The Supply Chaney Podcast

What do childhood adversity, career setbacks, and supply chain research have in common? More than you might think.In this episode of the Supply Chaney Podcast, I sit down with Matt Talbert, Senior Manager of Research at the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), to explore the personal experiences, relationships, and unexpected opportunities that shaped his career.Matt opens up about being bullied growing up, graduating into one of the toughest job markets in recent history, and how those experiences helped develop his resilience, empathy, and perspective on life.We also explore the power of professional networking, including how a connection Matt maintained for four years eventually opened the door to his career at ASCM.On the industry side, we dive into ASCM's research on supply chain trends, salary insights, organizational maturity, and why companies need to strengthen their operational fundamentals before investing heavily in technologies like AI.In this episode, we explore:How childhood adversity can shape empathy and personal growthNavigating career setbacks and unexpected opportunitiesWhy building relationships before you need them mattersThe value of industry associations, volunteering, and mentorshipHow ASCM research helps supply chain professionals make better decisionsAI adoption, supply chain maturity, and preparing for the futureFrom personal resilience to industry transformation, this conversation is a reminder that the people behind supply chain are just as important as the systems and technology that keep it moving.🎙️ Subscribe to the Supply Chaney Podcast for more conversations with the doers, makers, and builders shaping our industry.#SupplyChain #SupplyChainManagement #ASCM #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #Logistics Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

**What if one of your greatest advantages came from a disadvantage?**"The advantage of the disadvantage."That phrase stuck with me during my conversation with Kerim Kfuri, renowned supply chain expert, speaker, author, and founder of The Atlas Network.Kerim's parents fled Lebanon during the civil war, and he grew up in Baltimore speaking multiple languages and traveling the world to visit family. What began as a difficult circumstance helped shape his global perspective and, eventually, his career.But his path into supply chain was anything but a straight line!From selling blueberries at age six to studying medicine, working in entertainment and technology, and building a career in corporate governance and risk management, those experiences ultimately came together in **The Atlas Network**.And here's where I think it gets really interesting...**Supply Chain as a Service.**We've got Software as a Service. Robotics as a Service. But what about an entire global supply chain as a service?That's essentially how I think about what Kerim and his team have built. They help businesses take products from idea to reality, leveraging global manufacturing capabilities and managing everything from sourcing and production to quality control, logistics, and inventory.As Kerim explains, finding a supplier is the easy part. **Managing everything afterward is where the real work begins.**We also talk entrepreneurship, leaving corporate life, and turning disruptions into opportunities — a philosophy behind his upcoming book, *Common Chaos*.And that's what I love about the Supply Chaney Podcast. Everyone has a story about how they found their way into this industry, and rarely is it a straight line.🎙️ **So, what's YOUR story?**What unexpected experiences, opportunities, or even disadvantages led YOU into supply chain?I'd love to hear it in the comments! Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

What happens when the person in charge doesn't look like the person you expected?During an emergency at a fuel terminal in South Africa, first responders kept asking Regina Naicker to speak with the person in charge. The problem? Regina WAS the person in charge.In this episode of The Supply Chaney Podcast, Nathan Chaney sits down with Regina in Durban, South Africa, to hear her incredible journey through more than two decades in the energy and supply chain industry.From navigating traditionally male-dominated environments to becoming a passionate advocate for the next generation of supply chain leaders, Regina shares some powerful lessons about earning trust, challenging assumptions, and creating opportunities for others.But the conversation doesn't stop at leadership.Nathan and Regina also dig into what's happening across South Africa and the African continent, including energy infrastructure challenges, the growth of e-commerce, global trade, and why Africa represents such an exciting opportunity for the future of supply chain.In this episode, we cover:Regina's journey into energy and supply chain leadershipThe emergency response story that exposed unconscious biasWhy great leadership starts with building trustCreating opportunities for women and the next generation of supply chain professionalsSouth Africa's energy and infrastructure challengesAmazon, e-commerce, and the changing logistics landscapeAfrica's growing role in global supply chains and international tradeThis is a conversation about people, leadership, and the opportunities that exist when we start looking beyond what we've always known. Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

For this episode, my good friend Stephen D. Bullard invited us aboard his Catalina 250 for a sunset sail on Lake Grapevine, Texas. With planes approaching Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) overhead, we recorded one of the most unique episodes of the Supply Chaney Podcast.Stephen is currently Head of Business Development at CEVA Government Services and President of the NDTA North Texas Chapter. With decades of experience across aviation, freight forwarding, operations, and sales leadership, Stephen has some incredible stories and perspectives to share. We cover everything from his first job waxing airplanes and dispatching cargo flights with a grease pencil to landing major accounts, photographing the Olympics, navigating business failures, building successful sales teams, and embracing AI.One of the key takeaways- great leaders aren't necessarily the best performers. They're the ones who make everyone around them better.It's a conversation about much more than moving freight. It's about relationships, resilience, leadership, and how an industry veteran sees the future of logistics. Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode of the Supply Chaney Podcast, Nathan Chaney talks with Mark Hiddleson about his 30 years in material handling, entrepreneurship, warehouse storage solutions, and the importance of building a network that creates value for everyone involved.Mark shares stories about growing his business, his involvement with the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), and how warehouse tours and industry associations helped shape his career.They also explore cold chain logistics, supply chain visibility, an innovative high school logistics training program, and why Mark eventually embraced podcasting as a way to build meaningful professional connections.Topics covered:Warehouse racking and material handling solutionsEntrepreneurship and building a family-first businessNetworking without constantly sellingCold storage and supply chain visibilityWorkforce development and logistics educationBuilding customer loyalty through trust and shared values🎙️ Subscribe to the Supply Chaney Podcast for more conversations with the doers, makers, and builders shaping the supply chain industry.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Mark Hiddleson01:08 – Mark's Background and Involvement with WERC02:02 – 30 Years in Material Handling and Warehouse Storage02:55 – Starting Specialized Storage Solutions04:16 – Building a Business Around Family and Lifestyle05:36 – Growing Up in California's Central Valley08:37 – Agriculture, Food Logistics, and Cold Storage10:31 – Supply Chain Visibility and Cargo Theft13:12 – Building Relationships Through WERC and Warehouse Tours16:17 – Networking, Adding Value, and Avoiding the Sales Pitch19:58 – High School Students Running a Real Warehouse24:45 – From Podcast Skeptic to Podcast Host28:03 – Warehouse Design, Racking, and Specialized Storage Solutions33:17 – When a Customer Fires You and Comes Back35:00 – Final Thoughts and Closing#SupplyChain #Warehousing #Logistics #Entrepreneurship #MaterialHandling Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

How do we help the next generation find their place in supply chain—and build careers they want to stay in?Nathan Chaney sits down with Stephanie Thomas from the University of Arkansas to discuss supply chain education, mentorship, and the connections that shape a career. Stephanie shares her journey from IBM and Lowe’s to academia, her experience helping build Texas Tech’s supply chain program, and how she introduces hundreds of students to the industry.They also explore WISE—We Impact Supply Chain Excellence—and how a student organization grew into a community connecting students, universities, and industry professionals. It’s a conversation about opening doors, finding the right fit, and giving back to the next generation.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and meet Stephanie Thomas01:21 Growing up in Tennessee02:37 From pharmacy dreams to motivating students04:32 Finding supply chain—and studying alongside Peyton Manning07:04 Communication and diverse paths into supply chain08:23 Developing the next generation of talent10:39 Why mentors and industry connections matter12:53 From IBM and Lowe’s to a career in academia16:23 Building Texas Tech’s supply chain program20:19 Teaching supply chain to hundreds of students22:57 Why more students are choosing supply chain24:32 Every company is a supply chain company26:00 The unsung heroes and finding your career fit27:48 Procurement, merchandising, and the customer experience30:44 WISE: Building community and keeping talent in supply chain36:29 Making WISE events accessible and expanding opportunities38:09 Final thoughts and closing Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode, Steven J Edelstein shares his journey from health and beauty venture capital to supply chain expertise, emphasizing the importance of supply chain in brand success, system evolution, and building sustainable brands.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Steven Edelstein and episode overview01:21 Steven's career journey from venture capital to supply chain04:20 Family background and childhood influences07:49 First job as a dishwasher and social lessons learned12:27 Studying communications and early career choices15:05 Entry into health, beauty, and wellness industries17:38 Lessons learned from product formulation and packaging20:54 Transition from product to supply chain focus24:26 Overview of My FBA Prep and its services31:49 The evolution of warehouse management systems36:15 Risks and best practices for cloud-based systems38:45 Strategies to reduce operational costs and improve profitability42:16 Final insights: Patience, communication, and having fun Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode, Brad Reinhardt shares his extensive experience in logistics and transportation, emphasizing the importance of networking, industry associations, and continuous learning. Discover how his passion for the industry and commitment to community impact his career and the broader supply chain landscape.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brad Reinhardt and his logistics journey00:58 Brad's early experiences and entry into logistics in 199203:04 Growing up in St. Louis and local roots04:59 Brad's childhood and sports interests07:07 First experiences in logistics and warehousing09:00 The personality and stress aspects of logistics work11:03 COVID-19's impact on supply chain visibility and interest13:00 The never-ending puzzle of logistics and continuous improvement14:07 Brad's passion for live music and concerts17:09 Metrics and KPIs in personal hobbies like concerts19:01 Brad's involvement in industry networking and associations21:59 The importance of networking and relationship building27:00 Brad's participation in logistics associations and clubs30:10 The history and mission of LTNA and industry networking33:00 The role of regional and national industry conferences35:56 Challenges and opportunities in industry event organization38:04 Troops to Logistics: Supporting veterans transitioning into supply chain40:48 The rewarding nature of mentoring and community service43:03 Closing remarks and future industry involvement Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode, Will Fediw, Senior Vice President of the Virginia Maritime Association, shares his journey from growing up around water to leading industry advocacy. Discover insights on maritime careers, industry programs, and the importance of networking in the supply chain sector.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:09 Will Fediw’s background and early influences02:00 Growing up in Hampton Roads and family influences03:08 Educational journey and accidental entry into maritime studies04:42 Early career and military service in the Coast Guard16:58 Transition from military to private sector in LNG and petrochemicals22:36 Joining the Virginia Maritime Association and industry advocacy33:30 Overview of VMA programs, events, and conferences40:01 The upcoming maritime symposium and its significance43:28 Final advice on industry involvement and networking Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.

In this episode, we explore the principles of learning from failures, community building among practitioners, and the application of DDMRP in supply chain management. Our guest emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and practical insights for continuous improvement.Key Takeaways-Smart people learn from their own failures, wise people learn from others' failures.-Building a community of practitioners accelerates shared learning.-Practical application of DDMRP can significantly improve supply chain efficiency.-Sharing experiences and practices fosters continuous improvement.-Community-driven insights help adapt strategies to real-world challenges. Surgere is the official partner of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2026. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.