The Now Generation: The Future of Supply Chain is Orange

What are future supply chain leaders paying attention to right now?In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Julie Niederhoff, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Department Chair of Marketing, Retail and Supply Chain Management at Syracuse University, alongside standout students Odette Sherk, Katherine Foley, Makayla Amatuegwu, and David Patterson. Together, they explore how today’s students are discovering supply chain as a dynamic career path that blends strategy, sustainability, and real-world problem solving.The conversation highlights how hands-on experiences, from study abroad programs to industry internships, are helping students connect classroom learning to global challenges. Topics like sustainability transparency, rail transportation, globalization shifts, and ethical sourcing take center stage as each student shares what excites them most about the industry. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change.Julie also shares insights into how Syracuse’s program develops well-rounded leaders by combining academic rigor with experiential learning. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the field of supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:42) Syracuse supply chain program overview(02:21) Meet the student panel and professor(06:31) Student backgrounds and personal interests(34:33) Sustainability challenges in mining(36:35) Interest in healthcare distribution and logistics(39:51) Career goals in consulting and sustainability(41:46) Procurement, fashion, and ethical sourcing(45:50) Program impact and student experiencesAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Julie Niederhoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieniederhoff/Connect with Odette Sherk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odettesherk/Connect with Katherine Foley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-g-foleyConnect with Makayla Amatuegwu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-amatuegwu/Connect with David Patterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-patterson13Learn more about Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management: https://whitman.syracuse.eduLearn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.phpLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn 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://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lCWEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfBWEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKpWEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3bThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Codes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit the dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/now-generation-future-supply-chain-orange-1568