The Buzz: A New Era of Geopolitical Challenges
In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we dig into the imperative nature of supply chain transformation in the current global landscape, characterized by incessant change and complexity. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!Today, hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr welcome special guests Pierre Abou Hamad, Managing Partner USA with Citwell, Inc., and Koray Kose, Founder and Chief Analyst with Kose Advisory. The conversation includes: The multifaceted challenges faced by supply chain leaders, particularly in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions and evolving market demandsCritical insights from industry leaders, who stress the necessity of embracing innovation and adaptability as key strategies for navigating these turbulent timesThe importance of effective communication and the cultivation of a resilient organizational culture that fosters continuous improvement. Tariff impact on coffee pricesJoin us as we embark on this exploration, and reflect on the profound implications of these discussions for the future of supply chain management.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/4nmrLBy EasyPost: www.easypost.comSupply Chain Dive on coffee prices: https://bit.ly/CoffeePricesUpIdeology Versus Pragmatism: Choosing A Side In The Supply Chain Wars: https://bit.ly/SupplyChainWarsPierre Abou Hamad on USS Cassin Young: https://bit.ly/DestroyerAndSupplyChainEasyPost’s Advanced Tracking: https://get.easypost.com/advanced-tracking Pierre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-abou-hamad/Koray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koraykoese/The Bridge Webinar: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5090303/21DFF09E74113F3ED3821921E9F2CD2DLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUOWEBINAR- The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership: https://bit.ly/4gGWCGgWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- <a href="https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ"...
26 Sep 50min
Supply Chain Leadership in the Never Normal: A Power Panel of Women Rewriting the Rules
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Karin Bursa welcomes a powerhouse panel of women supply chain leaders who are rewriting the rules in today’s “never normal” world. Joining the discussion are Stephanie Beal, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Hasbro; Tamera Fenske, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Kimberly-Clark; Eliza Simeonova, Vice President of Global Supply for Mars Pet Nutrition; Whitney Shlesinger, Vice President of Global Planning and Logistics at McCormick; and Sylvia Wilks, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lamb Weston.Together, they share defining moments that shaped their careers, from early plant leadership to global transformation initiatives. They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping supply chain performance: driving operational discipline, improving demand planning, enhancing knowledge management, and freeing teams to focus on creative, strategic work. The panel also reflects on the importance of clean data, talent development, and building integrated value chains that deliver measurable business results.Looking back, each leader offers advice to their younger selves, highlighting the power of mentorship, confidence, and learning from failure while encouraging the next generation to own their careers and pay it forward. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:45) Panel introduction(13:56) Defining career moments(25:13) AI’s impact on supply chains(27:19) Data’s role in AI success(29:25) AI for employee efficiency(31:11) AI in inventory and demand forecasting(32:33) AI in decision making and strategy(33:39) Personal productivity and AI(36:33) AI in knowledge management(37:41) Career advice for supply chain leaders(47:47) Connecting with supply chain expertsAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Stephanie Beal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebeal/ Connect with Tamera Fenske: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamera-fenske-08121a7/ Connect with Eliza Simeonova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliza-simeonova-787999151/ Connect with Whitney Shlesinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-shlesinger/ Connect with Sylvia Wilks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-wilks-7658513/ Learn more about Hasbro: <a href="https://corporate.hasbro.com/en-us" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
24 Sep 50min
Equity in Action: How Inclusion Leads to Supply Chain Innovation
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn’t charity. It’s a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits.She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior leaders doubling down on DEI, this conversation offers actionable takeaways: define the why, build inclusive cultures, and widen the supplier funnel so the best partner wins.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:18) Lushentha’s inspirational journey to Easter Island(06:50) Growing up during Apartheid(12:53) The impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership(17:40) Lushentha’s professional journey at Unilever(23:45) The power of diversity and inclusion(26:01) The transition to the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP)(29:09) Lushentha’s advice for corporate leaders(32:17) Challenges for women in the workplace(33:52) What ESDP does, its mission, and its impact(44:06) The importance of inclusivity and DEIAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lushentha Naidoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lushentha-naidoo-99730439 Learn more about ESDP: https://esdp-org.eu/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.comWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUOWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- https://bit.ly/3VahMCQWEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZhSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: <a...
22 Sep 1h
The Buzz: Truck Driver Appreciation Week
In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we discuss the critical role of truck drivers in the supply chain, representing nearly 73% of freight delivery in the United States, as we celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!!Today, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome special guest Kevin Lawton, Founder & Host of The New Warehouse podcast. Listen in as Scott and 'Team Kevin" explore:The current state of the freight economy, highlighting the challenges faced by industry professionals amid a prolonged slump in freight pricingThe significant concerns raised by the largest rail industry labor union regarding the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which may significantly impact safety practices and workforce environmentsTruck Driver Appreciation Week, acknowledging the essential role that truck drivers play in the supply chain and the pressures they endure, as evidenced by survey data revealing their dissatisfactionThe ramifications of the current freight market dynamics on operational efficiency, underscoring the necessity for innovation and adaptability in logisticsEmerging trends in warehouse technology, particularly the integration of computer vision to improve operational efficiencyJoin us as we advocate for a greater appreciation of professional truck drivers, especially during Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and celebrate their enormous impact and their vital contributions to the economy.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/3JWppdN EasyPost: www.easypost.comManifest 2026: www.ManifestVegas.com/SupplyChainNow Trucker exodus: New survey reveals nearly 47% of drivers seeking new jobs: https://bit.ly/TruckDriverSurvey2025California Trucking Firms Go Under, Fueling Wider Industry Fears: https://on.wsj.com/4npetU8Coca-Cola aims to help solve the orange juice crisis with AI: https://bit.ly/SaveOrangesEasyPost’s Advanced Tracking: https://get.easypost.com/advanced-tracking The New Warehouse: https://www.thenewwarehouse.com/ Kevin Lawton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinclawton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: <a href="https://bit.ly/47uXKKo"...
19 Sep 53min
Cut costs. Win loyalty. Carrier strategies built for a changing world.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor sit down with Lori Boyer, Director of Content, and John Wharff, Director of Sales and Solutions Engineering at EasyPost, to break down the latest shifts in carrier networks and what they mean for shippers preparing for peak season.Lori shares insights into how major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS are adjusting routes, surcharges, and capacity as peak approaches, and why regional carriers and Amazon shipping are becoming critical players in today’s environment. John expands on the importance of diversifying carrier strategies, leveraging data for smarter decision-making, and ensuring businesses can keep promises to customers no matter how volatile the market gets.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:01) Meet Lori Boyer and John Wharff from EasyPost(05:47) Introduction to EasyPost and their offerings(08:56) Major carriers: UPS, FedEx, and USPS(25:30) Innovative shipping solutions(25:54) Old and new shipping strategies(26:48) Big brands and cost savings(27:43) Leveraging technology in shipping(32:39) Red flags in shipping strategies(37:45) Preparing for peak season(43:59) Enhancing customer experienceAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/ Check out all EasyPost and Supply Chain Now content: https://supplychainnow.com/easypostConnect with Lori Boyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribboyer/ Connect with John Wharff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wharff-7423403a/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: <a...
17 Sep 49min
AI, Human Ingenuity, and the Next Era of Supply Chains
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor welcome Gaurav Malhotra, Partner and Supply Chain Technology Leader at EY, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming supply chains today and where it’s headed over the next five years. Gaurav shares how EY is helping organizations embrace emerging technologies to create competitive advantage, avoid “pilot purgatory,” and build more cognitive and resilient supply chains.They cover practical misconceptions holding companies back from adopting AI, the foundational elements required for successful implementation, and real-world examples of immediate impact in logistics, predictive maintenance, and warehouse operations. Gaurav also discusses how organizations can invest in workforce education, reskilling, and culture change to ensure that humans remain at the center of AI adoption. Looking ahead, he offers his perspective on how agentic AI will reshape supply chains into adaptive, orchestrated ecosystems while freeing people to focus on creativity, critical thinking, and enterprise differentiation.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(04:13) A personal story family pilgrimage to Kauai(07:34) The intersection of supply chain and humanitarian efforts(09:52) Ey’s role in global supply chain(15:20) Misconceptions about AI in factories(18:09) Overcoming pilot paralysis(22:29) Immediate benefits of AI in supply chain(26:25) AI’s impact on supply chain efficiency(27:18) The role of agentic AI in factories(31:43) Human element in AI-driven supply chains(36:17) Upskilling and reskilling for the AI era(43:05) Future predictions for AI in supply chainsResources:Connect with Gaurav Malhotra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravmalhotra/ Learn more about EY: https://www.ey.com/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUOWEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- <a href="https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ"...
15 Sep 55min
The Buzz: Women in Supply Chain Awards
In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we present an incisive exploration of the current landscape within the global supply chain sector, focusing particularly on the essential role of leadership in navigating prevailing challenges. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!Today, hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy welcome special guest Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, to discuss the Women in Supply Chain Awards and the upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum. Listen as they cover:The rising demand for foreign trade zone accessThe state of the industry report by ColliersInsights from chief people officers on talent strategiesThe 2025 Women in Supply Chain Awards and the upcoming Women in Supply Chain Forum The importance of communication, strategic thinking, and inclusivity in navigating the complexities of the supply chain industryJoin us as we collectively seek to understand the implications of these developments on future supply chain operations.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7SEP2025 Colliers State of Industry Report: https://bit.ly/ColliersStateoftheIndustryReportChief People Officers Outlook 2025: Talent strategy amid global disruption: https://bit.ly/CPOviewsU.S. Foreign Trade Zones Draw New Demand as De Minimis Ends: https://on.wsj.com/4nrwm53Why AI Is the Conversation at Parcel Forum: http://bit.ly/4m7Q8kTConnect with Marina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinamayer/Learn more about EasyPost: https://supplychainnow.com/easypostCheck out the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bankLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKoWEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: <a href="https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
12 Sep 49min
Toys, Tech & TMS: How A & A Global Plays to Win
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton talks with Brett Johnson, IT Director at A&A Global, and Shannon Vaillancourt, President and Founder of RateLinx, about A&A Global’s journey to transform their shipping operations. Brett details how they addressed inefficiencies in their old TMS, implementing RateLinx’s flexible toolkit to streamline processes, reduce costs, and scale operations without adding staff.The conversation explores how A&A Global overcame challenges like manual data entry, slow carrier onboarding, and inaccurate rate quoting through powerful integrations like ScanForce, Cubiscan, and mobile printing. Brett and Shannon also highlight the role of Lean Six Sigma practices in driving continuous improvement and achieving significant cost savings, faster shipping, and enhanced efficiency.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:39) Meet the industry leaders(02:46) Challenges faced by A&A Global(05:56) Issues with previous TMS(08:30) The need for speed and efficiency(13:42) Selection process for a new TMS(18:03) Integration and implementation(27:55) The new car vs. new software analogy(29:42) Challenges with previous TMS(30:44) Choosing RateLinx and ShipLinx TMS(32:29) Implementation philosophy(37:29) Automation and labor cost savings(45:42) Advice for IT and operations leadersResources:Learn more about A&A Global: http://www.aaglobal.com Connect with Shannon Vaillancourt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/ INSIGHT 2025 Conference: https://www.ratelinx.com/ratelinx-insight-conference/Learn more about RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.: https://bit.ly/4mgp1EWWEBINAR- Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.: https://bit.ly/45PegUmWEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: <a href="https://bit.ly/47uXKKo" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
10 Sep 52min
