Guest: Per Hong of Kearney on tariffs, Iran, and more; The "pandemic echo” affecting parcel fleets; How Agentic AI impacts hiring

Our guest on this week's episode is Per Hong, senior partner and global lead of Kearney Foresight. By now we have all heard that the emergency tariffs placed earlier in the year were ruled illegal last week by the Supreme Court, but now we have new tariffs – and the potential of war with Iran. There is lots going on right now that could have major impacts on our supply chains. Our guest helps us to unravel it all and offers advice on how supply chain leaders should prepare for whatever is next.Have you ever heard of a pandemic echo?  Apparently that is what is happening right now within the parcel delivery fleet sector. Ben Ames helps us to understand what it means and why it is affecting parcel. More than half (55%) of supply chain leaders expect that advancements in agentic AI systems will reduce the need to hire for entry-level positions, and 51% say the technology will drive a shift to overall workforce reductions. That’s according to a survey from business and technology insights company Gartner, released this week. We look at the numbers from this report and what they may mean for hiring in supply chain jobs going forward.Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The latest series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:KearneyFleets adjust focus from efficiency to resilience, Geotab saysReport: Agentic AI to reduce entry-level hiring needsVisit DC VelocityVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to [email protected] podcast episode is sponsored by: WernerOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY