The Future of Supply Chain: a Dynamo Ventures Podcast

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Lisa Smith, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Prewave, a platform using predictive risk intelligence to cover the critical elements of enterprises. Sanotsh and Lisa explore supply chain risk intelligence and how Prewave helps enterprises manage risks using AI. Lisa shares her journey from earning a PhD in computer science to co-founding Prewave. Key topics include the importance of transparency, compliance, and sustainability in supply chains, the role of technology in automating risk analysis, the evolving regulatory landscape, how companies can implement effective risk management frameworks, and more. Highlights from their conversation include:Overview of Prewave (1:23)Lisa's Background and Journey (2:10)Understanding Supply Chain Complexity (3:13)Development of Prewave's Technology (4:13)Defining Supply Chain Risk Intelligence (5:15)Proactive and Reactive Strategies (6:35)Starting Point for Risk Management (9:57)Importance of Transparency (11:42)Realizing ROI in Risk Management (13:56)Regulatory and Sustainability Trends (16:18)Unique Value Proposition of Prewave (19:42)Holistic Risk Management (21:40)Future of Compliance (23:16)Series B Funding Announcement (25:08)Rapid Fire Round on U.S. Elections, AI and Olympics (26:20)Final thoughts and takeaways (27:47)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During this episode, Graham Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Importal, joins Santosh to discuss how AI is transforming customs brokerage and trade compliance. The conversation explores the integration of technology in managing complex regulations, the impact of ongoing trade wars and tariff changes, lessons from real brands like Bad Birdie, and how businesses can adapt to policy volatility and government shutdowns. Key takeaways include the necessity for importers to proactively manage trade compliance, leverage AI-driven solutions for greater accuracy and efficiency, the critical role of trust in global supply chains, and so much more. Highlights from their conversation include:Introduction to Importal and Its Mission (1:15)Defining Trade Compliance and Customs Brokerage (3:19)Why Integrating Trade Compliance and Brokerage Matters (4:31)The Process of Importing Goods Into the U.S. (5:41)How the Industry Operated Historically and Technology’s Role (8:18)Coping with Policy Lags and Tariff Changes (9:48)Using AI for Real-Time Compliance and Customer Impact (11:51)Bad Birdie’s Success and Supplier Diversification (13:22)Required Certifications and Regulatory Documentation (0:15:30)Industrial vs. Consumer Economy Supply Chain Strategies (17:41)Tariffs, Inflation, and Global Shifting of Manufacturing (19:18)The Effect of the Government Shutdown on Trade (20:42)Trust in Global Trade Value Chains (24:04)Rapid Fire Segment and Parting Thoughts (26:20)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this engaging discussion, Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta, dives into the transformative power of data in shipping. He shares insights on navigating market volatility and the industry's shift to index-linked contracts for improved transparency. Peter also discusses the implications of geopolitical issues and overcapacity on future demand, specifically projecting trends for 2026. Unpacking strategies for risk management in tender cycles, he emphasizes the need for a trustworthy, data-driven culture in logistics. Plus, hear his favorite port and career dreams!

Dr. Andrea Limbago, SVP of Applied AI at Interos.ai, brings a wealth of experience blending AI, cybersecurity, and geopolitics. She discusses the alarming rise in supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions and emphasizes the critical need for multi-source suppliers. Andrea highlights the importance of real-time risk detection and continuous verification of suppliers to build resilience. With her insights on vulnerability hotspots like ports and the necessity for simulation exercises, she outlines strategies for organizations to enhance their preparedness against emerging threats.

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, guest host Madelyn O'Farrell is joined by Robert Gaffney, Corporate Sr. Director, Supply Chain Planning and Optimization, Coca-Cola Bottling United. During the episode, Madelyn and Robert discuss the company's operations, emphasizing the role of technology and innovation in the supply chain. Key topics include the use of AI and automation to streamline processes, the daily workflow of Coca-Cola Bottling, and the potential for AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The episode also highlights the importance of employee engagement and collaboration in adopting new technologies to improve the supply chain and so much more. Highlights from their conversation include:Robert’s Background and Journey to Coca-Cola (0:41)Background on Coca-Cola Bottling United (1:03)Introduction to Kona (1:32)Current Trends in Supply Chain (3:12)Coca-Cola's Workflow Overview (4:01)AI Integration in Operations (5:09)External Collaboration for AI (6:14)AI Opportunities in Supply Chain (8:27)Building vs. Buying AI Solutions (9:58)ROI Considerations for AI Solutions (10:47)Demand Forecasting Capabilities (12:32)Cost-Cutting Focus (13:41)Barriers to AI Adoption (14:18)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (15:10)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pedro Neto, a Supply Chain Data Scientist at HP with expertise in applying data science, shares his insights on the transformative potential of generative AI in supply chain management. He discusses practical opportunities for AI adoption, emphasizing the need to start with small, impactful use cases. The conversation also delves into challenges like model drift and data security, highlighting the importance of robust model evaluation and data governance. Listeners will learn how to foster a culture of innovation and avoid common pitfalls in AI implementation.

During this episode, Santosh is joined by supply chain expert and Professor of Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yossi Sheffi. Santosh and Yossi discuss the evolving landscape of global supply chains amid trade wars, policy uncertainty, and rapid technological change. Key topics include the challenges of unpredictability for supply chain leaders, the importance of resilience as a hedge against uncertainty, and the growing influence of AI and digital transformation on the workforce. Yossi also addresses the limitations of current sustainability efforts, advocating for nuclear power as a scalable solution, and emphasizes the need for cultural and policy shifts to ensure long-term resilience. Listeners will gain practical insights on navigating volatility, fostering adaptability, and preparing for the future of supply chains.Highlights from their conversation include:Yossi’s Journey into Supply Chain (1:15)Trade Wars and Tariff Unpredictability (2:39)The Real Problem: Uncertainty and Volatility (3:31)Managing Supply Chains Amid Uncertainty (6:13)Retail Margins and Political Implications (8:08)Resilience as a Hedge, Not a Bet (9:50)Resilience vs. Insurance (11:31)Global Examples of Resilient Cultures (13:55)Trade-Offs in Reshoring and Environmental Policy (16:17)Sustainability: Real Impact vs. Virtue Signaling (20:14)Nuclear Power as a Solution (21:47)Global Energy Demand and Equity (23:51)AI and the Future of Work (25:10)Job Market Evolution and Adaptation (26:19)Education and Skills for the Future (29:49)Limits of AI and Robotics (30:39)Rapid Fire Segment to Close (32:26)Final Thoughts and Takeaways Conclusion and Farewell (34:03)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Devin Bhushan, Founder and CEO of Squint. Devin shares how his company is revolutionizing manufacturing by using AI to capture and scale the tribal knowledge of frontline workers. The discussion covers the challenges of labor shortages, the importance of empowering operators, and the need to digitize best practices for efficiency and quality. Devin also explains how Squint’s multimodal platform leverages video, voice, and data to create a centralized knowledge base, and emphasizes the critical role of trustworthy AI in mission-critical environments. Key takeaways include the value of combining human creativity with technology, the need for robust governance to prevent bad practices, Squint’s vision to optimize the entire manufacturing supply chain from design to service, and so much more.Highlights from their conversation include:How Squint is Revolutionizing Manufacturing (0:41)Devin’s Background & Inspiration (2:18)AI’s Role: Augmenting Human Potential (4:20)Scaling Best Practices with AI (6:43)Designing Software for Factory Operators (7:48)Capturing and Sharing Tacit Knowledge (10:13)Retooling Brownfields & Quality Use Cases (13:54)Eliminating Search: The Future of Knowledge Access (15:03)Building Trustworthy AI for Mission-Critical Tasks (17:13)Preventing the Spread of Bad Practices (20:11)What’s Next for Squint: Beyond the Factory Floor (23:30)Rapid-Fire “This or That” Segment (24:59)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (25:55)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, guest host Madelyn O'Farrell is joined by TJ England, Chief Legal Officer at C.R. England, a pioneer in the transportation services industry providing asset-based Dedicated, Truckload, and Intermodal solutions to solve a wide variety of customer needs. During the conversation, TJ and Madelyn explore the intersection of technology and business model innovation in the trucking industry. TJ provides a historical overview of C.R. England, a family-owned trucking company founded in 1920, and shares his personal journey into the legal side of the industry. They discuss the challenges of operating in a low-margin sector, the deployment of AI to enhance operations, the importance of effective communication among carriers, shippers, and stakeholders in the supply chain, and so much more. Highlights from their conversation include:C.R. England’s Journey in Trucking (0:52)TJ's Journey into the Family Business (1:58)Challenges in the Trucking Industry (3:41)Exploring AI in Trucking (6:15)Potential of AI for Network Optimization (10:06)Human in the Loop Approach (14:17)Technological Solutions for Communication (17:39)Fragmentation and Small Businesses (20:43)AI in Legal Framework (25:57)Automated Vehicles and Legal Risks (27:17)Train Derailments and Technology (29:41)Legal Perspectives on Cybersecurity (32:00)In-House vs. Outsourcing Technology (35:10)ROI and Customer-Centric Solutions (39:05)Current State of the Trucking Market (41:22)Importance of Lean Operations (46:50)Challenges of Investment in Technology (48:18)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Conrad Snover, CEO of ProcureAbility, dives into the future of procurement in the utility sector. He emphasizes the critical importance of sustainable practices while navigating the challenges of electrification and renewable energy. The conversation reveals insights on building supply chain resilience post-COVID-19, the value of risk management, and how even simple tools like Excel remain essential for procurement professionals. Conrad also shares valuable lessons from mountaineering on adaptability and the need for procurement to evolve in a rapidly changing landscape.