Supply Chain Now

On today's episode of The Buzz, we discuss the pressing need for supply chain professionals to embrace generative AI technologies without delay. As we traverse the complexities of the global freight market, we underscore the imperative of adopting innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience Welcome to The Buzz!This week, hosts Scott Luton and Enrique Alvarez welcome special guests Brain Greene and Laura Beyer from Realized Solutions, Inc. Listen in as they tackle:The significance of leveraging technology to not only streamline processes but also to fortify data integrity within organizationsThe common barriers to AI adoption, emphasizing that organizations must prioritize data quality and the cultivation of strategic partnerships to navigate the digital transformation effectivelyCritical observations on the burgeoning freight market, emphasizing the impact of tariff fluctuations on shipping volumes and port congestionJoin us as we aim to equip our audience with actionable insights and a renewed perspective on the future of supply chain management, advocating for a proactive approach in the face of evolving challenges.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Brian: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-greene-285657160Connect with Laura: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-beyer-ba61656Learn more about Realized Solutions: https://www.myrsi.comSupply Chain Leaders Embrace AI but Struggle to Bridge Technology Implementation Gap: https://bit.ly/43X92DVLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Enrique Alvarez, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-importance-generative-ai-today-business-1441

Lindsey Billing, EVP of Technology at National Logistics Services, and Paul Boothe, Executive Board Advisor at Osa Commerce, share insights on AI’s revolutionary impact in supply chains. They discuss the integration of robotics and automation to boost efficiency and reduce costs. Lindsey reveals the importance of clean data for effective AI strategies, while Paul emphasizes balancing technology with the human touch in customer service. Together, they explore how AI can help navigate consumer unpredictability and enhance decision-making in logistics.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and President of LinkedXL, to explore the foundational principles behind high-performing supply chain organizations. Drawing on his decades of leadership at Goodyear and his work with industry teams today, Billy Ray shares how speed, clarity, and connected systems drive real, measurable change.He breaks down five timeless yet urgent considerations for modern leadership—from rethinking KPIs as KPAs, to cultivating ownership and alignment across the organization, to architecting operating systems that empower people at every level. As Billy Ray says, “Speed is the currency of leadership”—and in today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s not just a competitive edge, it’s a necessity.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:59) Billy Ray's career journey at Goodyear(07:05) Key lessons from turnarounds(10:52) Current endeavors and LinkedXL(15:48) The importance of execution over strategy(19:06) Speed of execution as the new competitive advantage(22:08) The double-edged sword of modern business(22:59) Customer loyalty and speed(23:38) The role of clarity and ownership(28:15) Leadership presence in the digital era(35:01) The connected business modelAdditional Links & Resources: Connect with Billy Ray Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyrtaylor/ Learn more about LinkedXL: https://www.linkedxl.com Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- In Chaos We Create: Bridging the Critical Raw Materials Gap Through Strategic Convergence: https://bit.ly/459BzIQWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis 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/five-key-driving-organizational-change-2025-1439

In this enlightening discussion, Jennifer Bisceglie, Founder of Interos.ai, is joined by fellow 2025 Women in Supply Chain Award winners Jane Ganina and Mahnoor Khokhar. They spotlight the pressing need for innovation in securing critical raw materials and tackling the challenges women face in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mentorship, inclusive environments, and diverse skill sets to drive transformation. Expect insights on aviation, agriculture, and actionable strategies for resilience in global supply chains!

Supply Chain Now presents an insightful episode with hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens, and featuring special guests Amy Sartain, and Chuck Baker, focusing on the importance of supply chain education for students. The discussion highlights the innovative "Supply Chain Games" initiative, which includes the Lemonade Game for elementary and middle school students and the Cell Phone Game for high school and college students. These games aim to introduce young learners to supply chain concepts, fostering interest in logistics careers. With over 2,500 students engaged since 2018, the program is expanding through teacher training to amplify its impact. Join us for an episode that underscores the critical need for supply chain professionals and the rewarding career opportunities available in the field, and also emphasizes the importance of early exposure to supply chain roles, aiming to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Chuck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-baker-cscp-cltd-8277a99/Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-sartain/Learn more about SC Competes: https://www.sccompetes.org/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis 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/inspiring-new-generation-supply-chain-games-shaping-future-leaders-1437

Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management, dives into the transformative insights of the 2025 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report. He highlights that the median salary for supply chain roles has surged from $78,000 to $103,000, reflecting their growing strategic importance. The discussion covers the narrowing gender pay gap, evolving workforce demographics, and the critical role of certifications. Abe also underscores the necessity for technology adoption and skill development to thrive in this dynamic field.

This episode of Supply Chain Now presents an insightful conversation with Scott Luton and Enrique Alvarez, featuring Jenni Staudacher, Vice President of North America Supply Chain at Salomon. The episode delves into Jenni's extensive experience in supply chain leadership, highlighting her roles at Columbia Sportswear and Adidas, and her current position at Salomon. Jenni shares her passion for forecasting, emphasizing the importance of understanding assumptions and demand shaping. She discusses the challenges and strategies for leading supply chain startups within established organizations, focusing on relationships, education, and building momentum through small wins. Jenni also addresses the perception issues faced by outspoken women in leadership, advocating for authenticity and effective communication. The conversation is enriched with practical advice on maintaining trust, fostering a performance culture, and leveraging individual strengths within a team. Join us for insights that offer valuable lessons for supply chain professionals seeking to drive change and achieve excellence in their organizations.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Jenni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-staudacher-79172142/Learn more about Salomon: https://www.salomon.com/en-usLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qWEBINAR- When to Walk Away from Warehouse AI - and When to Go All In: https://bit.ly/4dFgCYqThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Enrique Alvarez 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-masterclass-salomon-1435

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy welcome Bobby Holland of U.S. Bank and Dr. Jason Miller of Michigan State University for a data-packed discussion on what’s really happening in the U.S. freight market—and what it signals for supply chain professionals moving into Q2 and beyond.They explore the Q1 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, revealing surprising drops in shipment volume, regional disparities, and the ongoing impact of unpredictable weather. Jason and Bobby break down trends in key sectors like manufacturing, retail, and automotive, while Tandreia shares how shifts in freight data should inform cross-functional planning across finance, logistics, and operations.From capacity crunch risks and rising costs to resilient regions and unexpected market drivers, this discussion offers actionable insights for anyone navigating today’s freight economy. The panel also looks ahead at what to watch in Q2—from new tariffs and raw material price spikes to changing consumer demand and the importance of regional signals.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:52) What the Freight Payment Index reveals(03:09) Meet the guests: Bobby Holland and Dr. Jason Miller(07:17) National freight trends and shipment volume drops(12:56) Weather, retail slowdowns, and sector variability(13:34) Q1 2025 regional breakdown begins(18:03) West region: port activity, wildfires, and aerospace recovery(21:29) Southwest region: historic shipment decline and high costs(25:46) Midwest region: housing, auto, and weather impact(29:02) Northeast region: retail growth and import uptick(32:47) Southeast region: flat manufacturing and tourism concerns(36:08) What to watch in Q2: Fed data, tariffs, and vehicle sales(40:21) Holiday toy season predictions and trade timing(43:13) How to access the Freight Payment Index and connect with guestsAdditional Links & Resources:Download the full Q1 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://freight.usbank.comConnect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/Connect with Dr. Jason Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-miller-32110325/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tandreia Bellamy and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/analysis-us-bank-2025-q1-freight-payment-index-1434

In this discussion, Koray Kose, Founder and Chief Analyst of Kose Advisory, shares his expertise on the intersection of geopolitics and supply chains. He emphasizes the necessity of transformation for logistics operations and highlights the role of innovative warehouse robots in streamlining processes. Topics include insights from recent major conferences, the demands for collaboration between supply chain leaders and policymakers, and the growing importance of AI in promoting adaptability within the industry. Kose provides a thought-provoking overview of the challenges and opportunities in the current landscape.

The latest episode of Supply Chain Now features Scott Luton and Mike Griswold discussing key insights from the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium held in early May in Orlando, Florida. The conversation highlights three major takeaways: the importance of reverse logistics and returns management in retail, as discussed by Tom Enright; the critical role of planning in supply chain transformation and resilience, emphasized by Whitney Shlesinger from McCormick; and the practical applications of AI in supply chain, as explored with Paul Noble from Verusen. The episode also touches on the significance of change management and the need for organizations to let go of outdated practices to embrace new technologies effectively. Additionally, upcoming Gartner Planning Summits in London and Denver are mentioned as opportunities for supply chain professionals to deepen their expertise. Join us and learn how to operationalize conference insights and drive meaningful change in your organizations.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qThis episode is 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/key-insights-2025-gartner-supply-chain-symposium-1432