In an era where artificial intelligence dominates boardroom conversations, global supply chain leaders face a new challenge: separating hype from real, scalable value. As AI becomes an essential part of the enterprise toolkit, organizations are racing to implement it not just for efficiency, but also for empowering teams, making better decisions, and transforming entire value chains.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Anouk Schoenmakers, Managing Partner Consulting Solutions at Bluecrux, and Joy Taylor, Managing Director at Alliant Consulting, to explore how organizations can move beyond the AI buzz and create meaningful, people-centered transformation across the value chain. Together, they unpack how supply chain leaders can use AI not as a shiny object, but as an enabler of better, faster, and more confident decision-making.

Anouk shares why decision intelligence is now a survival skill for modern businesses, and how companies can build the agility and mindset needed to thrive amid constant disruption.

Joy offers her perspective on change management and the human side of digital transformation, explaining why technology alone isn’t enough without trust, transparency, and a people-first culture. From decoupling data and decision flows to scaling AI adoption through trust and clarity, they explore actionable insights for leaders ready to turn transformation into lasting impact.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:45) Meet Joy Taylor and Anouk Schoenmakers

(03:07) Personal insights and warm-up questions

(07:44) Diving into AI and supply chain

(16:37) The role of AI in decision making

(20:42) Decoupling physical and data flows

(24:08) Empowering people with AI

(27:21) Pro tip for leaders: eliminating barriers

(27:52) The forward pass analogy: embracing change

(28:51) Optimizing speed and scale in AI

(30:24) The importance of trust in AI adoption

(33:46) Change management: people first approach

(37:18) Building an AI culture

(40:18) Real-world AI success stories

(48:11) Exciting future for Bluecrux

Additional Links and Resources

• Connect with Joy Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-taylor-womanleader/
• Learn more about Alliant Consulting: https://alliantconsulting.com/
• Connect with Anouk Schoenmakers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anouk-schoenmakers-45a81713/
• Learn more about Bluecrux: https://www.bluecrux.com/
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• 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:

The future of supply chain is accelerating, and today hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson are unpacking the innovations and investments transforming the industry. From AI-driven visibility to the “zero distance” strategy by GE Appliances, this episode dives deep into what’s next for supply chain leaders. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OMP!

Scott and Kevin are joined by Pam Simon, Conference Chair and EVP of Programming at Manifest, to explore how technology, leadership, and collaboration are driving a smarter, more resilient supply chain ecosystem.

Together, they discuss:

• How Steph Curry’s investment in the AI-powered startup Burnt is redefining the intersection of supply chain and the food industry
• GE Appliances’ zero-distance supply chain initiative and its impact on efficiency, technology adoption, and reshoring
• The rising influence of artificial intelligence in e-commerce, predictive analytics, and logistics optimization
• New features coming to Manifest 2026 in Las Vegas, including a dedicated procurement stage and expanded cold chain focus
• Why real-time visibility and autonomous systems are key to future-ready supply chains

Listen in as Scott, Kevin, and Pam unpack the trends shaping 2026 and beyond — and share how today’s leaders can stay agile, connected, and innovative in a rapidly changing world.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about OMP: https://omp.com/
• “With That Said”: https://bit.ly/WTS-16Nov2025
• SPS Commerce 5 Question Quiz: https://www.spscommerce.com/supplychainnow/
• OMP ebook: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pgvWp0
• Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/
• Steph Curry & Burnt: https://tcrn.ch/4r9pOus
• Manifest Vegas 2026: https://bit.ly/ManifestSCN
• Connect with Pam Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgranoff4/
• 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/3XH6OVk

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-next-global-supply-chains-ai-manifest-2026-1509

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Heather Shilt, Director, Global Logistics at Fortive, to unpack Q3 2025 findings from the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, one of the industry’s most referenced trucking indicators, informed by tens of billions in transactions. The panel explores why volumes are down even as costs rise, how tariffs and manufacturing softness are reshaping regional performance, and where rate pressure and capacity tightness are showing up first.

Together, they dig into nine key takeaways from the national and regional views (West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast): most significant sequential gains in the West in four years, persistent softness in the Southwest, and mixed signals elsewhere as consumer demand, housing starts, and labor dynamics tug the market in different directions. From shipper playbooks (carrier-mix depth, lane-level cost vigilance, and alternate modes) to practical watch-outs for Q4 and early 2026, this data-driven conversation equips operators to trend, plan, and pressure-test their assumptions in a volatile environment.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(06:26) Freight market overview

(07:09) National freight insights

(16:17) Regional analysis: West

(20:22) Regional analysis: Southwest

(22:05) Southwest region analysis

(22:25) Impact of construction activity on freight

(23:52) Midwest region insights

(26:16) Northeast region overview

(29:13) Southeast region trends

(33:06) Global supply chain leadership

(35:27) Freight market predictions

(41:10) Housing starts and freight impact

Additional Links & Resources:

• Download the complete Q3 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://freight.usbank.com
• Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com
• Learn more about Fortive: https://www.fortive.com
• Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/
• Connect with Heather Shilt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-shilt-4a867430/
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• 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...

Additional Links & Resources:

• 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/3XH6OVk

This 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

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest co-host Tevon E. Taylor welcome Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost, to unpack the post-purchase experience (tracking, claims, and returns) and how owning these moments drives loyalty and repeat purchase. Drawing on fresh consumer research, Lori explains why reliability and flexibility now outrank “free,” why brands, not carriers, are held responsible for delivery outcomes, and how proactive notifications can double as high-performing marketing touchpoints.

Together, the panel dives into practical plays shippers can run today: cutting “where is my order?” calls with automated, branded tracking; removing friction with one-click USPS claims filing; and turning adverse events into brand-building recoveries. They also explore modern return realities. From fraud and “keep-the-item” policies to sustainability pressures, and how to reduce returns at the source with better product information, sizing guidance, and segmentation. If you ship anything in 2025, this fast-moving conversation is a field guide to protecting your brand promise after the buy button.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:38) Lori's European adventure

(06:32) Insights on customer experience

(20:59) The importance of tracking and notifications

(25:59) Impact of WiMo on service costs

(26:38) Importance of tracking and claims

(27:57) Managing claims efficiently

(28:30) Automating claims with EasyPost

(32:21) The significance of returns

(32:41) Challenges and strategies for returns

(37:05) International returns and fraud

(40:50) Optimizing customer experience

(42:38) Resources and key takeaways

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Lori Boyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribboyer/
• Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/
• Check out Lori’s podcast, Unboxing Logistics: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cH1A13IAYFV7fmMpcd7p
• Check out What the WISMO? How to Stop Visibility Gaps from Stealing Your Revenue: https://www.easypost.com/guides/stop-visibility-gaps/
• Check out Staying on Track: The Ultimate Package Tracking Guide: https://www.easypost.com/guides/complete-package-tracking-guide/
• Connect with Tevon Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevontaylor/
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• 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:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton teams up with special guest host Ward Richmond (Vice Chairman, Colliers) to dig into the state of industrial real estate with Brandon Page. EVP, Head of Leasing & Customer Solutions and Glenn Wylie (Senior Managing Director, East Region at Link Logistics. The conversation frames what a “balanced market” looks like in 2025 (tight small-bay infill vs. more options at bulk) while unpacking the demand stack from e-commerce and nearshoring to data center spillovers and the renewed importance of 3PL flexibility.

The group gets practical on bonded warehouses and FTZs (where and why they fit), market dynamics across the Southeast, Texas, and Phoenix, and how power availability and automation readiness are influencing site decisions. You’ll also hear how Link Logistics uses data and AI, from rent-modeling insights to faster decision support across an infill-centric portfolio (with most assets within an hour of dense populations). The throughline: customers want flexibility, optimization, and speed, and the teams that blend relationships with good data will find the next wave of opportunity first.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:40) Scott welcomes Ward, Brandon, and Glenn

(03:17) Baseball stories and quick warm-ups

(05:40) Tailgate favorites: Publix chicken, BBQ, cheeseburgers

(07:28) Ward on music and podcast projects

(08:37) Supply chain real estate 101 with Link Logistics

(12:57) Market shifts since 2022: slower, smarter leasing

(14:37) Demand drivers: e-commerce, nearshoring, power

(24:20) 3PL growth, manufacturing, and data centers

(27:25) Bonded warehouses and FTZ setup

(30:55) Flexibility and cost pressures

(32:14) Customer priorities: optimization and power

(38:57) Regional trends: Southeast, Houston, Phoenix

(46:05) AI and tech driving efficiency

(53:21) Common myths about industrial real estate

(58:16) Takeaways on balance and relationships

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Brandon Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-j-page-385395236/
• Connect with Glenn Wylie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-wylie-233105203/
• Learn more about Link Logistics: https://www.linklogistics.com
• Connect with Ward Richmond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardrichmond/
• Ward Richmond’s official website: https://www.truckinon.com/
• Learn more about Colliers: https://www.colliers.com/
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest co-host Maria Villablanca welcome Dr. Dinesh Davè, Professor & Director of Supply Chain Management at Appalachian State University, and Evan Junker, Chief Growth Officer at SPARQ360, to unpack insights from the 2025 Supply Chain Trends and Attitudes Report. The annual study, conducted by Appalachian State and SPARQ360, surveys hundreds of supply chain managers across the U.S. to reveal where leaders are investing, from AI and visibility platforms to sustainability and risk management.

Together, the panel discusses how familiarity and adoption of AI are rising, why the “ambition-action gap” still challenges sustainability progress, and what’s driving executives to balance cost efficiency, resilience, and environmental responsibility. They also explore how partnerships, collaboration, and customer-centered priorities are emerging as the new competitive advantage. Packed with practical insights and forward-looking data, this conversation offers a clear snapshot of where supply chain strategy is heading in 2025 and beyond.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:08) Survey overview and key findings

(02:47) Fun warmup: favorite food and drink spots

(05:52) Appalachian State University supply chain program

(07:37) SPARQ360 and its role in the supply chain

(13:30) AI in supply chain: priorities and challenges

(19:03) Broader technology investments and priorities

(24:21) Data transformation and security

(24:37) Sustainability initiatives and drivers

(26:09) Political and regulatory impacts

(26:52) Statistical analysis and findings

(27:48) The ambition-action gap

(28:38) Technology’s role in sustainability

(29:01) Tariffs and geopolitical shifts

(33:16) Survey surprises and observations

(42:00) Future directions and international expansion

(43:10) Connecting with the panel

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Dinesh Davè: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dinesh-dave-a85b6713/
• Learn more about Appalachian State University: https://www.appstate.edu/academics/majors/id/supply-chain-management
• Connect with Evan Junker: www.linkedin.com/in/evanjunker
• Learn more about SPARQ360: https://luna-resume.com/
• Connect with Maria Villablanca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
• Explore Maria’s website: https://www.mariavillablanca.com/
• Learn more about Transform Talks: https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
• Read the 2025 Supply Chain Trends and Attitudes Report: https://sparq360.com/trendsandattitudes/
• Connect with Scott Luton:

Is freight auditing really dead? Today, we dive into a more frictionless approach promoting collaboration between carriers and customers, maintaining calm amidst the chaos, how to quantify uncertainty, and so much more. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OMP!

Hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr are joined by special guest Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO of RateLinx to discuss the top news and headlines in supply chain news today including:

• The priorities of Chief Supply Chain Officers striving to enhance operational efficiency and employee capability
• The implications of the recent trade agreement between the United States and China, assessing its potential impact on the agricultural sector, particularly regarding soybean imports
• The alarming rise of package theft, colloquially known as “porch piracy,” and the measures consumers are taking in response to this growing issue
• Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, are transforming supply chain processes, allowing for greater predictive analytics and operational efficiencies

Listen in as we share valuable insights and actionable strategies that can be implemented in your own supply chain operations today.

Additional Links & Resources:

• With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS25Oct2025
• OMP: https://omp.com/
• EasyPost Guard: https://bit.ly/EPGuard
• US to lower China tariffs as part of trade war truce: https://bit.ly/US-China-deal
• Uncertainty is impacting the global economy. But how is it measured? https://bit.ly/UncertaintyMetrics
• Americans lost $15.7 billion in stolen packages last year: survey: https://bit.ly/PorchPiratesBoom
• OMP eBook: Making AI Work for You: From Explainable to Agentic: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pgvWp0
• RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/
• Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/
• Karin's Post: https://bit.ly/KarinPanelBlog
• 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/3XH6OVk
• WEBINAR- Inside the Cargo Theft Surge: Insights & Predictions for 2026: https://bit.ly/4oVAsms
• WEBINAR- Inside Outdoor Cap’s Warehouse: How Voice Picking Elevated Daily Operations: