The Buzz: Africa’s Growing Supply Chain Influence

AI adoption is accelerating, retail returns are creating new challenges, and supply chain leaders are facing growing pressure to deliver results from technology investments. But are organizations truly prepared for what's next?In this episode of The Buzz, powered by National Supply Chain Day®, hosts Scott Luton and Tony Sciarrotta welcome Dr. Rod Thomas of the University of Arkansas and Alex Pradhan, founder of Alchemy Advisory, to explore the latest developments shaping global supply chains. The conversation examines the rising costs of retail returns, the importance of accurate product information, and the growing opportunities in reverse logistics and circularity. The panel also breaks down new research revealing significant gaps in AI workforce readiness, trust, and adoption. Plus, Rod shares insights from the WISE Future Leaders Symposium, while Alex highlights key takeaways from the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit, including AI return on investment, decision-making, automation, and rising technology costs.Key Takeaways:The growing retail returns challenge: Explore why online returns continue to rise and how better product information can reduce costs, waste, and customer dissatisfaction.AI workforce readiness: Discover why 83% of surveyed organizations report employees are unprepared to use AI effectively and what that means for supply chain transformation.Data quality and AI trust: Understand how inaccurate data, broken processes, and cybersecurity concerns can undermine AI adoption and automation.The future of supply chain talent: Hear findings from the WISE Future Leaders Symposium about student career confidence, employer expectations, and opportunities to recruit emerging talent.Supply chain planning trends: Learn why organizations are shifting their focus from forecasting accuracy toward better decisions, faster execution, and measurable business value.The real cost of AI: Examine concerns about AI investment returns and a Gartner prediction that supply chain planning software costs could rise more than 50% by 2030.From reducing costly returns to preparing employees for AI-driven operations, today's supply chain challenges require more than new technology. They demand better data, stronger leadership, and smarter decisions. Tune in for expert perspectives, industry research, and practical insights to help your organization navigate change, improve performance, and prepare for the future of supply chain management.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Alchemy Advisory: https://www.alchemybyalexpradhan.comNational Supply Chain Day®: https://bit.ly/NSCDAwardsWith That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7-NOV-2026Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/The People Paradox in Supply Chain AI Integration: https://bit.ly/Report-on-Supply-Chain-AIWISE: https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain/wise.php“The Readiness Rules”: https://now.supplychainnow.com/the-readiness-rulesThe Supply Chain AI Reality Check: https://bit.ly/4AeREZQConnect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandrapradhan/Connect with Rod on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-thomas-a409a41/Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3fWEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyRThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tony Sciarrotta, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-readiness-gap-rising-retail-returns-future-supply-chain-planning-1660 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI is creating new opportunities for businesses, but are organizations adopting it with the right priorities in mind?In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes Vin Vashishta, CEO of V-Squared, for a thought-provoking conversation on the unintended consequences of AI adoption and how businesses can use technology more intentionally. Vin explores how AI agents are disrupting traditional marketplaces, from hiring and retail to consumer services, and why organizations must rethink business models built on information imbalances. He also examines the growing disconnect between smart technology and customer needs, highlighting the importance of trust, data privacy, and delivering meaningful value.They also discuss practical strategies for making smarter AI investments, including aligning technology with business goals, prioritizing revenue growth over cost-cutting, and avoiding the pitfalls of AI adoption without a clear purpose. Vin shares his perspective on the rise of agentic commerce, the importance of workforce development, and why human expertise remains essential to building sustainable, AI-driven businesses. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:41) The value of thoughtful gifts(04:32) How AI agents are disrupting the hiring process(09:13) The unintended consequences of AI-driven marketplaces(13:09) When smart technology fails to deliver customer value(16:47) Building consumer trust through data privacy(21:33) A look back at the 2010 San Francisco Giants(23:34) Aligning AI investments with business growth(28:16) Why AI adoption without strategy creates more work(33:26) The rise of agentic commerce in retail(35:58) Preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future(37:52) Building effective workflows for human-AI collaboration Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Vin Vashishta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineetvashishta/ Learn more about V-Squared AI: https://vsquaredai.com/ Explore Vin’s website: https://datascience.vin/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonlutonLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3fWEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyR This episode was 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/driving-business-growth-through-smarter-ai-investments-1659 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Technology plays a critical role in keeping global supply chains moving. Yet behind the systems, much of the coordination still depends on emails, spreadsheets, and manual follow-ups. Can AI agents change that?Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald welcome Nick Gospodinov, co-founder and CEO of Mandel AI, to explore how agentic AI is transforming supplier communication, procurement workflows, and supply chain coordination.Nick shares how AI agents can spot disruptions, handle backorders, and bring together information scattered across different systems. He explains how these tools can take repetitive tasks off employees' plates while keeping people in control of important decisions. The discussion offers practical insights into where AI can make a difference today and how supply chains can move beyond simply recording information to taking action.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(05:55) From kid programmer to supply chain founder(09:33) Why a $26T industry runs on email(13:21) When the truth sits in an inbox(17:44) Email's hidden cost and lost tribal knowledge(20:38) How AI agents resolve backorders for buyers(26:08) One person directing hundreds of AI agents(28:13) Why SOPs never match how work happens(34:24) Scaling without headcount: ROI in 24 hours(40:55) What a self-coordinating supply chain looks like(43:37) From system of record to action(45:49) How to connect with Nick and Mandel AI(46:28) Rick's takeaway: Keep humans in the loop Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Nick Gospodinov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gospodinovLearn more about Mandel AI: https://www.mandel.ai/Connect with Rick McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82 Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonlutonLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3fWEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyR This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Rick McDonald, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/future-self-coordinting-supply-chains-ai-agents-action-1658  The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can Amazon's early days teach us about today's retail landscape, startup challenges, and holiday supply chain planning? With billions in Prime Day sales, rising startup failures, and an unusual peak shipping season, supply chain leaders have plenty to consider as the year comes to a close.In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Altium, host Kim Reuter is joined by fellow members of The Collective, Kerry Gibson-Morris, Jack Mowreader, and Derreck Travers, to break down the latest developments in e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and global supply chains. Drawing on their firsthand experiences helping build Amazon's early operations, the panel discusses the evolution of Prime Day, the balance between customer loyalty and profitability, and the growing influence of AI-assisted shopping. They also explore why venture capital-backed startups are struggling, what separates successful founders from failed ventures, and the importance of understanding customer needs, managing finances, and knowing when to pivot. Finally, the group examines the 2026 Q4 shipping outlook, including early inventory movement, port congestion, trucking capacity, and strategies for navigating continued supply chain disruptions.Key TakeawaysAmazon Prime Day's evolution: Discover how Amazon's early shipping and inventory strategies helped shape Prime Day and influence modern e-commerce.Retail trends and consumer behavior: Explore Prime Day sales performance, discount strategies, AI-assisted purchasing, and what early holiday shopping could mean for retailers.Why startups fail: Understand how weak unit economics, unrealistic expectations, venture capital pressures, and a lack of customer focus can threaten new businesses.Lessons from Amazon's early leaders: Learn why calculated risks, rapid experimentation, financial discipline, and the willingness to fail fast are essential to long-term success.Q4 shipping and import challenges: Examine how early inventory movement, tariffs, port congestion, and transportation capacity are affecting holiday supply chains.Preparing for peak season: Hear practical advice on contingency planning, securing carrier capacity, maintaining inventory buffers, and preparing for post-holiday returns.Whether you're managing a supply chain, building a startup, or preparing for the holiday retail rush, this episode offers valuable lessons from leaders who helped shape modern e-commerce. Tune in for firsthand Amazon stories, practical business insights, and strategies to help your organization stay flexible, profitable, and prepared for whatever comes next.Additional Links & Resources:Altium Develop: https://bit.ly/Try-Altium-DevelopWith That Said: https://bit.ly/With-That-Said-NewsletterOnline spend during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days neared $10B in the US: https://bit.ly/4sBPPnlRecord Startup Shutdowns Reflect a Market That Is Moving Forward: https://bit.ly/4jPvYyAU.S. ocean container imports set September record as China shipments rise: https://bit.ly/4iwEZu2Altium Agile Teams: https://www.altium.com/agile/teamsConnect with Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-reuter-csg/Connect with Kerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-gibson-morris-179453/Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmowreader/Connect with Derreck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrecktravers/Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3fWEBINAR- Belgian Chocolate, Smarter Forecasting: Barry Callebaut Is Transforming Global Demand Planning: https://bit.ly/48iDzyRThis episode was hosted by Kim Reuter, Kerry Gibson-Morris, Jack Mowreader, and Derreck Travers, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-prime-day-peak-season-the-collective-1657 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Freight costs are climbing, capacity is tightening, and demand isn’t keeping pace. What’s driving today’s transportation market?In this episode, Scott Luton and co-host Karin Bursa welcome Jeff Pape, Senior Vice President, Head of Product & Marketing Global Transportation at U.S. Bank, and Eric Olson, Support Operations Director, Partnership and Business Development at Total Quality Logistics (TQL), for a live discussion on the Q3 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index. Drawing on nearly $46 billion in freight transactions, Jeff reveals how shipper spending increased by more than 30% despite marginal shipment growth, signaling a market driven by capacity constraints rather than demand.They also explore regional freight trends, from data center construction fueling activity in the Southeast to shifting import strategies nationwide. Eric shares his outlook on tightening truckload capacity, rising transportation rates, and a potentially sharper peak season. The panel emphasizes the importance of data-driven planning, proactive communication, and stronger shipper-carrier relationships to help supply chain leaders navigate uncertainty and prepare for continued volatility.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:17) Why freight market volatility is increasing(01:58) Inside the Q3 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index(03:48) Meet the freight market experts(07:24) Why capacity is driving the freight market(09:15) How supply chain leaders use freight data(11:56) Why freight spending is outpacing shipment growth(15:25) Regional freight trends and economic drivers(19:11) What to expect from Q4 peak season(22:08) How data centers and tariffs impact transportation(27:46) Freight market outlook and rising rates(30:24) Navigating capacity constraints through stronger partnerships(33:41) How to become a shipper of choice(39:33) Why data and relationships drive better decisions Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Eric Olson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-olson-a9a0a1b/ Learn more about Total Quality Logistics: https://www.tql.com/ Connect with Jeff Pape: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-pape-105a759/ Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html Learn more about U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://www.usbank.com/corporate-and-commercial-banking/industry-expertise/transportation/freight-payment-insights.htmlLearn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about MFG.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/sneak-preview-q3-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-1656 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The shipping landscape is shifting in ways that demand attention from every supply chain leader. Shrinking carrier capacity, rising surcharges, and a freight recession stretching three years have created a market where old assumptions no longer hold and rate floors are moving in ways many shippers haven't accounted for.In this inaugural episode of The Problem Store on Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton speaks with Jack Mowreader, a veteran CFO who has served in the role five times and spent six years in Amazon operations finance, LeAnne Coulter, former executive at Penske Logistics and Schneider Logistics who now leads Blue Wave Supply Chain, and Nate Skiver, founder of LPF Spend Management. They structure the conversation across four segments covering the macros, the setup, the operation, and the enablers, exploring how capacity constraints, parcel surcharge complexity, network design, relationships between shippers and carriers, and the accelerating pace of change are reshaping what shippers need to be doing right now.Jack, LeAnne, and Nate also weigh in on where AI can genuinely improve shipping decisions, from invoice auditing and scenario simulation to compressing the time from analysis to action. They challenge shippers to walk their own processes, question legacy carrier strategies, form carrier councils, invest in the driver experience, and treat transportation strategy as supply chain strategy rather than an afterthought. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction(03:30) Meet Jack Mowreader, LeAnne Coulter, and Nate Skiver(05:48) The biggest problems in shipping: capacity, risk, and the pace of change(07:39) Labor pressures, fuel costs, and what shippers can't control(20:15) Network design and avoiding single points of failure(27:01) Shipper of choice and building carrier relationships that last(35:16) The operation: resourcing, process design, and trade offs(42:33) The three legged stool: balancing cost, service, and resilience(52:23) AI in shipping: where it helps and where human judgment stays essential(58:34) The Billy Bob hypothetical and how to connect with the panel Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Jack Mowreader: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmowreader/Connect with Nate Skiver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levelplayingfield/Connect with LeAnne Coulter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannecoulter/Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f This episode was 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/problem-store-shipping-sherpas-1655  The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the chocolate in your Halloween candy to the critical minerals powering electric vehicles, Africa plays an essential role in global supply chains. But as new technologies, infrastructure investments, and manufacturing opportunities emerge, the continent is moving beyond supplying raw materials to creating greater value and driving innovation.In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Altium, Yaseen Ahmid and Michael J. Olivier bring a South African perspective to some of the biggest developments shaping global supply chains. They explore why Africa matters to businesses worldwide, from fluctuating cocoa prices in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire to the rise of lab-grown chocolate and its potential impact on African farmers. The conversation also examines Zipline's expanding medical drone delivery network, Morocco's growing automotive manufacturing industry, and investments in the Lobito Corridor connecting Central Africa's critical minerals to global markets. Along the way, Yaseen and Michael discuss AI adoption, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and the importance of building infrastructure and industries that allow African economies to capture more value from their resources and innovations.Key Takeaways:Africa's strategic importance: Discover why the continent's critical minerals, agricultural exports, growing population, and entrepreneurial talent make it increasingly important to global supply chains.Cocoa prices and supply chain challenges: Understand how production disruptions, commodity price fluctuations, and purchasing contracts influence chocolate prices, even when raw material costs decline.Innovation in healthcare logistics: Explore how Zipline's drone delivery network is expanding access to medical supplies in Côte d'Ivoire and demonstrating new approaches to last-mile delivery.Morocco's automotive manufacturing growth: Learn how proximity to Europe, infrastructure development, and nearshoring opportunities are positioning Morocco as a major automotive production hub.Critical minerals and transportation infrastructure: Examine how investments in the Lobito Corridor could improve the movement of copper and cobalt while strengthening regional trade.Building Africa's innovation ecosystem: Hear why financing, talent development, AI governance, entrepreneurship, and local value creation are essential to the continent's economic future.Africa's influence on global supply chains extends far beyond its natural resources. For supply chain leaders, manufacturers, investors, and innovators, understanding the continent's evolving role is becoming increasingly important. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping Africa's future and what they mean for global trade, resilience, and economic growth.Additional Links & Resources: Altium Develop: https://bit.ly/Try-Altium-DevelopWith That Said: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ready-change-supply-chain-now-kwkveThe New Scarcity Economy: An African Lens on UNGA 81: https://www.undp.org/africa/blog/new-scarcity-economy-african-lens-unga-81Cocoa Crashed This Year. So Why Is Your Halloween Candy Still This Pricey? https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/09/61631494/cocoa-crashed-this-year-so-why-is-your-halloween-candy-still-this-priceyZipline inks Côte d’Ivoire deal to expand drone delivery: https://www.semafor.com/article/09/22/2026/zipline-inks-eight-year-cte-divoire-deal-to-expand-drone-deliveryWhy WhatsApp Is the Operating System of African Businesses: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-whatsapp-operating-system-african-businesses-khamisi-hamisi-sxsyf/Morocco’s Automotive Exports Rise 14.5% to MAD 116 Billion by August: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/10/340562/moroccos-automotive-exports-rise-14-5-to-mad-116-billion-by-august/Lobito corridor to double minerals cargo after $300 million draw: https://www.mining.com/web/lobito-corridor-to-double-minerals-cargo-after-300-million-drawMombasa Port Exports Hit New Monthly Record: https://kenyanwallstreet.com/mombasa-port-july-2026Aliko Dangote's refinery lifts Nigeria's petrol exports sixfold to $750 million: https://www.billionaires.africa/2026/09/25/aliko-dangotes-refinery-lifts-nigerias-petrol-exports-sixfold-to-750-million/Ethiopia Coffee Exports Hit Record US$3bn as Government Targets US$6bn by 2031: https://furtherafrica.com/2026/07/01/ethiopia-coffee-exports-hit-record-us3bn-as-government-targets-us6bn-by-2031/A hidden pipeline brings Amazon and Walmart to African shoppers: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/hidden-pipeline-brings-amazon-walmart-african-shoppers-2026-07-14/Connect with Yaseen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljolivier/Altium Agile Teams: https://www.altium.com/agile/teamsUpcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3fThis episode was hosted by Yaseen Ahmid and Michael Olivier, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-africa-growing-supply-chain-influence-1654  The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is AI really saving supply chain teams time, or are we overlooking the human expertise needed to make it work? In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton sits down with Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to discuss the evolving role of AI in supply chain planning, the importance of workforce development, and how leading companies are rethinking their supply chain strategies. Mike brings his expertise in supply chain planning and Gartner research to a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges organizations face as they adopt new technologies, manage growing complexity, and prepare their teams for the future. The conversation covers why AI may not deliver the productivity gains many organizations expect, how skills gaps and change management affect technology adoption, and why human expertise remains essential to effective supply chain planning. Scott and Mike also examine General Mills' ambitious supply chain transformation, McDonald's investment in AI-powered operations, and how supply chain education must evolve to prepare the next generation of leaders. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:13) Halloween candy inflation and the candy supply chain(04:20) The three biggest barriers holding supply chain planners back(05:35) Why cutting entry-level roles kills your AI ROI(11:18) Why AI saves slivers of time, not redeployable chunks(13:23) Why change management is the most requested Gartner strategy session(16:00) General Mills and why supply chain should mean more than cost-cutting(19:30) Cereal proliferation as a lesson in SKU complexity and demand planning(26:07) McDonald's Archie AI and the danger of equating tech with people(33:28) What supply chain undergraduate programs must fix to stay relevant(38:04) Why the Gartner Planning Summit keeps getting bigger Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/ Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Planning Your 2027 AI Strategy: 5 Research-Backed Best Practices: https://bit.ly/4z1LM5rWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3f This episode was 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/when-yesterdays-supply-chain-playbook-stops-working-1653  The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when your supply chain is performing exactly as designed, yet your business is still losing money and frustrating customers? In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton speaks with Mahesh Rajasekharan, President and CEO of Cleo, about the performance paradox behind new industry research and what it takes to orchestrate a supply chain rather than merely integrate one. Mahesh brings a PhD in industrial engineering from Texas A&M and an MBA from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, where he graduated first in his class, along with prior experience as COO of SumTotal Systems, to his role leading Cleo into a high growth, AI native supply chain orchestration company serving over 5,000 customers. The conversation covers why 63% of companies say their supply chains perform as designed while 73% lose revenue, how automation increases complexity when coordination stays manual, and why the planning and execution gap persists. Mahesh and Scott also explore the shift from systems of record to systems of action, how context turns raw AI into useful decisions, and controlled delegation toward autonomous orchestration. Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(03:55) Flying taxis and what they teach about orchestration(06:10) What Cleo does beyond integration(09:20) Why human judgment stays nonnegotiable(14:58) Why visibility is passé and orchestration is the real prize(18:45) From systems of record to systems of action(21:46) How context turns raw signals into intelligence(26:58) Why the gap between planning and execution persists(33:16) Why pilot fatigue keeps AI from delivering value(38:59) From reactive firefighting to proactive problem solving Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Mahesh Rajasekharan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshrajasekharan/Learn more about Cleo: https://www.cleo.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Agentic AI for Decision-Centric Planning: https://bit.ly/3VD1NkaWEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3fThis episode was 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/performance-paradox-why-your-supply-chain-works-still-loses-money-1652  The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As supply chain disruptions continue, costs climb, and artificial intelligence reshapes the industry, procurement professionals are facing new challenges and opportunities. How can organizations move beyond traditional strategies to build stronger supplier relationships, embrace emerging technology, and prepare for the future?In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Altium, host Scott Luton and co-host David Shillingford welcome Ben Farrell, MBE, Global CEO of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), for a conversation about the evolving role of procurement and supply chain leadership. The discussion explores the biggest barriers to scaling AI, including poor data quality and disconnected systems, along with new research from CIPS revealing rising transportation, technology, and food costs heading into the holiday season. Ben shares why long-term supplier collaboration is essential for navigating disruptions, how procurement professionals can deliver greater strategic value, and what skills future leaders will need. The conversation also examines CIPS' plans to modernize professional development, the growing importance of trust and ethical leadership, and why procurement deserves a stronger voice in business decision-making.Key Takeaways:Rethinking supply chain priorities: Discover why recovering quickly from disruptions, making fewer decisions, and designing for change may be more valuable than predicting every challenge or pursuing complete automation.Overcoming AI adoption barriers: Explore how poor data quality, disconnected systems, governance challenges, and unclear ROI continue to prevent organizations from realizing AI's full potential.Preparing for rising supply chain costs: Learn what CIPS' Q3 2026 Global Pulse Survey reveals about anticipated price increases in transportation, technology, and food, and how businesses can prepare.Building stronger supplier relationships: Understand why long-term collaboration, trust, and flexible supplier networks are becoming essential for managing disruptions and controlling costs.Developing the next generation of procurement leaders: Explore how AI, ethical decision-making, communication, and problem-solving are reshaping the skills procurement professionals need.Elevating procurement's strategic influence: Discover why procurement must move beyond traditional purchasing functions to become a stronger driver of business outcomes, resilience, and organizational success.From navigating rising costs and global disruptions to embracing AI and developing future-ready talent, procurement has never played a more important role in business success. Tune in for insights from Ben Farrell and David Shillingford on strengthening supplier relationships, overcoming technology challenges, and positioning procurement professionals as strategic leaders in an increasingly complex global economy.Additional Links & Resources:Altium Develop: https://bit.ly/Try-Altium-DevelopWith That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-18-Oct-2026David's Post: https://bit.ly/Keynes-On-AISneak Preview: Q3 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://supplychainnow.com/us-bank/Download your free copy of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: https://bit.ly/Freight-Payment-IndexInside the Future of Intelligent Warehousing with EPG: https://bit.ly/Scott-and-Jett-MODEX20262026’s most overrated and underrated supply chain priorities: https://bit.ly/Overrated-And-Underrated-SCM-PrioritiesThe CIPS Global Pulse Survey for Q3 2026: https://bit.ly/Survey-Says-Q32026Altium Agile Teams: https://www.altium.com/agile/teamsConnect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-farrell-mbe/Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shillingford/Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/aboutLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch 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/3XH6OVkLearn more about Blue Yonder Cognitive Solutions: http://blueyonder.com/cognitiveLearn more about M.F.G.inc’s Frontline Leadership Certificate: MFG.inc/training WEBINAR- Supply Chain Planning Reimagined: Agentic AI for Decision-Centric Planning: https://bit.ly/3VD1NkaWEBINAR- Rethinking the Supply Chain Management Classroom: https://bit.ly/4xJIkM2WEBINAR- Detect, decide, deliver: improving disruption response across the supply chain: https://bit.ly/4rXhmiIWEBINAR- Merck Animal Health's Journey to Rewiring Planning for Reliability, Agility and Trust: https://bit.ly/4B6Iq3fThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and David Shillingford, and produced by Triha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-why-procurement-more-important-than-ever-1651 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.