On this episode of Supply Chain Now, we explore how global events are rippling through supply chains, from escalating geopolitical tensions and military strikes on Iran to continued tariff uncertainty and shifting consumer behavior. These developments are raising important questions about preparedness, resilience, and how leaders can stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment. Join hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr as they unpack the latest developments impacting global commerce. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by Altium!

Recent geopolitical developments, including military strikes on Iran, are highlighting how quickly global events can impact supply chains, from inventory concerns to broader economic uncertainty. In this episode, we examine how leaders must strengthen resilience and remain proactive as geopolitical risks, tariff changes, and regulatory decisions continue to influence global trade.

We also explore emerging consumer trends shaping the food industry, particularly the growing demand for healthier products and innovative flavors, and discuss how technologies like AI can help organizations make faster, smarter decisions in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape.

Tune in and learn:

1. How geopolitical tensions, including military strikes on Iran, can impact global supply chains and inventory planning
2. Why supply chain leaders must strengthen resilience in the face of growing geopolitical risk
3. The latest developments around U.S. tariffs and Supreme Court decisions affecting global trade
4. Why strategic agility is essential as legal and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve
5. How food companies are innovating to meet demand for healthier products and unique flavors
6. The significance of National Supply Chain Day and what it represents for the industry
7. How technologies like AI are helping organizations improve decision-making and operational efficiency

If you’re a supply chain, logistics, procurement, or operations leader trying to make sense of today’s rapidly shifting landscape, this episode offers valuable context and actionable insights. From geopolitical disruption to evolving consumer trends, the forces shaping supply chains are growing more complex, and leaders who stay informed and adaptable will be best positioned to succeed.

Tune in to better understand the signals shaping tomorrow’s supply chains.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Today's edition of The Buzz is powered by Altium. Learn more about Altium: http://altium.com/yt/supplychainnow
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-1-March-2026
3. National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
4. University of Kentucky Supply Chain Forum 2026: https://bit.ly/UK-Supply-Chain-Forum-2026
5. Juxta Book a Demo: https://www.juxta.com/book-demo
6. SCOTUS Tariff Ruling Favors Policy-Savvy Teams Building Regionalized Supply Chains: https://bit.ly/The-Signal-on-Tariffs
7. How McCormick is keeping up with food giants’ race to reformulate: https://bit.ly/Food-Industry-Trends
8. EasyPost Guide: https://bit.ly/LLMs-in-Shipping-EP
9. AI is gobbling up the world’s memory chips, sending smartphone prices to record highs, report says: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/27/tech/ai-memory-chips-smartphones-intl-hnk
10. Scott's Wednesday Morning Rundown: https://bit.ly/Scott-WedMornRundown-2MAR2026
11. Automatic for the People: https://bit.ly/Automatic-For-The-People
12. Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: https://bit.ly/SC-Planning-Reimagined
13. Connect with Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/
14. Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
15. Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
16. Today's edition of The Buzz is powered by Altium. Learn more about Altium: http://altium.com/yt/supplychainnow
17. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
18. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
19. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
20. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton Jake Barr and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-geopolitics-tariffs-food-trends-shaping-supply-chain-1554

What does it take to lead supply chain in a world where disruption is constant?

In this episode, host Karin Bursa welcomes a powerhouse panel of supply chain leaders for a candid conversation on supply chain leadership in the never-normal world and what it takes to connect strategy to execution. Together, Eduardo Adame of 3M, Douglas Guilherme of The Hershey Company, Cory Knox of Procter & Gamble, and Shea Nesseler of Danone share the career moments that shaped how they lead, from navigating Covid-era realities to guiding teams through high-stakes change and uncertainty.

You’ll hear real-world insights on building resilient supply chains, investing in the right capabilities, preparing teams for AI-enabled planning, and leading with empathy during moments of disruption.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:27) Meet today’s panel of supply chain leaders

(05:41) Career moments that shaped their leadership

(14:17) AI plus people, the real advantage

(22:46) The toughest challenges supply chain teams face now

(24:52) Strategy starts with strong partnerships

(25:26) Why external focus makes better decisions

(26:29) Quality decisions beat fast decisions

(28:00) Building resilience through consistency

(29:18) Modernizing planning with smarter systems

(30:55) Developing talent for what’s next

(31:44) Advice they would give their younger selves

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa
2. Connect with Douglas Guilherme: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasguilherme/
3. Learn more about The Hershey Company: https://www.thehersheycompany.com/
4. Connect with Cory Knox: www.linkedin.com/in/cory-knox-7806986
5. Learn more about Procter & Gamble: https://www.pg.com/
6. Connect with Shea Nesseler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shea-nesseler/
7. Learn more about Danone: https://www.danone.com/
8. Connect with Eduardo Adame: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-adame-92192427/
9. Learn more about 3M: https://www.3m.com/
10. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
11. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
12. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
13. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
14. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
15. Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC

This episode was hosted by Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-leadership-never-normal-where-strategy-meets-execution-1553

As the freight market tightens and costs rise, supply chain leaders must plan ahead, strengthen carrier ties, and stay agile.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Karin Bursa sit down with Bobby Holland of U.S. Bank and Nick Palmucci of Ferguson Enterprises to discuss the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q4 2025. They unpack what “freight market tightening” looks like in practice, with capacity shrinking, shipper spend climbing, and regional performance moving in different directions, from strength in the Northeast to weakness in the Southwest.

They also get into what’s driving demand shifts and cost pressure, including changes in consumer behavior, softer manufacturing signals, and uncertainty that keeps teams on their toes. Along the way, they share practical moves leaders can make right now, such as building a three-year roadmap, reducing spreadsheet dependency, locking in bids earlier, and operating like a shipper of choice when capacity gets tight. The result is a grounded look at what the data shows, what shippers are experiencing, and how to turn both into better decisions.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:38) Warm-up questions for the panel

(06:54) Tightening capacity and rising costs

(11:46) Q4 national view: lower capacity, higher costs

(15:23) West: softer volumes, higher spend

(19:25) Southwest: brief rebound, costs climb

(21:56) Midwest: modest gains, mixed demand

(24:51) Northeast: strongest growth, higher rates

(28:13) Southeast: volumes down, muted spend

(30:32) Consumer confidence and freight demand

(31:46) Leading through uncertainty: roadmap and tech

(40:36) What’s ahead: capacity and shipper-of-choice strategy

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Download the latest edition of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://www.usbank.com/corporate-and-commercial-banking/industry-expertise/transportation/freight-payment-insights.html?ecid=OTHE_80042
2. Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa
3. Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/
4. Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html
5. Connect with Nick Palmucci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-palmucci/
6. Learn more about Ferguson: https://www.ferguson.com
7. Learn more about Ferguson Home: https://www.fergusonhome.com
8. Learn more about Ferguson Corporate: https://corporate.ferguson.com
9. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
10. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
11. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
12. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
13. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/analysis-q4-2025-us-bank-freight-payment-index-1552

On this episode of The Buzz, we tackle a word that might define 2026 for supply chain leaders: velocity. Not just speed for speed’s sake, but smarter, faster, more confident decision-making in a world shaped by tariff volatility, regulatory shifts, and rapidly advancing AI. With insights from industry veterans Paul Noble and Nick Dippolito, we unpack what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. Grab your coffee and settle in - welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

As trade policies continue to shift, including recent tariff developments and Supreme Court rulings impacting international commerce, supply chain leaders are facing mounting pressure to respond quickly without sacrificing accuracy. This episode explores the rising importance of “decision velocity” and why organizations must modernize their data, governance, and verification processes to compete effectively.

A major focal point of the conversation is ISO 25500 and its role in strengthening data verification and reliability across supply chain networks. We also explore the double-edged sword of artificial intelligence: while AI unlocks powerful operational efficiencies, it also introduces new risks, including impersonation fraud and malicious activity. The takeaway? Standards, smarter systems, and stronger supplier verification are no longer optional, they’re foundational.

Tune in and learn:

1. Why decision velocity is becoming a defining competitive advantage in modern supply chains
2. How evolving tariff regulations and trade rulings are reshaping global operations
3. What ISO 25500 means for data verification, trust, and interoperability
4. The role AI plays in improving efficiency — and how it can also introduce fraud risks
5. Why supplier verification systems are critical to preventing impersonation and bad actors
6. How to build proactive risk management strategies that maintain agility amid volatility
7. What forward-thinking leaders are doing now to future-proof compliance and operations

If you're leading operations, procurement, logistics, compliance, or enterprise technology strategy, this episode offers timely insights you can put into action immediately. In a climate where uncertainty is constant and reaction time matters more than ever, strengthening your standards, accelerating your decision-making, and investing in smarter verification systems may be the difference between disruption and resilience.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-22-Feb-2026
3. Never Normal Series: https://bit.ly/Never-Normal-Part3
4. National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
5. Juxta Book a Demo: https://www.juxta.com/book-demo
6. VDSAI: https://vdsai.net/
7. Europe hits back at ‘pure tariff chaos’ from the U.S., warning trade deals are at risk: https://cnb.cx/4aLEkRs
8. 4 fashion supply chain trends to watch in 2026: https://bit.ly/Fashion-SC-Trends
9. Startup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://on.wsj.com/4tFwm5g
10. AI risks are getting more sophisticated: https://bit.ly/AI-Risks-Grow
11. Accelerating Decision Velocity: https://supplychainnow.com/accelerating-decision-velocity-why-future-belongs-faster-smarter-supply-chain-decisions/
12. ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning For Shipping: https://bit.ly/Shipping-And-LLMs-Webinar
13. Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-dippolito-14819a2/
14. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljnoble/
15. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
16. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
17. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
18. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-decision-velocity-iso-25500-ai-driven-supply-chain-reset-1551

Returns are no longer just a headache, they’re a strategic opportunity. As the circular economy gains momentum, reverse logistics is quickly becoming one of the most important levers in modern supply chains.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Deborah Dull are joined by Scot Case, Vice President of Sustainability at the National Retail Federation (NRF), and Tony Sciarrotta, Senior Director of Reverse Logistics and Circularity at NRF, to share key insights from the NRF Rev event and discuss why reverse logistics deserves a seat at the strategy table.

The conversation explores how resale, repair, and recycling are moving into the mainstream, and why returns should no longer be treated as a cost center. From the surge in e-commerce returns to increasing legislative pressure through extended producer responsibility, the group breaks down how these forces are changing retail and supply chain operations.

Deborah adds perspective on how technology improves visibility and accountability across the returns process. Together, the guests outline practical ways companies can turn reverse logistics into a competitive advantage while improving customer experience and advancing sustainability goals.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:31) Meet the guests: Scot Case and Tony Sciarrotta

(06:31) NRF’s sustainability mission: Business value meets reverse logistics

(10:46) RLA + NRF: Bringing returns out of the “dark side”

(15:22) Macro trends shaping reverse logistics: Reuse, resale, repair & more

(20:40) Tariffs, EPR laws & the circular economy’s next push

(24:52) Inside NRF Rev: The reverse logistics & revenue “revolution” event

(26:05) NRF Rev: Bringing reverse logistics into the spotlight

(27:32) Why retailers are the center of the returns universe

(28:18) Refurbished products mindset shift: The ‘restaurant fork’ story

(29:24) Deborah’s practitioner lens: Why this conference matters

(31:00) Key takeaways: Collaboration, EPR, and no single silver bullet

(34:04) Urban mining & the resale economy (and why brands must engage)

(36:32) What’s next: NRF working groups, global scale, and policy influence

(40:16) Remade in America: A story-driven podcast on ‘where returns go’

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Scot Case: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotcase/
2. Connect with Tony Sciarrotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/
3. Connect with Deborah Dull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/
4. Learn more about the National Retail Federation (NRF): https://nrf.com
5. Learn more about NRF Rev: https://nrfrev.com/
6. Learn more about Trillium Digital Services: https://trillium.digital/
7. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
8. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
9. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
10. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
11. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
12. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
13. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Deborah Dull and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/returns-crossroads-state-reverse-logistics-circularity-1550

As supply chain technology accelerates, the ability to translate operational knowledge into scalable systems is becoming a defining advantage for both companies and early-career talent. In this episode of Supply Chain Now’s Now Generation series, Scott W. Luton sits down with Ryan Goodwin, Sr. Director of Supply Chain Technology & Innovation at Trinity Industries and an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University, alongside Titus Fagan, TCU Student Body Vice President and a third-year accounting major with a minor in energy business.

Ryan shares how his team is integrating planning, MRP, and financial data into platforms that enable faster automation and application-building, often with the help of AI and “vibe coding,” where non-traditional builders can create real tools without a formal software background. Titus brings the student lens, explaining why practitioner-led teaching changes the classroom experience, how simulation-based learning builds cross-functional thinking, and why early responsibility and collaboration are top priorities when evaluating future employers.

Together, they explore how AI can lower barriers to entry, accelerate skill development, and reduce manual work while also raising bigger questions about infrastructure, power demand, and the bottlenecks that can slow even the most innovative systems. From freight reporting automation to energy transmission constraints, this conversation connects the dots between learning, leadership, and the fast-evolving reality of global supply chains.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:37) The Now Generation and why TCU stands out

(02:23) Introducing Ryan and Titus

(04:20) Titus’ weather forecasting hobby

(06:28) Ryan’s board game community

(09:13) Ryan’s work at Trinity Industries

(11:32) AI, platforms, and “vibe coding”

(20:00) Bottlenecks and infrastructure strain

(27:34) A discussion on nuclear power

(28:21) Modernizing the accounting path

(30:25) Cross-functional collaboration matters

(33:30) What Titus wants from employers

(38:14) Learning through simulation games

(40:37) Why professors keep evolving

(42:49) TCU’s teacher-scholar approach

(46:53) Trade shows and career exposure

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Ryan Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancgoodwin/
2. Connect with Titus Fagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titus-fagan-77b547291
3. Learn more about Trinity Industries: https://www.trin.net/
4. Learn more about TCU’s Neeley School of Business: https://www.neeley.tcu.edu/
5. Learn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.php
6. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
7. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
8. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
9. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
10. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
11. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
12. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/now-generation-teaching-supply-chain-simulations-stories-systems-1549

Today on Supply Chain Now, we explore how supply chain leaders are balancing powerful new technologies with the human expertise required to make them work. Featuring insights from Jimmy Sebastian on FourKites’ AI platform Loft, and what it means for real-world operations. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

Hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald unpack the growing convergence of AI automation and workforce strategy across the supply chain landscape. From faster workflow deployment and operational agility to the evolving labor pipeline and the surge in returns fraud, this conversation highlights why success today depends on both smarter tools and stronger people strategies. The discussion emphasizes that digital transformation isn’t replacing humans, it’s redefining how organizations empower them.

What you’ll learn by tuning in:

1. How AI workflow platforms are accelerating implementation and operational responsiveness
2. Why human capability building is just as critical as technology investment
3. What Gen Z’s rising interest in skilled trades means for future workforce planning
4. The increasing business impact of fraudulent returns and how technology can help combat it
5. Practical ways leaders can align automation with talent strategy to build resilience

If you’re a supply chain, operations, or technology leader trying to scale automation without losing the human advantage, this episode offers timely perspective and actionable insight. Tune in to understand how to turn emerging tools and workforce trends into measurable business impact.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-15-FEB-2026
3. Never Normal Series: https://bit.ly/Never-Normal-Part3
4. U.S. Bank Podcasts: supplychainnow.com/us-bank
5. 60% of Gen Zers will pursue skilled trade work this year: survey: https://bit.ly/Skilled-Trades-Interest
6. Startup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://on.wsj.com/4tFwm5g
7. Valentine’s Day sticker shock: Chocolate prices are spiking: https://bit.ly/3Oh88Ox
8. ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning For Shipping: https://bit.ly/Shipping-And-LLMs-Webinar
9. Introducing FourKites Loft: https://www.fourkites.com/blogs/fourkites-loft-ai-orchestration/
10. FourKites: www.fourkites.com
11. Connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmysebastian1/
12. Connect with Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82/
13. Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
14. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
15. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
16. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
17. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
18. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
19. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Rick McDonald and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-workflows-workforce-shifts-fight-against-fraudulent-returns-1548

Supply chains are recalibrating, and the Middle East and Africa are investing aggressively to meet the moment.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and special guest co-host Yaseen Ahmid welcome Toby Maier, CEO for Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, for a wide-ranging conversation on what is changing trade and logistics across the region. Toby breaks down how recent tariffs are redirecting export flows into the Middle East and Africa, why GCC countries are racing to build world-class logistics hubs, and how production is shifting from Turkey toward markets like Egypt and Morocco.

They also explore what it will take to build stronger, more reliable supply chains across Africa, from investment in life sciences and healthcare infrastructure to modernized regulation that reduces delays at customs. Toby shares how DHL’s publicly announced $300 million investment through 2030 prioritizes end-to-end capability that helps medicines, vaccines, and other critical products reach communities across a fast-growing population. The conversation also tackles the practical realities of energy access, data centers, and the cost to deliver goods, plus how sustainability efforts like electrified fleets and sustainable aviation fuel can support performance and emissions goals at the same time.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:13) Getting to know guest Toby Maier and co-host Yaseen Ahmid

(06:05) Toby’s journey in global logistics leadership

(11:17) Trade shifts and what they mean for Africa

(15:24) DHL’s investment focus across Africa

(18:18) Infrastructure and power realities on the ground

(22:50) Building efficiency and sustainability into the network

(24:22) Renewable energy progress and practical pathways

(26:37) What commitment to sustainability looks like at DHL

(30:26) Developing talent and leadership across the continent

(40:09) Why emerging markets belong on your career map

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Toby Maier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-maier/
2. Connect with Yaseen Ahmid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/
3. Learn more about DHL Global Forwarding: https://www.dhl.com/
4. Learn more about Luna: https://luna-resume.com/
5. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
6. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
7. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
8. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
9. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
10. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
11. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Yaseen Ahmid, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/building-resilient-innovative-supply-chains-across-africa-1547

As supply chains expand across global networks, the next generation of leaders is being trained to think beyond trucks and warehouses, toward the broader constraints shaping business today. Dr. Morgan Swink, West Chair, Professor of SCM and Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Innovation at Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business, joins Supply Chain Now alongside three standout seniors, Ava Scotchie, Joshua Ahn, and Cort Comer, to share what they’re seeing in real time as they prepare to enter the industry.

In this Now Generation conversation, Scott Luton and Dr. Swink explore what makes TCU’s supply chain program so distinctive, from high-touch faculty mentorship and curriculum that mirrors real workplace ambiguity, to site visits, case competitions, and capstone projects designed to deliver real value to companies. The students share how these experiences have shaped their confidence, career direction, and readiness to lead.

They also dig into the trends these emerging professionals are watching most closely: reverse logistics and the rising cost of returns, sustainability and ethical visibility across multi-tier suppliers, and the growing energy and infrastructure demands driven by AI and data center expansion. The episode highlights how supply chain thinking is evolving, and why the leaders who can connect operations, ethics, and resource constraints will be the ones who shape what comes next.

Jump into the conversation:

00:00) Intro

(01:43) Spotlight on TCU’s supply chain program

(02:14) Meet the student leaders of supply chain

(03:32) Ava discusses her passion for supply chain

(04:05) Joshua shares his global supply chain journey

(04:36) Cort focuses on energy and supply chain

(12:10) Dr. Swink’s vision for the program

(14:26) Students discuss top supply chain trends

(23:52) Career goals and making a lasting impact

(26:33) Joshua on driving supply chain sustainability

(28:03) Career advice for aspiring supply chain leaders

(29:59) Cort on energy’s role in supply chain

(38:21) Ava reflects on TCU’s hands-on learning

(47:28) Building meaningful supply chain connections

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Dr. Morgan Swink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-swink-8331ab11/
2. Connect with Ava Scotchie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-scotchie,
3. Connect with Joshua Ahn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajahn/
4. Connect with Colt Comer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cort-comer
5. Learn more about TCU’s Neeley School of Business: https://www.neeley.tcu.edu/
6. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
7. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
8. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
9. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
10. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
11. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
12. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/now-generation-perspectives-ai-energy-ethical-supply-chains-1546

Global trade policy is shifting, digital infrastructure demand is exploding, and the next frontier of supply chain operations may literally be off-planet. From tariffs to terabytes to orbiting technology, the pace of change isn’t slowing down anytime soon, welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

In this episode, Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down a potential U.S.–India trade agreement and what it could mean for sourcing strategies, tariffs, and global partnerships. The conversation then turns to the rapid growth of data center infrastructure across the United States, why certain regions have become critical digital logistics hubs, and how AI is accelerating demand for computing capacity. Finally, the hosts explore a bold emerging concept: space-based data centers — and how advancements in energy efficiency, cooling, and scalability could reshape long-term supply chain strategy.

Tune in to learn:

1. What a U.S.–India trade agreement could change for tariffs and global sourcing
2. Why data centers are becoming core supply chain infrastructure
3. How AI growth is driving massive infrastructure investment
4. Why Northern Virginia leads the U.S. in data center concentration
5. The potential advantages of space-based data storage and processing
6. What these developments signal for long-term operational strategy

Whether you’re a supply chain practitioner, technology leader, strategist, or simply trying to keep pace with where operations and innovation are heading, this episode will help you connect the dots between trade policy, infrastructure investment, and the next era of global supply chains.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
2. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
3. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
4. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
5. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
6. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
7. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-tariffs-terabytes-final-frontier-1545

Warehouse operations often highlight the gap between business strategy and execution, particularly as small and mid-sized companies grow. Challenges like fulfillment pressure, inventory inaccuracies, and manual workarounds can turn warehouses into bottlenecks that hinder organizational efficiency. When teams lose confidence in their data, scaling becomes more difficult, leaving leadership reactive instead of proactive.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton speaks with Kurt Heusner, CEO of Endpoint Automation Solutions, about warehouse execution in the SMB market. Kurt discusses his experience with growth-focused businesses and emphasizes the importance of time-to-value, adoption, and simplicity over complexity. He explains how trust in systems affects team performance and why warehouses often reveal operational challenges first.

The conversation also addresses ERP warehouse modules versus standalone WMS solutions as complexity grows, modular implementation approaches, the ongoing significance of barcoding, and how newer technologies fit into modernization strategies. The episode concludes with insights into Endpoint’s peer communities and grant programs designed to enhance warehouse execution without disrupting daily operations.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:36) Meet Kurt Heusner: career and insights

(02:52) Kurt Heusner’s passion for music explained

(04:58) Kurt's journey in SMB technology industry

(06:22) Warehouse automation: SMBs’ needs and insights

(10:46) Cultural impact on technology implementation

(11:31) Serving SMBs: key challenges uncovered

(14:56) Evolution of endpoint automation solutions explained

(17:16) Modular approach to WMS for success

(19:30) Final thoughts on SMB problem-solving

(23:56) Experience and continuous learning in tech

(24:36) The history and evolution of barcoding

(26:05) Barcoding's role in modern supply chains

(29:06) Integrating technologies with barcoding in operations

(31:39) Signs your ERP system needs upgrading

(34:05) Building trust in tech and teams

(39:33) Peer communities and learning program value

(43:00) Grant programs for small manufacturers explained

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Kurt Heusner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtheusner/
2. Learn more about Endpoint Automation Solutions: https://endpointas.com/
3. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
4. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
5. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
6. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
7. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
8. WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Embedded AI that senses, explains, and optimizes: https://bit.ly/4pOGgyo
9. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/solving-warehouse-execution-gaps-SMB-market-1544