Speaking of Supply Chain
Business & Finance
About
Welcome to Speaking of Supply Chain – your go-to podcast for real-world insights and forward-thinking strategies in logistics and operations. Whether you’re a supply chain leader, industry innovator, or operations professional, this show delivers expert perspectives and actionable ideas to help you stay ahead. Each episode dives into the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities shaping the future of supply chain, from risk mitigation and automation to sustainability, digital transformation, and beyond. Featuring conversations with top minds in the industry, you'll gain the clarity and inspiration needed to navigate a rapidly evolving logistics landscape. Subscribe now and join us as we speak with the people who are shaping tomorrow’s supply chain.
Episodes
- Why Your Planning System Can't Help You Change
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain discusses the limitations of planning systems in driving business change. It highlights the disconnect between design, planning, and execution, and explores how to bridge this gap for better perform…
- Why Your Planning System Is Not the Problem
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain explores why planning systems often fail, attributing issues to outdated parameters, inaccurate data, and disconnected processes rather than technology. It emphasizes the importance of foundational…
- Why Modex Matters More This Year
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain discusses the importance of Modex for supply chain leaders. It focuses on how to identify valuable technologies and avoid common mistakes when evaluating automation at the event.
- What Top Supply Chain Leaders Do Differently
This episode features a discussion with Julian Maasmann and Nuria Alvarez, two "Pros to Know" honorees. They reflect on projects, leadership lessons, and global collaboration, and discuss how AI, transformation work, and diverse teams cont…
- How to Avoid the Wrong Automation Investment
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain features Ellen Wood and Sascha Kalytta, Senior Consultant at Miebach Berlin. They discuss automation investments, separating hype from mature solutions demonstrated at LogiMAT, such as robotics and…
- How Real Experience Changes Supply Chain Thinking
Speaking of Supply Chain welcomes new co-host Christine Barnhart. She shares her career in engineering, manufacturing, technology, and consulting, and how her experiences shape her approach to supply chain challenges. Ellen and Christine d…
- Fast and Free Is Over So What Wins Now
This episode discusses the evolving landscape of direct-to-consumer fulfillment, focusing on how retailers can balance speed, cost, and flexibility. Rob Hahn and Julian Osorio share insights on current challenges and strategies for success…
- The Real Way AI Is Changing Supply Chains
This episode features Ellen Wood and Bekbolat Abdikanov, Generative AI Solutions Lead at Miebach. They discuss how AI is transforming supply chains by bridging the gap between data insights and operational execution, focusing on practical…
- The Fashion Supply Chain Playbook Is Changing Fast
This episode discusses how fashion supply chains are changing due to demand volatility, return rates, and trade policies. It covers findings from Miebach’s North American Fashion Benchmarking Study, focusing on how brands are investing in…
- The Safety Checklist Lie
Ellen Wood and Justin Malone discuss how organizations can build sustainable safety cultures. They explore proactive maintenance, near-miss reporting, and leadership accountability to enhance safety and operational performance.
- The Hidden Bottleneck Slowing Every Warehouse
Ellen Wood and Mason Cole from Slip Robotics discuss how to improve warehouse efficiency and safety with a five-minute trailer loading system. They explain how dock automation can create a faster, more predictable flow across the entire su…
- Turning Supply Chain Chaos into Strategy
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain features Steve Shebuski, Managing Director of Presales Solutions at MCA Connect. He discusses how organizations can reframe supply chain disruption into a competitive advantage using smart scenario…
- The Cyber Threat No Supply Chain Can Ignore
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain discusses cyber threats in logistics. It covers topics such as compliance frameworks, insider threats, and vulnerabilities in devices, everyday devices.
- Build systems, Not silos
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain features Ellen Wood and Brent Hagan discussing the benefits of building supply chain systems over focusing on bottlenecks. They explore strategies for achieving faster delivery through software and…
- Inside the Robot-Powered Warehouse
This episode discusses how robotics and AI are addressing labor shortages and improving warehouse operations. Dr. Jan Zizka, CEO of Brightpick, explains how automation enhances worker safety and creates new career opportunities.
- The Hidden Misalignment Killing ERP Projects
This episode discusses how misalignment among executives, IT, and the warehouse can lead to the failure of ERP, MES, and AI projects. It highlights common communication issues and offers strategies to align different departments for succes…
- How Procurement Teams Turn Risk Into Strategy
This episode discusses how procurement teams are turning risk into strategy. It explores using digital identity and data-rich profiles to build trust with new suppliers and gain a competitive edge in global sourcing.
- Smarter Cameras Are Changing Logistics Safety Norms
This episode discusses how logistics and warehouse operators are using computer vision and existing security camera infrastructure to spot risks in real time. It covers how Voxel AI helps teams flag unsafe behavior, coach, and redesign pro…
- How MRO Alignment Strengthens Supply Chain Execution
Paul Noble, CSO and Co-founder of Verusen, discusses how MRO alignment, data, and AI insights can modernize supply chain strategies. He explains how Verusen's platform helps companies transform reactive MRO practices into a strategic advan…
- What Makes a Freight Network Truly Resilient
This episode discusses how real-time data, AI-powered planning, and integrated platforms enhance freight network resilience. Maneet Singh from Odyssey Logistics shares insights on these strategies for supply chain stability.
- How Floor-Level Insights Fuel Supply Chain ROI
Tim Regnier, CEO and Founder of Smart Access, joins host Ellen Wood to discuss how floor-level insights and modern coaching tools can enhance supply chain performance. He shares how real-time feedback and behavior-based insights are helpin…
- Real-Time Inventory Visibility Is the New Standard
This episode discusses how real-time inventory visibility is becoming the new standard in supply chain management. It covers integrating retail data, detecting demand spikes, and improving forecasting and replenishment strategies.
- Why Industrial AI Still Struggles in Supply Chains
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain discusses the challenges of scaling industrial AI in supply chains. It covers the importance of data infrastructure, training programs, and capturing institutional knowledge, and also touches on aut…
- Outdated Thinking Is the Real Supply Chain Threat
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain features Ellen Wood and Dr. Ayman Omar. They discuss how outdated thinking, strategic misalignment, and an obsession with cost-efficiency have left supply chains vulnerable to disruption, and the mi…
- The Agility Advantage: How Startups Outpace Big Logistics
Adam Callinan, CEO of Pentane, joins host Ellen Wood to discuss how startups are reengineering supply chains. They explore how smaller companies can adapt faster and operate leaner, and the role of automation in solving operational challen…
- Using Tech to Unlock Smarter Cargo Pooling at Scale
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain explores how AI-driven platforms can help freight forwarders with cargo pooling, optimizing quoting, booking, and routing. It discusses how technology enables efficiency, speed, and scalability in a…
- Breaking Down SAP Signavio: Process Insights vs. Process Intelligence
This episode discusses how SAP Signavio is used for end-to-end warehouse optimization. It covers the full lifecycle of an EWM implementation, highlighting process mining, modeling, and insights from Signavio. The conversation also addresse…
- Breaking Barriers, Building Careers: Women in Supply Chain & Logistics
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain discusses women in the supply chain and logistics industries. Leaders and changemakers share their experiences, including overcoming bias and advocating for workplace equity, and explore how to fost…
- Cut Costs, Boost Productivity: AI’s Role in Modern Warehousing
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain discusses the role of AI in modern warehousing. It covers how AI can optimize labor efficiency, reduce costs, enhance accuracy, and boost employee engagement. The conversation also highlights AI imp…
- From Disruption to Resilience: The Future of Supply Chain and How You Can Make an Impact
Ellen Wood outlines the future of "Speaking of Supply Chain" for 2025, focusing on industry challenges and solutions. The podcast invites professionals to suggest topics and appear as featured guests.
- Picture the Future: Revolutionizing Supply Chain Facilities with 3D Visual Design
This episode explores how 3D visual design tools and Configura Extension Technology (CET) are revolutionizing supply chain facilities. Guests Rich Trahey and Claire Konz discuss streamlining processes, minimizing risks, and supporting sust…
- The Great Transformation: Steering Logistics Toward Profit and Precision
This episode discusses digital transformation in logistics, focusing on operational revolution, change management, and continuous improvement. Guests Michael Augustin and Andrea Ricciarelli from Westernacher share insights on reshaping the…
- From Pushback to Progress: Turning Digital Doubters into Believers
Ron Crabtree and Mike Brown discuss digital transformation, workforce changes, and sustainability in supply chain management. They specifically address employee pushback to change, balancing short-term wins with long-term vision, and the i…
- Conquering Excess Inventory: Small Retailers Thrive with Inventory Solutions
This episode discusses challenges faced by independent retailers and solutions for inventory management. It includes a conversation with Melodie van der Baan, co-founder and CEO of Max Retail, on strategies to enhance sales and improve tur…
- Logistics Career Evolution in the Age of AI
This episode explores the evolution of logistics careers in the age of AI. It discusses how AI will change jobs, the importance of human skills, and how to embrace AI for new opportunities.
- Management Mastery: ERP’s Role in Supply Chain
Pratiksha Agarwal and Ellen Wood discuss Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in supply chain management. They cover data centralization, sustainability, challenges in data collection, and the benefits of ERP systems.
- The Tech-Driven Yard: How YMS Is Transforming Logistics
This episode discusses how Yard Management Systems (YMS), enhanced by AI and Autonomous Guided Vehicles, are transforming logistics and supply chain efficiency. It covers the integration of YMS with transportation, warehousing, and product…
- Last Mile, Lasting Impact: Innovations in Zero Emission Delivery
This episode features Ellen Wood and Marcus Hoed, Co-Creator at DutchX, discussing innovations in sustainable last-mile delivery. They cover zero-emission solutions in urban areas, the role of AI and multi-modal transportation, and strateg…
- Lightening the Load: AI's Lift in Logistics Routine Tasks
This episode explores the role of AI in logistics, focusing on how it can automate routine tasks, enhance inventory management, and facilitate data analysis. It also discusses the importance of human decision-making in AI-assisted processe…
- Bringing It Close to Home: The Nearshoring Difference
This episode features Jonathan Egan discussing his business journey and the cultural differences influencing manufacturing in China and Mexico. The conversation also explores challenges in navigating regulations, power grid concerns, commu…
- The Great Nearshoring Shift: A Smarter Business Strategy for the Americas
This episode discusses nearshoring from China to Mexico, exploring factors that influence companies to shift operations and comparing operational costs between the two regions. It also covers the skills and technological challenges in resh…
- Food on the Move: Flexible Logistics in the Food & Beverage Industry
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Ingredient Brothers, discusses the challenges and insights of flexible logistics in the food and beverage industry. The conversation covers adapting to consumer tastes, inventory management, sourcing niche ingredients,…
- Diagnosing the Challenges of the Healthcare Supply Chain
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain features Ellen Wood and Luká Yancopoulos, CEO of Grapevine Technologies. They discuss the challenges facing the healthcare supply chain, including the risks of relying on single suppliers and the im…
- Next-Gen Logistics: Young Talent Transforming Supply Chains
This episode features a discussion with Sam Nunez and Claire Konz, young supply chain professionals. They explore their entry into the logistics industry, the importance of continuous education, and the impact of AI and automation on suppl…
- Green Logistics: Sustainability in Supply Chain
This episode of Speaking of Supply Chain features a discussion with Jakob Stary about sustainability initiatives in supply chain. The conversation covers phasing out fossil fuels, decreasing transportation emissions, and the role of compan…
- Smarter Supply Chains: GenAI & Logistics
Ellen Wood and Pete Grett discuss generative AI (GenAI) and its applications in logistics. They explore how GenAI can be used in supply chain decision-making and the importance of prompt engineering.
- Spinning Waste into Gold: Circular Supply Chain
This episode explores sustainability and the circular supply chain. Host Ellen Wood discusses initiatives that focus on reducing waste and benefiting communities, using the solar eclipse glasses reuse program as a starting point.
- A Tale of Two Chains: The Synergy of Blockchain and Supply Chain
Alan Vey, Founder and CEO of Aventus, joins the podcast to discuss blockchain technology. He explains what blockchain is, its uses in supply chain, and its benefits for transparency, trust, and data reliability.
- Planning Ahead: Revolutionizing Supply Chain Business Decisions
Nari Viswanathan and Michael White discuss supply chain planning, data quality, planning horizons, and the role of coaching and consulting in business growth. They explore solutions and strategies relevant to companies at various stages.
- Shifting Gears Into Better Fleet Management (Part 2)
This episode concludes the discussion on fleet management with Erin Gilchrist. Topics include predictions for driverless vehicles, stakeholder and driver pushback, and sustainable fleet operations.