523: Q1 Kick-Off: Discover the Strategies and Steps You Need to Take Now, with Blue Yonder

Duncan Angove of Blue Yonder talks about supply chain in 2026 and beyond; AI; & how businesses can get out of testing mode and lean into scalable innovation. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.52] An introduction to Duncan, his background and career journey, and what has always interested him about technology. "I'm lucky to have lived through multiple computing transitions, and I always loved the idea that you could leverage technology and code to solve problems." [07.55] The biggest challenges and opportunities for 2026, and why businesses need to step back and look at the bigger picture. "Disruption and complexity is business as usual in supply chain… So we don't get hung up on how you're going to solve for tariffs. You need to have a systemic approach to being more agile, resilient and efficient all the time." [12.54] From the importance of change management to putting a focus on building trust, how organizations are adjusting to a new reality of near-constant disruption and emerging technologies. "There's a lot of experimentation, but not a lot of companies have crossed the chasm from pilot and sexy demo into production… The consequences of getting something wrong have huge business implications." [18.20] How businesses can actually prepare for disruption. "Fundamentally it's about speed and precision, and having a business and software architecture that enables that. Supply chain, historically, doesn't look like that." [22.27] Blue Yonder's long-term vision for transforming global supply chains, and how technology is shaping that future. [26.06] The biggest roadblocks right now with AI integration and adoption, and why supply chain sits in a unique position bridging the digital and physical worlds. "The worst people to innovate in a category are experts." [30.47] How businesses can get out of testing mode and lean into scalable innovation. "Helping people understand and manage their data is step one." [32.59] How Blue Yonder has combined multiple types of AI to create new solutions for retailers, practical examples of that AI in action, and why complete automation is the ultimate end goal. [39.13] What truly sets an organization apart as innovative. [41.49] What leaders should be doing and thinking about now to position for the future. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Blue Yonder's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blue Yonder and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Duncan on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out: 516: Innovation, Transformation, and Modern Supply Chains, with Blue Yonder 497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder 434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder 503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome Check out our other podcasts HERE.