Mike Hammel on What Great Logistics Leaders Do Differently

 In this episode, Wanda Johnson, Supply Chain Technology Fellow at Deloitte, joins Rodney Apple and Mike Ogle to share how a career that began in accounting and retail operations evolved into supply chain consulting, technology, and transformation leadership. She explains how transferable skills helped her move across industries and organizations including Ralph Lauren, Tompkins Associates, IBM, Accenture, and Deloitte. The conversation also explores why technology initiatives must begin with a clearly defined business problem, how companies can keep people at the center of AI and automation, and why continuous learning, soft skills, and genuine professional relationships remain essential to long-term career growth.    Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, Adri McCaskill, CEO of SplitLogiX, joins us to discuss her career journey that took her from South Africa to supply chain leadership and entrepreneurship in the US. She shares how mentorship, operational experience, stretch assignments, industry involvement, and a willingness to step into uncomfortable roles helped prepare her to launch and lead a global supply chain company. She also reflects on the importance of choosing learning over title, building trust early, and staying close to the work so that future opportunities are met with real preparation. Our conversation also explores warehouse crisis recovery, the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology, and why reputation, curiosity, industry relationships, and calm decision-making under pressure are essential for long-term career growth.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

 In the eighth episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast Catalyst Series, the second installment of our  Beyond the Resume episode, Rodney Apple and Chris Gaffney explore why professional references have become one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in today's hiring market. As AI continues to produce polished resumes and help candidates prepare for interviews, employers increasingly need independent validation of a candidate's experience, leadership, and accomplishments. This conversation examines how both job seekers and hiring managers can transform the reference process from a routine hiring step into a meaningful source of insight that improves hiring decisions and career outcomes. Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In the eighth episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast Catalyst Series, Rodney Apple and Chris Gaffney discuss why resumes and interviews alone are no longer enough to distinguish top talent. They explore how hiring managers are adapting to an AI-assisted recruiting landscape, why employers are placing greater emphasis on validating experience, and how professionals can proactively build a career portfolio that demonstrates credibility, leadership, and measurable business impact throughout their careers. Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we speak with Mike Hammel, President of KDL, a third-party logistics organization specializing in transportation management, freight optimization, and supply chain technology solutions. Mike grew up in a family business deeply rooted in the trucking and transportation industry, where he developed an early appreciation for how freight moves, how businesses operate, and the critical role of supply chains. During our conversation, Mike shares how growing up in a family business shaped his leadership philosophy, and how building experience across multiple functions creates stronger supply chain leaders. We also discuss the growing role of AI in freight management, the evolving transportation market, and the importance of developing trusted customer relationships, all within a culture of continuous improvement. Throughout the episode, Mike offers practical advice for professionals looking to build successful supply chain careers.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we speak with Calem Harris, Founder and CEO of Top Hat Engineering, a supply chain technology firm focused on warehouse automation, software solutions, and operational performance. Calem is a former Marine Corps special operations officer and graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He has built a unique career at the intersection of engineering, technology, and supply chain operations while working with leading companies such as Daifuku, Staples, and Fortna.During our conversation, Calem shares how his military experience shaped his leadership philosophy, the lessons he learned, and the entrepreneurial journey that led him to launch Top Hat Engineering. We also explore the realities of what it takes for automation projects to achieve their expected ROI, the growing importance of software in distribution operations, and how AI, robotics, and machine vision are transforming the future of supply chain execution. Along the way, Calem offers practical advice for both supply chain professionals and students preparing for careers in an increasingly automated and technology-driven industry.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we speak with Rob Handfield, the Bank of America University Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at North Carolina State University and the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative. Widely regarded as one of the leading voices in global supply chain management, Rob has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and has been featured in major media outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and the Financial Times. During our conversation, Rob shares his insights from more than 35 years in the field, including why relationships, humility, and operational experience remain essential leadership traits even as AI and advanced analytics reshape the profession. We also explore supply chain resilience, the growing gap between technical and soft skills, and what future leaders must do to build successful careers in an increasingly volatile global environment.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we have a conversation with Gerald Perritt, who has extensive experience in the world of contract logistics with companies such as  UTI and Kuehne + Nagel. He got his start in supply chain in Less Than Truckload (LTL) logistics. Listen as Gerald focuses on the value of discipline, culture, and relationship building to develop a partnership mentality. He also emphasizes the need to understand what you are truly delivering to people beyond just the goods in a contracted transaction. He shares many people-focused influences that got him started and helped him develop his way of thinking that greatly influenced his success. Gerald shares how that success depends upon factors like integrity, honesty, and communication that form the basis of a rewarding career in supply chain. Gerald closes with his thoughts about where supply chain is going and some of the best advice he has to offer.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst podcast, Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle explore how supply chain risk management principles can be applied to your career to stay prepared in an uncertain job market.The discussion covers building a strong plan B, maintaining an active network, and recognizing early warning signs before disruption hits.We break down practical steps to navigate layoffs, restructurings, and unexpected career changes with confidence and structure.The episode also highlights common job search mistakes and how to avoid them in today’s AI-driven hiring environment.Ultimately, it’s about taking ownership of your career and building resilience before you need it.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we are joined by Mark Richards, President of AWI, Associated Warehouses, Inc. He is a long-time expert in the world of outsourced logistics. Mark provides his career progression through a variety of companies such as Nabisco, Oral B, Gillette, and Weber Logistics. He shares how people can prepare for and become successful during a career in the outsourcing industry, plus the characteristics of the job that can be very appealing and rewarding. Mark also shares the best characteristics of companies that contract with third-party logistics providers, making the relationship be successful for all parties involved. Listen as Mark also provides his thoughts about the top trends in the industry, plus how to lead and coach others, and finishes with some of the best advice he has heard and enjoys sharing with others.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:Continuous ImprovementEngineeringInventory PlanningLogistics & TransportationManufacturingOperationsRoboticsSales & Business DevelopmentS&OPStrategic Sourcing & ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementTechnology & AutomationWarehousing