Supply Chain Career Catalyst Series: Importance of Career Reflection & Self Assessments

 In Episode 2 of our Supply Chain Career Catalyst series, Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney turn self-reflection into action. We map the career landscape with the SCOR lens (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, Enable), show how industries (manufacturing, retail/wholesale, and enablers) shape your day-to-day, and explain why company type and size (public, private, PE/VC-backed, NGO/Gov) matter for pace and visibility. We close with five trends—digital and physical automation, data literacy, sustainability, evolving work models, and the frontline talent gap—and how to stand out as the translator who turns tech and data into real business outcomes. Walk away with concrete next steps to target roles, build agility, and accelerate your path. Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

This inaugural episode of our new podcast Series, Supply Chain Career Catalyst, hosts Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney take a deep dive into the importance of intentional reflection in career planning. They share how supply chain professionals can avoid making emotionally driven job changes by using structured self-assessment tools, seeking honest feedback, and exploring roles through informational interviews. The conversation emphasizes that careers are rarely linear and that lateral moves or cross-functional experiences often provide greater long-term growth. They also encourage building a personal board of advisors and maintaining a living development plan to stay proactive in career decisions.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this special two-part episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we take you inside three of the top supply chain university programs in the United States to uncover how they’re shaping the next generation of leaders. Hosts Mike Ogle, Rodney Apple, and Chris Gaffney sit down with Dr. Judy Whipple of Michigan State University, Dr. Brian Fugate of the University of Arkansas, and Chris Gaffney in his role leading Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain and Logistics Institute.You’ll hear firsthand how these programs are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing supply chain landscape - covering curriculum design, industry partnerships, experiential learning, and the essential skills students need to thrive in their careers. Whether you’re a student, educator, or supply chain professional, this episode delivers valuable insights into the future of supply chain talent development.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this special episode, guest host Brian Kennedy sits down with Chris Gaffney to explore how supply chain professionals can take control of their careers by embracing artificial intelligence. Chris introduces the “AI Maturity Ladder,” a step-by-step roadmap that helps individuals and teams evolve from foundational tools like Excel to advanced capabilities like predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI agents.The conversation covers:The evolution of AI in supply chain rolesPractical skills to stay relevant in a data-driven marketHow tools like Python, SQL, and Power BI tie into career growthWhy applied analytics beats theoretical knowledge in today’s job marketStrategies for leaders to upskill their teams and create a culture of innovationWhether you're a student, mid-career professional, or supply chain leader, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for climbing the AI ladder and ensuring you’re leading change instead of reacting to it.🔗 Learn more at scl.gatech.edu 🎙️ Powered by SCM Talent Group | scmtalent.comNeed help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

Featuring Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at YMX LogisticsIn this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with Erin Mitchell, COO of YMX Logistics, to explore her remarkable career journey from software developer at Kraft to leading logistics integrations and scaling a fast-growing startup.Erin shares how a company-sponsored MBA opened doors into operations, and how servant leadership, stretch assignments, and a bias for action helped her navigate major mergers, build high-performing teams, and drive innovation in supply chain.We discuss:The skills Erin looks for when hiring logistics talentLeading during high-pressure M&A integrationsTransitioning from shipper to logistics service providerWhy operations experience is critical for long-term career growthBalancing sustainability, customer success, and profitabilityHow to lead through change, even when the plan goes off-courseWhether you're just starting out or leading a global supply chain, Erin’s story offers practical advice and inspiration for supply chain professionals at every stage.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we dive deep into the world of operations leadership with Fabio Paniza, Director of Operations for a leading global medical device and pharmaceutical company. Fabio oversees global manufacturing operations spanning the U.S. and Switzerland, managing everything from component warehousing and kitting to final assembly, packaging, and service support for life-saving medical devices.Fabio shares his inspiring journey from his family business in Brazil to leading complex global operations for one of the world's top healthcare companies. Whether you're just starting out or seeking your next leadership role in supply chain, Fabio’s career path and perspective on people-first operations will leave you both informed and inspired.🔗 Connect with Fabio on LinkedIn: Fabio Paniza 🎧 Powered by SCM Talent Group – the industry-leading supply chain recruiting and executive search firm.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we sit down with award-winning supply chain leader, Moonmoon Rathod, for an inside look at what it’s like to work as a Supply Chain Manager. With over a decade of experience at global powerhouses like Amazon, Apple, Daimler Mercedes-Benz, and William Sonoma, Moonmoon shares her career journey, daily responsibilities, and the skills—both technical and soft—that are essential for success in logistics and operations.Tune in as Moonmoon discusses:How a career-shaping internship led her into supply chainWhat she likes about being a Supply Chain ManagerWhat her main day-to-day job duties consist ofHer passion for problem-solving, innovation, and mentorshipWhether you're a student exploring career paths, a mid-career professional seeking advancement, or a leader shaping supply chain strategy, this episode offers actionable insights from one of the industry’s rising stars. Moonmoon also shares advice for breaking into the field, the value of rotational programs, and how to build a career that thrives in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.🎧 Presented by SCM Talent Group – the industry-leading supply chain recruiting and executive search firm.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we talk with Jenny Yao Harrison, a seasoned global supply chain and business transformation executive with over two decades of experience leading cross-functional teams across continents and industries. Currently serving as the commercial leader for a strategic customer at Niagara Bottling, Jenny shares insights from a career that has taken her from Coca-Cola’s global operations to leading supply chain strategy at Finlays in London.We explore Jenny’s journey—from her unexpected entry into the supply chain world to building a T-shaped leadership profile through roles in operations, R&D, and innovation. She unpacks the contrasts between public and private companies, the realities of international assignments, and how she’s navigated career transitions while balancing personal and professional growth.Whether you’re starting out or leading supply chains at scale, this episode offers valuable lessons in adaptability, leadership, and creating a fulfilling global career in the ever-evolving beverage industry.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we sit down with Scott Mason, a seasoned supply chain leader whose career spans high-impact roles in industry, academia, and now at Amazon, where he leads optimization efforts for under-the-roof operations.Scott shares how his early experiences in semiconductor manufacturing and consulting laid the groundwork for a career focused on modeling, analytics, and systems thinking. He reflects on his academic tenure at Clemson and the University of Arkansas, and what ultimately brought him back into industry to help Amazon move over 100 million packages a day with precision and efficiency.We explore:The evolution of supply chain modeling — from spreadsheets to AIThe critical balance between hard skills and soft skillsWhy empathy, communication, and self-awareness matter more than everHow Amazon's culture fosters innovation at scaleLeadership lessons across academia, consulting, and techWhether you're a student, a seasoned professional, or someone exploring a pivot in supply chain, Scott’s insights offer a grounded roadmap for building a meaningful, impactful career.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with John Peoples, a seasoned supply chain and operations leader whose career spans major organizations like Ford, Halliburton, Coca-Cola, and Domino’s.John shares how he built his career from the plant floor to multi-site operations leadership—emphasizing the importance of curiosity, continuous improvement, and a people-first leadership style. From leading startup facilities to turning around underperforming sites, John reveals how emotional safety, empowerment, and team culture drive performance at scale.You’ll hear:Why frontline experience is critical to long-term leadership successThe difference between managing a single site vs. multiple operationsHow to build trust, drive metrics, and develop high-performing teamsThe role of mentorship, networking, and advocacy in career growthAdvice for young professionals looking to lead in manufacturingWhether you're early in your career or looking to step into senior operations leadership, John offers grounded, practical insights you can apply today.Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs: Continuous Improvement Engineering Inventory Planning Logistics & Transportation Manufacturing Operations Robotics Sales & Business Development S&OP Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Supply Chain Management Technology & Automation Warehousing