The VOICE of Supply Chain
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, we break down the latest retail sales signals, explore the growing importance of supply chain storytelling, and spotlight the powerful role Georgia plays in global logistics. From shifting consumer behavior to automation trends and industry events, this episode is packed with insights that matter right now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS!
Hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love dive into early March retail data, highlighting cautious consumer spending patterns and what they signal for the months ahead. The conversation also explores the newly released documentary The Chain: How the World Works, which brings supply chain complexity to life for a broader audience. Plus, special guest Sandy Lake from the Georgia Center of Innovation shares key trends driving logistics growth, including automation, trade policy shifts, and infrastructure investments across the state.
Key Learnings & Takeaways:
As uncertainty persists across global markets, supply chain leaders must double down on resilience, visibility, and adaptability. This episode reinforces why staying informed—and agile—is more important than ever.
Additional Links & Resources:
This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-retail-signals-supply-chain-stories-georgia-rise-1569
What are future supply chain leaders paying attention to right now?
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Julie Niederhoff, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Department Chair of Marketing, Retail and Supply Chain Management at Syracuse University, alongside standout students Odette Sherk, Katherine Foley, Makayla Amatuegwu, and David Patterson. Together, they explore how today’s students are discovering supply chain as a dynamic career path that blends strategy, sustainability, and real-world problem solving.
The conversation highlights how hands-on experiences, from study abroad programs to industry internships, are helping students connect classroom learning to global challenges. Topics like sustainability transparency, rail transportation, globalization shifts, and ethical sourcing take center stage as each student shares what excites them most about the industry. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change.
Julie also shares insights into how Syracuse’s program develops well-rounded leaders by combining academic rigor with experiential learning. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the field of supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:42) Syracuse supply chain program overview
(02:21) Meet the student panel and professor
(06:31) Student backgrounds and personal interests
(34:33) Sustainability challenges in mining
(36:35) Interest in healthcare distribution and logistics
(39:51) Career goals in consulting and sustainability
(41:46) Procurement, fashion, and ethical sourcing
(45:50) Program impact and student experiences
Additional Links & Resources:
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Codes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit the dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/now-generation-future-supply-chain-orange-1568
Disruption isn’t an occasional challenge anymore. And that’s forcing supply chain leaders to think differently about how they operate.
In this episode, Scott Luton is joined by Thato Moloi, President of SAPICS and an expert in African supply chains, to discuss the trends impacting the industry. Thato shares insights on how global supply chain disruptions have become the norm and explains why resilience and adaptability are crucial for leaders in 2026. He also delves into the transformative role of AI and technology in driving efficiency, especially in logistics and warehouse management across the continent.
They explore how African supply chains are evolving through innovation, regionalization, and the increasing importance of workforce development. You’ll hear practical examples of how companies are leveraging AI for better decision-making and optimizing their supply chains to meet growing demands in today’s fast-paced world.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(03:00) The power of SAPICS
(08:54) The complexity of Africa's cold chain & fruit export
(11:31) Six trends shaping African supply chains in 2026
(14:14) Data-driven decisions and why AI is now essential
(16:43) Practical AI applications transforming African warehouses
(23:47) Workforce evolution and the fight for scarce skills
(28:30) Geopolitics, resilience, and the Eisenhower planning lesson
(34:06) A defining year for African supply chains
(41:00) The essentials of supply chain leadership
Additional Links & Resources:
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/supply-chain-leadership-transforming-africas-industry-1567
The global supply chain is shifting fast—from rising compliance demands to major reshoring investments—welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44!
In this episode, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens break down the forces reshaping the electronics supply chain, from Apple’s massive U.S. manufacturing expansion to the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on critical materials like helium. Joined by Justin Sears of Altium, the conversation dives into how data, design, and visibility are becoming essential to navigating complexity and staying competitive.
Join us and learn:
From regulatory complexity to global disruptions and bold reshoring moves, the electronics supply chain is entering a new era—one defined by data, agility, and smarter decision-making.
Additional Links & Resources:
This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Allison Giddens and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-chips-compliance-chaos-navigating-todays-electronics-supply-chain-1566
Supply chain leadership is being tested like never before, and the expectations keep rising.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Wiley Jones to kick off another episode of Enterprise Unleashed, powered by the DOSS team. Together, they sit down with Rick McDonald, CEO at Rick McDonald Supply Chain Advisory, LLC, and retired SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Clorox, to talk about the evolving role of leaders in today's fast-changing environment. Rick discusses the importance of digital fluency for leaders, particularly in integrating AI, and emphasizes that AI should be viewed as decision support, not a replacement.
He highlights key strategies for leaders navigating disruptive technologies, such as investing in reskilling and upskilling, and underscores the critical role of change management. With extensive experience in managing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and a five-month-long cyberattack, Rick shares insights into leadership during times of transformation and how companies can leverage technology for better decision-making.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:59) Meet supply chain expert Rick McDonald
(05:53) Rick's supply chain career origin story
(07:30) Clorox’s global supply chain scale
(09:31) Rick's proudest Clorox leadership moments
(11:35) How supply chains evolved in five years
(14:02) Navigating talent and technology intersection
(16:16) Sorting through AI hype and ROI
(19:52) The human edge over AI in leadership
(23:05) AI adoption and overcoming fear
(26:27) Cohorts and adoption strategies for success
(27:23) Leaders must walk the digital talk
(29:33) The strategic commitment to transformation
(30:16) Next-gen skills for supply chain leaders
(31:44) Stall versus scale in digital projects
(34:33) Avoiding the shiny tool temptation
(36:58) CSCO’s role in owning digital strategy
Additional Links & Resources:
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Wiley Jones, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/enterprise-unleashed-rick-mcdonald-whats-now-whats-next-1565
Supply chain disruption isn’t slowing down, it’s becoming the baseline. So what separates leaders who keep up from those who fall behind?
In this episode, Scott Luton sits down with Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to break down what it takes to lead in 2026. Mike revisits key lessons from the pandemic, including why top organizations “handle hard better,” and explains why “winning in the turns” still applies in today’s environment of constant disruption.
They also unpack where many leaders are misreading AI, especially as supply chain and IT continue to converge, and what that means for CSCOs. You’ll hear Gartner’s top three priorities for supply chain leaders, plus practical examples of how AI is already improving decision-making, from vendor selection to faster insights.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:17) What the pandemic taught supply chain leaders about handling hard
(06:02) A broader perspective on AI and the rise of LLMs
(08:40) Why winning in the turns still matters
(12:15) Quantum risk and the future of data security
(14:56) Why so many leaders are misreading AI strategy
(19:00) The top priorities for CSCOs in 2026
(22:53) Where agentic AI is creating real value
(27:34) What supply chain leaders in 2050 may say about today
(31:38) Join the conversation at Gartner Supply Chain Symposium
Additional Links & Resources:
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/priorities-cscos-2026-boards-still-getting-wrong-1564
From geopolitical tensions impacting global energy markets to rising food costs and shifting delivery networks, today’s supply chains are navigating a perfect storm of disruption and transformation. At the same time, innovation is accelerating—from AI-powered logistics to tech-enabled food platforms redefining how we eat at home. The stakes are high, and the pace of change is only increasing… welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44!
In this episode, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker explore how global conflict is impacting energy and supply chains, how rising cocoa prices are reshaping the food industry, and what Amazon’s shift away from USPS means for last-mile delivery. Plus, HelloFresh COO Dan Seidel joins us to share how AI, robotics, and supply chain innovation are transforming the home cooking experience.
Key Learnings & Takeaways:
Disruption isn’t slowing down—but neither is innovation. The organizations that stay agile, customer-focused, and ready to adapt will be the ones that lead what’s next.
Additional Links & Resources:
This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-shocks-cocoa-crunch-hellofresh-innovation-1563
What if the next big supply chain breakthrough also creates one of its biggest security risks?
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Akhilesh Agarwal, President of P2P Solutions and Technology at apexanalytix, and William McNeill, Vice President of Market Intelligence at apexanalytix, for an in-depth discussion on quantum computing’s role in supply chains. They examine how it can improve visibility, risk management, and decision-making. Akhilesh and William stress the importance of preparing now, as waiting could expose companies to risks.
The conversation also covers the convergence of quantum computing and AI, enhancing predictive analytics, supply chain modeling, and risk management. The episode concludes with practical steps leaders can take to prepare for quantum disruptions and stay ahead as the technology evolves.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(04:26) Sci-fi influences and tech discussion
(07:49) Career background and journey details
(10:16) Overview of apexanalytix's work
(12:30) Why they wrote the quantum paper
(17:34) Comparing quantum risk to AI delays
(21:19) Why quantum is both overhyped and underestimated
(26:26) Quantum’s potential for deep visibility
(32:21) The power of quantum risk modeling
(32:54) Data hurdles in supplier visibility
(33:40) Quantum access and the risk of bad actors
(37:45) The rise of quantum computing as a service
(39:34) Near-term risks and HNDL explained
(44:08) Compliance, insurance, and data lifespan
(47:13) Misconceptions about quantum readiness
(51:53) Practical steps to take in 24 months
Additional Links & Resources:
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/quantum-paradox-what-supply-chain-leaders-need-know-1562
Asia is playing a bigger role in global supply chains as trade shifts, regional demand grows, and companies focus on execution over noise.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Raymon Krishnan, President of The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society, and Brett Marshall, Editor-in-Chief of LogiSYM Magazine, for a grounded conversation on what’s happening across Asia and Southeast Asia. From Singapore’s role as a logistics and coordination hub to the rise of domestic markets across the region, they walk through the changes influencing how supply chains operate today.
Scott, Raymon, and Brett discuss how companies are adjusting to new trade patterns, building stronger regional capabilities, and managing ongoing disruption while keeping day-to-day operations on track. They share practical examples of how AI is being used in procurement and freight, while emphasizing the need to focus on what delivers results.
The conversation also covers the growing importance of risk management, the need for continuous learning, and the role of relationships in keeping supply chains running. The episode closes with insights on Singapore’s next phase of growth, the rise of reverse logistics innovation, and the people-first mindset that continues to drive the industry forward.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(03:38) Warm-up stories and sports talk
(08:03) Optimism and caution in global supply chains
(12:34) Looking past headlines in supply chain news
(16:30) Staying focused amid constant disruption
(21:23) Rebalancing vs reinvention in global supply chains
(30:26) Practical AI use cases in logistics
(32:49) Skills and leadership for the future workforce
(39:46) Singapore’s logistics strategy and infrastructure
(46:41) Reverse logistics and sustainability initiatives
(50:07) LogiSYM APAC and industry collaboration
Additional Links & Resources:
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/asia-crossroads-reinvention-risk-supply-chain-growth-1561
Geopolitical tensions are rising, supply chains are shifting, and innovation isn’t slowing down—on this episode of The Buzz, we break down what it all means and why it matters now… welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44!
In this episode, Scott Luton, Karin Bursa, and special guest Christine Barnhart unpack the far-reaching implications of the ongoing Iran conflict on global supply chains, with a close look at the Strait of Hormuz and its critical role in global oil flow. The conversation explores how potential disruptions could ripple across transportation, manufacturing, and cost structures worldwide. The team also dives into Rivian’s ambitious EV manufacturing plans in Georgia, examining both the promise and the profitability challenges facing the electric vehicle market. Rounding out the discussion, the episode highlights the growing impact of women in supply chain leadership and the importance of adaptability, visibility, and innovation in navigating today’s complex operating environment.
Tune in and learn:
From geopolitical disruption to technological transformation, this episode is a must-listen for supply chain leaders looking to stay informed, agile, and prepared. Whether you're navigating risk, investing in innovation, or leading through change, this conversation delivers timely insights to help you move forward with confidence.
Additional Links & Resources:
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-shockwaves-strategy-iran-ev-supply-chain-disruption-1560
Some of the most influential companies in today’s economy rarely make headlines. Known as the titanium economy, these small and mid-sized industrial businesses supply the parts, systems, and expertise that keep global supply chains operating.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Karin Bursa, Steffen Fuchs, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, and Ryan Fletcher, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to examine what makes these industrial companies so effective. The group discusses the characteristics that set them apart, from disciplined operations and close customer relationships to long-term thinking that helps them remain competitive across changing market conditions.
Steffen and Ryan also share perspectives from their work with companies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy. The discussion looks at how these organizations respond to supply chain disruptions, approach growth opportunities, and invest in their people and operations. Along the way, the group explores leadership decisions, workforce development, and how companies are applying new technologies to support continued growth.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:28) Meet the guests and introductions
(05:05) Warmup: March Madness and theater roots
(08:22) Steffen discusses background in AI
(10:38) Ryan’s experience in mid-cap industries
(14:02) Defining the titanium economy concept
(19:50) Book impact and changes since 2022
(23:15) Global policy and geopolitics influences
(29:01) Resilience and supply chain adjustments
(35:27) The great amplification cycle explained
(37:14) Clusters, innovation, and regional growth
(38:00) Supply chain tailwinds and opportunities
(39:34) Top performers’ playbook for success
(41:25) Lead time and SKU management
(42:39) Capacity bets that lead to success
(46:02) AI as a competitive advantage
(47:53) Real-world examples of AI in practice
(54:36) Leadership lessons from the titanium economy
(01:00:40) Trends flying under the radar today
Additional Links & Resources:
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/titanium-economy-how-ai-supply-chains-reshaping-industrial-competitiveness-1559