• 43 minutes 2 seconds
    How Entrepreneurial Leadership Drives Growth & Innovation in Supply Chain

    Most companies don't have a transportation problem. They have a management problem.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Onu Okebie, CEO of HTL, for a straight-talking conversation on freight, entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to build a logistics company from scratch in one of the most volatile markets in recent memory. From buying his first truck to completing five acquisitions in five years and growing HTL 15X, Onu brings a grounded, finance-first perspective to questions most operators avoid. Kim adds her continuous improvement lens to the mix, drawing connections between change management, organizational culture, and the kind of problem-solving mindset that separates companies that adapt from those that stall.

    The conversation covers a lot of ground: how the freight recession really unfolded and what's actually driving the current shift in pricing, why transportation remains the most mismanaged cost on a shipper's P&L, where human judgment stays irreplaceable even as AI reshapes logistics, and what it looks like to build a company where entrepreneurial instinct and operational discipline coexist. If you're leading through change, thinking about growth through acquisition, or trying to figure out how to position your organization for what's coming next in freight and technology, this one is worth your time.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:44) Onu Okebie's background and entrepreneurial origins

    (09:30) HTL's growth story and five acquisitions in five years

    (16:27) Lessons from M&A and how people embrace change

    (20:27) Balancing entrepreneurial culture with systems and scale

    (24:10) The freight market breakdown and what's driving the current shift

    (29:19) Human judgment vs. AI in logistics and why both matter

    (35:19) The five-year outlook and going AI-led as an organization

    (39:37) Key takeaways on mindset, people, and embracing change

    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/how-entrepreneurial-leadership-drives-growth-innovation-supply-chain-1603

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    1 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 36 minutes 24 seconds
    Supply Chain Lessons From Vacation Movies and Pop Culture Chaos

    What can classic vacation movies teach us about building stronger, smarter supply chains?

    In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes back Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, for another fun and insightful edition of Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow. With summer vacation season in full swing, Scott and Mike take a creative look at the supply chain and leadership lessons hidden inside classic vacation themed movies, from Vacation and Home Alone to Jurassic Park, Jaws, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Apollo 13. Mike breaks down three major themes every supply chain leader should keep in mind: preparing for disruption, improving visibility, and understanding how human factors drive outcomes.

    They also discuss the ongoing impact of AI on operating models, organizational design, talent strategy, and practical adoption. Mike shares why AI is no longer a question of “if,” but “how,” emphasizing the importance of augmentation over automation and the continued need for human oversight. From planning for disruption and avoiding single points of failure to listening to frontline warning signs and keeping teams focused during a crisis, the conversation delivers timely, actionable insights for leaders navigating today’s complex supply chain environment with creativity, clarity, and resilience.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:03) Mike’s favorite vacation story

    (04:34) Listener mail and practical AI adoption

    (08:29) Changing the CSCO perception

    (11:30) Supply chain lessons from classic movies

    (12:29) What National Lampoon’s Vacation teaches about disruption

    (17:21) What Home Alone teaches about visibility gaps

    (23:11) What Jurassic Park teaches about human factors

    (26:13) Apollo 13 and leadership under pressure

    (32:09) Gartner events and the Top 25 preview

    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-lessons-vacataion-movies-pop-culture-chaos-1602


    The content in this video, including all audio, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now. 
    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected] © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    29 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 56 minutes 15 seconds
    The Buzz: Why Supply Chain Planning Needs a Decision Intelligence Upgrade

    In this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, Scott Luton is joined by Marty Parker and special guest Thomas Beil, founder and CEO of Perfect Planner, for a timely conversation on supply chain performance, workforce challenges, decision intelligence, and the future of planning.

    The conversation explores what leading supply chain organizations have in common, including customer focus, leadership alignment, clear strategy, balanced metrics, and a culture of innovation. Scott, Marty, and Thomas also discuss the growing memory chip crunch, how retailers are using tariff refunds to lower prices, and the rising demand for supply chain talent with AI skills. The discussion then dives into the democratization of expertise, the power of AI to capture institutional knowledge, and why decision intelligence may be the missing layer between data visibility and better execution. Thomas also shares how Perfect Planner is helping manufacturers move beyond spreadsheets and into a more proactive, standardized, and scalable planning process.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The five traits leading supply chain organizations consistently demonstrate
    • Why technology projects often fail because of leadership and process issues, not the technology itself
    • How the memory chip shortage is being driven by AI infrastructure demand
    • Why supply chain talent, AI skills, and workforce design are becoming urgent priorities
    • How AI can help capture and scale institutional knowledge across organizations
    • Why decision intelligence is critical for turning fragmented data into clear action
    • How manufacturers can reduce planning waste and help teams focus on strategic value
    • What the planning organization of 2031 may look like

    Tune in to hear practical insights on where supply chain planning, AI, and workforce strategy are headed next. This episode offers a smart look at how organizations can move beyond visibility, spreadsheets, and reactive decision-making to create more integrated, proactive, and execution-focused supply chains.

    Additional Resources and Links: 

    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/buzz-why-supply-chain-planning-needs-decision-intelligence-upgrade-1601
     

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    26 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 53 minutes 33 seconds
    The Infrastructure Gap: Why Direct Procurement is at a Breaking Point

    Most companies aren't struggling with procurement because they're spending too little on technology. They're struggling because they're building intelligence on top of fragmented data, disconnected workflows, and outdated operating models.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Mark Schenecker, VP of Manufacturing Industries at Coupa, for a data-driven conversation on the future of direct procurement. Drawing from Coupa's State of Direct Procurement 2026 report, Mark unpacks why procurement leaders are pulling away from the pack and why AI alone isn't the differentiator many organizations think it is. From fragmented data and disconnected workflows to the growing importance of supplier visibility and risk intelligence, the discussion explores what separates companies that react to disruption from those that anticipate it.

    Together, they explore why clean, connected data must come before AI, why leading organizations have moved beyond price-only sourcing decisions, and why procurement deserves a strategic seat at the table.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (01:04) Why procurement is becoming a strategic competitive advantage 

    (01:17) Moving away from a 1986 approach to procurement 

    (02:41) Meet Mark Schenecker: Three decades of supply chain innovation

    (07:13) Behind the State of Direct Procurement 2026 report

    (08:01) The critical leap from generative AI to agentic AI 

    (09:13) How a digital front door simplifies the employee experience

    (13:46) The $16 million cost of operating on fragmented infrastructure 

    (17:02) Why sophisticated analytics on messy data just produces more noise 

    (21:36) The three-pillar framework: Infrastructure and foundation first 

    (26:17) Moving beyond unit price to build supply chain resiliency 

    (28:25) Shifting from passive reporting to active decision intelligence 

    (30:09) Closing the procurement influence deficit at the executive table 

    (35:08) Breaking down the hidden silos between direct and indirect spend 

    (39:36) Real-world outcomes from Albemarle, Glencore, and ADM 

    (48:20) Key takeaways, maturity assessments, and closing thoughts

    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/infrastructure-gap-direct-procurement-at-breaking-point-1600

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    24 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 52 minutes 29 seconds
    A $240K Shipment Saved: Venture Metals’ Real-Time Rescue

    Supply chain technology is evolving rapidly, but cargo criminals are moving even faster.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Scott DeGroot are joined by Krenar Komoni (Founder & CEO of Tive) and Fernando Boom (Director of Transportation at Venture Metals +) to break down the massive shift from physical yard thefts to sophisticated, identity-based freight fraud.

    Fernando shares a thrilling firsthand account of how a family road trip turned into a real-time recovery mission for a hijacked $240,000 shipment of copper. While the driver successfully bypassed the physical bolt seals, covert tracking technology thwarted the heist and led to a first-degree felony arrest. Krenar pairs this narrative with over a decade of visibility expertise, unpacking how modern criminals leverage AI, chameleon carriers, fraudulent MC numbers, and double brokering to vanish with high-value freight.

    Moving past a reactive postmortem claims model, the panel outlines a definitive blueprint for proactive, layered defense. They explore how real-time telemetry, including route deviation alerts and light sensors, empowers logistics teams to stop fraud mid-transit. Scott DeGroot concludes by highlighting the critical enterprise costs of cargo loss, challenging shippers to audit their networks, tighten dock-level verifications, and eliminate the weak links that bad actors exploit.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:38) Meet Venture Metals and Tive leaders

    (03:53) Art shows and World Cup picks

    (06:04) Venture Metals recycling and logistics role

    (07:37) Tive delivers real-time shipment visibility

    (09:28) Fraud tactics driving cargo theft surge

    (16:29) Layered alerts detect theft in transit

    (23:03) Prepare before theft happens, not after

    (24:03) Light alerts trigger copper theft investigation

    (26:11) Telemetry exposes route diversion and deception

    (27:52) Alerts only matter when teams respond

    (30:19) Police intercept truck at Wichita Falls

    (31:24) Driver bypasses seal but gets caught

    (32:47) Trust data and involve law enforcement

    (36:10) Technology helps monitor risky driver behavior

    (38:16) Build six layers of cargo security

    (44:29) Use Tive before theft strikes

    (47:22) Resources for protecting high-value shipments

    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/240k-shipment-saved-venture-metals-realtime-rescue-1599

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    22 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 48 minutes 41 seconds
    The Buzz: World Cup Logistics, PepsiCo’s Autonomous Future, & Forklift Safety Innovation

    On this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down the latest developments shaping global supply chains, transportation, technology, and workforce safety. From geopolitical developments impacting global shipping lanes to autonomous trucking, World Cup logistics, and innovative warehouse safety solutions, this conversation delivers timely insights on the trends supply chain leaders need to understand.

    The discussion begins with a look at workforce wellbeing and the growing importance of addressing stress, burnout, and employee health in today’s fast-paced business environment. Scott and Richard then explore the implications of a developing U.S.-Iran peace agreement and what it could mean for global shipping, trade flows, and the Strait of Hormuz. The conversation shifts to PepsiCo’s expanding use of autonomous trucking technology and the continued evolution of automation across supply chain operations. Later, the hosts examine the immense logistics required to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup before discussing emerging threats to the beef supply chain from the resurgence of the screwworm pest. Finally, special guest Brodie Cook, President of Fork Mule and winner of the MODEX 2026 Startup Solution of the Year Award, shares insights on warehouse safety, material handling innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of automation.

    Key Takeaways

    • Why workforce health and burnout prevention remain critical leadership priorities.
    • How developments in the Middle East could impact global trade routes and shipping activity.
    • What PepsiCo’s investment in autonomous trucking signals for the future of transportation.
    • The massive logistics operation required to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    • How labor shortages and biological threats continue to challenge agricultural supply chains.
    • Why warehouse safety innovation remains a major opportunity for supply chain improvement.
    • Lessons entrepreneurs can learn from ForkMule’s journey from idea to award-winning solution.
    • The growing role of automation and AI in warehouses, material handling, and fleet operations.

    If you want a practical look at the trends reshaping supply chains—from autonomous transportation and AI-powered operations to workforce safety, global trade, and entrepreneurship—this episode delivers valuable perspectives from industry leaders and innovators. You'll gain actionable insights on how technology, resilience, and execution continue to drive supply chain success.

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson. For additional information, please visit the dedicated shoaw page at: https://supplychainnow.com/the-buzz-world-cup-logistics-pepsico-autonomous-future-forklift-safety-innovation-1598

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    19 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    A View from the Top of the Deal Table: AI, Supply Chain, and the Next Wave of Value

    Supply chain technology has been evolving rapidly, but the biggest shifts in operational excellence may still be unfolding.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Ben Gordon, founder and managing partner of Cambridge Capital LLC. Together, they explore what it truly means to scale businesses in the global supply chain, from workflow automation and AI-driven predictive pricing to strategic M&A and operational leadership.

    Ben draws on nearly 25 years of experience investing in, building, and advising supply chain companies, including XPO, Greenscreens, and Everest. He makes the case for focusing relentlessly on “the one big thing,” executing with discipline, and using technology not just to cut costs but to enable growth. He also unpacks how AI and workflow automation are transforming logistics operations, creating triple-win outcomes for teams, customers, and the broader ecosystem.

    Ben shares the leadership principles that guide him: integrate external insights, be brutally honest in self-assessment, “simplify, focus, execute”, and know when bold, strategic moves are needed. He also highlights the importance of operational rigor and culture, demonstrating how leaders can turn competitors into partners and make businesses indispensable to customers.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:51) Deep Supply Chain Roots

    (05:08) Advisory vs. Growth Capital

    (06:38) Three Top-of-Mind Market Trends

    (11:33) Practical Value of AI in Logistics

    (14:47) Growth Focused Approach Not Cost Cutting

    (16:40) Leadership and Operational Discipline Create Value

    (19:19) Brad Jacobs Scaling Playbook Revealed

    (24:27) Volatility Demands Focus and Execution

    (28:21) Investors’ Perspective on Tech Opportunities

    (31:15) Founder Reality Check Lessons Learned

    (35:11) Market Skepticism & The SaaSpocalypse

    (39:56) Who Wins and Scales Long Term

    (43:39) Final Advice Start With Outside In

    (48:13) BGSA Deals Pipeline and Highlights

    (51:59) Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

    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/top-of-the-deal-table-ai-supply-chain-next-wave-value-1597

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    17 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 56 minutes 39 seconds
    Supply Chain Leader Briefing: From Quantum Risk to Practical Action

    Every organization relies on secure digital connections across suppliers, partners, and platforms. Yet many of the technologies that protect those connections were built for a world before quantum computing. 

    While practical quantum capabilities may still seem years away, the risks associated with them are already prompting concern, particularly as encrypted data collected today could potentially be decrypted in the future. For supply chain leaders, that creates a unique challenge: preparing for a technological shift that is still emerging while protecting information that remains valuable far into the future.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa sit down with Akhilesh Agarwal, President of P2P Solutions and Technology at apexanalytix, and William McNeill, Vice President of Market Intelligence, for a conversation on what the quantum era could mean for supply chains.

    Together, they unpack the growing conversation around quantum computing, the implications of "harvest now, decrypt later" strategies, and why supply chain ecosystems may be particularly vulnerable due to the vast amounts of supplier, financial, and contractual data that move across them every day. As digital transformation continues to accelerate, they discuss why understanding emerging risks today may be just as important as preparing for the opportunities quantum technologies could unlock tomorrow.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro
    (00:42) Quantum risks supply chain leaders must know

    (02:13) Meet apexanalytix quantum risk experts

    (03:35) Space exploration lessons for innovation

    (07:03) Apexanalytix protects supplier data at scale

    (10:16) Why they wrote The Quantum Paradox

    (10:46) Harvest now decrypt later threat

    (15:46) Where to start with quantum readiness

    (21:38) Four major supply chain impacts

    (24:39) Supplier risk extends beyond tier one

    (26:27) Why supplier collaboration matters

    (27:42) Building a three-to-five-year quantum plan

    (33:20) Audit technology stack and supplier data

    (48:47) White paper resources and next steps

    (51:37) Gartner recognition and key takeaway

    (54:48) Act now on quantum readiness
     

    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/leader-briefing-quantum-risk-to-practical-action-1596

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    15 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 57 minutes 46 seconds
    The Buzz: AI Adoption, Brand Differentiation, & Embracing Discomfort

    On this episode of The Buzz, Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Dr. Muddassir Ahmed and special guest Anthony Reeves, Vice President of Global Brand & Creative at Kohler and author of Eat the Donkey: Why Great Companies Embrace Discomfort. Together, they explore the realities of AI adoption, decision-making optimization, innovation, leadership, and what separates organizations that thrive from those that struggle to keep pace.

    As supply chains continue to evolve in the age of AI, organizations face critical decisions about technology adoption, data quality, change management, and leadership. Scott, Muddassir, and Anthony examine why many AI initiatives fail, what companies can learn from both successes and setbacks, and why strong decision-making remains one of the most valuable competitive advantages. The conversation also explores the growing importance of human connection, brand differentiation, organizational culture, and the willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of long-term growth. Drawing on experiences from Amazon, Kohler, Starbucks, and other global brands, Anthony shares powerful lessons on innovation, leadership, and staying true to what makes an organization unique.

    Key Takeaways:

    • AI success depends as much on adoption, change management, and leadership as it does on technology.
    • High-quality, contextualized data remains the foundation for effective AI implementation.
    • Organizations must learn from failed initiatives just as much as successful ones.
    • Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and human connection will become increasingly valuable as AI handles more routine work.
    • Strong brands remain differentiated by purpose, customer experience, and authenticity—not technology alone.
    • Great leaders make difficult decisions early rather than delaying action until opportunities have passed.

    Whether you're leading a supply chain transformation, evaluating AI investments, or building a stronger organization, this episode offers practical insights from leaders who have navigated innovation at the highest levels. You'll walk away with actionable advice on decision-making, change management, leadership, and creating organizations that can thrive amid constant disruption.

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Dr. Mudassir Ahmed. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-adoption-brand-differentiation-embracing-comfort-1595

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    12 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 44 minutes 48 seconds
    Driving Innovation in Returns Management: David Sobie with Happy Returns

    Most retailers don't have a return policy problem. They have an incentive problem.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by David Sobie, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns, for a deep dive into the returns crisis and reverse logistics. David brings over a decade of real-world experience helping major retail brands turn post-purchase friction into customer loyalty. He shares critical data from their latest report with the NRF, exposing a staggering rise in retail fraud, the undeniable psychology of the in-person return, and why over 70% of merchants are moving away from free returns to save "dead stock" from rotting off store shelves.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (04:41) Career beginnings and lessons learned

    (08:15) Hautelook marketing sparks Happy Returns

    (12:00) BORIS revolutionizes online return experience

    (19:38) Speed and return fees impact retail

    (22:53) Combating returns fraud with technology

    (31:44) Expanding network to ten thousand locations

    (35:16) Expert advice for supply chain leaders

    (39:11) Future of personalization and growth

    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/driving-innovation-returns-management-happy-returns-1594

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    10 June 2026, 4:00 am
  • 54 minutes 14 seconds
    A Few of the Supply Chain Gals: Winning Case Competitions & Transforming Industry

    Every industry talks about preparing for the future, but few spend enough time listening to the people who will ultimately shape it. 

    What often gets overlooked is that this generation may already be bringing exactly the mindset the industry needs: adaptability, systems thinking, technological fluency, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton and guest co-host Liz Raman, Founder and CEO of Supply Chain Gals, sit down with the winning team from the 2026 Supply Chain Gals Case Competition: Madeline Creasman, Founder and CEO of EverChain Solutions; Ashley Bailey, Inventory Analyst at InComm Payments; Thanmayee Maddipati, Global Supply Manager at Apple; and Katerina Folkin, Operations and Economics student at Minerva University.

    Drawing from backgrounds across agriculture, healthcare operations, entrepreneurship, procurement, technology, and global education, they explore what sets the next generation of supply chain leaders apart, and how younger professionals are navigating disruption with fresh perspectives shaped by diverse experiences, a global mindset, and a growing focus on sustainability and emerging technologies like AI. Along the way, they reflect on the role of curiosity, the importance of questioning long-standing ways of working, and why the strongest solutions are often those that balance today's operational realities with the needs of the future.

    Jump into the conversation:
    (00:00) Intro

    (02:17) Meet the 2026 Supply Chain Gals champions

    (04:21) Summer plans and personal introductions

    (07:27) How each leader found supply chain

    (13:37) The mission behind Supply Chain Gals

    (15:37) Inside the 2026 case competition

    (18:48) Solving a supply chain crisis under pressure

    (21:31) Playing to strengths as a team

    (22:06) The competition twist changes everything

    (24:23) Building a realistic supply chain war room

    (26:15) Why this team stood out

    (28:45) Are leaders underestimating young talent?

    (34:53) Information access creates new perspectives

    (38:55) Why communities like Supply Chain Gals matter

    (44:00) Advice for leaders and final takeaways

    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/few-supply-chain-gals-winning-case-competitions-transforming-industry-1593

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    8 June 2026, 12:00 am
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