Supply Chain - Unfiltered

Scaling globally is exhilarating right up until the “how fast can we hire” question meets reality. A new client award or a winning bid can force a rapid ramp in a country where you have no entity, no local payroll, and no clear view of employment law. That’s when opportunity turns into internal panic, and the clock starts ticking on delivery dates, revenue, and credibility. We sit down with Rebecca Croucher, Chief Growth Officer at Atlas, to map the real path from plan to headcount. We talk through what it takes to open a new country the traditional way, including legal entity setup timelines that can stretch from weeks to 12 to 18 months, plus the added layers of local contracts, statutory benefits, insurance requirements, pensions, and employer liability. Then we contrast that with the employer of record model and why companies use EOR services to hire quickly and stay compliant while they validate a market. We also dig into the details that most global expansion plans miss: visa delays that can stall a build by six to nine months, cultural expectations that shape retention and day to day work, and the hard truth that there’s no single compliance tool that replaces local expertise. We close with practical planning guidance for near term market expansion, including role type, industry regulations, and how data protection typically works when teams operate inside your infrastructure. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the episode with a teammate planning global hiring, and leave us a review.

Trillions in new factories are coming, supply chains are shifting closer to home, and yet the biggest constraint is not equipment or real estate, it’s people. We sit down with Isaac Hagan, Senior VP of Emerging Verticals at ManpowerGroup, to unpack what “emerging talent markets” really mean right now and why they often look like familiar industries under extreme transformation: manufacturing, semiconductors, energy, automotive, and materials.We dig into industrial sovereignty, reshoring, and the new demand for predictability across both physical supply chains and talent supply chains. Isaac shares why the talent gap is becoming the defining risk for growth, what it means when millions of manufacturing roles could go unfilled, and why workforce planning has to start far earlier than most teams expect. We also talk about what actually scales: apprenticeships, skills-based hiring, reskilling in new geographies, and stronger partnerships between industry and government to build the volume of capability these investments require.Then we zoom in on AI and the future of work. Data analytics and AI fluency are rising fast, but the most in-demand skill remains collaboration and other human strengths like EQ and empathy. We also address the strain showing up in longer workdays and stressed middle managers, and why culture and development become the “trust currency” that helps organizations survive rapid change.If you work in supply chain management, procurement, manufacturing, or operations, this conversation is a practical map of where jobs are going, which skills travel, and how to stay relevant as the pace of change accelerates. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with the skill you think will matter most over the next five years.

Your supply chain decisions can feel like you’re parked in the middle of a busy intersection with traffic coming from every direction: operational pressure, ethical expectations, AI disruption, and the constant demand for profitability. We sit down with Burkhard Schemmel, senior sales leader at Maersk and founder of the Research Institute of Alterocentric Business Ethics, to make that chaos workable and to turn “ethics” into something you can actually use. We talk about what business ethics really means beyond ESG and compliance, including why his team built a practical framework with 120 criteria that can be applied across industries and geographies. You’ll hear why ethics has global common ground but also local nuance, especially in sales behavior, negotiations, and pricing. Burkhard shares how different operating models, from large standardized enterprises to long-horizon family-owned businesses, can change the way ethical decisions show up in the real world. Then we get specific about the messiest moments: tariffs, capacity shortages, and unpredictable trade conditions. Burkhard makes the case for transparency and open-book pricing as a trust builder with customers and third-party partners, and we explore how de-risking strategies like local sourcing and multi-sourcing are reshaping supply chain resilience. Finally, we look at AI agents and what they could automate in procurement and logistics, plus what stays human when software starts making recommendations at scale. If you want a clearer way to prioritize ethics, resilience, AI, and profit without treating them as enemies, this conversation will help. Subscribe, share the show with a supply chain leader you respect, and leave a review so more people can find Supply Chain - Unfiltered.

A 20-year veteran retires, and suddenly the “way we do it” disappears with them. That is the reality across manufacturing, maintenance, and field service right now, and it shows up everywhere: longer onboarding, inconsistent work, safety gaps, and teams stuck relearning the same fixes under pressure.We talk with Siva Kumar Lakshmanan (Siva), CEO of DeepHow, about a practical way to capture tribal knowledge before it walks out the door. We dig into how generative AI and large language models can transform real shop floor work, including video of experienced technicians, into training that new hires can actually use. Along the way, we get specific about adoption, because the hardest part is rarely the software. It is change management, trust, and proving value in a way that makes sense to skilled workers who would rather be on their feet than at a desk.You will also hear a clear framework for when to move fast on AI and when to wait, how to run pilots that give the technology a fair shot, and how to use KPI scorecards to make fact-based decisions without burning out the team. We close with a candid conversation about job-loss fear, why business-case transparency matters, and how to position AI as a tool for safety, standardization, and faster time-to-competency in supply chain operations.Subscribe for more Supply Chain - Unfiltered, share this with a colleague in manufacturing or procurement, and leave a review if the conversation helps you rethink training and technology adoption. What is the one process in your operation you would capture first?

This episode explores how robotics, AI, and automation are reshaping manufacturing, supply chains, and the future of work. In this episode of Supply Chain Unfiltered, host Melanie Stern sits down with Myron Moser, alliant Strategic Advisory Board Member and Chairman Emeritus at Hartfiel Automation. A 35-year veteran in industrial automation and robotics, Myron unpacks what’s hype, what’s real, and what’s coming next.Drawing on decades of hands-on experience across industries—from medical devices and advanced manufacturing to distribution center automation—Myron explains why today’s automation wave is fundamentally different. The conversation covers emerging technologies like AI-powered vision systems, autonomous vehicles, collaborative robots, and humanoid robotics, and why these innovations are accelerating adoption across manufacturing and logistics.Crucially, this episode tackles the human side of automation: where people fit as robots become more capable, how smart companies address workforce fear, and why automation should be used to augment—not replace—human talent. Myron shares practical insights on employee communication, reskilling, safety, quality, and throughput, along with guidance on navigating funding incentives, R&D tax credits, and regulatory considerations.Whether you’re a manufacturing leader, supply chain professional, operations executive, or student preparing for the future of supply management, this episode delivers a grounded, forward-looking perspective on how humans and machines can work together to build stronger, more competitive organizations.Key topics include:The future of automation and robotics in manufacturingAI, vision systems, and humanoid robotsWorkforce strategy, reskilling, and change managementSafety, quality, and productivity in automated environmentsPreparing for the future of supply chain and operations careersListen now to gain expert insight into the real trajectory of automation—and where humans will continue to matter most.

How should consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and bulk product manufacturers adapt when tariffs shift, retailers pivot, and consumer demand becomes unpredictable?In this episode of Supply Chain  - Unfiltered, presented by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), host Melanie Stern sits down with Jesse Jones, Vice President of Operations at WSI, a national third‑party logistics (3PL) provider operating across 30 facilities in 10 U.S. states.Drawing on nearly two decades of experience—including leadership roles at Kimberly‑Clark and extensive work across CPG logistics, bulk materials, paper, chemicals, and industrial supply chains—Jesse offers a candid look at what’s really happening inside today’s logistics networks.This conversation goes beyond theory to explore real‑world supply chain challenges facing small‑to‑mid‑sized businesses, including:How CPG companies are responding to tariffs, inventory volatility, and retailer demandsWhy demand forecasting and inventory visibility remain difficult—especially for growing brandsThe role of data warehouses, WMS platforms, and analytics in modern 3PL operationsWhere AI fits today in logistics—and why people still matter mostHow to build flexibility into 3PL contracts as volume, channels, and product mixes changeWhat to ask during a 3PL RFP process, beyond price and capacityWhy leadership, standard work, and continuous improvement drive warehouse performanceJesse also breaks down what “continuous improvement” actually means inside a 3PL, moving past buzzwords like Lean and Six Sigma to practical execution on the warehouse floor.Whether you manage consumer packaged goods distribution, evaluate third‑party logistics providers, or navigate U.S. supply chain disruptions, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.Supply Chain - Unfiltered brings you real stories from global business leaders—unfiltered conversations about logistics, procurement, and operations.

Discover which companies thrive, and which struggle, when tariffs and trade barriers shift. In this “Supply Chain – Unfiltered” episode, Chandler Willison of M Science explains why supply chain flexibility is key to resilience, and how smaller firms with rigid operations are most vulnerable to policy changes. Gain practical insights into the strategic moves that help organizations adapt, optimize, and succeed in a rapidly changing global market. Tune in for expert perspectives on navigating uncertainty and positioning your business for long-term growth.

In this episode of “Supply Chain – Unfiltered,” host Melanie Stern welcomes Dr. John Mitchell, President & CEO of the Global Electronics Association, to discuss why electronics – like energy – touch every sector and every life. Mitchell shares new trade flows analysis showing that electronics now represent one in every five dollars of global merchandise trade, and explains how this trend is accelerating, especially in automotive and manufacturing. He also highlights the Association’s commitment to workforce development, offering industry-recognized credentials and training for over 150,000 professionals annually worldwide, and the first federally recognized electronics apprenticeship program, which helps companies and learners access government support for training.

In this episode of “Supply Chain – Unfiltered,” featuring Conrad Snover, CEO at ProcurAbility, dives into the impact of electrification on grid infrastructure and supply chains. Success in today’s environment hinges on building collaborative, long-term partnerships among utilities, suppliers, and contractors. Conrad discusses that integrated supply chain models, strategic contracting, and shared forecasting are now essential for strengthening resilience and fostering innovation. By working together and leveraging new technologies, industry leaders can better anticipate disruptions, manage risks, and deliver sustainable solutions for the future of utility supply chains.

Audrey Clavedon, Head of ESG Leadership and Consultancy at Sedex, joins “Supply Chain – Unfiltered” to discuss opportunities for transforming ESG compliance and the outlook for 2026. Rather than getting bogged down by reporting requirements, businesses can refocus their efforts on making a tangible impact on sustainability and building resilient supply chains. This year has brought heightened attention to ESG compliance, and sustainability overall that are highlighting the need for practical solutions and forward-thinking strategies.

In this episode of Supply Chain – Unfiltered, Vijay Manohar Cherukuru, Director of Product at Walmart GoLocal., a division of Walmart, one of the world’s largest retail supply chains, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of delivery and logistics. VJ discusses how Walmart GoLocal is balancing automation and human expertise, scaling innovative technologies like drones and driverless trucks, and keeping customer experience at the heart of every decision.Tune in to hear why VJ believes it’s a great time to be in supply chain.

In this episode, LightSource CEO, Spencer Penn shares how his experience working on the Model 3 program at Tesla – scaling it from a boutique car business to millions of vehicles – helped shape his vision for transforming procurement through AI.Spencer discusses how leveraging AI and automation are redefining procurement, turning it from a tactical function into a driver of strategic level thinking. From supplier discovery to contract management, LightSource’s approach demonstrates how technology can streamline sourcing and elevate decision-making across the profession.Tune in to hear more on his journey from automotive innovation to procurement revolution is helping organizations unlock new effectiveness and competitive advantages.

In this episode, Mat Witte, CEO of ORTEC Americas, addresses the pressing challenges supply chain operators across North America are facing. From labor shortages to rising costs, inventory issues, and reluctance to adopt automation, the landscape in transportation, warehousing, and distribution continue to evolve, and not without strain.Mat brings decades of experience in supply chain optimization. His candid take on the “elephant in the room” is a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability that define successful supply chain teams today.

In this episode of “Supply Chain — Unfiltered”, we explore the evolving landscape of data democratization in supply chain management. Our guest Dr. Charlotte Anabelle de Brabandt, digital futurist and author, introduces a framework designed to make data accessible to both analytics-driven professionals and those less data-inclined. Learn how organizations are shifting away from siloed data ownership and embracing enterprise-wide access to drive smarter decisions, reduce costs, and build resilience.   Discover the five fundamentals of this model and why this is the year data becomes everyone’s business. 

Is corporate pullback from sustainability real, or just a myth?In our latest “Supply Chain Unfiltered” episode, ISM journalist Melanie Stern sits down with Daniela Ocio, CEO of Kloopify, to unpack the economic realities behind emissions reduction and ESG strategy. Daniela shares why sustainability isn’t just a regulatory checkbox, it’s a smart business move.

In this episode of Supply Chain Unfiltered, host Melanie Stern speaks with Mike Aller about the growing intersection of supply chain resiliency, cybersecurity, and national security. With AI accelerating both opportunities and risks, the conversation explores how emerging cyber threats are reshaping the way businesses and governments must think about protecting domestic supply chains. From resources available through the Small Business Development Center and APEX Accelerator Network to strategies for safeguarding critical operations, this episode highlights why securing supply chains in the age of AI is more urgent than ever.

In this episode, we dive into the evolving dynamics in supply chain recruitment and retention. Joined by Christine Corson, Executive Director at DSJ Global, the episode explores the implications of Gartner’s labor market survey, the rise of short-term hiring strategies, and the growing importance of agility and adaptability in candidates. Christine shares actionable advice for job seekers, from networking and resume refinement to navigating AI in recruitment, while emphasizing the enduring value of human connection in hiring. Tune in for insights that empower professionals to thrive in a shifting global landscape.

Join us for our latest episode featuring Angela Burke, Director, Operations & Maintenance, at Pivot Energy, who joins our host, Melanie Stern, to discuss the creative dual use of energy production and agricultural support that organizations are prioritizing. 

Join us for our latest episode featuring Alexander Style, General Manager of Americas at Vinturas, who joins our host, Melanie Stern, to discuss integrating blockchain technology into supply chains. They tackle the risks, cybersecurity, benefits, and use cases for how this technology is accelerating information sharing.

From the 2025 ISM World Conference in Orlando, Florida, this episode features transformative supply chain executive LeAnne Coulter.She joins host Melanie Stern to share crucial insights on how procurement and supply chain professionals can survive and thrive, amid today’s VUCA environment (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) and supply chain regionalization. As Coulter notes, “The world is too small, and supply chains are too vast”—a reminder of the delicate balance between global interconnectivity and local resilience.

Join us for our latest episode featuring Joanna Frank, CEO and President of Fitwel, who joins our host, Melanie Stern, to discuss building safe and healthy facilities. Frank highlights examples of health impacts along with design decisions to increase the health of employees and customers using a physical space.

Tune in to the latest ISM podcast featuring Yann Babarroux, co-founder and CEO of Otonomi, and Peter Waggonner, public policy director at Greater New Orleans, Inc. In this episode, they explore the impact of climate crises, evolving policies, and the shifting risk landscape—along with the actions individuals and organizations are taking to mitigate these challenges. Link: https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/news-publications/ism-podcast-supply-chain-unfiltered/

Join us for our latest episode featuring Brian Antonellis, Senior Vice President of Fleet Operations at Fleet Advantage. Together, our host Melanie Stern and Brian will explore the current and future challenges for the trucking industry in 2025, what moves organizations can make to set themselves up for success, and what considerations to understand.

In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies that supply chain and procurement organizations are using to attract and retain top talent in today's competitive market. Join our host, Melanie Stern, as she sits down with Kimberly Neisen, Director of Talent at ProcureAbility, to explore the latest trends and best practices. From growth opportunities and employee recognition to motivation and combating burnout, discover how your organization can stay ahead in the talent game.

Join us for a podcast with Jamin Nieri, Chief Operating Officer for Trove, to discuss how procurement and supply chain sustainability initiatives are tied into an organization’s brand experience with its community, stakeholders, and customers. Specifically, she shares information about the fashion industry's resale market and its sustainability impact and measures.

Join us for a podcast with Lenora Sevillian, MBA, CIPP, CPPP, CPCM, LSSGB, SFC, NCN-A, CPe-P, Director of Procurement and professor at Nova Southeastern University for an important discussion around fraud, corruption and risks in procurement. This is part two of a two-part discussion and deep dive into this critical ethical priority and spotlight in the profession.

Join us for a podcast with Lenora Sevillian, MBA, CIPP, CPPP, CPCM, LSSGB, SFC, NCN-A, CPe-P, Director of Procurement and professor at Nova Southeastern University for an important discussion around fraud, corruption and risks in procurement. This is part one of a two-part discussion and deep dive into this critical ethical priority and spotlight in the profession.

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Kevin McInturff, Chief Technology Officer at Logility, and Scott Tillman, SVP of Innovation at Logility, as they explore the transformative role of Generative AI in procurement and supply chain. Kevin and Scott offer their perspectives on the current and future landscape of AI, including how workforces can adapt to a technology-driven future. They also discuss anticipated shifts in the industry, the latest AI use cases, and how companies can stay ahead by embracing these advancements

Join us for a podcast with Mandy Flint, CEO and Founder of Excellence in Leadership, and Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, co-founder of Think Solutions UK, two leadership and culture change strategists and authors. Mandy and Elisabet discuss the six superchargers for leadership of the future, based on their analysis and their most recent book. Each dive into why they identified these six areas of focus to future-proof leadership approaches, and how to be most effective and impactful in a changing world.

Join us for a podcast with Jon Hancock, CEO of Sedex, as he discusses prioritizing sustainability in supply chains. He highlights the value of investing in sustainability technology and shares surprising data about North American companies lagging in sustainable procurement. Hancock also emphasizes the role of technology, data, and risk assessments in making informed, sustainable decisions.

Join us for a podcast with Jenny Wassenaar, Chief Sustainability Officer of Trivium as she discusses clarity around metal packaging, recycling, circularity, sustainability standards and how organizations can make a focused impact in their sourcing process.Listen in as she shares how a framework and performance standards for sustainability in packaging enables Trivium to select suppliers that align with their goals.

With global food insecurity on the rise, big agriculture and farming enterprises look to cultivate more to meet population’s growing needs. Join guest Zak Zeidman, co-founder of ReSeed, for a frank discussion about the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and an industry wrought by climate change.Learn the benefits of regenerative agriculture and how it can mitigate climate risk and improve food ecosystems through larger adoption.

Professionals working across the supply chain can find valuable legal insights from global law firm Foley & Lardner partner Vanessa Miller. The seasoned attorney and chair of their Manufacturing – Automotive team shares top areas of concern in contract terms and conditions and recommendations to protect from and navigate through today’s economic volatility. Know when to opt for short- versus long-term agreements and learn exit strategies that work for all parties to accommodate quick pivots in partnership.

Companies well-versed in driving success through collaboration have a competitive advantage. Join us for a compelling podcast, with guest Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt as she discusses key elements to attract and win over key stakeholders across supply chains. Discover how to identify and prioritize strategic partners, rebuild challenging relationships fraught with conflict and traverse the sensitivities when working with a global network of leaders. https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/news-publications/ism-podcast-supply-chain-unfiltered/

Tune in to our upcoming podcast featuring Richie Daigle from Tive, a leading provider of global shipment visibility solutions. Richie will delve into the latest trends in the freight transit world, discussing everything from advancements in shipment visibility to recommended technologies and best practices for preventing theft, spoilage, and waste. Discover how real-time response is transforming the industry and shaping the future of business in this sector. Don't miss out on these valuable insights!

We unravel the frustrations businesses experience in their efforts to decouple from global supply chain business models, and the impacts that tariffs and evolving regulations bear on product availability, cost and the customer experience.Hear Pawan Joshi, e2open Executive Vice President, Product Management & Strategy, share insights on how to pivot from a negative mentality to embracing disruptions as an opportunity to excel.

Manufacturing and industrial facilities are challenged by job vacancies. Heather Chapman MS, CSP, CHMM, CEAS III - Head of Ergonomics at Soter Analytics breaks down the details of a disinterested emerging workforce, what drives them to consider employment opportunities and how supply chains are getting it wrong.Understand the constructs of GenZ survey findings with recommendations to bridge professional and generational gaps by promoting automation and technology practices. Uncover more about emerging talent work solutions here: https://bit.ly/4d9pRiF.

Experience a candid conversation with procurement legend, former Johnson & Johnson CPO Len DeCandia as he shares perspectives on the progression of the profession.Find insights on how status quo abundance is edging into the realm of scarcity and why supply chains need to pay attention to the shift. Learn key differentiators of business focus to remain relevant and best mitigate risks.

Global manufacturers and corporations with remote workforces are especially challenged by language barriers impacting efficiency, attrition and workplace health and safety. DeepHow CEO Sam Zheng is changing the language landscape across manufacturing and the factory floor.Discover “Stephanie”, an AI-enabled solution, who bridges generational, language and cultural gaps in the workforce enhancing training, retention, production and employee morale.

Join ISM and Logility’s Andrew Driscoll, vice president strategic accounts, and Scott Tillman, senior vice president of research & development as we examine the complexities of regulation, data integration, and demand patterns while fueling greater logistics efficiency. Discover cost advantage strategies and how sustainable practices allow small-to-midsize businesses a competitive advantage against larger enterprises. For more ways to increase logistics efficiencies, read: https://bit.ly/3wTkB2h.

Feel left out of the Industry 4.0 conversation? Hear how seasoned supply chain leader and ketteQ CEO Mike Landry overhauled the profession by making AI and ML mainstream through Salesforce and AWS applications.Get details on how new ways of thinking, autonomous planning and greater visibility intuitively drive sales and marketing opportunities to both small and large businesses and their customers.

The adage “content is king” lacks relevancy without the proper sourcing and context — but businesses often rely on unvetted data or opinion to drive decision-making, which can compromise integrity and the bottom-line.Join CAPS Research executive managing director Denis Wolowiecki for essential perspective on how, when and why knowledge-based information can be the missing link between operational or strategic inefficiencies and your next success story. Learn more about CAPS Research at bit.ly/49agoVX.

Leadership, enacted well, is the cornerstone for foundational success whether instilling effective change management or bolstering corporate morale. Hear the tried, tested and true tenets of supply management leadership through Bindiya Vakil, CEO and founder of Resilinc, as she shares career triumphs, challenges and resolve.By championing personal acceptance, gratitude, inclusivity, constructive feedback, mission and vision, while embracing the power of “Yes”, everything is possible. Find more insights within ISM’s Women’s Supply Management Community https://bit.ly/3UlzXX4.