As supply chain technology accelerates, the ability to translate operational knowledge into scalable systems is becoming a defining advantage for both companies and early-career talent. In this episode of Supply Chain Now’s Now Generation series, Scott W. Luton sits down with Ryan Goodwin, Sr. Director of Supply Chain Technology & Innovation at Trinity Industries and an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University, alongside Titus Fagan, TCU Student Body Vice President and a third-year accounting major with a minor in energy business.

Ryan shares how his team is integrating planning, MRP, and financial data into platforms that enable faster automation and application-building, often with the help of AI and “vibe coding,” where non-traditional builders can create real tools without a formal software background. Titus brings the student lens, explaining why practitioner-led teaching changes the classroom experience, how simulation-based learning builds cross-functional thinking, and why early responsibility and collaboration are top priorities when evaluating future employers.

Together, they explore how AI can lower barriers to entry, accelerate skill development, and reduce manual work while also raising bigger questions about infrastructure, power demand, and the bottlenecks that can slow even the most innovative systems. From freight reporting automation to energy transmission constraints, this conversation connects the dots between learning, leadership, and the fast-evolving reality of global supply chains.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:37) The Now Generation and why TCU stands out

(02:23) Introducing Ryan and Titus

(04:20) Titus’ weather forecasting hobby

(06:28) Ryan’s board game community

(09:13) Ryan’s work at Trinity Industries

(11:32) AI, platforms, and “vibe coding”

(20:00) Bottlenecks and infrastructure strain

(27:34) A discussion on nuclear power

(28:21) Modernizing the accounting path

(30:25) Cross-functional collaboration matters

(33:30) What Titus wants from employers

(38:14) Learning through simulation games

(40:37) Why professors keep evolving

(42:49) TCU’s teacher-scholar approach

(46:53) Trade shows and career exposure

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Ryan Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancgoodwin/
2. Connect with Titus Fagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titus-fagan-77b547291
3. Learn more about Trinity Industries: https://www.trin.net/
4. Learn more about TCU’s Neeley School of Business: https://www.neeley.tcu.edu/
5. Learn more about WISE by The University of Arkansas:

Today on Supply Chain Now, we explore how supply chain leaders are balancing powerful new technologies with the human expertise required to make them work. Featuring insights from Jimmy Sebastian on FourKites’ AI platform Loft — and what it means for real-world operations — welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!

Hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald unpack the growing convergence of AI automation and workforce strategy across the supply chain landscape. From faster workflow deployment and operational agility to the evolving labor pipeline and the surge in returns fraud, this conversation highlights why success today depends on both smarter tools and stronger people strategies. The discussion emphasizes that digital transformation isn’t replacing humans — it’s redefining how organizations empower them.

What you’ll learn by tuning in:

1. How AI workflow platforms are accelerating implementation and operational responsiveness
2. Why human capability building is just as critical as technology investment
3. What Gen Z’s rising interest in skilled trades means for future workforce planning
4. The increasing business impact of fraudulent returns — and how technology can help combat it
5. Practical ways leaders can align automation with talent strategy to build resilience

If you’re a supply chain, operations, or technology leader trying to scale automation without losing the human advantage, this episode offers timely perspective and actionable insight. Tune in to understand how to turn emerging tools and workforce trends into measurable business impact.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-15-FEB-2026
3. Never Normal Series: https://bit.ly/Never-Normal-Part3
4. U.S. Bank Podcasts: supplychainnow.com/us-bank
5. 60% of Gen Zers will pursue skilled trade work this year: survey: https://bit.ly/Skilled-Trades-Interest
6. Startup Pitches X-Rays and AI to Catch Fraudulent Returns: https://on.wsj.com/4tFwm5g
7. Valentine’s Day sticker shock: Chocolate prices are spiking: https://bit.ly/3Oh88Ox
8. ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning For Shipping: https://bit.ly/Shipping-And-LLMs-Webinar
9. Introducing FourKites Loft:

Supply chains are recalibrating, and the Middle East and Africa are investing aggressively to meet the moment.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and special guest co-host Yaseen Ahmid welcome Toby Maier, CEO for Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, for a wide-ranging conversation on what is changing trade and logistics across the region. Toby breaks down how recent tariffs are redirecting export flows into the Middle East and Africa, why GCC countries are racing to build world-class logistics hubs, and how production is shifting from Turkey toward markets like Egypt and Morocco.

They also explore what it will take to build stronger, more reliable supply chains across Africa, from investment in life sciences and healthcare infrastructure to modernized regulation that reduces delays at customs. Toby shares how DHL’s publicly announced $300 million investment through 2030 prioritizes end-to-end capability that helps medicines, vaccines, and other critical products reach communities across a fast-growing population. The conversation also tackles the practical realities of energy access, data centers, and the cost to deliver goods, plus how sustainability efforts like electrified fleets and sustainable aviation fuel can support performance and emissions goals at the same time.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:13) Getting to know guest Toby Maier and co-host Yaseen Ahmid

(06:05) Toby’s journey in global logistics leadership

(11:17) Trade shifts and what they mean for Africa

(15:24) DHL’s investment focus across Africa

(18:18) Infrastructure and power realities on the ground

(22:50) Building efficiency and sustainability into the network

(24:22) Renewable energy progress and practical pathways

(26:37) What commitment to sustainability looks like at DHL

(30:26) Developing talent and leadership across the continent

(40:09) Why emerging markets belong on your career map

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Toby Maier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-maier/
2. Connect with Yaseen Ahmid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/
3. Learn more about DHL Global Forwarding: https://www.dhl.com/
4. Learn more about Luna: https://luna-resume.com/
5. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
6. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
7. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: