Supply Chain Now

In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton sits down with Melanie Salter, Director of Supply Chain Research at boom! Global Network, to discuss the evolving role of people in supply chain strategy. Together, they explore the intersection of data, strategic network design, and inclusive leadership—and why businesses that overlook workforce engagement risk falling behind.Melanie shares insights on industry trends, from AI adoption and decision-making challenges to the importance of building diverse, resilient supply chains. She also breaks down the latest research on workplace inclusion and its direct impact on business performance.For supply chain leaders, business strategists, and professionals navigating change, this episode delivers practical takeaways on creating supply chains that are both efficient and people-focused.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:15) The unexpected career pivot for Melanie(07:42) A major industry shift that changed business operations(12:08) How AI and automation are transforming workflows(16:30) The biggest challenge facing professionals today(20:51) Strategies that helped companies stay competitive(25:14) A case study on adapting to rapid market changes(29:37) How strong leadership drives real innovation(34:05) The biggest misconception about industry growth(38:22) boom! Global Network’s role in shaping market trends(42:19) How businesses can prepare for upcoming shifts(46:03) Why mentorship is critical for long-term success(54:10) What’s next for the industryAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Melanie Salter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesalter/Learn more about boom! Global Network: https://boomglobalnetwork.com/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/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/3XH6OVkThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/eureka-moments-research-data-supply-chain-journey-1395

In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Paul Brooks, founder of Go Further Consulting, and Dave Food, Chief Strategy Officer at Prophetic Technology, to explore the evolving demands of supply chain leadership in today’s global economy. They discuss how the role has become more visible since the COVID-19 pandemic, why leadership fundamentals like judgment, communication, and resilience remain constant, and how AI and technology are reshaping the way leaders think and operate.Paul shares insights from interviewing 50 global executives on servant leadership and values-based decision making. At the same time, Dave emphasizes the importance of T-shaped leaders who balance specialist expertise with a broad organizational perspective. Together, they highlight why empowering teams to experiment safely, aligning metrics across functions, and fostering collaboration with suppliers and customers are critical for long-term success. This conversation offers a clear roadmap for developing future-ready leaders who can navigate complexity and inspire high-performing teams.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:48) Core mantras and leadership philosophies(07:23) Paul and Dave’s career journeys(11:35) Challenges facing supply chain leadership today(16:23) Why customer experience drives supply chains(18:26) The bigger picture and process explained(27:02) The role of the wider team(28:38) Aligning KPIs with new CEO strategies(29:29) Supply chain leadership in the boardroom(31:51) Specialists versus generalists in supply chain(36:02) Understanding the T-shaped leader concept(42:39) Leadership mistakes to avoid in supply chains(45:22) Future trends in supply chain leadership(48:46) Projects and initiatives from Paul and DaveAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Paul Brooks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrooksfcilt/Learn more about Go Further Consulting: http://www.gofurtherconsulting.co.uk/Learn more about Paul’s website: www.wordstoinspire.co.ukConnect with Dave Food: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davefoodLearn more about Prophetic Technology: https://www.prophetic-technology.com/Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/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/3XH6OVkThis 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/key-elements-optimizing-supply-chain-leadership-2026-beyond-1496The 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 production@supplychainnow.com © 2025 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn’t charity. It’s a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits.She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior leaders doubling down on DEI, this conversation offers actionable takeaways: define the why, build inclusive cultures, and widen the supplier funnel so the best partner wins.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:18) Lushentha’s inspirational journey to Easter Island(06:50) Growing up during Apartheid(12:53) The impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership(17:40) Lushentha’s professional journey at Unilever(23:45) The power of diversity and inclusion(26:01) The transition to the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP)(29:09) Lushentha’s advice for corporate leaders(32:17) Challenges for women in the workplace(33:52) What ESDP does, its mission, and its impact(44:06) The importance of inclusivity and DEIAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lushentha Naidoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lushentha-naidoo-99730439 Learn more about ESDP: https://esdp-org.eu/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.comSubscribe 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/3XH6OVkThis 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/equity-action-inclusion-leads-supply-chain-innovation-1483The 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 production@supplychainnow.com © 2025 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

This episode features Gaurav Malhotra, Partner and supply chain technology leader at EY. With his extensive experience in AI and digital transformation, Gaurav reveals how organizations can harness AI for resilient supply chains. He debunks common misconceptions and discusses practical steps for overcoming pilot paralysis. The conversation also highlights the immediate benefits of AI in logistics, emphasizing that technology should enhance human creativity rather than replace it. Gaurav envisions a future with autonomous, orchestrated supply chains that empower workforce innovation.

In this classic episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Liz Raman, founder and CEO of Supply Chain Gals, to share her dynamic career journey and powerful mission to amplify women’s voices in global supply chain leadership. Liz walks us through her career path—from routing trucks at Home Depot to leading assortment planning at Nike, and now empowering a growing global community of 20,000+ women through Supply Chain Gals. She shares how embracing discomfort, learning new skills like data analytics, and thinking beyond traditional supply chain roles can open up transformative career opportunities.The conversation explores how technology, mentorship, and storytelling are reshaping the future of supply chain careers. Liz also highlights why building meaningful human connections—and finding your voice—are essential to long-term growth in today’s evolving landscape.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:04) Tennis and personal interests(04:47) Liz’s professional journey(09:30) Non-traditional supply chain careers(14:33) Women in supply chain(21:58) Supply Chain Gals(27:24) Career advice and mentorship(27:41) Staying prepared in tough job marketsAdditional Links & ResourcesConnect with Liz Raman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethramangrubbs/ Explore Supply Chain Gals: https://supplychaingals.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/3XH6OVkThis 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/amplifying-womens-voices-supply-chain-supply-chain-gals-1426The 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 production@supplychainnow.com © 2025 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.

The future of supply chain continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and on today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, we unpack the technologies, innovations, and leadership decisions shaping what’s next for global supply chains. From human-machine collaboration to drone delivery and robotics, this episode cuts through the hype to focus on what’s practical, scalable, and impactful. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by Pegasus Logistics!Listen in as hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson dive into the biggest developments influencing supply chain strategy today — and what leaders must do to stay ahead. Scott and Kevin are joined by special guest, Adrian Gonzalez, President of Adalante SCM. Together, they discuss:Why a deliberate human + machine strategy is essential for successful transformation, and how leaders can align people, processes, and AIKey takeaways from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit, including why digital capabilities are now expected — not optional — for shippers and logistics providersWhy global trade remains resilient, continuing to grow year over year despite ongoing disruption and uncertaintyThe critical role of real-time visibility in freight forwarding, and why many providers are still falling behind in technology adoptionHow Walmart’s expanding drone delivery operations signal a major leap forward in logistics innovation and customer experienceIndustry reactions to humanoid robots, including skepticism around their practicality and a preference for purpose-built automation solutionsListen in as we break down the trends, challenge assumptions, and explore what these signals mean for manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers, and supply chain leaders navigating an ever-changing landscape.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Adrian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-gonzalez-063530/Learn more about Pegasus Logistics: https://www.pegasuslogistics.com/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- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0ZWEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vlWEBINAR- Building the Foundation for Agentic AI in the Modern Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/4s634vNThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-human-machine-redefining-future-supply-chains-1521

Global supply chains are facing a dual transformation, an accelerating shift toward clean energy and a rapid evolution in AI-driven decision-making. As companies navigate rising expectations for sustainability, transparency, and resilience, leaders are rethinking how ecosystems come together to reduce emissions, digitize operations, and unlock new forms of value.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President of SE Advisory Services at Schneider Electric, live from the Innovation Summit North America 2025. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across energy management and sustainability strategy, Steve offers a rare inside look at how Schneider Electric is helping organizations tackle decarbonization at scale.Scott and Steve explore the leap forward enabled by AI-native platforms, the growing power of supply chain–wide renewable energy programs, and why collaborative intelligence, where humans and autonomous agents work together, will shape the next decade of transformation. They also highlight real-world examples from Levi Strauss & Co., Marks & Spencer, Walmart, and other global brands that are redefining how ecosystems mobilize around climate action.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:38) Welcome to the Innovation Summit North America 2025(00:49) Meet Steve Wilhite: Executive VP at Schneider Electric(01:31) Steve's global adventures and team interactions(02:08) Innovations in Dubai and AI advancements(02:43) Steve's role at Schneider Electric(04:20) Collaborative intelligence and client success stories(04:44) The Energy Accelerator Program with Levi Strauss(06:38) Schneider Electric's global impact and supplier engagement(10:58) AI innovations and Resource Advisor platform(13:07) The role of AI agents: Sarah, Anna, and Reggie(16:11) The importance of collaborative intelligence(19:25) Schneider Electric's culture and future outlook(21:45) How to connect with Steve and stay engagedAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Steve Wilhite: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wilhite/ Learn more about Schneider Electric: https://www.se.com/ww/en/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about 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- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0ZWEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vlThis 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/bold-new-decarbonized-future-conversation-1520

Global supply chains are being reshaped by nonstop disruption, accelerating geopolitical tension, and an unprecedented wave of digital innovation. Organizations are under mounting pressure to build operations that can withstand volatility, scale intelligently, and respond to customers with real-time precision.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Mourad Tamoud, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Schneider Electric from the Schneider Electric Innovation Summit North America 2025, for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to build a modern, future-ready supply chain. Drawing on nearly three decades with Schneider Electric across seven countries, Mourad shares how the company has evolved into one of the industry’s most advanced, human-centric global supply chains.Scott and Mourad explore the strategies behind Schneider Electric’s “glocal” operating model, the design principles that enable resilient multi-hub networks, and why end-to-end visibility is essential in today’s environment. They also discuss Schneider Electric’s smart factory journey, the real impact of AI on planning and productivity, and why people remain the foundation of every successful transformation.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:58) Mourad’s hobbies and creative outlets(02:04) Mourad’s 30-year journey at Schneider(03:23) How modern supply chains are evolving(04:56) Designing resilient and anti-fragile networks(07:10) Regionalization, sovereignty, and shorter chains(10:02) Smart factories and digital transformation(12:43) AI innovation and end-to-end visibility(21:32) How to connect and keep learningAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Mourad Tamoud: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mourad-tamoud-a06b40 Learn more about Schneider Electric: https://www.se.com/ww/en/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about 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- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0ZWEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vlThis 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/building-innovative-supply-chains-perform-under-pressure-1519

Today we're breaking down the biggest forces reshaping global supply chains and the future of manufacturing, and exploring why companies are shifting from global collaboration to regional, domestic-first strategies—especially across the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by Pegasus Logistics!In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson welcome special guest Gary Bennett, Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer at Array Technologies. Together they discuss:The technologies transforming operations today, including AI, automation, and digital tools redefining logistics and demand planningHow the solar energy sector is rapidly scaling to meet skyrocketing demandThe rising importance of utility-grade solar solutions as electricity demand surges from AI and data centersAmerica’s manufacturing resurgence—powered by reshoring, new incentives for domestic content, and breakthrough energy technologiesThe potential future of space-based data centers and continual innovation in solar energyIf you’re tracking the future of energy, manufacturing, and supply chain innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Additional Links & Resources:Pegasus Logistics Group: https://www.pegasuslogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7Dec25 Join SCN at Manifest: https://partner.manife.st/partner/supplychainnow Unboxing Logistics Podcast: https://www.easypost.com/podcast/ Tariffs remain heart of uncertainty: PMI: https://bit.ly/PMI-Nov20255 Trends to Reshape Manufacturing Industry in 2026: Deloitte: https://bit.ly/6-Mfg-Trends Regional cooperation in better state than global cooperation, experts say: https://bit.ly/WEF-cooperationConnect with Pegasus Logistics Group: https://www.pegasuslogistics.com/contract-logistics/ARRAY Technologies: https://arraytechinc.com/Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-bennett-38426abConnect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/Follow Scott on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ 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- 2026 Procurement Priorities: What’s Changing (and What You Need to Do First): https://bit.ly/3Yodf0ZWEBINAR- Building the New Manufacturing Workforce: https://bit.ly/4iVb4vlThis 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-exploring-technologies-transforming-operations-today-1518

Tariffs, trade uncertainty, and shifting energy demands are colliding with rapid advances in AI, medtech, and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, companies are racing to fill hundreds of thousands of open roles, rethink how they attract talent, and modernize permitting and policy frameworks that haven’t kept pace with innovation. The result is a U.S. manufacturing sector on the verge of a new chapter, but only if leaders can unlock the right mix of policy, people, and technology.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and Kathy Wengel, Executive Vice President, Chief Technical Operations and Risk Officer at Johnson & Johnson, live from the Innovation Summit North America 2025, powered by Schneider Electric. Together, they unpack NAM’s comprehensive manufacturing strategy and the conditions needed for American industry to thrive.Scott, Jay, and Kathy explore how permitting reform, energy leadership (including nuclear), and trade certainty impact investment decisions on the factory floor, from small manufacturers to multinational enterprises. They discuss the urgent need to expand the workforce pipeline, especially for veterans and non-traditional talent, and why modern manufacturing careers offer both purpose and prosperity. The conversation also highlights breakthrough innovations in healthcare, sensors, and AI, and connects them back to the policy environment that either accelerates or slows progress for manufacturers everywhere.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:47) Introducing Jay Timmons and Kathy Wengel(01:25) NAM and Johnson & Johnson at a glance(03:47) Why manufacturing needs a new strategy(07:30) Permitting reform, energy, and nuclear(10:53) Workforce pathways and veterans in manufacturing(15:56) Tariffs, trade policy, and certainty(19:13) AI, medtech, and next-gen manufacturing(25:23) Policy, innovation, and what’s aheadAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Jay Timmons: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytimmons/ Connect with Kathy Wengel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-wengel/ Learn more about the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): https://nam.org/ Learn more about Johnson & Johnson: https://www.jnj.com Learn more about Schneider Electric: https://www.se.com/ww/en/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about 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 Strength: Strategies that Deliver in any Economy: https://bit.ly/4hqTnTHWEBINAR- Owens Corning's Roadmap to Fuel Cost Visibility and Savings: https://bit.ly/4pfn5hgThis 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/building-bold-new-roadmap-forward-us-manufacturing-industry-1517