And, particularly for young women, allowing a little bit of the unexpected can take you down paths that are very positive.”

[08.49] How marketing has changed over the course of Josephine’s career; why it’s vital to bring creativity and analytics together; and why data isn’t everything when it comes to marketing.

“It’s been a very interesting time to see the shifts in marketing. Back then marketing was, to some extent, more of an arts discipline… And it’s changed dramatically, as digital marketing has enabled a much more analytical approach.”

“We can go overboard with trying to make the data tell us everything – and it can’t. I often see wild goose chases when it comes to attribution, but often what’s lost in those conversations is the influencing factors… Not everything can be perfectly measured but, just because it can’t, doesn’t mean that it’s not delivering value.”

[14.33] Josephine’s role as Chief Commercial Officer at Nulogy – what it involves, how she approaches the role, and the importance of bringing sales and marketing together.

“The ability to get out of your silo and into another area enables you to build empathy for other business areas.”

[18.37] Josephine’s experience of moving from North America to Europe for her latest job role.

[22.10] Nulogy’s vision of collaboration and co-innovation, and the big industry challenges they’re tackling with these core principles.

“More and more, we’re seeing a reliance on external providers to enable growth. But if you don’t know what’s going on out there, it’s going to be difficult to achieve. It’s a big supply chain issue.”

[25.02] The significant momentum driving women’s involvement in supply chain in the UK, and the different culture it’s creating for the industry.

“In the logistics industry in the UK, there’s been a deliberate effort to move beyond the historical reliance and dominance of men to enable more women in leadership positions.”

[27.40] Josephine’s experience as a woman in supply chain, and how things have changed for women over the course of her career.

[29.33] Why it’s never been a more exciting time to be in supply chain, and Josephine’s advice for younger generations, especially women, who may be looking to join the industry and take advantage of that excitement and momentum.

“The pandemic made very clear to the world that supply chain is critical to society. And it made very clear to big businesses that they couldn’t treat their supply chain organizations like an operational necessity, they had to recognize its highly strategic value to the business. So we’ve seen a tremendous focus and investment in supply chain.”

[31.29] The turning point in Josephine’s career; the influential people who played a part in her journey; and why you don’t ever stop learning.

[36.16] Josephine’s passion for the arts; achieving her diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music; and the importance of embracing creativity as part of work/life balance.

“For me, creative endeavors are part of work/life balance. It’s so important to make sure you’ve got that type of time to unwind and give your brain something fresh to think about.”

[38.41] The future for Josephine.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Josephine over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more inspiring women in the industry, check out 422: Women In Supply Chain™, Kiran Mann or 380: Women In Supply Chain™, Christine Barnhart.

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Larry Cuddy of Lynxis talks about transforming terminal operations; consolidating solutions; & his vision for the landside logistics facilities of tomorrow.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.39] Larry’s career journey and unrivalled passion for supply chain.

“My journey is so special because I love what I do. I have to pinch myself, because it’s really not a job for me… This journey started at five or six years old in a truck with my grandfather.”

[08.53] An overview of Lynxis – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We’re designing a platform for the asset owner and the operator, and there are three things that are core to that: how do you move cargo; how do you do it in less space; and how do you reduce your operating costs? And the common denominator is optimizing terminals.”

[12.35] The ideal client for Lynxis.

[14.24] The biggest challenges currently faced by cargo terminals and landside logistics facilities, and Lynxis’ approach to tackling them.

“Yes: tech is important, automation is important. But we’ve got to look at the infrastructure and workforce side as well.”

[18.22] Lynxis’ aim to transform terminal operations from the ground up, and drive rapid transformation in the industry, by building teams that ‘think like operators, but act like tech experts.’

[21.14] The importance of consolidation in an inter-connected industry, and how Lynxis is working with customers to pull infrastructure, equipment, tech, and people together into one highly orchestrated model.

[24.50] How Lynxis is utilizing advanced technology to provide the mission-critical solutions that organizations need to tackle challenges, achieve orchestration, and eliminate the risks that slow the flow of cargo.

“It’s about building the tech to proactively monitor, using real-time vision systems, in order to keep the flow of goods moving well.”

“We are in the digital planning game. How do we model something and look at the differences between a hypothetical and real life, and which works better? And you can only do that with data.”

[30.42] The importance of orchestration and optimization, and two case studies showing how Lynxis has helped key clients achieve big results.

[35.24] Lynxis’ vision of the landside logistics facilities of tomorrow, and how they’re working towards making that vision a reality.

“Our goal is to democratize, and make manual terminals more automated, without spending millions of dollars on tech and infrastructure.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Lynxis’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lynxis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Larry on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Larry, listen to 325: Build Thriving Supply Chain Communities, with Envase Technologies.

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Ryan Zelhofer of Assent talks about PFAS management & evolving regulations; understanding risk; working with suppliers; & compliance as a competitive advantage.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.35] An overview of Assent – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We’re a SaaS company, with a flair of personal touch!”

[07.31] The ever-changing regulatory landscape, specifically through the lens of PFAS, and the challenges it’s presenting for businesses.

“You’re seeing a flurry of activity in the U.S. alone, and each state has it’s own twist to the regulations… Companies are having to prepare for a federal reporting requirement, but they’re also having to keep a close eye on each state level.”

“For a lot of people, this isn’t their full-time job. They probably have a more traditional supply chain responsibility, and someone came along with a hat and said: “Wear this too!” So selecting a good partner in that journey is very important; having regulatory experts in your back pocket to help keep an eye on those timelines is huge… It’s becoming extremely burdensome and complicated to keep up with.”

[12.02] The other key drivers for organizations thinking about eliminating PFAS, alongside changing regulation, and how they complicate things for organizations that find themselves struggling with multiple priorities.

Ryan Zelhofer of Assent talks about PFAS management & evolving regulations; understanding risk; working with suppliers; & compliance as a competitive advantage.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.35] An overview of Assent – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We’re a SaaS company, with a flair of personal touch!”

[07.31] The ever-changing regulatory landscape, specifically through the lens of PFAS, and the challenges it’s presenting for businesses.

“You’re always going to have a regulatory driver that gets everyone into action but, with PFAS, the number one concern from a risk standpoint is part obsolescence. Most folks are craving data to identify where they have PFAS in their supply chain but, a lot of times, they may forget they need to be looking inside the four walls of their own manufacturing facility as well.”

[15.47] How organizations can cut through the complexity, start to identify real, tangible risks, and get an understanding of where to start when it comes to reducing that risk effectively.

“Every company is going to have a different risk profile and risk appetite, but it starts with data... without data you’re making blind choices.”

[18.45] How organizations can use a product compliance program as a profit opportunity and competitive advantage.

“Once you get to a state where you have high-quality data, you’re now in a position to make some competitive choices, you’re starting to showcase the level of supply chain partner you are... And, when it’s no longer about price, you can get that competitive advantage from product compliance and sustainability efforts; showing you’re proactive, you’re ready to support their organization and goals as well.”

[20.50] The importance of suppliers in your sustainability and compliance efforts; and how organizations should be treating suppliers, and nurturing partnerships, in order to get the best results.

“It’s collaborative in spirit and it’s forward-thinking.”

[23.23] How a range of factors, from technology and flexibility to setting clear expectations and working with a sense of fairness, can help organizations create transparent, collaborative win-win relationships for all stakeholders.

“Don’t be the parent that says: ‘Because I said so!’”

[30.53] How, with budgets top of mind, organizations can motivate suppliers, without demanding more whilst paying less.

“Are you pushing down demands, or are you having a collaborative conversation with your suppliers? Because the more you push down demands, the more risk you have of getting questionable data back. They’re not responding to what you really need, they’re just scrambling to respond to your perceived sense of urgency. Supplier relationships are pivotal to getting high-quality data.”

[34.57] A case study showing how Assent worked with a customer’s chemical compliance team to provide improved data, allowing them to uncover hidden risks and work collaboratively across their business to improve product design intelligence, and ultimately leverage their improved sustainability and compliance to win business.

[38.06] Assent’s upcoming Evolve Conference: what you can expect and how to find out more – PLUS a unique LTSC discount.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Assent’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Assent and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more about compliance, listen to 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance or read What your freight broker isn’t telling you about quality and compliance.

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Kiran Mann talks about her career journey; her experience in the male-dominated auto industry; & why she left the corporate world to found her own business.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.20] Kiran’s early years, and how an unexpected opportunity led her to a successful career in automotive and manufacturing.

“It was a temporary situation that turned into 22 years! It felt like home. At some point I forgot about fashion designing, and became a full-time professional in automotive and manufacturing!”

[09.49] From viewing challenges as opportunities to setting an example for other immigrants, the things Kiran is most proud of across her career, and what she’s learned along the way.

“At the time, it felt normal. We all look for where we fit in, for opportunities, we grow. But, looking back now, it gives me a different feeling. A feeling of pride, a sense of accomplishment… who am I today is what I went through and what I learned.”

[16.41] Kiran’s experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry; and how the industry changed for women over the years.

[18.34] The question that led Kiran to quit her job and found her own business; and her experience of leaving the automotive industry after 20 years to go it alone.

“Women overlook what we’re good at, because we just think it’s default. But if it was default, every single person around you would be doing it. So you have to find that recipe.”

[22.53] How Kiran figured out how to use her skills in her new business; why she wanted to address the workplace challenges we all complain about; and her approach to fixing the gap between businesses and consultants.

“One of my favorite words is ‘choice’… There’s no right or wrong choice, but every choice has a consequence.”

[32.00] How Kiran came to take on the role of COO at Brar’s, alongside running her consultancy; how she balances her responsibilities; and why she’s come to realize that multitasking is not a good thing.

[38.59] Kiran’s experience in the close-knit community of the dairy industry, and how she gained their trust and earned respect.

[45.29] Kiran’s advice for young people as they start their careers.

“Come out of your comfort zone, but don’t go crazy – be realistic.”

[48.29] Why Kiran lives by the phrase Carpe Diem, and the importance of living in the moment.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Kiran over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear from more incredible women in supply chain, check out 384: Show Me The Money: Why Women Need To Stop Working For Free, 270: Women In Supply Chain™, Sneha Kumari or 212: Women In Supply Chain™, Ana Lucia Alonzo.

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Evan Smith of Altana talks about his mission to fix globalization; the role of AI in making data actionable; & the changing face of supply chain visibility.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.59] Evan’s early fascination with global issues, and how that curiosity, combined with his unwavering work ethic, ignited a passion that has driven his career and led him to co-found Altana.

“I was kind of a weird kid, focused on big global issues – I actually wrote my high school senior thesis on the impending collapse of globalization… I was really curious about how the world works.”

[11.07] From geopolitical consequences to environmental and social impacts, how globalization has gone wrong; and Altana’s mission to fix it.

“The side effects, and unintended consequences of globalization, have resulted in its demise.”

[17.30] Exactly what a value chain is; an overview of Altana and what they do; and how Altana’s Value Chain Management System is helping them to work towards a vision of better global commerce for everyone.

“We need to create a ‘Google Maps’ of the world’s supply chain. There needs to be a common operating picture that everyone taps into, and you can only get so far with commercially purchasable data.”

[25.55] The ideal client for Altana, and how a variety of different organizations can leverage Altana’s data and tools to meet their needs.

“The blessing and the curse of Altana is that we can do so much for so many!”

[32.20] The changing face of supply chain and logistics visibility; how Altana are achieving more than twice the supply chain visibility of any other provider; and how organizations can translate that data into actionable insights.

“An outsourced just-in-time supply chain is only efficient when things are stable.”

[38.19] AI; its vital role in making data accessible and actionable; and how Altana utilizes active learning to make connections and create a single source of truth for customers.

[44.22] A case study showing how Altana helped a global apparel brand tackle a huge issue with detained imports, helping the brand to reveal a hidden forced labor problem, take action to fix it, and collaborate within their organization to optimize and develop ways to manage their whole value chain, not just their buyer-supplier relationships.

[52.14] The future for Altana.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Altana’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Altana and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Evan on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show, and want to hear more about the power of data, check out Women In Supply Chain™: Procurement Leader, Stephany Lapierre on Using Supplier Data to Empower a More Connected, Diverse Supply Chain, Why Data, Focus and Follow-Through Are Shaping the Future of Supply Chain, or How To Leverage Your Logistics Data to Drive Demand.

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Eric Johnson of LogTech Live talks about the new FMC detention and demurrage billing rules - the changes, challenges & what they mean for businesses.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.58] The latest from Eric – an update from Home Delivery World, two upcoming events, and how to get involved with the Blended Pledge.

“Remember when everyone said ‘when the pandemic is over, everything will slow down’ – it didn’t, it never slows down!”

[11.52] The big industry news of the week.

“Now we’ve had Convoy and Transfix, within 6 months of each other, become defunct as brokerage brands… A lot of people are talking about whether the digital brokerage model worked on its own (as it was pitched to VC’s a decade ago).”

[17.31] An introduction to Eric’s guest, Alexandra Griffon, and her company BlueCargo.

“Historically truckers and drayage providers were the ones risking the per diem, detention, and demurrage costs, but this has changed. Shippers want to internalize this cost, and have control… Between 2020 and 2022, US importers, forwarders, and drayage companies paid $15 billion – that’s the lack of control they don’t want to go back to!”

[23.35] The new detention and demurrage rules issued by the FMC – the big changes and what they mean for businesses.

“Now it’s 30 days to issue an invoice, and another 30 days to issue a dispute or challenge – it’s a very strict timeline. And there are new data requirements that have to be on an invoice for it to be deemed valid.”

[33.03] From data to the burden of responsibility, the biggest challenges with the new rules and regulations.

“It’s very hard to make sure your data is accurate. Just something as simple as the start or end date sometimes varies based on the source…. Having the data is a good thing… but there are lots of gray areas.”

[47.16] When the new rules took effect, and how the dates impact what you can dispute now.

“You need to engage to get your own access to the original source of data.”

[50.57] Alexandra’s favorite song.

[53.18] Eric’s best ‘Dad Joke’ of the week!

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Explore more industry news over on Journal of Commerce, and connect with Eric on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show, there are plenty more episodes of LogTech Live to explore. And if you want to hear even more from the super-knowledgeable Eric Johnson, you can also catch him on episode 238 and episode 300.

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Bill Catania of OneRail talks about inventory, visibility & shrinkage; empowering customers by normalizing data; & optimizing customer experience.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.07] An overview of OneRail, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Don’t ever think of us like a parcel shipping solution! What we’re doing is delivering in localized markets – think about turning a store into a warehouse, turning a warehouse into a localized delivery zone.”

[07.52] The latest at OneRail, and some of the big challenges they’re focusing on right now.

“These days, you can’t hear an earnings call from a retailer without hearing about product shrinkage – and about 65% of that is theft.”

[08.38] Why inventory, visibility, and shrinkage – particularly related to theft – is a growing concern for retailers.

“It was easy when it was single-channel commerce. But now there’s so many different channels, so many different shipping options – customers have demands they didn’t have before. When product starts to move more, there’s more risk.”

[10.03] The recent survey, conducted by OneRail, dives deeper into the problem of inventory and shrinkage.

“Customers are counting on that product being at the store. But if it goes missing 500 miles ago, and the retailer doesn’t know it, there’s a mismatch in supply and demand. A lot of money goes into demand planning, and all that work goes out the window when items go missing.”

[13.53] How OneRail utilized their findings to develop OmniPoint Inventory Visibility, a brand-new solution for their customers; and how it tackles inventory and shrinkage challenges.

“When you look at what it takes to be competitive in 2024, you have to be operating from data.”

[17.17] The ideal client for OneRail’s OmniPoint Inventory Visibility solution.

[1946] The challenges with data; the importance of empowering customers with the right data; and how OneRail is adding an extra layer that helps systems to connect and normalize data, helping retailers to make the right decisions.

“An organization could be working with 50 to 100 couriers – all sending data in different ways, some of them aren’t even sending data! – and we’re normalizing that data layer, so they can make sense of it and decision on it.”

[22.25] The opportunity to be found in achieving improved inventory visibility and optimizing customer experience.

“Optimization is taking data and making iterative business decisions to reduce cost and improve experience.”

[25.15] Why OneRail is moving up the order stream with delivery management solutions, and how they’re helping customers to improve order decisioning and fulfillment logic.

“It’s so much more than visibility – it’s the ability to actually change an outcome.”

[28.02] A big announcement, and the future for OneRail

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Jon Phillips of Newage Software and Solutions & Chuck Simmons of E-Freight Solutions talk about collaboration, developing new software, & helping SME's compete.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.51] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do.

[08.33] How, and why, Newage was founded, and its evolution over the years.

“Our view has always been that a customer is looking for a forwarder to be their solution across multiple modes and activities – so how do we enable that?”

[13.27] Newage’s varied client base, and how their tools are helping small and mid-size companies to keep up in a competitive market.

“Our goal is to provide those enablement solutions to the small and mid-size forwarders that have always viewed them as unachievable.”

[15.14] The early days of Newage and E-Freight’s partnership; and how they decided that Newage was the right partner for them.

[16.27] Newage’s wide range of products and services.

[19.19] The big challenges Newage is helping customers tackle with their solutions.

[21.38] The challenges faced by E-Freight before their partnership with Newage; how they determined which solutions they needed; and why they partnered with Newage.

“Newage wasn’t just selling us a software. They were selling us a partnership.”

[24.34] The Newage solutions used by E-Freight, what they love about them; and how collaboration is key to both helping E-Freight tackle their biggest challenges and helping Newage to constantly innovate and improve their solutions.

“Collaboration has been really helpful for us. The landscape is changing all the time, we only know as much as we know, and the more feedback and information we’re able to get, the more we can quickly adapt and bring value for our customers.”

[27.13] Newage and E-Freight’s partnership; the importance of collaboration and customer experience; and Jon and Chuck’s advice for how organizations can achieve effective, collaborative relationships with their own supply chain partners.

“Effective collaboration is about finding a partner that will listen, but also act. That doesn’t just take your feedback, but implements the changes you want to see... It utilizes and leverages everybody’s strengths – and that’s a win for the industry.”

[31.23] The onboarding process with Newage.

[36.45] A case study showing how Newage helped E-Freight keep up with rapidly changing detention and demurrage rules, helping them to achieve 100% invoice compliance and avoid potentially costly liability.

[40.29] Newage’s recent launch of new solution NXT, and what we can expect; and why Chuck is so excited about getting to grips with the new software.

“One of the biggest challenges with operating systems is how the data is visualized… being able to tailor data allows us to be more efficient and reduces oversights.”

[46.11] The big trends and predictions to look out for in the second half of 2024.

“It’s the role of AI, and how it will continue to make our lives easier... ultimately these technologies are increasing our efficiency.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Newage Software and Solution’s website now to find out more, and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Newage and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Jon or Chuck on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more about logistics, check out Nicole Glenn on the Power of Hope and Transforming the Logistics Industry, 205: Time To Make A Move, with Knichel Logistics or 335: What You Need to Know About Space Logistics, with Ryan Duffy.

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Ann Marie Jonkman of Blue Yonder talks about using tech to solve labor challenges; empowering teams & organizations to fulfill potential; & future supply chains.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.42] An introduction to Blue Yonder, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We’re your technology partner… if you want new innovation, advice on reducing your labor cost, reducing your tech stack debt… we have the chops and vision to execute with you.”

[09.19] The ideal client for Blue Yonder.

“Our clients are looking for innovation and differentiation; in this volatile market, they’re looking to reduce costs… and they’re looking for a partner.”

[13.02] The current landscape of supply chain, and the biggest challenges faced by Blue Yonder customers.

“2024 has been a slow recovery. When you look at transportation, post-pandemic, there was a lot of excess capacity… Now volume is down, we have a lot of healthy competition, and shippers were smart – they locked in rates… So people are looking to increase utilization with what they have. So labor and cost, as opposed to scale for growth, is driving most of the portfolio.”

[15.43] Blue Yonder’s transportation management solution, and how it’s helping customers to overcome challenges, as well as transform their transportation operations.

[22.10] The evolution of warehousing, and how Blue Yonder’s range of warehouse management and execution solutions are helping customers to keep up with rapid change, pivot, and set themselves up for the future.

“I’ve seen the most change in this space. We see heavy automation, automation cost investment - but we see the labor cost driving automation.”

[28.46] Blue Yonder’s Edge technology solutions, how they integrate into customer organizations, and the incredible results they can help customers to achieve.

“Robotics has been around for a while, but what we’ve seen in the last 2-3 years is an explosion.”

[34.42] How Blue Yonder helps customers with labor management, helping them to find the balance between people and technology, and achieve employee engagement as well as peak operational performance.

[40.25] A case study exploring how Blue Yonder provided solutions to allow a key client to better understand and utilize analytics, helping them to make operational changes and achieve a 25-30% reduction in labor cost, worth millions of dollars.

[43.50] Why Blue Yonder is committed to helping customers fulfill their potential, and the impact that empowering people and organizations is having on the industry.

“We want to be your technology partner, we don’t want to just sell you a product. We look at your utilization, and help you during implementation… we want you to be successful.”

[47.32] The supply chains of the future, and the Blue Yonder innovations that are helping to drive the industry forward.

“That’s the next vision – it’s not just the products and solutions, it’s connecting them. And it’s not just visibility – it’s decisioning, its orchestration, where we’re all working collaboratively.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Blue Yonder’s website now to find out more, and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blue Yonder and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Ann Marie on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more amazing supply chain content, check out 377: How AI is Improving Supply Chain Sustainability, with Dyci Sfregola and Hope White or Nicole Glenn on the Power of Hope and Transforming the Logistics Industry.

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Ryan Walicki & Matt Montgomery talk about supplier management - data challenges; complex tech; taking a proactive approach to risk; & the potential of AI. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.43] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do.

“I completely nerd out about supplier management and third-party risk!”

[09.02] From collection and validation to ongoing maintenance, the current processes and challenges of supplier management.

“You’d think it was simple… but, in reality, suppliers get asked by a lot of customers to provide data in any number of ways – portals, emails, forms – and if you’re a big supplier, it can be thousands of different ways that you’re transmitting that information, through lots of different people and functions.”

“Big organizations use supplier information differently – in sourcing, contracting, supply chain, finance – and all of a sudden there’s multiple versions of this supplier that exists.”

[15.26] A closer look at the DNA of a supplier profile, and the importance of having visibility over that data.

[19.47] Supplier validation – the challenges of payments and banking, and finding the balance between security and maintaining speed and efficiency during the validation process.

“Efficiency is coming, and AI will be a part of that, but it’s really difficult – getting valid information for a supplier is the biggest roadblock for the onboarding process.”

[22.59] How Matt works with his suppliers, and the processes that help him find that balance.

“We’ve watched this evolution. Originally we were really just focused on data – ‘How do I pay this company?’, and collected just enough for that. Now it’s much more than that. Now it’s ‘Are they compliant with regulations?’; ‘Do they have certain certification levels?’; ‘Are they in a particular region?’… It becomes much less about the accounts payable piece and much more about the supply chain piece.”

[27.14] A case study exploring how Relish and SAP helped a shared client to prevent a case of fraud, worth a huge $2.1 million, and what we can all learn.

[33.11] The risk inherent in supplier management, and how organizations should work to identify, assess and manage risk proactively.

“Most companies are doing the assessment of risk… but the challenge is that it’s very reactive… You know there’s a risk, but what do you do with it? So how can technology help you to become more predictive?”

[34.36] The role technology, specifically AI, plays in this space now – and its potential for the future.

“AI is here… but without the context to answer the question properly, you’re going to get bad steering. The next evolution is how to put context to that data.”

[39.36] The complexity of the current IT landscape; why we should all be looking to simplify; and how organizations can find the right solutions for their supplier management.

“We’re going to stop thinking about supplier management as a module, and we’re going to start thinking about it the same way we think about user group management that goes across everything… Suppliers are so core to everything in procurement that you’re going to see it more as a horizontal rather than a vertical.”

[44.46] All about solutions: what’s to come in episode 430, our upcoming collaboration with Relish.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Relish’s website now to find out more, and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Relish and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Ryan or Matt on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Relish, check out 408: Strategically Extend Your Enterprise Applications, with Relish.

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Evin Sisemore talks about founding a business alongside her husband; navigating its acquisition; how sales have evolved; & supporting women in supply chain.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.47] Evin’s career journey, and how she found supply chain.

“I ended up taking a job and falling in love with it. We always joke, ‘Don’t ever burn any bridges in this industry’ because, once you’re in it, you’re hooked!”

[09.22] Why Evin decided to found her own business, Texas Motive Solutions, in 2018; and her advice for budding entrepreneurs.

“The reason we were so successful is because we had an amazing team. I would never go into anything without having the best people surrounding me.”

[12.52] Evin’s experience founding a business with her husband, and how they achieved a work/life balance whilst living and working so closely together.

“My husband is my biggest cheerleader, but he will also push me more than anyone else to be better.”

[16.29] How Evin navigated the acquisition of Texas Motive Solutions by Concentric; how the acquisition allowed her to continue to achieve high levels of customer experience whilst growing rapidly; and how she found her place in the new organization.

“It didn’t feel like I was selling our company. It was: we’re merging with these other people, and we’re going to have people that we can share best practices with. They have their strengths, we have ours – and we’re just bringing them all together and making it better for our customers.”

[19.41] Evin’s role as Regional Vice President, and why entrepreneurship means doing the dirty work.

[23.51] A closer look at the forklift power industry, and its increasing focus on sustainability issues.

[26.14] The changing face of sales, and how Evin adapted her strategies and techniques, especially as a woman in the industry.

“Sales used to be that you had to be at the golf course, or the bar. But, as a woman, I didn’t want to just go out to happy hours every night – we had to find a way to bring our customers value. We go in, find their problems, and find a way to prevent them.”

[28.31] Evin’s experience as a woman in the forklift power industry, and how she approaches equality in her own organization.

“There are definitely still challenges, but it’s changing – people are seeing value in great people, whether you’re male or female.”

[32.18] How Evin supports women in the industry and her advice for what we can all do to help move the needle.

[33.52] The biggest lessons Evin has learned over the course of her career so far.

[35.20] Evin’s love of sports!

[37.08] The future for Evin.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Evin over on LinkedIn.

If you'd like to hear more stories from other incredible women in supply chain, check out 410: Women In Supply Chain™, Julie Tilenius or 380: Women In Supply Chain™, Christine Barnhart.

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Dwayne Johnson talks about SCI; Section 321 & the rise of borderless e-commerce; & why a well-designed cross-border supply chain can be a competitive advantage.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.45] An introduction to SCI, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Everybody is competing for customers, so it’s important to build a model where the shipping is sustainable, but so is the cost.”

[09.15] The ideal client for SCI.

[11.09] The changing face of the logistics industry, and why embracing that change is so important.

“We, as consumers, are driving the change. Who thought it would take a few days to get something from Asia? Supply chain is changing every day.”

[14.10] A closer look at the landscape of logistics, the key challenges and opportunities, and why consumer mindsets are shifting.

“Amazon has changed the way we, as consumers, think… but it’s starting to shift – and consumers are thinking ‘do I really need this straight away?’”

[18.25] The rise of borderless ecommerce, and how SCI is helping customers to embrace it.

“We started to understand trade agreements… then we went to our customers and had conversations... And the impact you can have by talking to a customer about being able to avoid something like duties – it’s tangible dollars.”

[21.12] The secret to SCI’s competitive advantage, and how they’re helping clients to create well-designed supply chains and unlock international markets.

[25.57] How SCI is helping customers with international expansion and localization.

[28.39] A case study showing how SCI helped a key customer to embrace borderless commerce with section 321 and put $ 6 million back on their bottom line.

“That money could open retail stores, add to marketing, and help you expand internationally. Handing people that much money is a big advantage.”

[31.54] The importance of partnerships when it comes to creating competitive advantage, and what it looks like to work with SCI.

[34.31] How organizations can get started with Section 321, and what they should be thinking about before they start.

[36.54] The future for the industry, and for SCI.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to SCI’s website now to find out more. You can also connect with SCI and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram or Facebook, or you can connect with Dwayne on LinkedIn.

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Martin Hespeler & Graham Burford talk about warehouse management; challenges & opportunities; & how tech is helping logistics providers navigate market forces.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [08.21] Introductions to Martin and Graham, and their roles at CargoWise and AWA Logistics.

[09.54] The traditional approach to warehousing and how, and why, that approach has evolved.

“The traditional methods are in the rear-view mirror, and we’re moving quite quickly with technology.”

“In years past, people would ask ‘how do I reduce my labor cost?’… Since the pandemic, the conversation has shifted dramatically to ‘how do I optimize?’ because labor is not readily available anymore.”

[13.10] How the pandemic, and other disruptions, have driven change; and a closer look at the current logistics and warehouse management environment.

“The industry has changed, but the labor force has also changed, and that’s the biggest thing we’re seeing with automation. We’re being driven by the labor.”

[15.38] The biggest challenges logistics providers face now, as they balance a rapidly changing market with a dated infrastructure.

“Now, many companies are dealing with the reverse logistics component which has been a nightmare, quite frankly, for decades!”

“One of the big things we’re starting to be managed on is opportunity cost. If we haven’t returned or delivered in a certain KPI, what does that lost opportunity cost? Customers now aren’t just looking at freight spend or delivery cost, they’re looking at the time in transit and what a lost sale is costing them.”

[21.51] The importance of thinking about warehousing from a cross-border perspective and updating the traditional approach so that logistics providers are cross-border adept.

“When you can provide visibility to both the logistics provider and their customer, it’s extremely powerful.”

“We’re starting to see a lot of manufacturers move production to Mexico and other Central American countries to get access to this market, and to avoid additional duties and taxes.”

[27.49] How CargoWise is creating a highly integrated and capable global solution; and why thinking on a global scale is crucial.

“It’s all about the data… without data being in a system that can transmit electronically to multiple countries and systems, we can’t move cargo. Having a database and resource that allows us, not only to have that data accessible but in the correct format to transmit it, is critical.”

[33.10] The importance of market awareness and keeping that global thinking approach, when it comes to sustainable growth and expansion.

[35.57] How CargoWise technology is helping AWA logistics to optimize, stay competitive, and navigate unpredictable global market forces.

“The technology has allowed us to continue to be competitive in the market… it’s really changed us from a manual process… It’s taken out 12 hours of pick time, on one lane, per week… and we’ve cut down our errors by 80%.”

[41.22] How CargoWise has created an effective communication process for AWA Logistics, helping them to expand their business.

[45.55] The key warehouse management trends we should be paying attention to, and Martin and Graham’s advice for organizations as they think about the years ahead.

“Integrated solutions, with centralized data management, is key.”

“You have to be really forward thinking – if you’re not looking for what’s coming next, you’re not with the right provider.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to CargoWise’s website now to find out more, or download their FREE Global Warehousing eBook. You can also connect with CargoWise and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook, or you can connect with Martin or Graham on LinkedIn.

If you want to hear more from CargoWise, you’re in luck! Check out 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise, 346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech, 367: Going Beyond Visibility – Unveiling The Invisible, 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance, 371: Going Beyond Visibility – From Risk to Resilience: How Technology Is Transforming Global Supply chains, or 373: Going Beyond Visibility – Culture and Digitization.

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Neil Clover talks about bridging the digital divide; design thinking; the challenges of integrating new tech; & empowering workers by simplifying solutions.

[07.09] Neil’s journey through the world of tech; his reflections on what’s changed and what he’s learned; and why we all need to focus on the art of simplicity.

“There’s a lack of simplicity, a lack of elegance… and technology gives us the ability to overcomplicate things – on steroids!”

[13.05] Why supply chain is still about people, despite technological advancements; and Neil’s vision for integrating technology with human potential in supply chains.

“We have to think of technology as just another tool. When forklifts were introduced, they didn’t replace the people – they augmented the people… There are a lot of repetitive things that machines are built for, but people are the glue, the purpose. You can do a lot of things to a machine, but you can’t put passion into it.”

[15.35] The power of design thinking, and how it’s influencing SDI’s approach to implementing technology in supply chains.

“I’ve sat in so many corporate meetings with people saying ‘we’ve got the solution’ – but that isn’t the problem we’re trying to solve.”

[20.27] From competency to cost, the biggest challenges Neil sees when introducing new technologies, and the lessons he’s learned from them.

“Process before technology... the technology is not the answer.”

[23.18] Why workforce resistance to new technology is so common; the impact of change management; and how organizations should be thinking about balancing people and technological change.

[27.41] The importance of simplifying tech, and engaging workers by developing solutions that truly work for them.

“Give people what they need, and only what they need – and they’ll love you for it.”

[31.25] SDI's strategies for adapting technological tools to align with the expectations and needs of the emerging workforce, and the importance of bringing different generations of workers together.

[34.47] How organizations can use those strategies to create operational efficiency and cost savings and to achieve impactful quick wins at the same time as laying the groundwork for future success.

“If you can take the pressure down, learning increases. And stop with the all-in-one tools! Do those two things, and efficiency goes through the roof, because confidence goes through the roof.”

[38.49] How organizations can keep the human aspect front and center during the technological evolution of supply chain.

“Happy employees are naturally more productive.”

[41.50] How SDI plan to continue to help clients bridge the digital divide, simplify and leverage technology for frontline efficiency.

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Julie Tilenius discusses her career journey; the importance of building skills by trying new things; how the industry has changed; & her biggest achievements.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [08.57] Julie’s early years; how her father’s career ignited a passion for finance; and the job that laid the foundations for her future career path.

“I was so fortunate that my first job out of college was for KPMG… working there exposed me to so many industries and different business models.... That was really the stepping stone for my career.”

[11.30] How a personal tragedy drove a career change for Julie, and led her to supply chain.

“Here I am, a 25-year-old female, going to work for an industrial tool distributor!... But, little did I know, that was going to be the beginning of something amazing for my career.”

[13.46] The many and varied roles that Julie experienced during her time at MSC and the importance of trying new things; how she was able to move through disciplines within the business; and her advice for professionals looking to take this approach.

“Take the chance, be open to change. Yes, it’s scary! But it’s OK to feel comfortably uncomfortable.”

[17.15] An introduction to TrueSource, and Julie’s role as President.

“In this business, service is key. So, when I first took on the role as President, that was my main focus. How are we going to deliver top-notch service to our customers?”

[20.31] A closer look at Julie’s key areas of focus within TrueSource; her ambition to deliver best-in-class service; and the importance of building strong partnerships.

[23.30] From increasing costs and decreasing footfall to rising theft, a closer look at the current market and the challenges faced by Julie and TrueSource customers.

[26.22] What Julie loves so much about supply chain; the motivations that drive her; and the importance of celebrating success.

“Always having a purpose is really what motivates me every day.”

[29.36] Julie’s experiences as a woman in the industry, and utilizing curiosity, dedication and a commitment to learning to build trust over time.

“Early on, it was a challenge working in a male-dominated industry. There would be so many times I was the only woman in the room. I put up a barrier, I wasn’t confident. But I pushed myself through that barrier to speak up. And, at first, my voice fell on deaf ears.”

[32.12] The gap between different generations of supply chain professionals, and the importance of building relationships.

[34.30] How Julie’s daughter is following in her finance footsteps; how the industry that she’s stepping into is a very different one; and Julie’s advice to her daughter for navigating the journey that’s ahead.

“Build strong relationships, because you have to rely on others – success doesn’t come on your own.”

[38.52] Julie’s biggest achievements over the course of her career so far.

[40.14] The future for Julie, and for TrueSource.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Julie over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from strong women in the industry, check out 342: Women In Supply Chain™, Juliette Samson, 405: Women In Supply Chain™, Lalitha Rajagopalan or 191: Women In Supply Chain™, Lora Cecere.

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Krenar Komoni talks about Tive; understanding the condition, as well as location, of shipments; sustainability; and why every shipment matters.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.19] Krenar’s education, his passion for start-ups, and the career journey that led him from space stations, chips, and wireless to founding Tive.

“I’ve always worked for start-ups since I was a kid… I fell in love with this idea that you can build something out of nothing.”

[12.13] An overview of Tive – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We make sure our customers have the least amount of shipping problems as they can!”

[13.42] The ideal client for Tive.

[18.08] From theft to compliance, the biggest logistics challenges currently faced by Tive customers.

“Theft is huge right now in the market… just with one company, every week we’re catching two or three events.”

[20.57] Visibility – what it means to Tive, and why it’s so important that we recognize its value and translate that into effective supply chain strategies, processes, and tools.

“Better quality conversations build a better quality of supply chain.”

[24.31] A closer look at Tive trackers, the technology, and what sets them apart from the competition.

“We’ve really built them purposefully for supply chain and logistics – and for the people who use this every single day. We’ve built a device, at the right cost, with the right features and right outputs that customers want.”

[26.51] Why Tive has coined the phrase ‘ground truth’ and what it means to them, and to customers.

[28.14] A closer look at Tive tags; how clients can use them to monitor what’s happening to their product as it moves through its journey; and why it’s just as important to know what condition your shipments are in, as exactly where they are.

[31.08] Tive’s ‘every shipment matters’ motto, and the impact the industry could make if every organization and professional truly honored that motto.

“In order to make supply chain, and the whole planet, more efficient, you have to live by it – every single shipment matters. If we take care of every shipment the way we do high-value ones… if every shipment got the care it deserves, we’d be in much better shape.”

[33.44] The importance of sustainability, and how Tive weaves it through everything they do, creating products that are better for the environment, and better for their customers.

“Our non-lithium trackers are much better for the environment… and you don’t have to use a ‘dangerous goods’ sticker. So, you have sustainability, plus a better customer experience.”

[37.37] Two case studies show how Tive trackers helped highlight a mistake with temperature-controlled cargo, saving a half-million-dollar shipment, and locating a missing million-dollar shipment.

[43.25] The future for Tive, and the industry.

“Customers are realizing that, to get 100% visibility and really understand their supply chains, they have to start embracing IoT.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Tive’s website now to find out more, download their FREE State of Visibility 2024 report, and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Tive and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Krenar on LinkedIn.

If you want to hear more from Tive, they were first on the show way back in 2020! Check out what's changed by listening to Episode 131: Forget Surprises! In Transit Visibility Is Here.

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Ryan Walicki of Relish talks about why enterprise solutions rarely cover all bases; the rise of AI; & the importance of collaboration & customer experience.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.28] The story behind the brand name Relish.

“While I’m more of a mustard and ketchup guy personally (!), Relish just really stood out to us – a word that can create certain emotions.”

[09.02] Ryan’s background, his love of procurement, and his journey to co-founding Relish.

“I fell in love with it… I watched the perception of procurement go from ‘people who buy stuff’ to a strategic function, from analytics and sourcing all the way through invoicing and payment.”

[11.53] An overview of Relish – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“We’re trying to meet users where they are. A lot of users have succumbed to “I’ll just create a workaround” or “Excel can do that for me”… Enough of that!! You should expect more, you should demand more from your enterprise software.”

[15.37] The ideal client for Relish.

[16.45] Ryan’s perspective on why enterprise solutions rarely meet all requirements; the biggest enterprise software challenges; and how those challenges have been compounded by the industry changes we’ve seen over the last few years.

“These solutions are presented as ‘It’ll do everything you want – and cut your grass!’ The customer takes that at face value, builds a business case, builds an ROI case – and they never meet it.”

[20.37] How Relish is working to simplify processes, extend solutions, and bridge gaps in order to complement and enhance enterprise software.

“5% of business revenue is lost due to fraudulent activity... there’s too many workarounds and stale processes out there… But there’s an end to this story that’s a lot more positive, automated, safe, and economic than Excel workbooks.”

[25.02] Why Relish is so passionate about collaboration, partnering with some of the industry’s biggest names to create ecosystems that drive success for everyone.

[27.18] The rapid evolution of AI, and how Relish uses it to help clients streamline and enhance their processes.

“There are a lot of folks that present themselves as AI experts. But this is so new, it’s moving so fast – there are no experts!”

[31.47] Customer experience, and the importance of creating an effective chain of solutions for your customer, and your customer’s customer.

“One of the most frequent phone calls finance gets is from suppliers asking: “When am I going to get paid?”

[35.34] A case study showing how Relish helped a global financial institution to solve its invoice challenges, increasing automation from 24% to over 95%, streamlining its source-to-pay process, and boosting its visibility and process speed.

“We felt like the root of all evil is in master data inefficiency, and so if we built a platform that had the capability to go after that core problem, we could manifest those as applications in invoicing, supplier, and automation.”

[39.25] Ryan’s hockey team, and whether or not they’ll be making the finals!

[41.23] What the future holds for Relish, and for the industry.

“The time between point A and point B keeps getting shorter because innovation is happening fast… We’re outgrowing applications very quickly.”

If you enjoyed this conversation and want to hear more about procurement, check out The Three Biggest Challenges For Procurement – And What To Do About Them, Women In Supply Chain™: Procurement Leader, Stephany Lapierre on Using Supplier Data to Empower a More Connected, Diverse Supply Chain or 243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge.

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Stephen Dascoli & Vincent Lacopella talk about cross-border ecommerce - the challenges & opportunities; the importance of technology; and market growth.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.24] Introductions to Stephen and Vincent, and their roles at CargoWise and Alba Wheels Up.

[09.58] The rapid rise in ecommerce, and the factors driving its international growth.

“As consumers, we want convenience. You can compare prices, it’s cheap… cross-border ecommerce is going to continue to grow.”

[11.54] The impressive growth rate we can expect in ecommerce, and what that growth means for the industry and the different players within it.

“The pandemic saw some changes in the way ecommerce was shipped… with more growth comes more opportunities for forwarders, but also more challenges.”

[15.04] From compliance and regulations to capacity, the big challenges posed by cross-border ecommerce growth and how they’re affecting the B2B supply chain.

“Surging B2C commerce is going to continue to put pressure on small to medium sized forwarders – the volume that the ecommerce giants ship these days, they’re taking up all the capacity with carriers and making it hard for small-to-mids in the international space.”

[18.50] The growing opportunities for forwarders in cross-border D2C ecommerce fulfillment.

“We see huge opportunity on the southern border, a lot of companies are looking to put inventory there, and keep it there until it’s sold… companies that don’t do that, and still pay duty on that D2C, might be at a disadvantage because of the pricing.”

[23.42] Why forwarders are recognizing this time of growth and becoming proactive; and how they’re tackling the challenges, embracing the opportunities, and making the operational changes needed to ensure success.

“They’re recognizing that if they don’t have the capabilities in the cross-border ecommerce space, they’re going to have to eventually, or they’re going to miss out… They’re working it out, doing the research, talking to the right people so, once that opportunity comes up, they’ve got the right tools, they’re in the right place, they’ve got the resources – and they can jump on it.”

[27.14] How technology is helping organizations to realize faster, safer, and more reliable cross‑border ecommerce order fulfillment.

“The competition in the space, with such little margins – you can’t just throw people at the problem, the overheads of throwing labor at it just isn’t going to work… organizations must utilize technology to automate their processes.”

[28.51] Alba Wheels Up’s long-standing relationship with CargoWise, and the benefits it brings.

[31.26] How investment in technology has allowed Alba Wheels Up to take advantage of opportunities presented by international ecommerce fulfillment and boost their business intelligence and customer service.

[33.34] Vincent’s advice for how organizations should approach opening themselves up to international ecommerce, and the challenges and opportunities it brings.

“We’re in this debate in the customs brokerage community about Section 321… so companies need to figure out how they’re going to operate in the space, how are they going to take advantage of what’s going on? Because I don’t see any big regulatory changes on the horizon that are going to change the trend.”

[36.29] The typical questions and concerns of brands looking to partner with CargoWise, and Stephen’s advice for overcoming volume and data fears.

“Don’t be afraid of the amount of data there is. The majority of that data (if you do it the right way), you can validate it, screen it – it’s only a small portion of that data that you actually need to action.”

[38.20] The future for cross-border ecommerce, and how we can expect to see the market continue to grow.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to CargoWise’s website now to find out more, download their free ecommerce eBook, or request a cross-border ecommerce consultation. You can also connect with CargoWise and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook, or you can connect with Stephen or Vincent on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want more, we have lots more amazing CargoWise content for you! Check out 346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech, 367: Going Beyond Visibility – Unveiling The Invisible, 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance, 371: Going Beyond Visibility – From Risk to Resilience: How Technology Is Transforming Global Supply chains, or 373: Going Beyond Visibility – Culture and Digitization.

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Lalitha Rajagopalan talks about her career journey; the experience of founding her own business; her passion for equality; & what she loves about procurement.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.40] Lalitha’s early years, and how she went from a degree in economics to the world of procurement and supply chain.

[10.20] Lalitha’s extensive education, and her ongoing commitment to curiosity.

[12.45] Lalitha’s time at Ariba and SAP; her journey of moving through various functions in product management and marketing; and the big lessons she learned along the way.

[17.37] The role of sponsorship and mentorship in Lalitha’s career progression; the culture at SAP and Ariba; and how, and why, Lalitha built her own personal ‘board of directors.’

[22.03] Why Lalitha chose to co-found her own company after a lengthy corporate career, and her experience of making the leap.

[24.08] An overview of ORO – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[26.22] Lalitha’s self-confessed ‘procurement geek’ status, and what she loves so much about the industry.

[29.34] Why Lalitha is so passionate about diversity and equality, and what the industry can do to keep making progress.

[32.20] Lalitha’s advice for women and other underrepresented voices that are looking to get into the industry, or take the next step.

[36.27] The future for Lalitha, for ORO, and for the industry.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Lalitha over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more female founders, check out 364: Women In Supply Chain™, Lisa Morales-Hellebo, 331: Women In Supply Chain™, Sylena Urbanoski or 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman.

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Evan Shelley of Truck Parking Club talks about creating tech that truckers want to use; why the industry is tough for the small guys; & transforming trucking logistics.

[06.49] Evan’s background in real estate, and how his experiences led him to found Truck Parking Club.

[08.49] An overview of the current trucking landscape, and the challenges the industry is facing.

[12.24] How The Truck Parking Club process works for truckers.

[13.30] How Truck Parking Club utilizes networking to access and secure available parking locations.

[16.43] How much land an owner needs to sign up to Truck Parking Club, and start monetizing empty and available space.

[18.57] The development of the Truck Parking Club app, how it works, and why it was designed entirely with drivers in mind.

[21.43] The impact that Truck Parking Club is having on truckers, businesses, and the industry.

[24.42] The top three reasons why truckers need local parking; and how Truck Parking Club is evolving as drivers discover fresh ways to use the solution and empower themselves with new flexibility and control.

[27.57] A case study detailing how Truck Parking Club “completely changed” a key clients business, improving their efficiency and impact.

[31.38] The environmental impact of saving thousands of hours of fuel annually, and how sustainability is inherent within Truck Parking Club.

[33.42] Truck Parking Club’s 300+ locations over the U.S, and the additional locations they’d like to add to their portfolio.

[36.04] The future for Truck Parking Club.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Truck Parking Club’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Truck Parking Club and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X (Twitter) or Facebook or you can connect with Evan on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 360: Deliver A Great Trucker Experience, with DCLI, or read about The Top 5 Challenges for Trucking Companies Providing Container Drayage.

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Amy Leachman of Delivery Solutions talks about the brand & what they do; ecommerce & the importance of omnichannel; and provider and solution diversification.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.58] How, and why, the ecommerce market has evolved so rapidly over the last few years; and the landscape of the industry in 2024.

“COVID really shaped or accelerated the business… the need for last mile delivery, and how we think about true retail operations and technologies, has really morphed over the last four years.”

[11.13] The challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing in the current climate; and the importance of keeping a close eye on cost and control.

“COVID rushed everyone to say ‘I need to integrate here, there and everywhere!’ So, looking at your tech stack, you then have 9, 10 different integrations for everything post-click. How do we simplify that – the cost and the maintenance it takes to uphold all of those API integrations – as well as keep the control?”

[12.31] An overview of Delivery Solutions – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Delivery Solutions is a seamless omnichannel experience for everything post-purchase.”

[16.34] Amy’s background; how she moved from delivery service provider to technology solution provider; and why she’s so passionate about the retail industry.

[18.36] The ideal client for Delivery Solutions.

[19.35] The importance of Delivery Service Provider (DSP) diversification; and how Delivery Solutions is helping customers to successfully manage their DSPs.

“When you have different delivery partners across the board, not all of them will have the same value prop… each is going to provide a different technology solution, coverage, what they will and won’t do… It’s very important to diversify in order to make sure you’re choosing the most cost-effective providers, and those that are hitting the right KPIs.”

[23.43] What the diversification of delivery options means for clients, customers and the industry; and how collaboration allows all partners to achieve shared success.

“It’s coming together to simplify omnichannel, and to say: “we’re all in this together.” We want to work with the delivery partners, with the shipping carriers; we want to make sure the communication is clean, concise and proactive. Because, the more the customer is buying and the more opportunities they have to interact with the brand, the more we all win together.”

[26.33] How the Delivery Solutions team are helping clients to manage the balance between customer demand and expectation, and demanding sustainability goals.

[28.48] A case study showing how Delivery Solutions helped a large retailer to drastically reduce its integrations – simplifying its tech stack, reducing costs, and increasing order volumes by 35%.

[32.19] A closer look at onboarding and implementation, and how Delivery Solutions work with clients.

[35.29] How Delivery Solutions use AI and machine learning to boost customer experience, improve communication, and help retailers make informed decisions for themselves.

[37.51] The future for Delivery Solutions; and the omnichannel trends we should be looking out for in 2024 and 2025.

“Retailers are going to continue to meet customers where they are, based on their buying habits and the ever-evolving technology solutions they can provide them.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Delivery Solution’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Delivery Solutions and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Facebook, or you can connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about retail and the last mile, check out 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail, 394: Be Agile, Decrease Costs, and Improve Supply Chain Accuracy, with Osa Commerce, or 383: Transform Your Supply Chain and Retail Planning, with RELEX Solutions.

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Jill Standish & Laurence Brenig-Jones join Sarah Godet of RELEX to discuss collaboration; surge buying and social media; & balancing cost with service.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.37] An introduction to today’s guests, Jill Standish of Accenture and Laurence Brenig-Jones of RELEX, and their roles.

[07.20] An overview of an upcoming RELEX report, surveying retail and CPG leaders, that details the industry’s main challenges, opportunities and investment areas; and Jill and Laurence’s reactions to the initial findings.

[10.58] Sarah, Jill and Laurence reflect on the rise in surge buying and the role of social media; how companies are starting to tackle these changes; and how the rise of generative AI fits in.

[28.04] The guests reflect on the power of collaboration between supply chain partners and retailers; the growing importance of joint forecasting; and the impact this collaborative transparency can have on businesses, and the industry.

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Dave Cox of Polaris Transportation Group talks about embracing change; the importance of relationships; cross-border complexity; & the power of digitization.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.38] How Polaris Transportation Group was founded 30 years ago, and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

[07.38] An overview of Polaris – what they do, and how they help their customers.

[08.58] The ideal client for Polaris.

[10.30] A closer look at how Polaris has expanded over the years, and the mindset at the forefront of that growth.

[12.51] The importance of embracing change; and the challenges and priorities Polaris are seeing across the industry right now.

[16.27] Polaris’ cross border services; the complex challenges in cross-border trade; the importance of digitization and strong relationships; and how these elements come together to deliver great experiences for Polaris customers.

[19.48] A closer look at Polaris’ supply chain solutions, and how Polaris is utilizing transparency and honest communication to move beyond a “we’ve always done it that way” approach and deliver solutions that work.

[24.10] How consolidation can help businesses achieve better supply chain design and planning.

[26.07] Polaris’ progressive approach to tech, and how their digital transformation journey has helped Polaris scale and better serve their customers.

[33.11] Why Polaris launched the Larry Cox Academy, and the impact it’s having on the brand, and the supply chain community.

[37.47] From increasing cross-border business to a focus on sustainability, what to look out for in 2024; and the future for Polaris.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Polaris Transportation Group’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Polaris and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Dave on LinkedIn.

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In this episode of the #LetsTalkSupplyChain Podcast, we discuss:

[07.11] The early years of Pam’s career, and what she learned along the way.

[09.23] Why Pam moved to Brazil, and how she tackled the challenges of living in a new country head-on.

[14.06] How a chance encounter led Pam to produce the very first Entrepreneur Week in Brazil and launch the Latam Founders Awards, which went on to become known as the ‘Oscars for Technology in Latin America.’

[18.21] The importance of breaking down the barriers between the corporate world and disruptive start-ups, and Pam’s advice for budding entrepreneurs looking to take the next step.

[22.27] Why Pam embraced a global lifestyle, moving from Rio de Janeiro to San Paulo, and ultimately to Miami to join Lab Ventures.

[25.58] How Pam’s ‘Future Of’ event series was acquired and became Manifest, and a closer look at the challenge of producing the very first event during a global pandemic.

[29.01] From sponsorship to speaking topics, a peek behind the scenes of producing an event like Manifest.

[33.23] What we can expect from the future of Manifest, as it gets bigger and better each year.

[35.41] Why Pam is so passionate about bringing people together, and her advice for people or businesses seeking that connection.

[40.11] How Pam approaches the all-important work/life balance; why incorporating time for yourself and your loved ones is vital; and a glimpse into what downtime looks like for her.

[47.01] Pam’s advice for all those looking to follow in her footsteps.

[48.26] The future for Pam.

Plus, Pamela Simon tells us all about her career journey; global travel; embracing connections; and how her event series became the biggest name in supply chain events.

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Karin Bursa joins Christine Barnhart to launch Supply Chain Unfiltered & talk about industry challenges, bad ERPs & the importance of interoperability.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [09.25] An introduction to Karin Bursa, her long-time friendship with Christine, and her passion for supply chain tech.

“I had a practitioner background, and I saw the opportunity for technology to make every day a little bit better… I wanted to be part of helping many companies, not just one, do that – and fell in love with supply chain technology!”

[13.15] From innovation and challenges to geopolitical disruption, Karin and Christine discuss the current landscape of supply chain.

“It’s a great time to be in supply chain! If you want to make an impact, you’re in the right domain.”

“There’s some really cool stuff happening, but we have to get out of our own way. The biggest barrier to automation, innovation, visibility – is something called spreadsheets!”

[20.36] An audience poll: “who’s company is currently doing an ERP upgrade?”, and Christine’s reflections on what she sees in the industry when it comes to ERP’s.

“ERP’s were built to show the state of the system today – they weren’t intended to plan the business for the future.”

[22.34] What interoperability means to Karin; how it brings trading partners together; why it needs to facilitate the interpretation of data, as well as just data exchange; and the growing importance of supply chain planning.

“We’ve been talking about ecosystem collaboration since the early 2000’s, it’s not a new idea. But the technology to do it is so much better today.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Christine, check out 380: Women in Supply Chain, Christine Barnhart or 328: Blended – Breaking the Class Ceiling.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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The panel discusses bias - where it comes from; how we call it out; the process of learning and unlearning; the impact of titles; & the top 5 workplaces biases.

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Ryan Petersen talks about his entrepreneurial journey; the changes behind the scenes at Flexport; and what we can expect from them and the industry in 2024.

[06.30] Ryan’s incredible founder journey, and the ‘why’ behind building Flexport.

[09.17] How Ryan sold #logistics tech as an investment opportunity, bringing interest to the industry and raising over $2 billion worth of investment for Flexport to date.

[11.27] The role of the press in the ups and downs of Flexport’s history; Ryan’s approach to publicity; and his proactive approach to using marketing to bring transparency to the industry.

[14.47] From #acquisitions to internal re-structuring, a closer look at the big changes that have happened behind the scenes at Flexport over the last year.

[18.21] Why Flexport acquired Shopify Logistics, and how it fits into Ryan’s vision for the future – particularly when it comes to growth and data.

[25.45] The reason for the recent staff layoffs at Flexport, and why Ryan isn’t interested in bad press. [27.54] Why Flexport acquired technology from Convoy, and exactly how that #technology will enhance Flexport’s offering.

[33.52] From ongoing disruption on the Red Sea to #sustainability issues, what we can expect from the industry in 2024 and how it’s impacting business.

[41.33] How Flexport is successfully utilizing different forms of #ai; why that success has been a decade in the making; and how Ryan plans to use AI in the future.

[51.51] Flexport’s plans for 2024 with Ryan back in the role of CEO.

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Lisa Dolan talks about her 26 year tenure at ALOM; how the industry has changed and the emerging trends to look out for; and why supply chain needs a re-brand.

[08.36] Lisa’s career journey, and how her spirit of adventure led her from IT to manufacturing and supply chain.

[09.58] An overview of ALOM and what they do; and the forward-thinking woman in supply chain that led Lisa to becoming one of the founding employees of ALOM 26 years ago.

[15.15] Lisa’s 26-year career at ALOM, the different ways she’s touched the business, and her current role.

[17.29] The many and varied ways that the industry has changed throughout Lisa’s career so far. [

23.51] From demand planning and inventory to #AI, the trends to look out for in 2024.

[28.43] The varied job roles within supply chain, and why it’s so important to spread the word that there is a place for women in the #industry.

[31.17] Lisa’s advice for women looking to build a career in supply chain.

[34.10] Lisa’s advice to organizations that claim to struggle when it comes to finding female, or other diverse, voices for events and speaking #opportunities.

[39.29] The personal and professional #achievements that have defined Lisa’s life and career.

[43.13] The future for Lisa.

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Yifat Baror & Padhu Raman of Osa Commerce talk about AI & data; the importance of collaboration, connectivity & communication; & the challenges with visibility.

[07.11] An introduction to Yifat and Padhu, their backgrounds, and the experience they bring to Osa.

[08.36] An introduction to Osa Commerce, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[09.10] Why so many organizations are still struggling to achieve #visibility over their supply chains.

[10.21] Why supply chain organizations are allegedly spending 3.1 trillion dollars on bad data, and how Osa is tackling those challenges by creating collaborative and connected environments for their clients.

[11.46] From the difference between #proprietary and third-party data to accuracy, the biggest challenges with AI right now.

[13.05] The importance of #connectivity, and why so many organizations don’t understand that it’s actually their first step to success.

[14.03] The current concerns around #cybersecurity and organizations having too many systems at play, and how brands can tackle those issues by improving #integrations and controlling visibility.

[15.35] What communication means to Osa, and its role as one of the all-important "three C's."

[17.00] The importance of collaboration, and how #technology can help to ensure success.

[18.12] How AI connects the "three C’s" – connectivity, communication, and #collaboration – and drives success.

[18.52] The current challenges within #e-commerce, where collaborative visibility fits in, and how it can help solve key issues around demand forecasting, last mile, and inventory. [

20.46] A case study showing how Osa helped a large furniture retailer with real-time tracking across the product journey, reducing cost, increasing revenue and ultimately improving the customer experience by 65%.

[23.06] From efficiency to resilience, what organizations should be thinking about in 2024.

[23.54] The future for Osa.

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Peter Cyr of OneRail talks about the final mile, its evolution, diversifying carrier networks, & how OneRail are helping customers to achieve 100% visibility.

[07.05] An introduction to Peter, his background, and the transition that led him to #logistics technology.

[08.44] An overview of OneRail, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[09.06] The evolution of the final mile, and the three core factors that have helped to lead the industry to where it is now.

[10.28] With research showing that most supply chain teams have only 6% visibility over their supply chains, the risks inherent in a lack of #visibility, and how the final mile is helping to move the needle.

[11.10] What the final mile looks like now, what customers are demanding from retailers, and how those demands are shaping operational #strategies.

[13.10] The different options available to customers, and why the big and bulky category is changing the last mile game.

[14.46] How organizations should be evaluating their #partnerships and the importance of bringing all groups together in one universal conversation.

[15.37] The changing landscape of capacity and demand, and how OneRail can help customers to flex.

[16.58] The importance of diversifying your carrier networks, and finding the right mix, when it comes to mitigating risk and gaining greater control and visibility over the final mile.

[18.51] A case study showing how OneRail helped a key client with their on-demand offering, developing a new SLA around a challenging one-hour delivery need.

[19.59] Peter’s advice for businesses looking to work on their final mile for 2024, and how OneRail works with customers to grow #sustainably together.

[21.52] What 2024 is going to bring for the final mile, and the #trends to look out for.

[22.57] The future for OneRail.

[23.53] The big topic that will be top of mind for supply chain professionals in 2024.

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The panel discusses preference vs. bias; the differences; the impacts; and the ways that we can tackle bias in ourselves and within our communities.

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John Delligatti of SDI talks about data challenges, digital transformation, understanding KPI's and why SDI created its ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics

08.10] An introduction to John, his role at SDI, and a reminder of what SDI does and how they help their customers.

[10.04] Some of the main challenges in supply chain data and why, as an industry, we may be making more progress than we think. [

15.14] An overview of SDI’s Zeus technology, how it tackles some of the industry’s key challenges to give organizations power over their supply chains, and what makes it so different from other #technologies.

[25.38] Why the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook is for all supply chainers, not just data analysts.

[26.44] How a site manager should use the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook to enhance their job function and utilize the insights inside.

[30.04] The importance of determining and setting relevant and meaningful #KPIs, and how the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook can help organizations on that journey.

[36.02] How the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook can help organizations understand what’s important and act on those priorities.

[38.53] The problem with digital transformation, and how resources like the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook can help to bridge the gap, lay the groundwork for success, and equip businesses with knowledge they can understand and action.

[44.41] How a #procurement professional could use the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook to help train staff and reference best practices.

[46.26] The future for SDI.

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Dave Shrager of GAINS debunks supply chain myths & talks about the disconnect between tech & results, continuous change & why businesses need to find their why.

[07.13] An introduction to Dave, his background, and his role at GAINS.

[09.06] Why many organizations are still struggling when it comes to investing in technology, and the ongoing challenge of finding the ‘why’.

[11.09] A recent report claims that 83% of executives say their supply chain tech investments haven’t delivered the expected results; the disconnect between the technology available on the market and the outcomes it delivers; and why vendors have to share the blame.

[15.09] The challenges of complex testing environments for smaller businesses; the importance of changing mindsets when it comes to transformation and what it means for your business; and why every organization needs to come back to the ‘why’.

[20.14] Debunking ‘truths’ that supply chain professionals hold dear – from ‘desperately seeking certainty’ and why there are no right answers, to whether or not any company has just one supply chain and why all businesses deserve world-class software.

[30.28] What decision engineering and composability mean, and how GAINS are using these concepts to help clients.

[35.06] How the right technology can help with effective inventory management and provide a competitive advantage.

[37.04] Why GAINS is equipped to lead the market in a new direction, and the importance of combining tribal knowledge with new innovation in business.

[44.52] From making a difference to pursuing success, what Dave is excited about for 2024.

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Carmit Glik talks about swapping the corporate world for start-ups; leveling the playing field for SME’s; and how motherhood makes her a better leader.

[08.37] Carmit’s career journey and how she found supply chain.

[12.04] An introduction to Ship4wd, Carmit’s role as CEO, and the brand's mission to level the playing field for SMEs.

[13.38] The day-to-day challenges faced by small businesses, and how Ship4wd is leveraging #technology and customer service to help solve those issues.

[22.06] Why Carmit transitioned from a large corporate to a small #tech brand, the differences and similarities between the two worlds, and why she’s so passionate about helping to create access and opportunity for SMEs.

[26.16] Why Carmit chose to embrace global travel as part of her career, and how it’s changed her personally and professionally.

[31.22] Carmit’s passion for supply chain, why it’s such a good career choice for young people, and her advice for anyone looking to enter the industry.

[34.26] The #challenges that Carmit faced as a woman in supply chain, and her approach to overcoming them.

[37.17] Carmit’s approach to work/life balance, and how becoming a mother has brought her professional success as well as personal fulfillment.

[41.22] The career highlights and achievements that Carmit is most proud of.

[44.23] The future for Carmit.

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Igor Chigrin of Win Global discusses his DroneShip Project; its impact on sustainability; global transportation challenges; & the untapped potential in trade.

[06.35] An introduction to Igor, his background, and how he came to establish Win Global.

[09.01] An overview of Win Global – who they are, what they do, and how they help their clients.

[11.45] The ideal client for Win Global.

[12.13] An introduction to the DroneShip Project, and its objectives for the industry.

[15.27] How Igor pitched DroneShip, and secured #collaboration and funding from the University of Toronto and the Canadian Government, to turn his #innovative idea into reality.

[18.47] From safety and AI to fuel, a closer look at how DroneShip technology will work.

[22.14] An overview of the current, and historic, issues and challenges faced by the international #transportation industry. [

25.56] The opportunities, and untapped market potential, within the international transportation industry.

[27.55] How DroneShip technology will start to address the present-day transportation systems inefficiencies and open up a brand new market of #trade and travel for those who, previously, simply couldn’t afford it.

[36.49] The huge environmental impact of supply chain, and the potential that DroneShip technology has to #revolutionize global #sustainability.

[39.36] From freight forwarding to firefighting, the unique and varied applications for DroneShip.

[41.51] The future for DroneShip, and how organizations can get involved with fundraising and use cases testing.

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Audrey Ross and Sarah Barnes-Humphrey talk about New Year disruptions; high-tech wearables; sustainable resolutions; and how trade finance can empower women.

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The panel discusses doing good - personal vs corporate responsibility; the line between people and profit; & how organizations can create a positive impact.

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Jeff Metersky talks about decisioning; the risks in using your gut; embracing a VUCA world; and why GAINS is putting a focus on configuration and optimization.

[06.35] An introduction to Igor, his background, and how he came to establish Win Global.

[09.01] An overview of Win Global – who they are, what they do, and how they help their clients.

[11.45] The ideal client for Win Global.

[12.13] An introduction to the DroneShip Project, and its objectives for the industry.

[15.27] How Igor pitched DroneShip, and secured #collaboration and funding from the University of Toronto and the Canadian Government, to turn his #innovative idea into reality.

[18.47] From safety and AI to fuel, a closer look at how DroneShip technology will work.

[22.14] An overview of the current, and historic, issues and challenges faced by the international #transportation industry.

[25.56] The opportunities, and untapped market potential, within the international transportation industry.

[36.49] The huge environmental impact of supply chain, and the potential that DroneShip technology has to #revolutionize global #sustainability.

[39.36] From freight forwarding to firefighting, the unique and varied applications for DroneShip.

[41.51] The future for DroneShip, and how organizations can get involved with fundraising and use cases testing.

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Marina Mayer, Katie Date & Jo Ann Dizy discuss money - why women need to stop working for free; their iniatives for change; & the importance of collaboration.

[07.42] An introduction to today’s guests Marina Mayer, Katie Date, and Jo Ann Dizy.

[08.47] Why Katie founded the MIT Women in Supply Chain Initiative; the impact it’s had; and how she learned the importance of conversation and connection.

[13.17] Jo Ann discusses her ‘Growth Circles’ initiative; its role in industries with few women; and the importance of creating supportive communities.

[16.32] Marina’s experience of launching the Women in Supply Chain awards and forum; and what she’s learned along the way.

[19.48] Why Sarah launched the Women in Supply Chain podcast and blog series; how it has inspired women in the industry; and why those experiences led to the creation of The Secret Society of Supply Chain.

[22.22] The group discusses whether women are their own worst enemies, and highlight the urgent need for greater collaboration between women.

[28.56] The panel discusses whether or not women support each other enough; the myths and stereotypes around women; and how organizations and individuals can create more opportunities for women and celebrate their accomplishments.

[36.42] The group reflects on why money is often a taboo subject for women and the importance of being vulnerable.

[42.04] The panel discusses why women work for free; the dangers of undermining and devaluing women’s contributions; and the difference between volunteering for non-profits and working for free for for-profits.

[49.27] The group reflects on the importance of setting an expectation when it comes to paying women fairly; the pay gap consequences of working for free; and the importance of negotiation.

[54.46] From making recommendations to engaging on social media, the group discusses what we can all do to support women in the industry and move the needle.

[01.00.43] The panel put the spotlight on a selection of resources and key groups that are making an impact on women.

[01.03.46] The group sums up their thoughts and key takeaways from the discussion.

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Katie Malakhov & Alex Jobin talk about RELEX; the current challenges in retail supply chain; and putting sustainability at the heart of everything they do.

[06.42] An introduction to Alex and Katie.

[07.16] Katie’s recent "Women In Supply Chain" award, her experience of the awards event, and what it means to her to be honored.

[08.30] Katie’s background, and how she found supply chain.

[10.00] Katie’s experience as a woman in the industry. [12.10] From mentorship to a dedicated women’s program, the different ways that RELEX supports women and elevates their voices.

[13.48] Alex’s experience of working with Katie, and benefitting from her #mentorship

[14.39] Katie’s advice for women in the industry, and for organizations looking to create more supportive, #diverse workplaces.

[18.29] The landscape of retail supply chain, and the challenges that organizations are facing across the industry.

[20.30] An introduction to RELEX and what they do.

[21.48] A closer look at RELEX’s demand planning #software, and how it’s creating impactful results for clients.

[23.46] How RELEX’s fulfilment solution supports and enhances demand planning. [27.43] The ideal client for RELEX.

[29.24] A case study showing how RELEX helped a large European grocer maintain stock availability and ease the burden for overworked staff, by achieving a 24% reduction in food waste and helping analysts to become 30% more efficient.

[31.37] The environmental impact of #retail supply chain, and the importance of sustainability.

[34.21] The future for RELEX.

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Ashley Yentz talks about failed 2023 predictions; supply chain complexity; visibility, agility & planning; cybersecurity; & why AI is only as good as your data.

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The panel discusses cancel culture; how and why it's changed; the role of social media; & what organizations can do to tackle it and create thriving workplaces.

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Christine Barnhart talks about her supply chain journey; how women promote themselves & support each other; finding her voice; & the power of building a tribe.

[06.42] An introduction to Alex and Katie.

[07.16] Katie’s recent "Women In Supply Chain" award, her experience of the awards event, and what it means to her to be honored.

[08.30] Katie’s background, and how she found supply chain.

[10.00] Katie’s experience as a woman in the industry.

[12.10] From mentorship to a dedicated women’s program, the different ways that RELEX supports women and elevates their voices.

[13.48] Alex’s experience of working with Katie, and benefitting from her #mentorship [

14.39] Katie’s advice for women in the industry, and for organizations looking to create more supportive, #diverse workplaces.

[18.29] The landscape of retail supply chain, and the challenges that organizations are facing across the industry.

[20.30] An introduction to RELEX and what they do.

[21.48] A closer look at RELEX’s demand planning #software, and how it’s creating impactful results for clients.

[23.46] How RELEX’s fulfilment solution supports and enhances demand planning. [27.43] The ideal client for RELEX.

[31.37] The environmental impact of #retail supply chain, and the importance of sustainability.

[34.21] The future for RELEX.

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Travis Barnier talks about DrayMaster; managing limited freight in a competitive market; building stronger relationships; and effective rate management.

[06.53] An introduction to Travis, his experience in the #drayage industry, and his journey with DrayMaster.

[09.34] An overview of DrayMaster – what they do and how they help their customers. \

[10.33] The ideal clients for DrayMaster.

[13.23] An overview of the market, as we look towards 2024, and the landscape for both truckers and 3PL’s.

[17.03] The unique challenges faced by both truckers and 3PL’s, in a competitive market.

[20.39] A closer look at how organizations can tackle industry challenges, finding the right solutions that also start to unlock opportunities.

[22.27] A closer look at how DrayMaster works, and how both truckers and 3PL’s can utilize their solutions.

[26.42] The importance of #collaboration, and how DrayMaster is bringing organizations together to build more effective working partnerships.

[29.33] From #technology and agility to data and #collaboration, the benefits of working with DrayMaster.

[32.58] Two case studies show how DrayMaster helped a trucking brand and global forwarder to solve their challenges, and drastically reduce rate reduction requests and invoice discrepancies, resulting in big cost and time savings.

[38.13] The future for DrayMaster.

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Cris Ferregur talks about SDI; predicting demand in an unpredictable world; the power of data; & finding the balance between new technologies & legacy systems.

[06.05] An introduction to Chris, and his journey with SDI.

[06.40] A closer look at current supply chain challenges, and what SDI are seeing with their clients.

[07.41] Common data challenges, and the importance of good data in telling an organization’s ‘story’ in their supply chain.

[09.48] An overview of SDI – what they do and how they help their customers.

[14.04] The ideal client for SDI.

[15.29] How the landscape of just-in-time, just-in-case, and inventory management changed, from pre to post-pandemic; predicting demand in an unpredictable world; and how SDI’s Zeus software is helping clients move from a reactive to a proactive approach when it comes to FM and MRO supply chain.

[19.30] SDI’s advanced data analytics, and how they are driving #actionableinsights and #visibility for customers, in order to de-risk supply chains and make big cost savings.

[23.05] A closer look at SDI’s #risk assessment service, and how organizations can use those learnings to transform their supply chains.

[26.06] A case study showing how SDI helped their client, one of the world’s largest retailers, to improve #visibility and #efficiency, maximize project completion, and save time and cost, with the implementation of an integrated mobile platform.

[31.52] The importance of taking a ‘progress over perfection’ approach, and how organizations can find the balance between new #technologies with legacy systems.

[34.28] What #onboarding and #integration looks like with SDI.

[37.06] The future for SDI.

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Dyci Sfregola & Hope White discuss how AI is changing the game for supply chain sustainability & how the right technology will improve your supply chain.

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Don Hicks talks about Optilogic & what they do; answering the supply chain 'what-ifs'; & finding the perfect balance between cost, service, risk, and ESG goals.

[06.37] Don’s entrepreneurial career history, and how it led him to found Optilogic.

[08.15] Optilogic’s evolution from a generic #platform designed to empower developers, to a supply chain design solution; and why the principles of supply chain design need redefining.

[20.31] An overview of Optilogic – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[22.24] The ideal client for Optilogic.

[27.53] The stories behind brand names Llamasoft and Cosmic Frog; and why Don wants to bring the fun to supply chain.

[30.37] A closer look at Cosmic Frog’s three core areas – #optimization, #simulation, and #risk.

[37.17] A deep dive into how Optilogic helps customers in a variety of different ways; and why we need to stop judging #investments based purely on financial return.

[40.27] How supply chain design and simulation can measure #sustainability to give businesses the information they need to start making impactful change; but why organizations need to reach a trade-off between cost, service, risk, and ESG goals.

[44.27] Don’s predictions for future #technology trends.

[49.08] The future for Optilogic.

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The panel talk about microaggressions: what they are; how to identify them; how to tackle them; and their personal experiences.

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Bill Benton talks about GAINS; how supply chain decision-making has changed; the impact of machine learning & AI; and committing to democratizing supply chain.

[06.11] An overview of GAINS – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[09.21] Bill’s father’s vision for GAINS, when he founded the organization in 1971, and the company’s evolution through to the present day.

[12.11] Bill’s move from GAINS CEO to co-founder, and how #industry changes are driving Bill’s vision for GAINS as an organization, but also for their clients and for the industry.

[17.12] The ideal client for GAINS.

[22.43] A deep dive into how GAINS helps customers and delivers up to 5x return on #investment.

[26.41] How supply chain decision-making has changed, and the impact of machine learning and #ai on the industry.

[29.01] GAINS' mission to #democratize supply chain – what it means, why it’s so important, and how that mission will change the industry.

[31.25] GAINS’ recent successful customer conference, and how it facilitates open two-way conversations that help GAINS build targeted, highly effective future #solutions for clients.

[33.59] The future for GAINS.

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Tudor Maxwell talks about logistics digitization; change management; training and development with WiseTech Academy; & why chaos isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

[01.45] An introduction to today’s guest.

[02.53] An introduction to WiseTech Academy.

[04.25] The current landscape of logistics digitization.

[09.17] From difficulty adapting existing processes to new tech, to fear of the unknown, why one of the biggest barriers to success within supply chain digitization is people – but why some resistance is actually healthy.

[13.32] Why a little chaos is to be expected in the early stages of planning a change management and digitization process, and how organizations can start to overcome objections.

[20.03] How companies can start to excite the wider team for change and include them on the digitization journey to ensure a smooth transition.

[23.17] The importance of training and development when it comes to change management and ongoing digitization, and WiseTech’s vision for the Academy as well as for driving change across the industry.

[25.06] The importance of collaboration between supply chain stakeholders when it comes to optimizing supply chain efficiency and decision-making.

[26.52] How individuals, as well as organizations, can engage with the WiseTech Academy to learn and upskill.

[29.02] The importance of creating a learning-oriented culture that encourages continuous improvement and embraces change.

[32.34] The three key stages of change management for successful digitization projects.

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T.J. Kragenbrink talks about her career pivot and what she’s learned along the way; becoming an industry award-winner; and making strides in sustainability.

[07.23] T.J.’s early years, from #education to her career as a teacher.

[11.18] The four big transferable skills that T.J. took from teaching to supply chain.

[15.03] Why T.J. decided to leave teaching, and the journey that brought her to supply chain.

[20.01] The mentor who inspired and advised T.J. throughout her career #journey.

[21.12] An introduction to Inmar Intelligence and what they do; and the unique culture Inmar has created to support and nurture its team.

[23.22] The importance of a supportive #culture for working mothers; prioritizing self-care; and how T.J. finds her personal work/life balance.

[29.11] T.J. reflects on #sustainability – what she does personally, as well as how she is tackling the complex issue of post-purchase solutions at Inmar.

[35.37] T.J.’s recent 2023 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Women in Supply Chain award win, and what she’s looking forward to at the forum.

[37.20] Why women should pursue a career in supply chain, and T.J.’s advice.

[39.55] The future for T.J.

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Nachi Mendelow & Mohan Dipsingh talk about risk, resilience, technology and why taking a holistic approach to your supply chain is the key to success.

[01.49] An introduction to today’s guests.

[04.04] How the pandemic exposed #vulnerabilities in supply chains worldwide, bringing the topic of risk to the fore; and the most significant lessons we learned.

[07.18] The different types of working #siloes; the inherent risks for companies that continue to operate in silos; and the power to be found in embracing #collaboration.

[12.27] From robust escalation processes to creating a #culture of ongoing learning, how organizations can build resilience into their supply chain operations in order to adapt, tackle challenges, and manage risk and #disruption.

[18.33] The importance of taking a #holistic approach, from bringing different business units together with customers and suppliers to a focus on global optimization instead of local.

[22.09] The #strategies that companies should be looking to employ when it comes to assessing and managing risks within their network of trading partners.

[25.36] How #technology has evolved to become a critical component of supply chain risk management.

[30.07] Why adopting a single operating platform for end-to-end #logistics is crucial for risk identification and mitigation. [33.00] How CargoWise has helped organizations to build resilience into their supply chains, with their robust solutions, strong #infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.

[39.03] The risks we can all expect to see in 2024.

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Fraser Robinson talks about Beacon Technologies; carbon and collaboration; building a data-centric approach to supply chain; and the problem with ERP's.

[06.00] Fraser’s career journey, and how a leadership role at Uber led him to discover a passion for a supply chain and go on to establish Beacon.

[08.31] The #disruptions and challenges within supply chain, the importance of #data, and why data sharing makes your organization a better service provider.

[15.01] An introduction to Beacon – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers – and Beacon’s three levels of #visibility.

[19.23] The ideal client for Beacon.

[21.29] A closer look at Beacon’s tracking #software, the benefits, and how they're going deeper with #visibility and #data.

[28.10] How Beacon is helping clients cut #carbon and meet their ESG goals, and the importance of #collaboration.

[34.52] How Beacon helps clients achieve high and measurable ROI, from reducing detention and demurrage costs to empowering teams in contract negotiations.

[38.45] The problem with ERP systems, and why supply chain visibility platforms like Beacon are helping to solve the supply chain data challenge.

[40.55] Why Beacon is committed to empowering businesses, large and small, and the impact it will have on the industry.

[43.45] The future of the industry, and the growing importance of #automation.

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Craig Seelig & Laurie Arnold talk about the compliance landscape; the cost of non-compliance; & the importance of technology to create a single source of truth.

[01.49] An introduction to today’s guests.

[02.40] A closer look at the ever-changing compliance landscape, and some of the biggest changes that have impacted the industry in recent years.

[05.20] Why compliance has become a huge cost center for global organizations.

[10.48] Why not investing in compliance can create a false economy, and lead to devastating business impacts.

[13.04] How technology can help to tackle modern compliance issues, and how a single, integrated technology can bring competitive advantage for organizations and help them more effectively navigate our complex regulatory landscape.

[17.47] A closer look at the CargoWise customs and compliance solutions that are changing the game for clients.

[21.35] The added value of CargoWise’s denied party screening.

[23.35] Why JAS Forwarding chose to work with CargoWise and the benefits of being able to see data from beginning to end in identifying patterns and opportunities.

[26.41] Why some of the world’s largest freight forwarders choose CargoWise.

[28.52] Craig and Laurie’s advice for achieving supply chain compliance.

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Pete Gowanlock talks about KNNX; the benefits of blockchain; technology & collaboration; and solving the challenge of visibility and information sharing.

[07.04] An introduction to #blockchain.

[09.39] Why the conversations around blockchain have taken a back seat in the last year, but why it remains key to the future of supply chain.

[11.34] The current landscape of blockchain in supply chain, and its huge potential for the future.

[12.34] An introduction to KNNX – who they are, what they do, and how they help their #customers.

[15.41] The ideal client for KNNX.

[17.38] A closer look at KNNX Freight, and examples of effective real-life #applications.

[22.34] KNNX’s Asset Track platform, and how the #solutions within it are solving the challenge of visibility and information sharing for organizations.

[25.21] The importance of collaboration, and why advancing #technology is key to helping companies work effectively together.

[27.25] A closer look at #onboarding and #integration with KNNX.

[32.28] The many and varied opportunities within the blockchain, from #cybersecurity to #sustainability.

[35.44] The future for blockchain, and its application across supply chain.

[37.34] The future for KNNX.

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Gene Gander and Amna Shah discuss visibility - what it really means; the challenges and opportunities; tech investments; and how CargoWise can help.

[02.38] An introduction to today’s guests.

[05.05] A closer look at Amna’s company AHS Consulting, her long-standing relationship with WiseTech, and why AHS is a WiseTech and CargoWise partner.

[07.42] What supply chain visibility really means, and why it’s so important.

[11.15] The huge increase in #investment in new visibility tools and #tech since 2020, the role of the pandemic, and why visibility is the industry’s number one priority.

[15.26] A closer look at how that increased investment in visibility tech has begun to impact the industry.

[21.00] The current #challenges and barriers to achieving better #visibility within supply chain.

[27.20] An overview of the solutions that CargoWise is using to break down these #barriers for their customers and deliver better visibility across the industry; and how CargoWise brings visibility to an organization's entire operations, not just freight.

[31.36] The role of machine learning and intelligent #analytics within CargoWise, with solutions such as predictive ETA and container automation.

[33.38] A closer look at the CargoWise #workflow and tracking solution, and how #automation can help optimize teams and reduce resistance to new tech.

[37.37] The ideal client for CargoWise.

[40.00] Gene and Amna’s top tip for achieving supply chain visibility.

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The panel discusses what women have to think about vs men; societal expectations; the impact of bias and stereotypes; and how we can create safe spaces for all.

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Chris Garrison talks about Onfleet; the importance of empowering drivers; achieving competitive advantage by delighting customers; & the future of the last mile.

[05.52] The evolving landscape of last mile, and the challenges and #opportunities in the space.

[09.20] An introduction to Onfleet – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[11.03] The ideal client for Onfleet.

[13.19] The importance of effective #dispatching and route planning, its impact on everything from customer satisfaction to sustainability, and what dispatch with Onfleet looks like.

[17.36] Why driver empowerment is key, and how Onfleet’s solutions are creating happy drivers and, ultimately, happy customers.

[21.21] Why customer satisfaction has emerged as an area of opportunity, and how Onfleet are delighting customers in a notoriously difficult space.

[26.07] The power of good data, and what monitoring, reporting, performance and insights look like with Onfleet.

[29.08] A case study showing how Onfleet helped a key client to dramatically reduce route times, opening up opportunities for growth and boosting the bottom line.

[32.46] A closer look at #onboarding and #integration with Onfleet.

[35.31] Last mile trends and what they mean for the future of the sector.

[39.39] Onfleet’s recognition in Gartner’s 2023 Hype Cycle for Supply Chain Execution Technologies as a key player for Last Mile Delivery Solutions, and what the future holds.

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Lisa Morales-Hellebo talks about the power of technological invention and innovation; awards; building communities; and making sustainability a priority.

[06.04] Lisa shares an update on what she’s been up to since her last appearance on the show, and the awards and accolades she’s achieved.

[08.44] What awards mean for Lisa and why they’re important, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups within supply chain.

[11.50] A closer look at Lisa’s organization REFASHIONED, what it does, and the growing portfolio of innovative companies it supports.

[13.23] A closer look at Lisa’s Industrial Transformation Fund; what makes it different; her disruptive approach; and the businesses that the fund is investing in.

[21.18] The importance of community; and the impact that the community Lisa is building is having on the industry, from innovation to accelerating change.

[23.55] Why sustainability is at the heart of everything Lisa does, and why our systems need to be completely reworked if we have a hope of stopping, and reversing, climate change.

[28.24] Lisa’s advice for organizations looking to initiate change.

[34.15] A closer look at some of the innovations that Lisa is seeing in the industry, including a spotlight on SIMPLIFYBER, an innovative fashion brand creating the apparel of the future with its proprietary, fully-biodegradable material formula and sustainable additive manufacturing system.

[36.37] Lisa’s role as a mentor at The Founder Institute, and the array of opportunities that are now available for young people coming into the industry.

[39.17] Lisa’s approach to work/life balance and self-care, and the importance of downtime for creativity.

[41.30] The future for Lisa.

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Bobby Strenk talks about SecurSpace; the challenges of limited storage and parking space; collaboration and connectivity; and improving driver experience

[05.31] The impact that a lack of industrial outdoor storage (IOS) near major #intermodal hubs, as well as the scarcity of overnight truck parking near major highways, is having on the #transportation and supply chain industries.

[08.04] An introduction to SecurSpace – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[10.09] A closer look at the SecurSpace Marketplace from a customer’s perspective.

[14.04] A case study showing how SecurSpace helped a key client to avoid waiting times and detention and demurrage costs, boosting #efficiency and saving time and money.

[19.50] How SecurSpace brings #collaboration and connectivity together to help create efficiency and drive the industry forward.

[23.13] The importance of putting a focus on exceptional driver experience, and how SecurSpace is helping to tackle the labor shortage and improve industry conditions by creating a better, safer, and more efficient working environment for drivers.

[27.08] A closer look at the SecurSpace Marketplace from a partner's perspective.

[29.44] The ideal clients, both customers and partners, for SecurSpace.

[32.37] How SecurSpace’s gate management solution enhances their offering.

[34.28] SecurSpace’s recent #acquisition by WiseTech Global, and what it means to them to become part of the WiseTech family.

[36.01] The future for SecurSpace.

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Tony Thrasher talks about SPS Commerce; the landscape of retail supply chain; collaboration; and the importance of meeting consumers where they want to buy.

[06.11] An introduction to SPS Commerce, and why #collaboration has been key to their vision and sustained success.

[09.08] The changing landscape of the retail supply chain, and the current challenges and trends of a post-pandemic environment.

[11.38] A closer look SPS – what they do, how they help their customers, and how they facilitate effective working relationships between retail organizations.

[14.20] The ideal client for SPS Commerce.

[16.46] A reminder of what EDI is and the role it plays in data exchange; and how SPS makes #integration and trading partnerships easy and effective.

[22.25] What data and #visibility mean to SPS and their customers; the importance of data normalization; and why customers that use SPS Analytics outperform industry benchmarks.

[26.42] A case study detailing how SPS helped a key 3PL client simplify and speed up customer onboarding, with effective integration and playbooks for working with key trading partners.

[29.55] How SPS is changing the industry for the better with inclusive, two-way collaboration.

[32.51] The importance of meeting every consumer where they want to buy, and how SPS is helping customers to serve their consumers effectively down the chain.

[35.12] What #onboarding and #integration look like with SPS Commerce.

[38.10] What 3PL’s should be thinking about and #investing in as the industry continues to evolve.

[41.29] The future for SPS Commerce.

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The panel discussed what it means to be a victim; personal experiences; weaponizing and gatekeeping victimhood; bias and discrimination; and pity.

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Lee Newitt talks about DCLI; investing in improving trucker experience; chassis regulation; & its mission to transform the way chassis work within supply chain.

[05.32] A closer look at the landscape of the #intermodal industry, and what the market looks like as we head into the second half of 2023 and into 2024.

[09.13] A breakdown of different #chassis types, and an overview of DCLI – who they are, what they do, and their impressive company growth over the last decade.

[12.00] How DCLI works with a multitude of different industry stakeholders, and why a focus on creating exceptional driver experiences brings everyone together and drives success.

[16.01] The different challenges that DCLI customers face, and the unique, customer-focused, and flexible approach that DCLI takes to problem-solving for them.

[19.39] How DCLI has worked with private domestic container customers to provide flexible #collaborative solutions that have helped these customers scale efficiently and cost-effectively.

[22.22] DCLI’s mission is to transform the way chassis work within the intermodal supply, and how that mission will continue to change the industry for the better.

[24.25] A closer look at DCLI’s best-in-class equipment and ongoing initiatives, from true improvement to chassis refurbishment, that deliver improved #sustainability and efficiency, as well as reduced costs, for customers.

[28.06] How DCLI supports customers in the back end, through tools for tracking and quoting, and the investments we can expect DCLI to make in this area in the coming years.

[30.46] DCLI’s recent #acquisition and the benefits that it will bring.

[31.56] Where DCLI stands on the controversial topic of the government regulation of chassis and the creation of national gray pools.

[37.43] The future for DCLI.

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Alexis Mizell-Pleasant talks about her time in the US Navy and her passion for supporting veterans; balancing a career with motherhood; and supply chain trends.

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Christopher Platt talks about Blackberry Radar; the challenges & opportunities in multimodal; safety & compliance; & why now is the time to invest in tech.

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Josh Dunham talks about why he co-founded Reveel; helping businesses ship smarter and save more; advocating for clients; & leveling the playing field.

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Greg Kress talks about MFG & Shapeways; enabling manufacturers to digitize; the challenges in a fast-paced market; and why AI will transform manufacturing.

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The panel discusses anxiety; physical and mental triggers and symptoms; how we can support others; and the resources and techniques that worked for them.

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Yifat Baror talks about Osa Commerce; how e-commerce is changing the industry; combining the power of collaboration & visibility; and tackling data chaos.

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Holly Pearce talks about her career so far; the changing landscape of logistics; swapping teaching for studying; and why she’s a self-confessed supply chain champion. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.

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Martin Lew talks about Commtrex and what they do; the challenges and opportunities in rail; empowering shippers through choice and connectivity; and why transloading is the future of the industry.

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Rik Walters tells us all about GoFreight; visibility, and its impact on margins; creating memorable customer experiences; and leveling the playing field for SMBs.

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The panel discusses what seniority means to them; how it differs from leadership; the importance of job titles; & their experiences of good and bad leadership.

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Bill Catania talks about OneRail; the challenges & opportunities around capacity; & why he believes that technology can’t change all outcomes, but people can.

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Brian Bourke talks about how the pandemic changed last mile delivery – the challenges; opportunities; & how SEKO is enhancing customer experience.

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Seretha Willingham talks about her career; swapping the corporate world for entrepreneurship; scaling a business during a pandemic; & the secret to her success.

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Richard White talks about WiseTech; his entrepreneurial journey; visibility; growth through acquisition; and his vision for the industry.

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The panel discusses emotional recovery; share their experiences & words of advice; and reflects on how we can open up conversations to better support others.

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Sharon Manker talks about her career; finding community through education; advocating for change unapologetically; and successful supplier diversity programs.

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Jonas Krumland chats about Logward; improving relationships through integration; and the importance of changing mindsets, as well as building great software.

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Juliette Samson talks will about her career; hyper-collaboration; how tech is changing; and helping to raise the influence of women on boards.

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Patrick Lo talks about Trakking; bringing predictability to container management; & the importance of working together to remove waste from supply chains.

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Last month, we shared one of my favorite recent episodes of Thoughts and Coffee with you - and we got such great feedback that we decided to do it again!

And in this episode, I’m joined by founder, CEO and author Steve Ferreira. Steve wants to bring vivaciousness to the shipping industry and he’s certainly doing that! Tune in for his take on why students are flocking to supply chain; why FMC offers false hope to shippers; and the big question on everyone’s lips: exactly what is happening in the ocean market?!

There is so much to get your teeth into in this episode so grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy!

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.00] From the latest episode of Women In Supply Chain to an introduction to the brand new private network, The Secret Society of Supply Chain, an update on the latest at Let’s Talk Supply Chain.

[09.37] An introduction to Steve Ferreira; his vivacious approach to social media; and his business, Ocean Audit.

“My claim to fame is helping importers and exporters recover lost costs from the container get-in period… it only takes 50 containers to produce a $100,000 dollar refund.”

[12.31] Sarah shares the responses to her question of the week: “What characteristics or skills do you admire in a leader?”, and Steve reflects on the importance of a mindset shift towards empathy in the workplace.

[14.30] Steve gives us an update on the ocean market, sharing insights on rates, carrier strategies, and why more deals are getting done.

[16.50] The concept behind the video that won Steve the very first pair of limited edition Let’s Talk Supply Chain custom Air Force Ones in our five-year anniversary contest; and what’s coming up for Steve and his own industry brand.

“I’m a free spirit in the industry.. so I created ocean freight TV… and it’s geared towards bringing some excitement and enthusiasm into the ocean industry!”

[20.53] Sarah and Steve discuss why students are flocking to supply chain; and Steve shares his thoughts on the so-called industry talent shortage, the lack of mentors across the industry, and his words of advice for the next generation.

“Our lives are so different… we never experience the same thing. The cadence, the pace and the opportunities in the supply chain are one of the top areas of opportunity, and that’s why we have so many young people flocking to the industry.”

[26.38] Steve discusses his recent article: Why FMC Offers False Hope To Shippers.

“The problem is that the FMC is not an auditing agency. They’re looking for violations… where they can penalize an ocean vendor. They weren’t set up to repatriate money back to clients.”

[33.06] Sarah and Steve discuss a recent Freight Waves article suggesting that, despite the current turbulent market, the container shipping industry is not behaving like an industry facing an imminent crisis.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can find out more about Ocean Audit over on their website, or you can connect with Steve on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from ‘the best 30 minutes on a Tuesday, check out Thought’s and Coffee – where the best industry players discuss breaking supply chain news over a good old cup of Joe!

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Welcome back to Blended! It’s episode 32, I’m joined by a brand new panel of fantastic professionals and, today, we’re talking about introverts vs extroverts.

Most of us, in our lives and careers, have considered what personality type we are. You might be a self-identifying Type A personality (which I know one or two of my guests today are!) In many workplaces you might even have undergone a personality test, so leadership can get a greater idea of individuals strengths and weaknesses.

And one factor that’s at the core of many personality assessments is whether you are introverted or extroverted. But the introverts vs extroverts question is pretty complex – it’s about way more than if you’re quiet or chatty. And since understanding introversion and extroversion can help you understand yourself and others better, we thought it was a really interesting topic to discuss here on Blended.

So today, our guests will be diving into what these words actually mean and the qualities we associate with them; sharing their own experiences; reflecting on why society values extroversion so highly; and sharing their words of advice for how organizations can better support all personality types in the workplace.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.09] Introductions to our Blended panellists.

Jennifer – Owner and CEO at The MJW Group
Elouise – Partner at Kearney
Cathy – Vice president of Women’s Leadership and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at American Bankers Association

[03.48] The group discuss the definitions of introvert and extrovert, and reflect on what the words mean to them.

The qualities or personality traits we associate with each
Are introverts actually shy?
Introverts are impacted, whereas extroverts are activated, by stimuli
Combining introvert and extrovert qualities
Differing lengths of time you can maintain extroversion
Control
Small talk
Playing the game
Exhaustion from social situations

“I’m an introvert… but I’m a public speaker and I love it! But there’s a difference, because it’s a situation that I control… and it’s one-directional.” Elouise

[16.05] The panel talk about labels, and whether there is still value in personality testing in the workplace.

Personalities are a journey
Pidgeon-holing people
Moving beyond labels
Self-discovery
People first
Bias
Time, patience and compromise
Safe spaces
How Elouise’s transition led her to seeming more extroverted, but in reality it was happiness
Empathy
Flexibility

“Education around how different people communicate in different ways is important. We make assumptions about people based upon how we communicate, our world vision, and we may be inaccurately assessing someone’s confidence, competence or leadership skills because they’re communicating in a different way and we’re interpreting that incorrectly.” Cathy

[38.21] The group share their personal experiences of introversion and extroversion, and how those experiences have impacted them professionally and personally.

Societal celebration of extroversion
Feeling self-conscious or ashamed if you don’t speak in a group setting
Using note-taking as a safe way to insert your voice
Becoming comfortable with not speaking if there’s nothing that needs to be said
Putting people on the spot
Understanding your own limits

[50.57] The panel reflect on why society values extroversion so highly, and the unseen value of introverts.

Not encouraging people to change who they are
Acceptance
Education
Visibility
Authenticity
Confusing speaking with value
Hidden value of introverts
Personal energy

“It comes down to politics… he who speaks the loudest gets heard, and that’s encouraged.” Jennifer

[01.01.54] The group share advice for managing introverts and extroverts in the workplace, and being a better colleague.

Education
Strategies for running meetings
Time for quiet reflection
Balance
Encouragement
Boundaries
Taking help or opportunities that are offered
Self-care
Self-belief

[01.08.09] The panel sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

“Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, find the person that you vibe with.” Jennifer

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Jennifer, Elouise and Cathy and over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, why not check out 247: Blended – The Difference Between Culture and Community: What Can We Learn? or 210: Blended – Don’t forget the ‘T’: Talking Trans.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Flexport, an exciting and innovative software brand that is on a mission to make global trade easy for everyone.

Flexport is building the platform for global logistics, empowering buyers, sellers and their logistics partners with the technology and services to grow and innovate. Companies of all sizes – from emerging brands to Fortune 500s – use Flexport technology to move more than $10B worth of merchandise across 112 countries every year.

Today Will Urban, Chief Revenue Officer at Flexport, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; making sustainability a priority; the importance of providing visibility and control in a fragmented industry; and why global trade is a force for good.

Guest bio: Will Urban is Chief Revenue Officer at Flexport, where he’s responsible for driving go-to-market strategy and maximizing the value Flexport delivers to clients. Will is a 25+ year freight forwarding and logistics industry veteran; prior to Flexport, Will was the Regional Vice President of Northwest USA, Expeditors, one of the largest territories for the company. He oversaw all sales and operations, sponsored Fortune 500 global accounts and led an organization with nearly 1,000 full time employees under his leadership. Will is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker and holds an IATA/FIATA certificate.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.55] The current landscape, and challenges, of global trade; how Flexport are helping their customers to tackle those challenges; and their vision to create a seamless experience in a fragmented industry.

“The last 6 months… has shown two things: that our infrastructure in the US is over-taxed, and that visibility is not where it needs to be, when that system is taxed.”

[10.19] Flexport’s recent leadership changes; and what they mean for the company, and for the industry.

“Dave [Clark] is all about scale and using technology to enhance what we’re doing, so he’s making the bridge between traditional freight forwarder and digital supply chain company.”

[14.43] An overview of Flexport, what they do and how they help their customers; their mission to improve the supply chain industry; and what sets them apart.

“What’s really different is that we think about our competitors as our partners… we want to give our customers the very best experience, visibility and tools to help optimize their supply chain, end-to-end.”

[19.00] Flexport’s commitment to collaboration; and why harnessing the power of third-party partnerships is the way to better serve customers.

“It’s invisible to our clients, they don’t have to worry about looking at a different system, receiving different reporting or updates in a different manner – it’s that consistency that really drives the value.”

[23.04] Why Flexport.org was established; how it's making a difference with sustainability and humanitarian work; and why global trade is a force for good.

“We can be a very profitable business, and at the same time make a really great impact on the world.”

[25.50] Teresa Carlson’s appointment as head of Flexport.org, and exactly how her role will increase its positive global impact.

[28.20] The importance of sustainability; what Flexport customers are doing, and asking for, when it comes to ESG goals; and how Flexport supports them.

[33.19] Flexport Capital: how it has helped to keep small and medium-sized businesses afloat; and the importance of offering a holistic suite of solutions, all under one roof.

[38.01] A case study detailing how Flexport helped a client analyze their supply chain to identify key areas to optimize, diversify and reduce cost.

[41.15] The future for Flexport.

“We’re doubling down on technology… to make the platform the most meaningful, easy to use customer-centric supply chain tool.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Flexport’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Flexport and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, or you can connect with Will on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, and want to hear more about the recent changes at Flexport, check out episode 320: Going Inside The Mind of Anthony Miller.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Esker, a long-standing software brand that is on a mission to build a foundation that promotes positive-sum growth, increased productivity, improved employee engagement, and greater trust between organizations.

Esker is a global cloud platform built to unlock strategic value for finance and customer service professionals and strengthen collaboration between companies by automating the cash conversion cycle. By developing AI-driven technologies and automating the order-to-cash and procure-to-pay cycles, Esker frees up finance and customer service professionals from time-consuming tasks, helps them be more efficient, and enables them to develop new skills.

Today Daniel Reeve, US Director of Sales and Business Development at Esker, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; the power of positive-sum growth; bringing people and technology together in harmony; and why not all cloud platforms are created equal.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.02] An introduction to Esker – who they are, what they do and how they help their customers.

“Folks are turning to us when they’re trying to free up their staff to be rockstars!”

[08.17] Esker’s mission, what sets them apart from the competition and why they’re ‘more than just another cloud platform.’

“We’ve often been seen as best-of-breed… but, increasingly, companies are realizing “wow, you guys are best of suite”… Companies are looking to put technology in place that leverages and enhances their ERP and improves the experience for the customers, suppliers and staff.”

[10.47] Esker’s commitment to ‘positive-sum growth,’ and what that means for brands, their employees, customers, suppliers – and for the planet.

“The concept is 'how do I put technology in, that brings efficiency and automation within my enterprise, without making it painful for my customers and suppliers?'”

[15.14] Why digital transformation projects are often unsuccessful, and Esker’s refreshing approach to providing close and ongoing customer support and training.

“Technology promises great outcomes, great efficiencies, great savings, great visibility – but there’s work involved to make that happen.”

[16.53] A closer look at Esker’s Procure-To-Pay solution, named in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant report for P2P suites.

[19.29] Esker’s Order-to-Cash solution, and how their technology facilitates collaboration and optimization to bring people and processes together and enhance customer experience.

[26.54] What integration looks like with Esker.

[29.24] Why Esker’s range of technology includes robotic process automation, AI and mobile functionality, but also supports traditional tech like fax and Excel; and the importance of finding the balance between helping to drive innovation and digitization in the industry, and meeting customers where they are.

“Quite often, when you put technology in, there’s a dip… I don’t think people are resistant to technology just because they’re resistant. A lot of the time, they’re so busy and everything is so pressured… you need to hold their hand and guide them and make it super easy for them to adapt that technology.”

[31.36] The ideal client for Esker.

“If folks care about a user experience and a workflow that's easy... they will often choose Esker over others.”

[36.04] A case study detailing how Esker’s technology helped a key client to reduce order entry time from 10 minutes to 10 seconds, which allowed them to free up their people to better serve customers and ultimately achieve high levels of growth.

[39.04] The future for Esker.

Guest Bio: Dan Reeve is a Sales Director, approaching 22 years with Esker. Dan works to help companies free up front-line troops to be finance and customer service rockstars through the application of machine learning and AI.

Dan was fortunate to serve 10 years as a Combat Engineer in the British Army, then was attached to the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He traveled the world, served alongside Americans and many others, and learned everyone has a good idea, every Army unit thinks they are better, and what can you learn and apply so that you are indeed better prepared and more professional next time.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Esker’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Esker and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Dan on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, why not listen to 257: Creating Supply Chain Stability with Dual Sourcing and S&OP or read The Three Biggest Challenges For Procurement – And What To Do About Them.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain™, I’m joined by Liz Decker, a truly passionate and dynamic leader at one of Inc’s Best Workplaces in America.

Liz has a decade of broad experience across supply chain, having honed her expertise in all modes of logistics, covering international import/export, domestic truckload, drayage, customs brokerage, LTL, and air freight. From leading continuous improvement projects for Fortune 500 companies to leading SMB entrepreneurs through their first-ever international shipment, Liz is as versatile as she is dedicated. And she’s currently bringing her expertise and passion to her role as Director of Client Success at NorthPoint Logistics.

Today Liz will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for social causes; the importance of putting a focus on client success; and why she’s proud to say that she’s a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to supply chain. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.

SHOW SPONSOR: Women fuel the success of some of the world’s most successful businesses, yet barriers still exist. SAP is committed to supporting and elevating a new generation of women to profoundly lead and impact global supply chains and are proud to support the Women in Supply Chain™ Series and its efforts.

Supply chains need to evolve from low-cost and optimized to risk-resilient and sustainable and SAP can help.

SAP Digital Supply Chain solutions connect the entire process — design, planning, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, and service; connecting your supply chains to the rest of your business and all your contextual data; supporting your efforts in alleviating risk in your supply chains.

SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software and for the last 50 years has been helping companies to run better. Find out more at sap.com/scm

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.45] Liz’s early years: how her first job exposed her to a variety of different people and taught her to be adaptable, and how networking opened the door to supply chain.

“I’m a Mid-West girl – I’m the youngest of three, so I learned quickly that I needed to advocate for myself!”

[09.08] How the pandemic threw Liz into the deep end of supply chain; the highs and lows; and what she learned along the way.

“In 2022, I was having conversations with clients that were ‘I don’t care what it takes. I need my product, and I need it now.’… so it forced me to be creative, and learn the different aspects of our business.”

[14.43] Liz’s current role as Director of Client Success at NorthPoint Logistics; her experience of building a team from the ground up; and why she loves building relationships.

“There’s no playbook of what client success looks like in the logistics industry – an industry that has traditionally been transactional.”

[17.58] The biggest challenges that Liz's client success team face, and the importance of tackling obstacles with strategic thinking.

“My team's role is to advise. Here’s what we’re seeing, here’s what we’re hearing, here’s some data we can provide.”

[23.24] Liz’s thoughts on the cyclical nature of supply chain trends, and what the next few years might bring for the industry.

“It’s a people industry. As technology gets better, and as people adopt technology (because we are lagging), our scope will change… but no matter how much technology we have, someone has to be there.”

[26.22] The importance of good workplace culture, and what Liz has learned working at NorthPoint Logistics - one of Inc’s Best Workplaces in America.

“Culture isn’t something that you just check a box and it’s there. You have to make a conscious effort every single day… but it’s so easy for culture to slip away. Being vulnerable and transparent has been so important for me.”

[30.13] Liz’s passion for volunteering and charity work, and why more organizations should be supporting social causes and local communities.

“We talk about advocating for ourselves as women… and here’s my chance to advocate for someone who maybe can’t for themselves, or has some obstacles that I don’t have.”

[34.20] Why people are Liz’s passion and daily inspiration.

[35.08] Liz’s experience as a woman in supply chain; the power of social media; and her words of advice for women in the industry.

“I never had a mentor, but social media is a great thing.”

[39.30] The future for Liz.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Liz over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from women who are passionate about client success, check out 305: Driving Your Parcel Performance: Check Engine Light, featuring Elle Brown, Senior Client Success Manager at Sifted, or 255: Women In Supply Chain, featuring Mardi Tegmeyer, Customer Success Manager at Emerge.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m shaking things up and sharing one of my favorite recent episodes of Thoughts and Coffee. In this episode, I’m joined by exciting industry writer and former Managing Editor of Payload Space, Ryan Duffy, to talk space logistics. Ryan is passionate about bringing us the scoop on the future of logistics, from emerging tech to the final frontier, and I loved finding out more.

So if you’ve ever wondered about the incredible world of space logistics, then this is the episode for you. We talked all about NASA's plans to start the first Gateway logistics mission later this year; we reflected on the stats that show the market is already expected to generate nearly $20 billion by 2040; and we explored the possible impact on GEO shipping due to the loss of Antonov planes.

You need to stay updated on the rapidly evolving space logistics sector, so – get ready to launch!

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.12] An introduction to Ryan Duffy and leading publication Payload Space, and an overview of space logistics.

“Behind the scenes there’s a lot of logistics, manufacturing, testing, integrating… there’s a lot more than meets the eye when you see a shiny rocket launch!”

[10.15] Sarah shares the responses to her question of the week, “what is the best supply chain management software,” and Ryan reflects on the software that’s essential to space logistics right now.

“Surprisingly, with space there’s groundbreaking technology in science, but for a lot of missions it’s still managed in a very analogue fashion, with pen and paper or Excel!”

[13.03] Ryan explains GEO satellites and discusses a recent news article that details how a loss of Antonov planes may impact GEO shipping.

[19.09] Sarah and Ryan discuss the news that NASA plans to start work on the first Gateway logistics mission this year.

“The space industry loves to make logistical analogies – they’re called orbital transfer vehicles… but it’s tough to beat space trash truck!”

[24.42] Ryan answers an audience question: “What innovative solutions are in space logistics right now?” and explains the current opportunities within the industry.

[26.31] Ryan and Sarah discuss the research that indicates the space logistics market will generate $19.8 billion by 2040, and Ryan explains last-mile space logistics.

[28.38] An update on what’s coming up on Let’s Talk Supply Chain.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can find out more about Payload Space over on their website, or you can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from ‘the best 30 minutes on a Tuesday,' check out Thoughts and Coffee – where the best industry players discuss breaking supply chain news over a good old cup of Joe!

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Welcome back to Blended! It’s episode 31, I’m joined by a brand new panel of inspirational professionals and, today, we’re talking about education and bias.

It’s a topic that’s close to my heart, with my own educational and career journey. And, it’s a topic that has increasingly come under the spotlight recently in light of the labor shortages and trending workplace changes we’ve seen industry-wide. So now is the perfect time to really explore what’s going wrong, or right, with the way we think about education in the workplace.

Today, our guests will be diving into education and sharing their own experiences; exploring the hiring practices that often continue to support bias; reflecting on what the next generation are doing and thinking about when it comes to education and their careers; and sharing their words of advice for how organizations can tackle education bias and create more diverse workplaces.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [00.44] Introductions to our Blended panellists.

Rose – CEO and Principal Consultant at The Opening Door
Jennifer – Executive Director at TMSA (Transportation Marketing and Sales Association)
Stella – Professor at Towson University

“Education bias is somebody being treated differently, or unfavorably, based on their educational background, where they went to school and what level of education they have.” Rose

[02.32] The group give an overview of education bias, and what it means to them.

“It was instilled in me from the second I was born: education, education, education… When I finished my degree, I felt that if I wanted to make more money, if I wanted to really excel in the corporate world, I had to have an MBA. And it took me a long time to think deeper about why I felt that way, and if I really needed it to be successful. ” Rose

[05.09] The panel share their personal experiences, their level of education and how important it has been to their professional career.

Sarah’s experience of ‘only’ gaining a high school diploma; then studying at night school, trying different things, and gaining certifications whilst working, in order to boost her professional career
Different types of education, eg. degree vs industry certifications, high school vs. higher education
Stella’s experience of switching fields from her degree to her master’s; how a previous employer allowed her flexibility to pursue a PhD; and why she ultimately changed career, from the pharmaceutical industry to academia
Stella’s experience of opportunity in America versus in India, and her parents encouragement of higher education
Rose’s experience of being raised with the importance of education, and finally coming to terms with the fact that it might not be as important as she was raised to believe
The assumption that additional education equals money and success
The cost of education
Jennifer’s experience of teaching at a community college, and as a parent of a child with ADHD
Continued education in the workplace
Responsibility

“Companies say ‘we want to retain more employees, what can we do?’ Well, help develop them! Develop them, make them want to stay with you. Sometimes simple questions have simple answers, we just have to take the time.” Jennifer

[23.14] The group discuss education bias within industry, and the age-old debate of experience vs education.

“To be on a tenure track, you typically have to have a PhD. And then once you get into your field, then it becomes rank – are you an assistant professor, associate professor or professor – so you still have a PhD, but rank becomes an issue.” Stella

Stella’s experience working in academia
Differing ranks and salaries within the workplace, even with the same level of education
Stereotypes and judgements about different types of PhD, eg ‘they’re just liberal arts’
Elitism
Ego
Affinity bias
Importance of diversity

“It’s hard to acknowledge and recognize your ego… but if we build more self-awareness, we can start to realise when our ego is leading things in the wrong direction, and the more we address that, we would see less bias.” Rose

[38.57] The panel reflect on what they’re seeing in the market around education bias and hiring practices.

Job descriptions
Expectations
The importance of not dismissing people if they don’t have the ‘perfect’ educational background
Using technology to pre-filter applications
Asking the right questions
Role of HR – who is hiring/writing job descriptions?
Input from the team who will work with new hires
The pace of evolving technology – education getting out of date
The structure of a resume
How many years’ experience equals a degree?
What do you actually want out of your career?
Self-taught knowledge
Power of self-belief

“I think we put too much emphasis on education and not experience, but there is a catch 22. Because the requirement for an entry level job is 5 years – that doesn’t make sense!” Jennifer

[54.13] The group put the spotlight on the next generation, and what they’re thinking about when it comes to education and ongoing learning.

Need for more authenticity in the workplace
Young people building personal brands
Exploration of self-employment and entrepreneurship
Greater understanding of new technologies
Giving people a chance
Parents, educational institutions and communities working together

[1.04.57] The panel sums up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Rose, Jennifer and Stella over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, why not check out 328: Blended – Breaking the Class Ceiling, or 265: Blended – DEI in the Workplace – Not Just The Smart Thing To Do, But The Right Thing To Do.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by GateHouse Maritime, a market-leading ocean tech brand that is using its expertise and deep industry knowledge to make ocean visibility simple.

GateHouse Maritime delivers next-generation data insights for end-to-end ocean visibility. Founded in 1992, they help global supply chains, offshore industries, maritime providers and surveillance companies gain easy access to ocean data insights for resilient operations, value to end-customers and efficient, safe navigation for a profitable business.

Today Morten Bols, Market Development Director at GateHouse Maritime, joins me to chat all about the company; the power of good data; using technology to support sustainability; and their vision to optimize supply chains, and change the working lives of freight forwarders and visibility providers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.53] An overview of the challenges for Gatehouse in the current climate, and for the maritime industry.

[08.04] An introduction to GateHouse Maritime – who they are, what they do and how they help their customers.

“We’ve been tracking vessels for more than 20 years, we have a lot of history and a lot of data.”

[08.44] How Gatehouse helps to keep freight moving and tackle disruption; how technology is rapidly changing, as organizations try to keep up; and Morten’s vision for optimizing supply chains and changing the lives of freight forwarders and visibility providers.

“What’s important is that you try to plan better! The industry hasn’t done that, and is still struggling to do it. The industry is struggling to work with technology and optimize the options they have available.”

[10.56] Gatehouse’s tracking product OceanIO, its benefits, and how clients use it.

“If you don’t have any tracking, you trust the carriers. And it’s not to say that all carriers are bad, but many are missing key components and key milestones to do this.”

[12.19] A closer look at Gatehouse’s port intelligence solution, why it’s so unique in the market, and the 20 years’ worth of data and detailed port surveillance that sits behind the product.

[15.24] The wide breadth of industries that can work with Gatehouse Maritime.

“There’s so many people to work with, and that’s so exciting!”

[16.20] Why Gatehouse doesn’t offer user platforms, and focus on what they’re good at – the data.

[17.26] The ideal client for Gatehouse Maritime.

[18.56] A closer look at onboarding and integration with Gatehouse.

[20.18] Why sustainability is a key pillar at Gatehouse, and how they’re helping the industry meet key ESG goals.

[21.34] Why Morten enjoys surprising industry brands with Gatehouse’s robust solutions.

[23.53] The future for Gatehouse Maritime.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Gatehouse Maritime’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Gatehouse Maritime and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Vimeo, or you can connect with Morten on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, and want to hear from some amazing women in the maritime industry, why not read Lauren Beagen on Protecting and Empowering Women in the Maritime Industry, or listen to episode 185: Chart a Course for Shipping Success, where Alison Cusack chats all about her business Cusack and Co, her career as a lawyer in the maritime industry, the importance of empowering shippers, and of driving better business.

This episode was filmed at Manifest 2023. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:

330: Transform Every Move, Every Mode and Every Mile, with Blume Global
329: Future-Proof Your EDI Infrastructure, with Orderful
327: Turn Your Shipping Process Into a Competitive Advantage, with Enveyo
325: Build Thriving Supply Chain Communities, with Envase Technologies
322: Innovative Asset Tracking Made Easy, with Blackberry Radar

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Renewal Logistics, a high-volume, high-throughput, collaborative and sustainability-focused woman-owned logistics company.

Renewal Logistics are an e-commerce fulfillment and third party logistics company with a specialty in apparel and consumer goods, partnering with eco-friendly brands that have outgrown in-house fulfillment and require flexible and scalable, on-demand solutions.

Today Courtney Folk, CEO and co-founder of Renewal Logistics, joins me to chat all about the company; how fulfillment and logistics are changing; creating exceptional brand experiences; and how they are leading the circular movement, through processing returns from your favorite national retailers.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [08.01] Courtney’s background, how her husband’s family dry cleaning business led her to co-found Renewal logistics and an overview of the company’s growth.

“As women… you have to be careful not to turn down opportunities, and not turn down people that are willing to help.”

[16.12] How the landscape of e-commerce, fulfillment, logistics and sustainability has changed, and the current industry challenges.

“The thing that’s different now is returns. Returns is what most e-commerce brands are struggling with. If you don’t have a solid sustainability and reverse logistics program in place, you end up ditching a lot of product, and not receiving the value out of it.”

[18.55] A closer look at Renewal’s services, and how they’re helping customers tackle key industry challenges.

“A lot of companies just never really think about how much agility they could have in the marketplace, if they had a really good option when it comes to that repackaging piece.”

[24.30] The ideal client for Renewal Logistics.

[27.40] How Renewal manages the popular trend of subscription boxes.

[31.34] The importance of building circular supply chains, and how a focus on returns and sustainability can give businesses a competitive advantage.

“It’s amazing how much money companies are leaving on the table!”

[41.43] The future for Renewal Logistics.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Renewal Logistics website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Renewal Logistics and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube or Instagram, or you can connect with Courtney on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, and want to hear more from Courtney, check out 328: Blended – Breaking the Class Ceiling, where Courtney joins a panel of industry leaders to discuss the sometimes controversial subject of classism.

And if you're interested in hearing more about the fashion and apparel industries, why not listen to 223: Women in Supply Chain, Tara St James, featuring Tara St James: fashion designer, sustainable design strategist and responsible supply chain consultant, or 239: Women in Supply Chain, Joanna MacDonald, featuring entrepreneur, fashion designer, communications and training specialist and philanthropist, Joanna MacDonald.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by the multi-talented Sylena Urbanoski: veteran, business founder, supply chain leader and start-up advisor.

Sylena Urbanoski is a strategic and dynamic operations leader with over seven years’ experience at the chief executive level, where she built profitable start-up divisions, grew business lines, managed deals, and streamlined operations. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Sylena also co-founded a company that sold at 10 times valuation within 24 month to Flexport.

Today Sylena will be talking to us about her career so far; her entrepreneurial success; her long-time business partnership; and why she’s so passionate about scaling start-ups. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.

Supply chains need to evolve from low-cost and optimized to risk-resilient and sustainable and SAP can help.

SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software and for the last 50 years has been helping companies to run better. Find out more at sap.com/scm

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [10.16] Sylena’s career journey and how a road trip with a friend led to a life-changing business and lifelong partnership.

“We went on a road trip and by the end of the trip we had the whole business plan sorted, and a vision about what we wanted to build. We found some investment backing, and jumped into it!”

[13.26] The vision behind Sylena’s first business, and its successful sale to Flexport.

“Customs in Canada are so far behind, and we went through the journey of what would it take to start digitizing and creating an environment where we could re-employ amazing women who weren’t staying in the industry, because it didn’t support their family and work/life balance.”

[17.46] Sylena’s experience working with Flexport, the next steps in her career journey, and her long-time business partnership with Cindy Christensen.

“I love building start-ups, I’m passionate about scaling them.”

[19.59] How and why supply chain has changed for women in the last decade, and the work that still needs to be done.

“Women in the supply chain industry spend so much of our careers fighting for any breath in the room… and it used to be that there were so few women in that room that it was so hard to partner up with other women because there was so little air to take.”

[22.26] From finance to the military to supply chain, Sylena’s experience across multiple male-dominated environments, and her experience of strong, supportive women.

“Every room I’ve ever been in as an adult has been male-dominated… it’s better now, but it’s nowhere near as good as it needs to be.”

[25.15] The industry areas that Sylena would like to see changed for women.

“The industry doesn’t create opportunities… there is no unifying place where continued education and promotion opportunities exist.”

“We spent so long finding any available space in that room, we really haven’t, as women in this industry, embraced the opportunity to step in and take the space we deserve.”

[30.40] What the future holds for Sylena.

“If you look at everybody else that’s trying to solve supply chain from a tech perspective, they’re all looking at it from a freight perspective. But the only one unifying factor about supply chain… is that every shipment touches a customs broker.”

[32.49] Sylena’s words of advice for leadership, and women in the industry.

“Find community first, and lean into it.”

[35.35] What excites Sylena the most about the future of supply chain, and her advice for jumping in.

[38.11] Sylena’s biggest top tip for women in supply chain.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Sylena over on LinkedIn.

If you'd like to hear more from Sylena, check out episode 26 of Blended – Veterans Voices: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Serve. And if you want to hear even more veteran voices, listen to episode 14 of Blended – Veterans and Civil life: Winning the Battle of Workplace Discrimination.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Blume Global, a market-leading, sustainability-focused software brand that is removing a huge $1 trillion of waste from the global supply chain, and making logistics processes more agile, dependable, and sustainable with innovative execution and visibility solutions.

Blume Global is a technology provider committed to an ethical, purpose-driven supply chain ecosystem; and to creating a more sustainable environment through providing an open, neutral platform across all trading partners to drive asset optimization, predictive visibility and traceability.

Today Pervinder Johar, CEO at Blume Global, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; why digitization is now a requirement, not a preference; putting sustainability at the heart of everything they do; and helping businesses to utilize the power of visibility to manage their biggest business impacts in real-time.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.24] Pervinder’s background, the entrepreneurial journey that led him to found Blume, and the importance of bringing innovation and inspiration from other industries together to solve complex problems.

“I’m a computer science graduate, and I wanted to only work on large, complex problems… I started making control systems for nuclear power plants!”

[10.51] An overview of Blume – what they do and how they help their customers.

“Supply chain is a highly distributed environment… how do you connect all of those dots, and then optimize it?”

[11.59] The impact of supply chain on the environment, why Blume puts sustainability at the heart of everything they do, and why businesses need to stop making decisions just based on time and cost and consider modes that are more environmentally friendly.

[18.28] How Blume orchestrates an intermodal supply chain, and works as a competitive advantage for its customers.

“It’s not about visibility alone… it’s about: how do you guarantee that all the stuff is going to show up at the same time?… So having a large number of options, and an understanding of what needs to expedited, and what needs to be slowed down is key. And slowing down is equally as important from an environmental perspective… Speed is bad for the environment!”

[21.52] A closer look at the Blume platform, and how it can help with risk management.

[24.48] Blume’s R&D arm, and the importance of fostering innovation in supply chain.

[27.19] The ideal client for Blume Global.

[28.56] Two case studies showing how Blume services were used to connect small businesses, with no tech infrastructure, to larger ones; and to help shippers ensure quality sourcing and collaboration.

[32.00] The future for Blume.

“We want the ecosystem to continue to evolve in an organic fashion – and that’s what Blume means... a blooming ecosystem.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Blume Global’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blume and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or Twitter, or you can connect with Pervinder on LinkedIn or Twitter.

This episode was filmed at Manifest 2023. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:

329: Future-Proof Your EDI Infrastructure, with Orderful
327: Turn Your Shipping Process Into a Competitive Advantage, with Enveyo
325: Build Thriving Supply Chain Communities, with Envase Technologies
322: Innovative Asset Tracking Made Easy, with Blackberry Radar

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Orderful, a collaborative and forward-thinking software brand that are building the future of EDI. With a pre-connected network, they’re aiming to move the needle from months to trade down to minutes.

Orderful is a complete cloud EDI platform for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and technology companies. With an API that enables companies to connect once and trade EDI data with their supply chain, Orderful customers are able to consolidate their EDI software integration complexity and quickly enable trading partners as self-service to reduce costs.

Today Erik Kiser, CEO and founder of Orderful, joins me to chat all about the company; the challenges involved with traditional EDI solutions; bringing supply chains together; achieving visibility and addressing risk; and the future of EDI.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [05.59] A reminder of who Orderful are, and how they help their customers.

“We’re a modern EDI platform focused on making EDI onboarding fast, affordable, and easy.”

[07.14] An overview of EDI, its place in the industry alongside API, and why it’s ‘the plumbing of today’s supply chain.’

“It’s become the standard of trade… so we turned this whole legacy experience into a modern software experience for modern developers and modern teams.”

[10.08] The importance of good data in onboarding, and how Orderful helps to solve some of supply chain’s typical data challenges.

“We’ve been able to make it very simple for a company to start trading with a new partner, because we go right into validation and data. Most providers will only validate the structure of a file, but Orderful… can not only check the structure, but we also validate the data that’s in that transaction, so they can solve problems in real time.”

[14.31] What visibility means to Orderful, why it’s so important, and how visibility services like notifications can help companies solve challenges in real time.

[18.27] How Orderful empowers customers to confidently manage risk, and creates a smoother experience for teams across businesses.

[20.51] The ideal client for Orderful.

“We’re winning with 3PLs, 4PLs and SaaS platforms!”

[22.15] A case study showing how Orderful helped a major client to reduce its onboarding time and proccesses for new carriers from 90 steps and 12 weeks down to 30 steps in nine days, and how Orderful sits apart from its competition

[26.17] The future for Orderful.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Orderful’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Orderful and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with Erik on LinkedIn.

If enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Orderful, check out episode 281, where Erik talks all about why it’s so important to help the small guys get to market; why existing EDI software infrastructures can’t keep up; and Orderful’s mission to create a world where data trading is not a barrier. Or, you can read their blog A New Cloud EDI Platform: 5 Ways to Simplify EDI, or even watch Erik on a special live episode of Thoughts and Coffee, where Erik and Sarah dive into more issues around EDI and trending industry news.

This episode was filmed at Manifest 2023. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:

327: Turn Your Shipping Process Into a Competitive Advantage, with Enveyo
325: Build Thriving Supply Chain Communities, with Envase Technologies
322: Innovative Asset Tracking Made Easy, with Blackberry Radar

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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It’s episode 30 of Blended: I’m joined by a brand new panel of inspirational professionals and, today, we’re talking about classism.

Now, some people believe that we’ve left classism behind. But, sadly, studies show that it’s alive and well – and its impacts are huge. The bottom 80% of the United States holds only 12% of its wealth; the bottom 60%, is just 3% of its wealth. And despite this huge disparity, little is being done to drive change.

In a world where we’re working hard to tackle issues around gender, race, sexuality, religion and more – why are conversations around socioeconomic groupings still so often missing from the conversation? Surely it’s high time we address class barriers, build bridges and work harder to become a more equitable society.

So today, our guests will be diving into classism and what it means to them; sharing their personal experiences; reflecting on education, privilege and pedigree; and discussing what organizations can do to tackle classism in the workplace and create more truly diverse communities.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.01] Introductions to our Blended panelists.

Elise – VP of Customer Experience at Parade
Courtney – Co-founder and CEO of Renewal Logistics and ReNew
Amanda – Associate Director at Savills
Christine – VP of Product Marketing and Go-to-Market at Nulogy

“When I think about classism, it’s really class discrimination. We live in a system where people are valued and treated differently based on their perceived class…. It’s so systemic and it reaches every single part of our system.” Elise

[05.27] The group discusses classism, the complex issues that feed into it, and what classism means to them.

“It goes beyond how others perceive you – classism is also about how you perceive yourself. You grow up in a particular socio-economic group, and often you can self-limit.”

How others see us
How we see ourselves
Self-sabotage
Imposter syndrome and mindset
Privilege
Access to/relationship with education
Etiquette and formality
Generational money/mindset/networks
Communication between classes
Building communities and relationships
Meritocracy
Criminalization of poverty
Entrepreneurship, financial security as a safety net and how money allows you to take more risks
Perceptions, and Illusions of social media
Power of networks

“We would be so much further along as a society if everyone was comfortable talking to other people with an open mind, more like ‘what can I learn from this conversation’ rather than ‘what am I going to disagree with.’” Courtney

[47.17] The panel shares their experiences of classism in the workplace, and the impact of pedigree and education.

“I didn’t think I was enough, I’m not good enough, I don’t have the pedigree – I never saw myself being someone that could be at an elite level. And it wasn’t because intellectually I wasn’t enough, it was because of that class that I was born in and what I saw all around me.” Christine

Christine’s experience of educational hierarchy and her reflections on classism in the Ivy League
Elise’s experience of start-ups, the ‘typical’ type of founder, leader and C Suite member, the ‘boys club’ and how she developed her own biases
How we can work on ourselves and tackle bias

[58.02] The group share their ideas for how organizations can help to tackle classism in the workplace.

Amanda shares how Savills are helping to support young people entering real estate
The importance of mentors
Stepping out of your comfort zone
Celebrating small wins and sharing expectations
Creating opportunities for success
Creating development plans for staff
Respect
Thinking about people holistically and making changes
Innovative thinking
Potential classism in remote work
Ensuring class is part of DEI policy
Team-building
Education and training
Translating values into behaviors
Tackling classism through supplier diversity

“It’s the subtle shift from looking for culture fit, to looking at culture add… we want someone to both support and challenge.”

[1.22.37] The panel sums up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Elise, Courtney, Amanda and Christine over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, why not check out 215: Blended – Shining a light on social inequality, or 323: Blended – How to Foster an Inclusive Workplace.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Enveyo, an innovative logistics software brand that wants to optimize every aspect of a business’s shipping operations, with solutions that leverage enterprise-level technology and big data experience to empower organizations to make business-transforming shipping decisions.

Enveyo is transforming the way technology drives logistics. As the only parcel TMS provider enabling end-to-end supply chain visibility, from shipping analytics and automation to customer delivery experience management, organizations are optimizing their shipping operations with Enveyo's cloud-based suite of solutions.

Today Coby Nilsson, CEO and co-founder of Enveyo, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; letting the data tell the story; the importance of predictive analysis to the future of logistics; and finding the balance between cost reduction and customer satisfaction.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.17] Coby’s career journey and his passion for technology.

“I’m a psych major who spent my entire career in technology… I have a passion for solving problems.”

[09.31] How Coby’s experience at Adobe inspired him to found Enveyo, the challenges he saw in the market – and why those challenges haven’t really changed.

“I ran global integrations, so we were measuring all the micro transactions… brands knew everything that was happening prior to purchase, but when you’ve bought it, it goes into the abyss… so brands wanted us to stitch that together.”

[13.10] An overview of Enveyo – what they do and how they help their customers.

“The underlying challenge for all of these organizations is the data.”

[13.51] An introduction to Insights, one of Enveyo’s five core solutions, the role of visibility, and what it means to Enveyo.

“What visibility means to me is bringing the data all together in a consolidated platform, and then allowing you, as a customer, to consume that data in ways that you want.”

[16.06] A closer look at Cloudroute, Enveyo’s innovative TMS software.

“Once you understand what’s happening and you have the data in one place, you can identify areas of opportunity.”

[18.13] Coby’s perspective on the ‘Excel epidemic’ and why businesses should be using technology systems like Enveyo instead.

“Excel is so ubiquitous, it’s a very powerful application but it starts to break down when you hit critical mass of data.”

[22.27] An introduction to Modeling, and the power of predictive analysis and data-driven decision-making.

“You start with Insights, then you see some opportunities. But before you want to pull the trigger on orchestration, test it out. Run a scenario and see if it’s going to have the impact you expect.”

[24.08] A closer look at Enveyo’s Alerting solution, its role as the communication bridge with the customer and how it can help to improve customer experience.

[25.49] The ideal client for Enveyo.

[27.27] A case study showing how Enveyo’s modeling solution helped a key customer to make strategic decisions around their carrier choice and distribution center, ultimately helping them to save 16% on shipping costs and grow by 31%.

[30.59] The future for Enveyo.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Enveyo’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Enveyo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with Coby on LinkedIn.

This episode was filmed at Manifest 2023. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:

325: Build Thriving Supply Chain Communities, with Envase Technologies
322: Innovative Asset Tracking Made Easy, with Blackberry Radar

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Paige Wei-Cox: one of Supply Chain Digital’s ‘Top 100 Women in Supply Chain,’ and a 2022 Pro to Know.

Paige Wei-Cox is a global leader with extensive cross-border supply chain experience. Over the course of her 20-year career at SAP, she has held a variety of management positions across the US and Germany. The recipient of Supply Chain and Demand Executives prestigious ‘Women In Supply Chain’ award, Paige is passionate about transforming today’s fragmented supply chains into a unified, collaborative and intelligent network of networks.

Today Paige will be talking to us about her career so far; the importance of industry recognition for women; why there’s more supply chain disruption to come; and moving countries, and continents, to pursue her dream. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.

Supply chains need to evolve from low cost and optimized to risk-resilient and sustainable and SAP can help.

SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software and for the last 50 years has been helping companies to run better. Find out more at sap.com/scm

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.09] How Paige found supply chain, and her varied career journey through the industry.

“My career went from manufacturing to R&D, PLM, logistics, planning, networks – it’s travelled the entire supply chain… it’s been a fun journey!”

[08.11] From a shift to demand driven and embracing a customer-centric approach, Paige reflects on how the industry has changed since the start of her career, and what she’s learned along the way.

“At that time, not many people talked about supply chain, it was more about ‘how do we optimize my enterprise… it was the beginning of digitization.”

[13.15] How and why Paige moved to Europe, her experiences, and the cultural differences she’s observed between Germany and the US.

[20.45] Paige’s current role as senior vice president, chief product officer and global head of SAP Business Network, and the challenges, highs and lows it encompasses.

“The fun part is the creation... the non-fun part is there’s no buffer time… when you don’t have a full calendar, you almost feel lost!”

[25.48] The challenges and changing trends that Paige is observing at an industry level, and from the perspective of SAP and their customers – and how she’s tackling them.

“We’ve gone through this incredible globalization, but I also see a trend of localization… the complexity of supply chain is no longer about finding the cheapest supply, or 100% outsourcing. It’s about how my whole supply and demand chain can connect.”

[30.41] Paige’s experience as a woman, working for 25 years in a male-dominated industry, and whether the landscape for women has changed.

“When I first started, I was the only girl… today if I look at my teams around the world, I see a lot of young women entering with passion… we’re much more diversified.”

[32.34] The importance of mentors, of elevating female voices in the workplace, and of women supporting women.

“To really grow and learn, you need someone to challenge and push you, but also support you and open their network to you.”

[36.23] Paige’s industry awards, and the importance of continuing to celebrate women in supply chain.

“Hopefully more women will find the topic to be interesting, because if you’re a problem-solver, there’s no other field more interesting than supply chain. There are so many challenges that nobody has answered that makes this industry super challenging but very fulfilling.”

[38.37] The personal achievement that Paige is most proud of.

[40.34] The future for Paige.

[41.56] Paige’s advice for girls and women looking to follow in her footsteps.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Paige over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from other inspirational women from SAP, check out episode 321 featuring Darcy MacClaren, Senior VP of Digital Supply Chain and Manufacturing for North America or 283: Blended – The Rise of Asian Discrimination featuring Gale, Director of Global Influencer Marketing at the leading brand.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Envase Technologies, a game-changing TMS provider that is on a mission to guide the freight industry into a more sustainable and profitable future.

Envase bring together everything you need to gain visibility and control over your operations, expose inefficiency, and de-clutter your system, including industry-leading TMS options to fit your needs, business intelligence, rate management tools, an integrated mobile driver app, and a complete marketplace.

Today Larry Cuddy, CEO of Envase Technologies, joins me to chat all about the company; the power of strategic mergers and acquisitions; putting a focus on optimization, as well as visibility; and the importance of industry-wide collaboration.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.32] An overview of Envase Technologies – what they do and how they help their customers.

“Envase is a digital drayage intermodal platform... and we’re helping optimize terminals.”

[07.25] Larry’s founder journey, and why he decided to tackle a fragmented market by establishing Envase and taking a proactive approach to mergers and acquisitions.

“We all got along as competitors, and now we’re all on the same team!”

[09.00] Why Larry is passionate about ‘getting his hands dirty’ in business, and the importance of collaboration.

“It gets back to culture… so we lead by example. I would never ask anybody to do anything that I haven’t attempted.”

[10.33] Larry announces some breaking news, and explains the impact it will have on the industry, and Envase customers.

“It’s so exciting, because nothing has been attempted like this!”

[12.16] The landscape of the current market, and Larry’s reflections on the key challenges and trends.

“There’s a real big spotlight on visibility and transparency… but ultimately where everyone wants to get to is optimization, and that’s the thing that everybody overlooks.”

[14.47] Larry’s advice for organizations starting their digital transformation journey; how they can identify the available options; and the conversations Envase have with their own clients to discover the best solutions for them.

[17.53] The challenges facing Envase’s customers, and how Envase can help.

“We still fight the fight every day about collaboration… people want to be protective of their data, they don’t want to share, they don’t want to be friends – so we take a very different approach.”

[19.27] From collaboration to data, the future for the industry.

“We’ve got air, we’ve got ocean, we’ve got LTL, we’ve got truckload. We’ve got all these different modes, but nobody shares the same DNA in order to say ‘hey, this is how we do this better!’”

[21.23] The future for Envase Technologies.

“We’re never happy with the status quo!”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Envase Technologies’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Envase and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with Larry on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, and want to hear more from Envase Technologies, check out episode 311 featuring Allen Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Envase. Allen told me all about the company and what they do; the importance of digitizing drayage; how simplicity empowers growth; and why the freight industry is vital to the future of the nation.

This episode was filmed at Manifest 2023. If you want to hear another fantastic episode filmed at the event, why not check out episode 322, Innovative Asset Tracking Made Easy, with Blackberry Radar.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Makersite, an award-winning, sustainability-driven software-as-a-service provider helping manufacturing enterprises solve complex challenges around their products and supply chains.

Makersite develops next-generation product data management tools for the global manufacturing industry, providing AI, data and apps for sustainable product and supply chain decisions at scale. Founded in 2018, the platform is the only cloud-based platform combining data aggregation and live applications for agile product life cycle management.

Today Neil D'Souza, Founder and CEO at Makersite, joins me to chat all about the brand and what they do; using automation to help achieve Net Zero; the importance of shortening innovation cycles; and transforming visibility into resilience.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.35] Neil’s background, his early interest in sustainability, and why he founded Makersite.

“I got into the space early.. and it wasn’t so much about carbon… it was more about looking at how much we waste from what we create or extract from the environment, and how we can change it.”

[09.52] How things have changed since Makersite was founded in 2018, why they’re still helping clients to do the same thing, but with vastly different decision-making criteria, and why everyone is looking for the next big thing to drive innovation forward.

“Wherever you look across the globe, there is a race like never before.”

[13.07] An overview of Makersite – what they do and how they help their customers.

“The problem fits squarely in the hands of people that make stuff. Very often, we direct attention to how we use it, but it really isn’t... We shouldn’t direct responsibility away.”

[16.10] The ideal client for Makersite.

[17.58] A case study showing how Makersite helped Microsoft figure out where to invest money to reduce impact, by quickly analyzing component data to allow them to optimize and drive effective change.

[22.06] Sustainability and the goal of Net Zero, the struggle with translating big ESG ambitions into practical action and how Makersite are helping businesses to ‘automate their way to net zero.’

“Net Zero is almost theoretical. Practically, there’s no way to get to net zero, unless you look at off-setting as one component… But you cannot just continue to operate as you do today, and just buy credits somewhere else, that doesn’t work.”

[29.26] How Makersite are empowering manufacturers to accelerate product design, and the importance of shortening innovation cycles to design better products faster.

“We want to get to Net Zero by 2050, and lots of countries and companies have pledged for this. That’s 30 years. But the average go-to-market for an innovation cycle for technology today is five to seven years. So if you’re a car designer you have five iterations, at most, to make your car net zero.”

[33.44] Supply chain risk, the importance of resilience and how Makersite are helping to transform visibility into resilience.

“Resilience is the reaction to disruption.”

[39.40] What integration and onboarding looks like with Makersite.

[41.35] The future for Makersite.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Makersite’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Makersite and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Twitter, or you can connect with Neil on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more brands talking about sustainability and a Net Zero goal, check out episode 312, featuring Mark Ang, Co-founder and CEO at GoBolt, where he talked all about bringing sustainability to an industry notorious for its heavy impact on the environment, and his organization's goal to reach carbon-negative deliveries by the end of 2023.

Or why not check out my blog, Combating Climate Change with Supply Chain Solutions, for a quick read on going green.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by BlackBerry Radar, a logistics technology brand that delivers asset monitoring, engineered for intelligence, and designed to solve for your most common transportation challenges.

Launched in 2016, BlackBerry Radar is an intelligent, secure and user-friendly asset tracking and monitoring solution. It provides reliable industry-leading visibility into a range of fleet assets, including trailers, flatbeds, chassis and intermodal containers, utilizing device hardware, a secure communications network, and a dynamic cloud platform.

Today Shannon Hamilton, Vice President of Blackberry Radar Sales, joins me to chat all about the brand and what they do; pioneering the future of hyperconnectivity; making the complex simple; and leveraging real-time insights to deliver better, and faster, customer service.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.03] How the transportation industry’s challenges have evolved, the landscape of the industry in a post-pandemic environment, and the key focus areas for logistics businesses.

“Coming out of the pandemic we’ve seen a bit of a slowdown, so now it’s really about assessing and right-sizing your fleet, and making better financial decisions about where you’re investing in those assets.”

[07.36] An overview of Blackberry Radar – what they do and how they help their customers.

“Everybody knew Blackberry, back when it was their favorite handset, but most people don’t know what we’re doing today… We’ve been using all of our Intellectual Property, and including all of the design capabilities of building handset software, but now we’re building devices for the transportation industry.”

[09.21] A closer look at the Radar device itself, what it does, and how and where it can be installed.

“Marrying both the physical location with the inside of that piece of equipment is really enabling next-level efficiency.”

[12.12] From helping to reduce empty miles to improved maintenance efficiency, the benefits of installing BlackBerry Radar in your trailers.

[16.49] The most efficient ways to mitigate risk, the importance of good data, and how Blackberry Radar can help.

“Mitigating risk is really about having the information in a usable way, that can improve the way you make decisions. The quality of your decisions is really based on the data that you have – if you have good data, you make good decisions.”

[18.59] The challenges within intermodal and how Blackberry Radar can help with a range of issues from displacement and theft to next-level visibility.

[23.43] A closer look at what reporting, data and customization looks like with Blackberry Radar.

“Every business has different business rules and different logic that they’re working towards. So all of those events can be customized so you’re making use of that information in the best possible way.”

[25.42] The ideal client for Blackberry Radar.

[26.19] A case study showing how Blackberry Radar helped a key client to better utilize existing equipment instead of regularly invest in new assets, ultimately resulting in a vast reduction of capital investment, reduction in maintenance, creation of new revenue streams and enhanced customer experience.

[30.11] The future for BlackBerry Raday.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Blackberry Radar’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blackberry Radar and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shannon, check out her blog for our Women In Supply Chain series, where she shares more about her career journey, who inspires her and her experience as a woman in a historically male-dominated industry.

This episode was filmed onsite at Manifest. Look out for more incredible content from the show - coming soon!

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by multi-award-winning supply chain leader Darcy MacClaren.

Darcy MacClaren is a strategic global leader who has spent 30 years growing, differentiating, and improving businesses through technology transformation with a focus on supply chain. She has held various leadership roles at SAP over the last ten years and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Digital Supply Chain and Industry 4.0 for SAP North America. Darcy is passionate about collaboration, and committed to guiding organizations in their digital transformation journey through innovative technology and next-generation business processes.

Today Darcy will be talking to us about her career so far; the role of sponsors, as well as mentors; building a support network for women; and putting a focus on helping companies build resilient, agile, and sustainable supply chains. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.

Supply chains need to evolve from low-cost and optimized to risk-resilient and sustainable and SAP can help.

SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software and for the last 50 years has been helping companies to run better. Find out more at sap.com/scm

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.53] Darcy’s ambition as a young person, and how a role at Hewlett Packard in the early days of her career set Darcy on a path to success.

“Right from a young age, I knew I wanted to be successful, I knew I wanted to be powerful – but I didn’t know what that meant.”

[09.18] How Darcy found supply chain, why her strengths were such a good match, and why she really fell in love with the industry.

[13.02] Why Darcy found her voice early on in her career, and how she came to appreciate the magnitude of supply chain and the impact it had on people’s lives.

“I do a lot of mentoring for folks entering the field and I always let them know: 'you know more than you think you know. You just don’t have the confidence yet.'”

[16.59] Why Darcy joined SAP, her journey at the brand over the past 11 years and why she’s so passionate about it.

“When you work at a smaller niche company, many times you look around the room and you’re the most experienced person there. I wanted to learn from senior executives, the best in the world, and really grow myself as a leader.”

[20.33] Darcy’s current role as Senior VP of Digital Supply Chain and Manufacturing for North America, the increasing importance of digital transformation, and what she sees from her perspective at SAP.

“It’s a journey. But the good news is that digital transformation is finally starting… you don’t transform overnight but you have to have a plan, and you have to start now.”

[25.34] The importance of tackling sustainability in supply chain, alongside risk, agility and resilience.

“We all know it’s the right thing to do… but if you want the best people, they want to work for sustainable companies; if you want customers, they want to buy from sustainable companies – so it makes good business sense.”

[29.06] Darcy’s experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry across her 30-year career.

“It has changed, but not to the extent that I thought it would have, by the time my daughter came into the industry.”

[34.23] Why Darcy established the award-winning Women in Supply Chain Network, and the impact it’s having on the community.

“It’s great for the career path if you have aspirations to be in the C Suite – supply chain is a great background to have, because of the visibility you get across different industries.”

[36.43] The difference between mentors and sponsors, and Darcy’s advice for making the most of both of them.

[40.25] Darcy’s reflections on why women should dive into supply chain, and why they’re so well-suited to the industry.

“There was a study that actually said, statistically, women are better suited to supply chain – and it had to do with empathy.”

[43.12] Darcy’s advice for girls and women looking to follow in her footsteps.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Darcy over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from another incredible woman from SAP, check out 283: Blended – The Rise of Asian Discrimination featuring Gale, Director of Global Influencer Marketing at the leading brand.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today we’re putting the spotlight on one of our incredible live shows, LogTech Live With Eric Johnson.

Eric is Senior Editor of Technology at the Journal Of Commerce and a long-time friend of the show, and he brings us his unrivaled industry insights – and Dad jokes! – on the first and third Friday of every month at 10am EST.

In this episode, Eric is joined by special guest Anthony Miller, SaaS, Tech, Logistics and Supply Chain Consultant, to talk about the hottest news from the biggest brands in logistics right now.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [08.22] From C.H. Robinson CEO Bob Biesterfeld’s shock exit to a new collaboration between an early-stage tech provider and freight forwarders, Eric explores the news of the week.

[15.01] An introduction to Eric’s guest, Anthony Miller, his experience at WiseTech, and his love for logistics.

“Logistics is so exciting and ever-changing… some people would say it's still stuck in the past, but I don’t see that. It’s a mixture of both – you have the great people and the processes, and then you have the tech, and they’re all just trying to come together.”

[19.56] How and why Anthony became a provocative logistics voice on LinkedIn.

“I want people to read something and think about it, go and do some research, talk to people and form your own opinions.”

[27.53] Anthony and Eric discuss CargoWise - its position in the market, why the organization has come under recent scrutiny, how businesses like GoFreight are breaking through to serve the SMB market, and the downside of aggressive acquisition strategies.

[41.20] Anthony’s thoughts on the future for CH Robinson and Flexport.

“Our industry is about consolidation. And as soon as you show some weakness, that’s it – sharks are circling.”

[47.51] Eric ends with his favorite question: ‘what’s your favorite band and why?’

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Discover more breaking news over on Journal of Commerce, and connect with Anthony on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Nipendo, a forward-thinking software brand that is on a mission to improve how buyers and suppliers work together to combat Source-to-Pay inefficiencies and costs.

The Nipendo platform is an intelligent intermediator between buyers and suppliers, using technologies like Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to streamline interactions and benefit all trading partners. The Nipendo platform is used by cross-vertical medium-sized and large companies across the globe, helping them reduce costs and improve procurement and supply chain efficiencies, as well as supporting their competitive strength.

Today Paul Noel, Chief Revenue Officer at Nipendo, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; their recent acquisition by Amex; changing the game in a flooded SaaS market; helping brands to embrace digital transformation processes; and the importance of bringing buyers and suppliers together in mutually beneficial partnerships.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.38] How and why Nipendo was founded, and what attracted Paul to the brand.

“It was that approach – much more additive than disruptive – that really intrigued me as the new age of spend management.”

[10.34] An overview of Nipendo – what they do and how they help their customers.

[12.55] Buyers: their key challenges, how the Nipendo platform works for them, and the benefits it delivers.

[15.02] Suppliers: their unique set of obstacles, and what the Nipendo platform looks like from a seller's perspective.

“As buyers get their act together more, it forces more requirements on the suppliers… the big saving for suppliers is having one place where they can work with multiple customers.”

[17.45] The impact of facilitating buyers and suppliers to work more successfully together, at a business and industry level.

“People stop doing tedious things!... The pandemic gave everyone a shot in the arm - people started thinking ‘what am I doing that’s value add, what am I doing that can be automated?’”

[21.15] Paul’s thoughts on digitization and what he thinks organizations have been doing wrong, and right.

[23.56] What integration and onboarding look like with Nipendo.

“The availability of your IT can be a block, but when you’ve figured that out, the rest of is pretty easy. We’re going to do the heavy lifting, because we’ll make sure that message is going to flow through whatever pipe you open up, it’s just a matter of opening that pipe.”

[27.44] The ideal client for Nipendo.

[29.46] Several case studies showing how Nipendo helped key clients improve efficiency, collaboration and communication, ultimately supporting overall business growth, optimization and cost reduction.

[34.06] The future for Nipendo.

“2023 you’ll see our name out there for a more holistic approach that a mid-market company can use, so they can leverage technology to walk and talk like a big guy, without having to be a big guy."

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Nipendo’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Nipendo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Paul on LinkedIn.

If you're in the mood for a good read, check out our Women In Supply Chain blog interview with good friend of the show Sarah Scudder - she talks all about how, in the early days of her career, learning that procurement and marketing weren’t collaborating led to her breakthrough moment.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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It’s episode 28 of Blended: I’m joined by a new panel of incredible guests and, today, we’re talking about parenthood.

Traditionally, parenthood and the workplace are areas that have been kept separate and many, particularly women, have been forced to choose between them, as taking time out to have children impacts their career progression and financial situation. Increasingly though, parents are looking to achieve a more healthy work-life balance. But, although some employers are starting to pay attention, many still don’t believe that conversations around family belong in the workplace, and parental rights and flexibility continue to leave a lot to be desired.

So, as always, we want to use this platform here on Blended to have these conversations, keep them top of mind and hopefully help to influence some positive change out in the world.

Today, our guests will be sharing their experiences of parenthood; maternity, paternity and grievance leave; learning from our parent's mistakes; modeling boundaries; and the negative impact of a focus on productivity over parenthood.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [00.16] Introductions to our Blended panelists.

“I realized early on in my own parenting that I wouldn’t be someone who was completely consumed by providing – I wanted to be present as a father. But there’s a real wrestle with that, as a founder.” Jonathan

Margo – aka CargoMargo and Director of Sales at NFI
Jonathan – CEO of Shipz and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain AsiaPac
Caralynn – Marketing and Content Team Lead at AuditMiner
Jason – Brand Director at Supply Chain and Green
Lisa – Supply Chain Manager

“The best views are from the highest climbs.” Margo

[08.56] The group shares their personal experiences of parenthood – the ups, downs and in-betweens – and how they relate to the workplace.

“I learned growing up that you can do it all: you can be a Mom and you can be successful in your career, and I took that with me coming into the working world.” Caralynn

Caralynn’s experience as an only child with a successful working mother
Jason’s experience as a busy working father
Fear of missing out
Pride in seeing your children grow, and seeing their goals met and achievements reached
Special moments missed due to work
Mom/Dad guilt
How technology can help
Lisa’s experience of re-entering the workplace, and now helping other women do the same
Gender pay gap
Men as allies
Influencing your own children to make the impact we need to see in the future
Jonathan’s experience as a founder and father of four
Feelings of anger, resentment and being trapped within the workplace
Finding the balance
As a father, not being consumed by responsibility and providing for the family
Better accommodating mothers and their needs in the workplace
Margo's experience of mothers wearing negative experiences as a badge of honor
Length of maternity leave
Expense of childcare
Work expectations placed on women during maternity leave or even labor

“You can only do what you can do… but technology has been a great thing – if I’m missing one of my son’s games, I get to watch it on my mobile device.” Jason

[30.19] The panel discusses maternity, paternity and grievance leave, and how the different lengths of time offered impact parents.

“I set more boundaries than my Mom, and I think that’s the biggest difference generationally… if we can learn that a young age, it’s so much easier for us to advocate for ourselves.” Caralynn

Men ridiculing other men for taking leave, “man up”
Expectations of the next generation
Policy and government
Being intentional with where you work, finding the right culture
Advocating for change
Assumptions about mothers
Other paths to parenthood, eg surrogacy, adoption, step-parents
Treating people as individuals
Setting boundaries
How your upbringing impacts your approach to work
Fear
Supporting partners after birth, not just the children

“There’s a focus on productivity over parenting.” Jason

[1.07.01] The group discusses the many and varied transferrable skills that parents can translate from the home to the workplace, and what employers can do better to help parents thrive in the workplace.

“I was fortunate to be home with our guys, which I’m very thankful and grateful for, but when you go to get back to work, it’s a huge challenge... and a lot of times, we as women, do not fight for our value.” Lisa

Putting thorough plans in place
Employer training programs
Workplace culture
Transferable skills
Flexibility
Shame
Personal transparency
Bringing who you are to professional spaces like LinkedIn
Honesty and authenticity

“If parents have access to childcare and other benefits, their productivity goes up massively and everyone benefits significantly, but there’s a huge degree of a lack of creativity by employers to engage their people – because we don’t value people.” Jonathan

[1.28.16] The panel sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

“Times are changing and let’s utilize that change as leverage to have more comfortable lives and be healthier human beings.” Margo

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Margo, Lisa, Jason, Caralynn and Jonathan over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more from our guests, check out:

Episode 280 of our women in supply chain series, featuring Margo Waldie
Episode 236, Blended – Age Is Just A Number, featuring Lisa Fenton
All of our LTSC Asiapac content with Jonathan Kempe

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Aera Technology, a forward-thinking company that is on a mission to drive beyond digital transformation and make businesses smarter, dynamic, digital, and wildly successful.

Aera Technology is the Decision Intelligence Company that makes business agility happen. Their innovative cloud platform integrates with your existing systems to digitize, augment, and automate decision-making in real-time. In the era of digital acceleration, Aera helps enterprises around the world transform how they respond to the ever-changing environment.

Today Fred Laluyaux, CEO at Aera Technology, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; using AI to reimagine how organizations operate; the rise of citizen data scientists; and harnessing the power of Decision Intelligence.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.40] Fred’s background and exciting career journey as a tech entrepreneur.

“I’ve spent the last 25 years of my life building technology that helps large organizations manage their performance... (and) modeling complex problems – I feel like I’ve been trying to solve a giant puzzle for the last 25 years!”

[09.17] From cycle speed to increasing complexity, the key changes and challenges faced by today’s supply chains.

“All this new technology is allowing us to move the envelope. But the complexity of the problems that we have to resolve is also increasing exponentially. So you have this race between a goal post that’s moving very fast, and technology that’s trying to catch up... The problem goes beyond supply chain. ”

[13.10] An overview of Aera – what they do, how they help their customers and their vision for customers, and for the industry.

“The vision we had is simple… building a technology that would allow the thinking to be connected to the doing.”

[16.40] Decision Intelligence: what it means, why Gartner has recognized it as a top industry trend for this year, and how it works with Aera.

[25.45] A closer look at Aera’s four key product areas: Aera Understands, Aera Recommends, Aera Predicts and Aera Acts.

[35.00] Fred’s reflections on the balance between people and technology, the importance of collaboration and why Aera is embracing a new era of citizen data scientists.

“The operationalization of data science is really the next frontier.”

[38.04] The ideal client for Aera, a closer look at onboarding and integration, and the importance of finding the balance between time to go live and time to value.

“Its not a competition between the human operator and the system – it’s a collaboration.”

[44.03] A case study showing how Aera helped a key client increase their accuracy and response rate, leading to an increase in customer satisfaction, a decrease in order cancellations and, ultimately, higher profit.

“What excites me about this adventure is that we’re deploying a technology that’s new to enable companies to do things that were not happening before.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Aera Technology’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Aera and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Twitter, or you can connect with Fred on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from another brand that is embracing the power of AI and machine learning, why not check out episode 290, Tomorrow’s Insights Delivered Today: Enabling Operational Automation, featuring Caleb Nelson of Sifted.

And if you were intrigued by Gartner's top trend, Decision Intelligence, and are keen to discover some of the other trends you need to know about for 2023, make sure to dive into Logtech Live With Eric Johnson. Eric is Senior Editor of Technology at the Journal Of Commerce, so if something's going down in supply chain, he's the first to know!

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by TraceGains, the world’s only networked ingredients marketplace.

Founded in 2008, TraceGains connects people and information so teams can work smarter. As a global technology company, they provide networked innovation, quality, and compliance solutions to consumer brands that want to reduce supply chain risk, innovate faster, speed up business processes, and take control of data.

Today Gary Nowacki, Founder and CEO at TraceGains, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; achieving visibility and productivity through collaboration; overcoming today’s supply chain challenges; and bringing people and ingredient data together in new ways to achieve business agility.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.31] Gary’s background and how, and why, it led him to founding TraceGains.

“When we founded TraceGains, I think we used the same trick that I would recommend for anybody founding a tech or software company: find a real pain, and then make sure it’s not being serviced well.”

[08.37] A closer look at some of the biggest challenges in the food industry right now, why those challenges are forcing companies to re-evaluate their supply chains, and how TraceGains are helping their customers to conquer disruption.

“The food industry, like almost all industries, really focused on cost… Now, everything is sky rocketed through inflation and new drivers have come along…”

[13.36] An overview of TraceGains – what they do and how they help their customers.

“This is an incredibly fragmented supply chain… it was using a hub and spoke methodology… and that’s a really bad way to do things! … So we stole a page from the playbook of social media companies, and said: “Forget the hub and spoke. Let’s just get all these companies to connect.”

[15.34] A deeper dive into TraceGains Gather, a marketplace that invites customers to “experience sourcing nirvana.”

[19.56] A closer look at TraceGains' configurable solutions for product development, which support customers in creating new formulas and finished goods.

[24.02] TraceGains’ compliance solutions, and the benefit of having a range of complimentary solutions all under one roof.

[26.28] Why ingredient agility equals brand agility, and why mastering ingredient data is key to evolving your supply chain.

[28.01] Collaboration, the importance of bringing buyers and sellers together with co-manufacturing, and an example of what can go wrong when good collaboration is lacking.

“We have a new capability so buyers and sellers can collaborate, not just with the brand owners and ingredient sellers, but also with the co-manufacturers so all three can come together in a workspace – it’s almost like Pinterest… because in this problematic issue of supply chain disruptions, we need collaboration more than ever!”

[32.08] What onboarding and integration looks like with TraceGains.

“There’s a lot less integration that needs to be done, because people are just interacting and collaborating in the cloud.”

[34.06] The ideal client for TraceGains.

[36.29] A case study showing how TraceGains helped a leading bakery make fast and responsive manufacturing decisions and ensure product continuity, by providing vital data insights on variable ingredients.

[39.30] The future for TraceGains.

“These problems exist in every country around the globe… so growing internationally is the next logical step.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to TraceGain’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TraceGains and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram, or you can connect with Gary on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to find out more about the food and beverage supply chain, why not check out episode 245, featuring Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

Then check out episode 257, a special episode of our live show Action Items with Dyci Sfregola, in which Dyci interviews Atia Yarbrough, Director of Demand and Supply Planning at Mason Dixie Foods, to discover more about building successful S&OP processes, finding the right partners, and the importance of dual sourcing.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Ashley Yentz, a supply chain leader who is passionate about driving sustainability and creating solutions that improve lives.

Ashley discovered her love for supply chain during several successful internships at automotive megabrand, Toyota. And, after a stint as a logistics analyst at Hilti, Ashley’s career really took flight at LeanCor Supply Chain Group. She developed, implemented, and managed lean supply chains totalling around $300M in annual transportation spend and, in 2021, she brought all of her experience, knowledge and passion to her current role as VP of Supply Chain and Material Flow at Sleep Number, a leader in sleep and wellness technology.

Today Ashley will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for creating a more inclusive workforce; developing customer-focused solutions; and why her ultimate goal is to influence a priority shift toward climate change and social consciousness in the logistics and supply chain industry. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in supply chain, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.

SHOW SPONSOR: This Women in Supply Chain feature was sponsored by Sifted.

As a business dedicated to empowering confidence within the shipping industry, we’re proud to support women in supply chain. Sifted is the leading logistics intelligence software, that combines insights with expertise to empower bigger, smarter shipping decisions. As growth and disruptions present ongoing challenges for supply chain leaders, thousands rely on Sifted to set their businesses up for success. Learn more about Sifted here.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.09] Ashley’s career journey, from being raised by creative entrepreneurs and gaining a degree in mathematics, to being introduced to supply chain by a mentor.

“I met one of my mentors, she was the Vice President of Customer Service at Toyota… and she was the one that looked at me, heard about my skillset in math and my passions and said ‘hey – I think you’d be really good in supply chain!’”

[11.28] What Ashley learned during her time working for Toyota.

“I understood the great care that we had to take to make sure a customer was satisfied. Lean is about ‘what is it that this customer really wants, and how do we make sure we’re providing them the best value.’”

[16.55] Ashley’s journey within Toyota, from strategic planning to inventory; how the recession led to a move to Hilti; and why a passion for Lean Systems eventually took her to LeanCor.

“I started doing a lot of research on ‘what do I want to do, where do I want to be, where do I want to spend my time?’"

[23.01] Ashley’s experience of being one of only two female senior leaders at LeanCor, and the importance of finding people that value what you have to say.

“When we talk about career growth and development, seeking to understand is such a huge part of anyone’s job, and it will set you apart.”

[28.03] Why Ashley moved to Sleep Number, her advice on finding the right career fit, and why Sleep Number values wellness.

“You have to be surrounded by a community that you’re enjoying, that is getting the best out of you and you feel your best at, where you can bring your authentic self to work... you have to make sure it’s aligning to you and your life.”

[35.21] Ashley’s biggest career achievements to date.

[38.03] Ashley’s experience as a woman in the male-dominated fields of construction, supply chain and automotive, how she built courage over time and her advice for how women can thrive.

[42.59] Ashley’s favorite thing about supply chain.

“My favorite thing about supply chain is that you can learn so much – you’ll never get bored!”

[44.15] Ashley’s thoughts on the importance of sustainability in supply chain.

“I believe that profit and sustainability go hand in hand.”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Ashley over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out 310: Women in Supply Chain, Grace Sharkey, featuring another woman in supply chain who has followed her heart when it comes to her career journey. Or, if you're keen to hear more about the importance of sustainability in supply chain, why not listen to what Mary McNelly has to say in episode 250.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by Lean Solutions Group, a super-successful business service provider that’s using its impressive suite of solutions to make scaling simple.

Lean Solutions Group is a nearshore and offshore services provider with a highly scalable and flexible workforce of 7,000 employees with operations at seven satellite offices in Colombia, Guatemala, and the Philippines. Partnering with more than 500 U.S.-based companies, Lean Solutions Group’s expanded service offerings include staffing, technology, marketing, sales, and business process outsourcing services, all in one place.

Today Hunter Bell, Senior Account Executive at Lean Solutions, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; overcoming recruitment challenges; making scaling simple; the power of ‘global shoring’; and how to broaden your reach, without borders.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.05] Hunter's journey, how he came to join Lean Solutions and why logistics is in his blood.

“I’ve been familiar with the industry. My Dad was in transportation logistics for 25 years… so growing up, I was able to see what that industry is all about, and the amount of hours you’ve got to put in…”

[08.18] How Lean Solutions Group was founded, its evolution, and an overview of what they do now.

“We set up satellite offices for transportation logistics companies. We have everything turnkey down there ready to go, office space and a recruiting team… we teach them the industry and then build out an infrastructure.”

[10.28] How staffing has changed since the pandemic, the current labor challenges, and the opportunities provided by embracing satellite and remote teams.

“When COVID hit, everyone was forced to go remote, which opened people’s eyes to: companies don’t only have to source talent in their cites now… remote work does work!”

[12.53] A closer look at the process of working with Lean Solutions, from identifying a business’s key needs to working on process efficiencies.

[14.19] The challenges involved in remote working, and how Lean works to solve them.

“COVID exposed an issue with people’s ability to manage expectations and what you really want your staff doing… a lot of companies struggled to figure out what those expectations and KPI’s were.”

[16.17] How Lean can help organizations to mitigate the risks involved in remote staffing.

[18.23] Utilizing data to better understand productivity, and how Lean can support in understanding those data insights.

“What do you with the data? That’s what a lot of companies don’t know. They have all this data, they’re tracking it, but they don’t know how to leverage it.”

[19.57] The ideal client for Lean Solutions.

[20.32] What onboarding and integration looks like with Lean Solutions.

“We use a lot of automation, automating your processes is key.”

[21.37] A case study showing how Lean helped a brokerage with their back end so they could focus on achieving fast growth, ultimately supporting that company to grow from $30-40 million a year to close to $1 billion.

[23.19] The future for Lean Solutions.

“There are a lot of good people everywhere in this world – we’re just looking to find them and connect them with our customers!”

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Lean Solution’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lean and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram, or you can connect with Hunter on LinkedIn.

This episode was filmed at Home Delivery world. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:

311: Step into the Future of Drayage, with Envase Technologies
308: Stabilizing Safety in the Workplace, with Ideal Warehouse Innovations
306: Create Long-Standing Opportunities and Reduce Costs, With DM Delivers
304: Discover Success at the Intersection of Logistics and Technology, with Flexe
299: Modernize Your Ecommerce Supply Chain, with Shipium
297: Make Smarter Packing Decisions, with Paccurate
296: Take Control of Managing Your Demand Chain, with SEKO
294: Optimize Warehouse Productivity, with Locus Robotics
289: Achieve Control, Capacity and Care, with Estes Forwarding Worldwide.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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It’s episode 27 of Blended: I’m joined by another talented panel of guests and, today, we’re talking about addiction. This is a topic that is still very taboo. But, as with most things in life, it’s not black and white. Not all addicts are the same, and not everyone is addicted to alcohol or drugs. Our rapidly evolving culture has seen the rise of addiction to things like shopping, social media and even work, but our attitudes to addiction are still very much based in the past. And, around a very certain type of addict – the one I’m sure we’re all used to seeing meet a terrible fate in film and TV.

And this kind of thing always worries me, because none of our conversations around DEI can move forward if we’re still holding on to stereotypes and judgments. Things are moving forward for women, people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community – it’s time to do the same for all those struggling with, or supporting loved ones who are struggling with, addiction.

Today, our guests will be sharing their experiences of addiction; the power of nature in aiding recovery; loss and grief; tackling addiction in the workplace; and advice on how we can support those struggling, at work and in our communities.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.15] Introductions to our Blended panelists.

Angie – Founder of Siblinghood of Recovery Podcast
Ariel – Herbalist & Intuitive Healer

[03.41] The group reflect on what addiction really is, and share their personal experiences, of struggling with addiction themselves and of supporting others.

“It really isn’t down to one specific thing or specific challenge, it’s a result of a lot of things.” Angie

Lack of control
Link to trauma
Genetics
Intergenerational trauma
Mental ill health
Blame, shame and judgment
Self-worth
Compassion and forgiveness
Self-medication
Loving the person, not the addict
Being ill-equipped to support others
Trying to find safety and coping mechanisms in unsafe outlets

“I grew up in a family of addicts… and through coping and dealing with trauma I, at a young age, got into drugs and drinking.” Ariel

[25.09] The panel discusses the power of nature in aiding recovery and share their different recovery journeys.

Replacing dopamine
Learning to trust your instincts
Getting active
Releasing trauma and stress from the body
Empowerment
People telling you who you are
Expectations and limiting beliefs
Re-writing your story
Dysregulated nervous systems

“Nature provides in every single way – it’s not just the biological, it’s the spiritual.” Ariel

[34.22] The group discusses what recovery looks like, tackling addiction in the workplace, and what companies can do to provide support and change mindsets when it comes to addiction.

“I would challenge some companies to start using the phrase ‘sober curious’.” Angie

Holding space for people and creating conversations
Education
Accountability
Support and allyship
Culture of drinking
Changing industry events
Speak from the heart, not the ego
Never give advice or opinions
Offer professional resources
Outsourcing and liability

“The HR industry has to figure this one out, because there are so many legalities of ‘how deeply do you get involved in an employee’s personal life?' ” Angie

[54.03] The panel reflects on the loss that often comes hand in hand with addiction, and how best to support people.

Forgiveness
Grief
Build your own community
Support networks
Normalize words and conversations
Boundaries
Triggers
Respect
Meet people where they are
Open-minded

[1.07.02] The group sum up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

“When it comes to addiction, we can put ourselves on a pedestal. ‘Oh we don’t do that.’ There’s that stigma that comes with addiction. And once we take ourselves off that pedestal, we realize those people aren’t different to us, that we can help and support them and they have a place in this world.” Ariel

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Ariel on Instagram, or find out more about Angie's podcast Siblinghood of Recovery over on her website, or on Instagram.

If you enjoyed this podcast, why not check out 252: Blended – Hiding in Plain Sight: The Reality of Workplace Discrimination or 158: Blended – Story of my Life.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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Today I’m joined by GoBolt, a fast-growing tech-enabled, sustainably-focused logistics provider for local e-commerce shops as well as national brands.

GoBolt provides a technology-driven, customer-centric and sustainable approach to fulfillment, including reliable warehousing, pick and pack, shipping, and last-mile delivery. By operating as an extension of their customer's team, they are able to deliver best-in-class services every step of the way, ensuring faster, more cost-effective, and complete customer deliveries.

Today Mark Ang, Co-founder and CEO at GoBolt, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; bringing sustainability to an industry notorious for its heavy impact on the environment; its recent Series B funding success; why logistics is broken; and their goal to reach carbon-negative deliveries by the end of 2023.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.02] How GoBolt began as a different kind of business and evolved based on customer demands and market needs.

“Before we knew it, we were acting more like a logistics business than we thought… I don’t think people wake up and dream about starting a warehousing and logistics business!”

[09.26] An overview of GoBolt – what they do and how they help their customers.

“Essentially what we’re trying to create is a unified platform for every single logistics requirement for a scaling, or scaled, brand.”

[10.23] What GoBolt means when they say “we are the only thing between you and your customers” – and why that interface is so important.

“Our NPS [Net Promoter Score] is extremely high, up in the 80’s… typically in the last mile space, you see NPS's in the low teens.”

[12.24] A closer look at the technology that sits behind GoBolt, and what it does.

“What we really want to do is unshackle the customer from their day of delivery.”

[13.55] The areas across North America and Canada in which GoBolt operate, and what differentiates them from their competitors.

“What we’ve found, for enterprise brands and folks that are scaling quickly, is that the last thing they want to invest in is logistics – it's expensive and hard to get it right… but it’s the one thing that touches your customer every single time and reliability, or lack thereof, in your supply chain can make or break your brand.”

[15.56] How GoBolt supports reverse logistics, and facilitates different product outcomes, from donation to refurbishment for resale and recycling.

[17.55] What onboarding and integration look like with GoBolt.

[19.06] The ideal client for GoBolt.

“Part of our vision is to enable commerce by making logistics easy.”

[20.37] GoBolt’s commitment to sustainability, and why carbon offset isn’t the answer.

“There’s only 500 million hectares of re-forestable area in the world, and Shell for example has already committed to planting a tenth of that – so there’s not going to be that much land to go around! We actually need to do our part to become net zero as quickly as possible.”

[22.56] A case study showing how GoBolt helped a client to vastly increase customer satisfaction in last mile logistics, leading them to further leverage GoBolt’s skillsets across many other areas, from fulfillment to mid-mile.

[25.31] The future for GoBolt.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to GoBolt’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GoBolt and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or you can connect with Mark on LinkedIn.

This episode was filmed at Home Delivery world. If you enjoyed it, and want to explore some of the other great content filmed at the event, why not check out episodes:

308: Stabilizing Safety in the Workplace, with Ideal Warehouse Innovations
306: Create Long-Standing Opportunities and Reduce Costs, With DM Delivers
304: Discover Success at the Intersection of Logistics and Technology, with Flexe
299: Modernize Your Ecommerce Supply Chain, with Shipium
297: Make Smarter Packing Decisions, with Paccurate
296: Take Control of Managing Your Demand Chain, with SEKO
294: Optimize Warehouse Productivity, with Locus Robotics
289: Achieve Control, Capacity and Care, with Estes Forwarding Worldwide.