Supply Chain Now

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

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and Matt McKinney, CEO and co-founder of Loop, welcome Suzanne Wilsbacher of Cengage and Ben Smith of Clemens Food Group for a data-driven discussion about the transformation AI is bringing to global supply chains.They dive deep into the messy reality of supply chain data, from disconnected systems and inconsistent formats to lagging digital transformation in transportation and logistics. Suzanne and Ben share real-world examples of how they’re leveraging AI—not just to clean data but to make faster, smarter decisions that avoid costly penalties and improve service quality.Matt highlights the growing importance of scenario planning and digital twins in modern supply chain operations, and how AI platforms like Loop are unlocking new levels of visibility and agility. Together, the panel explores how leading companies are creating decades-long competitive advantages by acting now, starting small, and scaling smartly.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(00:49) Overview and AI in supply chain(02:25) Meet the panelists(05:45) Supply chain data challenges(13:53) AI's role in supply Chain(24:38) Suzanne’s example of AI in supply chain(27:21) Ben's AI success story(28:14) Matt's insights on AI's value(30:15) Advice for AI beginners(32:56) Tackling disconnected systems(35:53) Future predictions for AI in supply chain(36:25) Selecting the right AI partner(38:52) Suzanne's vision for AI evolution(42:12) Matt's bold predictions(44:17) Takeaways and ways to connectAdditional Links & Resources:Transportation spend intelligence: The AI-native transformation- https://www.loop.com/asset/transportation-spend-intelligence-the-ai-powered-transformationConnect with Suzanne Wilsbacher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wilsbacher-6968912/Check out Cengage Group: https://www.cengagegroup.com/Connect with Ben Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-smith-77855a26/ Check out Clemens Food Group: http://www.clemensfoodgroup.comConnect with Matt McKinney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlmckinney/ Learn more about Loop: https://www.loop.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- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qThis 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/democratizing-digital-twins-supply-chain-1431

In this engaging discussion, Matt Fain, CEO of PopCapacity, shares his expertise on supply chain technology and resilience. He emphasizes the pressing need for digital fluency amid changing economic conditions and the critical role of bonded warehousing. Fain highlights the importance of trust and authenticity in leadership for effective team navigation through change. Additionally, he discusses the necessity of data accuracy and how modern supply chains must evolve to meet consumer expectations. Tune in for impactful insights that can enhance supply chain operations!

Vic D’Arcy, a circular economy strategist, shares insights on reverse logistics, emphasizing how it can unlock value through sustainable practices like recycling and refurbishment. Dr. Stephanie Thomas, a supply chain professor, discusses the rising interest in supply chain careers among students and the importance of mentorship in developing future talent. Together, they highlight the critical roles of transportation and small carriers, celebrating their vital contributions to the global economy during National Supply Chain Day.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor sit down with Agustin Lopez-Diaz, Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain for North America at Schneider Electric, to explore how the company is leading a transformative shift in supply chain operations. Agustin shares how Schneider Electric is driving efficiency, sustainability, and trust across its operations, focusing on automation, energy management, and manufacturing agility. Agustin talks about Schneider Electric’s key supply chain strategies, including how they use cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, advanced analytics, and sustainability consulting to optimize their operations. The conversation also highlights Schneider Electric’s approach to empowering employees and collaborators through skill-building programs and innovation, ensuring that people are at the heart of their supply chain transformation.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:00) Agustin’s career and leadership at Schneider Electric(07:30) Core pillars of Schneider Electric’s supply chain transformation(12:00) How automation and IoT enhance manufacturing efficiency(15:30) Sustainability’s role in supply chain strategy(18:00) Empowering employees through innovation and skills(22:00) Trust in building supply chain partnerships(25:00) Leveraging data and analytics for decision-making(28:00) Regionalization’s impact on North American operations(32:00) Driving sustainability with Schneider Electric’s initiatives(35:00) Schneider Electric’s role in smarter energy management(38:00) Lessons from Schneider Electric’s global supply chain(42:00) Agustin’s thoughts on the future of supply chain transformationAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Agustin Lopez-Diaz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agustin-lopez-diaz-833b585/Learn more about Schneider Electric: https://www.se.comLearn 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- Plug the Leaks: Where You’re Losing Money in Shipping (and How to Fix It): https://bit.ly/42iFW0ZWEBINAR- Altium 365: Integrated Supply Chain Management Across the Product: https://bit.ly/4bWSLmaWEBINAR- Cleared for Takeoff: Workforce Development in the Aviation Industry: https://bit.ly/42X4deyWEBINAR- Supply Chain Orchestration with SAP: https://bit.ly/4jFJn9qThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/driving-supply-chain-transformation-through-innovation-sustainability-trust-1428

Join us today as we discuss the necessity for organizations to adopt sustainable supply chain practices to enhance their competitive advantage in the marketplace, and also emerging supply chain talent trends. Welcome to The Buzz!This week, Scott Luton and special guests EALgreen CEO Claudia Freed, and Managing Partner of SCM Talent Group, Rodney Apple get into:The idea that understanding the entirety of natural resource management, including water footprint, is crucial for effective sustainability efforts.The importance of soft skills, particularly in leadership roles, as essential for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.How innovation and sustainability will reshape supply chain talent in 2025 The growing significance of reverse logistics in supply chain management, asserting that its effective implementation can mitigate waste and enhance efficiency.The idea that active participation in sustainability initiatives is vital for fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within organizations.The urgent need for educational institutions to adapt their supply chain curricula to better integrate emerging technologies and sustainability practices.Key lessons from recent environmental initiatives, including Earth Day 2025Listen in as we illuminate actionable strategies for organizations to enhance their operational efficiency while simultaneously addressing their environmental responsibilities amidst the evolving supply chain talent landscape. Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Claudia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiafreed/Connect with Rodney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmtalent/Learn more about the Supply Chain Careers Podcast: https://supplychaincareers.com/Learn more about SCM Talent: http://www.linkedin/in/scmtalentLearn more about EALgreen: www.ealgreen.orgHow Innovation and Sustainability will Reshape Supply Chain Talent in 2025: https://bit.ly/4d3sWRHBuilding a Sustainable Supply Chain for a Competitive Advantage: https://bit.ly/3RRrKr8Learn 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 produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-talent-trends-1427