Whiteboard Wisdom
Episode 4

Supply Chain starts and ends with collaboration.

-Stela Jaqueta

Episode Summary

In this new episode of Whiteboard Wisdom, host Scott Luton welcomes Stella Jaqueta, a procurement professional and supply chain enthusiast, to discuss the importance of collaboration in supply chain management.

Jaqueta emphasized that successful collaboration is key to achieving efficiency and cost reduction, gaining competitive advantage, and fostering innovation and product development. She also highlighted the importance of establishing clear goals, developing trusting relationships, and aligning incentives for effective collaboration. Watch and learn more!

Episode Transcript

Scott Luton (00:23):

Hey, good morning, good afternoon, good evening, wherever you may be. Scott Luton and special guest, the one only Stella Chita with you here today. Welcome to Supply Chain now. Stella. Hey, you doing today?

Stela Jaqueta (00:41):

I’m great. Thank you Scott for this amazing opportunity. I’m feeling great. I hope you’re also having a great day.

Scott Luton (00:48):

I am. It’s so great. It’s wonderful to reconnect with you. Really enjoyed our time together in Cape Town. We did a panel discussion, you were a keynote, you joined me for an interview. We had a great time and it’s great to have you back here today talking about what’s going to be a special conversation, especially for our supply chain, our community on YouTube. Three reasons why collaborations are key in supply chain. So we all know successful collaboration is how we get it done in global supply chain. I’m looking forward to getting Stella’s take on that as well as some of the Been there, done there. I’m sorry, been there, done that. Tips on how to achieve optimal collaboration and Stella collaboration is not only really effective and powerful, it can be a whole heck of a lot of fun. Right,

Stela Jaqueta (01:37):

Right. I think it all starts and ends with collaboration. Yes. And we’ll delve into that.

Scott Luton (01:44):

We sure are. We sure are. So a couple of housekeeping things before we jump into today’s discussion. Hey, I think federal regulations require me to ask you to like and comment the episode. If you enjoy the conversation, hey, share it with a friend, they’ll be glad you did. So lemme introduce my friend, the one and only the proven practitioner, Stella Chitta. So she’s a procurement professional and a supply chain enthusiast who is passionate about serving as a voice and advocate for the development of the African supply chain. As I mentioned, I met Stella in person in Cape Town at an industry event where she was a featured speaker, and I’ll tell you, she knocked her hats and our socks off. Stella is also podcast host of your Africa supply chain podcast, Y-A-S-C-P, Yas P, which by the way, that’s the first Mozambican supply chain podcast ever. So Stella, great to have you back with us. How are you doing?

Stela Jaqueta (02:39):

I’m doing great. Yeah. Scott, I thank you for this amazing opportunity for having me on this amazing program that you started with the web series. So thank you so much.

Scott Luton (02:50):

You bet. Well, we have you back, not just because we like you, we have you back because I really love your thought leadership and today we’re talking about the power of collaboration in supply chain, right Stella?

Stela Jaqueta (03:05):

Yes.

Scott Luton (03:06):

So when you start to think about that, Stella, when you start to think about the power of collaboration in supply chain, my hunch is a couple of things come to mind, huh?

Stela Jaqueta (03:18):

Yes, Scott. One of the things that I really love when I was thinking about, okay, with supply chain, it all starts and I think it starts and falls with collaboration. And all I want to do is I love to start with definitions because it really brings us into a base understanding on what we, in order for us to have a common understanding, I can say, and collaboration, according to the dictionary, it says that it is the situation of two or more people working together to create or achieve the same thing. And I love definitions that are very simple, straight to the point. We are all understanding here. First thing is that you can’t do it yourself. You can’t do it yourself. It takes two to tango. It’s like in a marriage it takes two to be in a marriage. So collaboration, it starts with having two or more people, two organizations coming together for that amazing union.

(04:18):

Another thing about collaboration is that there is a goal to be achieved and it’s very important to have a vision set in that standard because sometimes an organization or two organizations can come together, especially in supply chain. Let’s give an example, right? I love examples. So you’ll have a lot of examples. Let’s say an organization is trying to get into the African market and they don’t really have operations, they don’t even know how to navigate into that. And they now want to partner with a local African organization that’s in South Africa in order to distribute their products, in order to introduce them to the market. It is very important to communicate that, to share that information in order for both of them understand where the South African organization can get that information and how that other organization that is coming from another continent, from another organizational culture is also benefiting from that partnership. So collaboration, there must be a goal to be achieved. Yes,

Scott Luton (05:24):

Ella? Hey, really quick if I can, otherwise, if we don’t have a goal, an objective, some kind of agenda, some kind of priorities, otherwise we’re just sitting around a table enjoying each other’s company, breaking bread and having a good time, which isn’t bad, but what are we doing here? What are we doing here? That’s such a great point. And so what’s the third one? Stella?

Stela Jaqueta (05:45):

We all need to be in agreement. Scott, you can’t have a collaboration if you’re all not in agreement. It must be to achieve the same thing if we want to increase our customer database, you are all in agreement if you want to get yourself into a different product or bring new innovation that both of the parties need to be in agreement. So it must be, you guys need to be in the same understanding of what you want to achieve at the end of the day. Collaboration. Remember, you can’t do it yourself. You need to have a goal to achieve and you all have to work on the same path. You all have to be in agreement.

Scott Luton (06:30):

What a great opening, a segment that is to establish and align around not just the definition of collaboration, but some of the hallmarks of what we need to lean into collaborate. And I love your emphasis on examples. I think examples is how we learn, not learn best perhaps, but it’s a real powerful learning tool. So when you think of really successful and cool collaborations here in our time, what comes to mind? Stella?

Stela Jaqueta (07:03):

I love sneakers first of all. So I was like, okay, I love sneakers. I’m like, Ooh, air Jordans, Nike, and Michael Jordans coming together and please Nike. And if you want to sponsor this episode, you’re welcome. So this is a great collab, great organization, two entities. You have Michael Jordan that has his fan base and you already have Nike that has its own fan base and they came together that perfect unit. And up until today it is standing strong and making profit in distributing and getting it into new markets. We have Adidas and Stan Smith, again, another sports organization, another sports entity which is stands smith, right, with Adidas coming together in order to get that shoes and even reach customers that before they couldn’t reach it by themselves. So you have people who are fan of stands made of his work and you have people who are fan of Adidas shoes and perhaps they couldn’t reach them by now. This collaboration, they can, how can I say? Synchronize?

Scott Luton (08:12):

They can shoot for the moon. Oh, synchronize and shoot for the moon, right?

Stela Jaqueta (08:15):

Exactly. And the last one that I really like is also Savage and Fenty. It’s another great collaboration and when we talk about collaboration, you need to have those pictures in mind, how it can really bring benefit not only for your organization but also to the world. Because right now we all know, I think even people, even if you want to comment on the section, if you have Michael Jordan, like Air Jordans stands Smith, so we all know that. Okay, we’re in the same page.

Scott Luton (08:48):

Stella, there’s other shoe lovers out there, right? Other big shoe fans out there, right, Stella?

Stela Jaqueta (08:53):

Yeah, yeah, it’s a comments.

Scott Luton (08:57):

So I love those examples and I think one more came to mind as I was getting ready for today and toys are Russ, I grew up with toys are Russ as a brand, it was a toy store. We’d all go there and try to pick out our holiday gifts, Christmas gifts, whatever. And of course the retailer went under. And then in the last year or two, maybe a couple years back, I can’t remember exactly, I think Target licensed the Toys R Us brand so they could stand up a Toys R Us website where Target was kind of the back office, but it was a toys brand and what a cool collaboration that for many folks my age, it kind of took us back to our upbringing and I bet there’s a lot of sentimental purchases and shopping that took place. So I don’t know the sheer outcomes, but I thought that was a really cool collaboration between two brands. One that was around for a lot of our upbringing. So alright, so we’ve established some cool collaborations. We’ve established that Stella is a big old shoe lover. We’ve established that I’m a child of the eighties. Give my Toys R us. Alright, so looking at what’s next, let’s talk about three reasons why collaborations are absolutely key in supply chain. Stella, what comes to mind?

Stela Jaqueta (10:17):

The first thing, and again Scott, we’re in supply chain, I know efficiency and cost reduction just gives us the thrills when we hear these words. So I needed to bring that on. Have to have to, yeah. Okay, so I’ll give, as you say, we love examples here and it’s a great way for us to learn. So imagine that you are an organization that produces cards and you really want to implement just in time inventory management system because you want to minimize your inventory levels, you want to reduce the cost of holding excess stock, right? So you now for that to really happen, you need to collaborate with your suppliers, you need to collaborate with your logistics provider in order to have the products or the inventory just in time for your production. So that means what information sharing needs to be on time on point, real time demand, forecast, production schedules because your supplier needs to know exactly when you’re going to produce, how are you going to do it so that they can bring the inventory on time. And it is important to have integration in order for you to now you’re reducing your extra stock. The second one, competitive advantage we’ve mentioned here about Michael Jordan and Nike. Nike and I believe that partnership, it has only rendered them competitive advantage because people, they can stand on cues now just because an air Jordan has been released. Not that I did. Not that I did,

Scott Luton (11:54):

No. Are you sure?

Stela Jaqueta (11:58):

Not that I did, but I know a friend that knows a friend that did that. Ah, gotcha, gotcha. So competitive advantage, when you come to collaboration, you get to reach new markets, you get to meet new people that you yourself could not reach it as an organization. So there’s only great things that you can achieve from a great collaboration. And lastly, innovation and product development. For example, one of the things that I’ve mentioned, let’s say that you are a company that wants to really go into the African market and we know that the African market is different from the American market is different from the European market. So you need to sometimes to localize your product so you could partner with a local organization that knows the market, that knows the culture, that knows how people will respond to your product and adapt your brand, adapt your imagery, adapt your product in order to fit that specific market. So these are the three reasons that I believe collaborations, if it’s done right, mastery, beautiful,

Scott Luton (13:04):

It’s beautiful and fun and effective and it produces outcomes and it also helps organizations, partners across the ecosystem, new and old, achieve greater innovative things, right? Move mountains. And I want to point out two things. I loved all of that. I was taking, I’ve got six pages of notes already, Stella, but two things in particular. You mentioned communication, right? What’s old is new. Again, communication is so vital. However, you also mentioned integration. So think about if in the current state or future state, if as much as we want to pick up the phone or shoot an email or shoot a text or what have you or Slack or whatever, imagine if we can integrate our partners, our collaborative partners within our current technology platforms so that it’s not even needed. It just happens. It just happens. And talk about ways that, yeah, it is magic, right? Talk about ways we can pull friction out of our day-to-day or make it easier for our team members to be successful, what they want to do, make it easier for that success to happen. That is also a very beautiful thing, Ella, respond to that. If you would, before we move on to my next question for you.

Stela Jaqueta (14:20):

No, as you’re speaking Scott, I was like imagine the magic that you can create out of that because when we collaborate, when we integrate well mean that I’ll talk about the relationship aspect of it. It really, there’s only so much that you can gain from it and both parties only have to gain out of this amazing relationship and magic. Then all the good things can come out.

Scott Luton (14:51):

Lots of good things to know. I love

Stela Jaqueta (14:52):

Collaboration.

Scott Luton (14:53):

I do too, but we’re having a lot of fun with it because it can be very fulfilling and rewarding. However, to keep it real every day isn’t like walking on the tulips and beautiful with no tough. I mean there are days that it’s tough to collaborate and I think we’re going to probably touch on this in just a second, but that’s a really important thing to acknowledge because great partners can collaborate good or are well on the good days and the bad days. So with that, I think that’s a great segue. I want to ask you about as we’re calling it the how So Stella in your view, when folks ask how can we optimize our supply chain collaborations, what three things come to your mind?

Stela Jaqueta (15:41):

Yes. Remember what I said in the beginning that you can’t do it yourself. You need to establish a goal and you all need to be in agreement. So it all starts with that. It starts with having a clear vision of what goals you want to achieve. Define it from the beginning, from the get go. If your objective it is to reduce lead time, it is to minimize inventory. Be very clear with your future partner or with your potential partner or even with your supplier, what you want to achieve at the end of the day. Because you may say, I just want my deliveries to be next day. I don’t want it to take it a week. I need my deliveries to be next day because that’s what I want. But then the supply doesn’t understand, doesn’t understand why you want it, maybe because you are having too much cost, you’re having too much inventory or maybe because your customers, they prefer to the goods to be delivered next day rather than a week. So you guys need to be in the same understanding of what goals you want to achieve. The why is very important, right?

Scott Luton (16:50):

Yes. Hey Stella, if I can add just one more thing. If your suppliers and your collaboration partners know your why, they might have solutions that are even better than what you want to do, right, Stella?

Stela Jaqueta (17:02):

Exactly, exactly. Yeah, it is very important because now again, that collaboration, that relationship as we’re going to discuss now, it just has so many things that you can benefit out of it. The second one, as I say, develop trusting relationship and guys relationship takes time. It’s not just you approach them and be like, I want this, this, this and that. That’s not relationship, that’s a transaction. So it’s very important with collaboration, develop a, fostering a trusting relationship. And it takes time, it takes communication, it takes information sharing in order for you to actually know where you guys want to achieve. And Scott, some of the that, and I’ll give you an example. Let’s say I start Jata sneakers, right?

Scott Luton (17:55):

Love it, love it

Stela Jaqueta (17:56):

Jacket. Maybe it’s a brand, please. I’ll patent

Scott Luton (18:01):

Trademark.

Stela Jaqueta (18:01):

Let’s say trademark it. I start Jata sneakers and I partner let’s say with Christiana Ronaldo, and we make millions and millions of dollars because of that collaboration, right? And Nike now wants to partner with Jata sneakers. Cool. And now Nike, since it has been there in the market for so long and they know they have the distribution channels in order, they have the network all set up for them and it’s bigger than of course check get the sneakers that just started a month ago. They can be like, okay, let’s partner, but it’s on my terms. You have to adhere to my terms. Okay, my terms and condition, you adhere to this. So now it’s like I have to, this is a relationship or this captivity because you want that collaboration. Yeah,

Scott Luton (18:57):

I love your point, relationship versus transaction. Because for Chita sneakers in this example, it’s got to be good business for Chita sneakers. It can’t just be about doing business with a big brand that you’d love to work with. If the relationship isn’t there, it may not be good business. I think that’s one of the points you’re making, Stella. Right?

Stela Jaqueta (19:18):

Exactly. Exactly. It’s very important in order to have open communication, open communication in order for you to really get the most out of this relationship. Right? And lastly, you need to align your incentives. Okay, we are businesses, we want to make profit at the end of the day doing good, fostering, surveying our customers. We also want to make profit and it’s very important to measure it up in five years, in 10 years. Can you say that this collaboration, this relationship has brought you results. For example, before me partnering with Jata sneakers, I was in this level and now after partnering with them for five years, I can see that my turnover has increased 50%, 70%. It’s very important to measure how will the profit be shared. Because I can say I brought my name in, I have all the resources, all the network, but you are just there just for the cloud I can say. So it’s very important how you share the profits and other incentives in order to also, it’s beneficial for both parts because we don’t want this to be strenuous when you should say, okay, I have to do it for because of the money. No, it’s not only because of that, it’s also for the learned lessons that you’ll have it. So for me, Scott, these three things will just take the relationship and collaboration to a whole nother level.

Scott Luton (20:53):

Love that. I love your perspective here. And I would just add to that, if you don’t do number three there, which is align incentives so that all parties are incentivized to lean in and make the collaboration happen. I can promise you this, 99.999 times percent of the time, it’s going to be a short term collaboration and it’s going to be transactional, a true relationship. So build for the big picture as often as you can. Okay, Stella, really have enjoyed your perspective here today. I wish we had a couple more hours, but I got a couple of final questions before we sign off here today. I love what you’re doing at your African supply chain podcast, your Africa Supply Chain podcast. Hang on a sec, hang one sec. Lemme mark that. I got to get that right. So Catherine, just give me a quick thumbs up. I added an end there on that second word. So I’m going to start right back where I start to move and we’ll make a mark of that. Okay? So I’m going to pause and I’m going to pick back up and we’re going to wrap with those two quick questions. I’m going to sun off here we go in three.

(22:07):

Alright Stella. Love it, love it, love it. I got a couple quick questions before we let you go. I wish you had a couple more hours here. I can’t wait to see you in person next go round. Alright, but when it comes to your Africa supply chain podcast, which is a pioneering podcast, as we mentioned the first Mozambique supply chain podcast. I loved your innovation and your thought leadership. What’s been one of your favorite recent episodes,

Stela Jaqueta (22:34):

Guys? So many, but okay, I’ll just say two, but I’ll just be very brief around it. Okay. One of them is African leadership that I recorded with Benjamin Ong. Oh my gosh, that episode every time he was speaking I was just like loan

Scott Luton (22:54):

Literally. Oh, must’ve been good. Okay. Alright.

Stela Jaqueta (22:58):

Oh my gosh. African leadership, that one was amazing. And also love this episode, I did it with Sophia Riva Herrera where we talked about Gen Z because we are also Gen Z in supply chain navigating this world. So it was a different perspective. We also to get different opinions. So these episodes are just in my heart. Love it. So I love recording them.

Scott Luton (23:21):

Love it. Stella, you and Sophia, you are quite the one two punch, not taking anything away from you at the first show you mentioned, but we’re going to have to get you and Sophia together because I think you’re quite a tandem. So I look forward to future collaborations. Hey, no pun intended, right? Alright, so for folks out there, maybe they want to tune into your podcast, maybe they want to tune into just talk shop or supply chain or business. Maybe they want to bring you in and have you speak to their organizations, you name it. How can folks connect with you? Stella?

Stela Jaqueta (23:53):

Yes, the easiest way. You can see my name there, Stella Jata. You can go to LinkedIn and get access to me and also you can either email me as well, I’m available at stella dota@gmail.com. You can reach out to me anyways. Also, I’m also on Instagram at Stella Dota. You can reach out to me at any please. And your African supply chain podcast is also on LinkedIn. Reach out, I’m available. It’s going to be an amazing collaboration.

Scott Luton (24:27):

Well, I really enjoyed your perspective here today and I’ll tell you, you’re the same person as genuine and thoughtful and sharp and person as you are here in the digital studio. So it’s delightful to have you back and look forward to reconnecting soon. Stella Sheta, y’all check her out, connect with her. Okay. Hey folks, hope you’ve enjoyed this conversation with Stella as much as I have. Be sure to connect with her, but even more importantly, the onus is on you to take one thing. One great piece of advice from the truckload that Stella brought us here today. Put it into practice deeds, not words. Your team will be appreciative, your suppliers, your collaboration partners, they’ll appreciate it. Hey, successful collaboration can offer all sorts of returns to the ecosystem and all parties within. So let’s jump on this opportunity. Your team sure will appreciate it. With that said, Scott Luton here on behalf of the supply chain now team, challenging you to do good, to give forward and to be the change that’s needed and we’ll see you next time right back here at Supply Chain. Now. Thanks everybody.

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Featured Guests

Stela Jaqueta is a Podcast Host, Procurement Professional and Supply Chain Enthusiast. Her main goal is to be a voice and advocate for the Development of the African Supply Chain. She has a Masters in Supply Chain Management from University of Pretoria. During her career, she has been exposed to practical projects that dealt with end-to-end supply chain. Additionally, she has published an academic article on the Physical Distribution Challenges and Adaptations in emerging African Markets. Her drive has always been to see the development of African Markets which has led her to write articles that assimilates Supply Chain Professionals with Create thinkers. One of her achievements include being ASCA Ambassador for 2023. And ultimately, her zeal steered her to start the first Mozambican Supply Chain Podcast titled: YASCP (Your African Supply Chain Podcast) out of the desire to showcase African Supply Chains in an uncomplicated manner. The podcast has covered topics such as cultural training in Supply Chain, Procurement, African Supply Chains and Supply Chain Talents. Her dream is to see Africa taking its rightful place as a Global Competitive Player. Connect with Stela on LinkedIn.

Hosts

Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

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Jose Manuel Irarrazaval es parte del equipo de Vector Global Logistics Chile. José Manuel es un gerente experimentado con experiencia en finanzas corporativas, fusiones y adquisiciones, financiamiento y reestructuración, inversión directa y financiera, tanto en Chile como en el exterior. José Manuel tiene su MBA de la Universidad de Pennsylvania- The Wharton School. Conéctese con Jose Manuel en LinkedIn.

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Kevin Brown

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Kevin Brown is the Director of Business Development for Vector Global Logistics.  He has a dedicated interest in Major Account Management, Enterprise Sales, and Corporate Leadership. He offers 25 years of exceptional experience and superior performance in the sales of Logistics, Supply Chain, and Transportation Management. Kevin is a dynamic, high-impact, sales executive and corporate leader who has consistently exceeded corporate goals. He effectively coordinates multiple resources to solution sell large complex opportunities while focusing on corporate level contacts across the enterprise. His specialties include targeting and securing key accounts by analyzing customer’s current business processes and developing solutions to meet their corporate goals. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.

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Nick Roemer

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Nick Roemer has had a very diverse and extensive career within design and sales over the last 15 years stretching from China, Dubai, Germany, Holland, UK, and the USA. In the last 5 years, Nick has developed a hawk's eye for sustainable tech and the human-centric marketing and sales procedures that come with it. With his far-reaching and strong network within the logistics industry, Nick has been able to open new avenues and routes to market within major industries in the USA and the UAE. Nick lives by the ethos, “Give more than you take." His professional mission is to make the logistics industry leaner, cleaner and greener.

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Allison Giddens

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Allison Krache Giddens has been with Win-Tech, a veteran-owned small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 15 years, recently buying the company from her mentor and Win-Tech’s Founder, Dennis Winslow. She and her business partner, John Hudson now serve as Co-Presidents, leading the 33-year old company through the pandemic.

She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She also holds certificates in Google Analytics, event planning, and Cybersecurity Risk Management from Harvard online. Allison founded the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and currently serves as Treasurer. She serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board as its Secretary, the liveSAFE Resources Board of Directors as Resource Development Co-Chair, and on the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board as Membership Chair and is also a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is on the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Northwest Area Councils. Allison runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need.

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Billy Taylor

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Billy Taylor is a Proven Business Excellence Practitioner and Leadership Guru with over 25 years leading operations for a Fortune 500 company, Goodyear. He is also the CEO of LinkedXL (Excellence), a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm dedicated to implementing sustainable operating systems that drive sustainable results. Taylor’s achievements in the industry have made him a Next Generational Lean pacesetter with significant contributions.

An American business executive, Taylor has made a name for himself as an innovative and energetic industry professional with an indispensable passion for his craft of operational excellence. His journey started many years ago and has worked with renowned corporations such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) leading multi-site operations. With over 3 decades of service leading North America operations, he is experienced in a deeply rooted process driven approach in customer service, process integrity for sustainability.

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A servant leader, Taylor, was named by The National Diversity Council as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in the country in 2021. He features among Oklahoma's Most Admired CEOs and maintains key leadership roles with the Executive Advisory Board for The Shingo Institute "The Nobel Prize of Operations" and The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME); two world-leading organizations for operational excellence, business development, and cultural learning.  He is also an Independent Director for the M-D Building Products Board, a proud American manufacturer of quality products since 1920.

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Tandreia Bellamy

Host

Tandreia Bellamy retired as the Vice President of Industrial Engineering for UPS Supply Chain Solutions which included the Global Logistics, Global Freight Forwarding and UPS Freight business units. She was responsible for operations strategy and planning, asset management, forecasting, and technology tool development to optimize sustainable efficiency while driving world class service.

Tandreia held similar positions at the business unit level for Global Logistics and Global Freight forwarding. As the leader of the Global Logistics engineering function, she directed all industrial engineering activies related to distribution, service parts logistics (post-sales support), and mail innovations (low cost, light weight shipping partnership with the USPS). Between these roles Tandreia helped to establish the Advanced Technology Group which was formed to research and develop cutting edge solutions focused on reducing reliance on manual labor.

Tandreia began her career in 1986 as a part-time hourly manual package handling employee. She spent the great majority of her career in the small package business unit which is responsible for the pick-up, sort, transport and delivery of packages domestically. She held various positions in Industrial Engineering, Marketing, Inside and On-road operations in Central Florida before transferring to Atlanta for a position in Corporate Product Development and Corporate Industrial Engineering. Tandreia later held IE leadership roles in Nebraska, Minnesota and Chicago. In her final role in small package she was an IE VP responsible for all aspects of IE, technology support and quality for the 25 states on the western half of the country.
Tandreia is currently a Director for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Foundation Board and also serves on their Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Previously Tandreia served on the Executive Advisory Board for Virginia Tech’s IE Department and the Association for Supply Chain Management. She served on the Board of Trustees for ChildServ (a Chicago child and family services non-profit) and also served on the Texas A&M and Tuskegee Engineering Advisory Boards. In 2006 she was named Business Advisor of the Year by INROADS, in 2009 she was recognized as a Technology All-Star at the Women of Color in STEM conference and in 2019 she honored as a UCF Distinguished Aluma by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems.

Tandreia holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from UCF. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is being the proud mother of two college students, Ruby (24) and Anthony (22).

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Marty Parker

Host

Marty Parker serves as both the CEO & Founder of Adæpt Advising and an award-winning Senior Lecturer (Teaching Professor) in Supply Chain and Operations Management at the University of Georgia. He has 30 years of experience as a COO, CMO, CSO (Chief Strategy Officer), VP of Operations, VP of Marketing and Process Engineer. He founded and leads UGA’s Supply Chain Advisory Board, serves as the Academic Director of UGA’s Leaders Academy, and serves on multiple company advisory boards including the Trucking Profitability Strategies Conference, Zion Solutions Group and Carlton Creative Company.

Marty enjoys helping people and companies be successful. Through UGA, Marty is passionate about his students, helping them network and find internships and jobs. He does this through several hundred one-on-one zoom meetings each year with his students and former students. Through Adæpt Advising, Marty has organized an excellent team of affiliates that he works with to help companies grow and succeed. He does this by helping c-suite executives improve their skills, develop better leaders, engage their workforce, improve processes, and develop strategic plans with detailed action steps and financial targets. Marty believes that excellence in supply chain management comes from the understanding the intersection of leadership, culture, and technology, working across all parts of the organization to meet customer needs, maximize profit and minimize costs.

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Laura Lopez

Marketing Coordinator

Laura Lopez serves as our Supply Chain Now Marketing Coordinator. She graduated from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente in Mexico with a degree in marketing. Laura loves everything digital because she sees the potential it holds for companies in the marketing industry. Her passion for creativity and thinking outside the box led her to pursue a career in marketing. With experience in fields like accounting, digital marketing, and restaurants, she clearly enjoys taking on challenges. Laura lives the best of both worlds - you'll either catch her hanging out with her friends soaking up the sun in Mexico or flying out to visit her family in California!

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Jake Barr

Host

An acknowledged industry leader, Jake Barr now serves as CEO for BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, providing support to a cross section of Fortune 500 companies such as Cargill, Caterpillar, Colgate, Dow/Dupont, Firmenich, 3M, Merck, Bayer/Monsanto, Newell Brands, Kimberly Clark, Nestle, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Sanofi, Estee Lauder and Coty among others. He's also devoted time to engagements in public health sector work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At P&G, he managed the breakthrough delivery of an E2E (End to End) Planning Transformation effort, creating control towers which now manage the daily business globally. He is recognized as the architect for P&G’s demand driven supply chain strategy – referenced as a “Consumer Driven Supply Chain” transformation. Jake began his career with P&G in Finance in Risk Analysis and then moved into Operations. He has experience in building supply network capability globally through leadership assignments in Asia, Latin America, North America and the Middle East. He currently serves as a Research Associate for MIT; a member of Supply Chain Industry Advisory Council; Member of Gartner’s Supply Chain Think Tank; Consumer Goods “League of Leaders“; and a recipient of the 2015 - 2021 Supply Chain “Pro’s to Know” Award. He has been recognized as a University of Kentucky Fellow.

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Marcia Williams

Host

Marcia Williams, Managing Partner of USM Supply Chain, has 18 years of experience in Supply Chain, with expertise in optimizing Supply Chain-Finance Planning (S&OP/ IBP) at Large Fast-Growing CPGs for greater profitability and improved cash flows. Marcia has helped mid-sized and large companies including Lindt Chocolates, Hershey, and Coty. She holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a degree in Accounting from Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay (South America). Marcia is also a Forbes Council Contributor based out of New York, and author of the book series Supply Chains with Maria in storytelling style. A recent speaker’s engagement is Marcia TEDx Talk: TEDxMSU - How Supply Chain Impacts You: A Transformational Journey.

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Luisa Garcia

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Luisa Garcia is a passionate Marketer from Lagos de Moreno based in Aguascalientes. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes, Mexico. She specializes in brand development at any stage, believing that a brand is more than just a name or image—it’s an unforgettable experience. Her expertise helps brands achieve their dreams and aspirations, making a lasting impact. Currently working at Vector Global Logistics in the Marketing team and as podcast coordinator of Logistics With Purpose®. Luisa believes that purpose-driven decisions will impact results that make a difference in the world.

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Astrid Aubert

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Astrid Aubert was born in Guadalajara, she is 39 years old and has had the opportunity to live in many places. She studied communication and her professional career has been in Trade Marketing for global companies such as Pepsico and Mars. She currently works as Marketing Director Mexico for Vector Global Logistics. She is responsible for internal communications and marketing strategy development for the logistics industry. She is a mother of two girls, married and lives in Monterrey. She defines herself as a creative and innovative person, and enjoys traveling and cooking a lot.

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Sofia Rivas

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Sofia self-identifies as Supply Chain Ambassador, her mission is to advocate for the field and inspire young generations from diverse backgrounds and cultures to join the industry so that thought diversity is increased and change accelerated. Recognized as Linkedin Top Voice and Linkedin Community Top Voice in Supply Chain Management, as well as Emerging Leader in Supply Chain by CSCMP 2024, Top Women in Supply Chain by Supply & Demand Executive 2023, and Coup de Coeur Global Women Leaders in Supply Chain by B2G Consulting in 2021

Public speaker at multiple international events from keynotes and panels, to webinars and guest lectures for bachelor's and master's degrees, discussing topics such as sustainability, women in the industry, technology and innovation. Writer at different online magazines on logistics, supply chain and technology. Podcast host and guest on different recognized programs in the industry. Sofia has more than 5 years of experience from academic research and field studies to warehouse operations, demand planning and network design. She has worked in manufacturing, airport operations, e-commerce retail, and technology hardware across Latin America, North America and Europe

Currently working as Supply Chain Network Design and Optimization Manager at HP within their Global Supply Chain and Logistics team

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Karin Bursa

Host

Karin Bursa is the 2020 Supply Chain Pro to Know of the Year and the Host of the TEKTOK Digital Supply Chain Podcast powered by Supply Chain Now. With more than 25 years of supply chain and technology expertise (and the scars to prove it), Karin has the heart of a teacher and has helped nearly 1,000 customers transform their businesses and share their success stories. Today, she helps B2B technology companies introduce new products, capture customer success and grow global revenue, market share and profitability. In addition to her recognition as the 2020 Supply Chain Pro to Know of the Year, Karin has also been recognized as a 2019 and 2018 Supply Chain Pro to Know, 2009 Technology Marketing Executive of the Year and a 2008 Women in Technology Finalist. 

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Vin Vashishta

Host

Vin Vashishta is the author of ‘From Data To Profit’ (Wiley 2023). It’s the playbook for monetizing data and AI. Vin is the Founder of V-Squared and built the business from client 1 to one of the world’s oldest data and AI consulting firms. His background combines nearly 30 years in strategy, leadership, software engineering, and applied machine learning.

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Tevon Taylor

Host

Tevon Taylor is a dynamic leader at Pegasus Logistics, where he has made significant contributions to the company’s growth and innovation in the logistics industry. With a background in supply chain management and operations, Tevon combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.  Since joining Pegasus Logistics, Tevon has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, driving the company toward a more eco-friendly approach. His leadership style fosters collaboration and empowers teams to excel, making him a respected figure among colleagues and industry peers.  Outside of work, Tevon is passionate about mentorship and actively engages in community initiatives, sharing his expertise to inspire the next generation of logistics professionals. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has positioned him as a key player in shaping the future of logistics at Pegasus.

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Chantel King

Social Media Manager

My name is Chantel King and I am the Social Media Specialist at Supply Chain Now. My job is to make sure our audience is engaged and educated on the abundant amount of information the supply chain industry has to offer.

Social Media and Communications has been my niche ever since I graduated from college at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco. No, I am not a West Coast girl. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but my travel experience goes way beyond the garden state. My true passion is in creating editorial and graphic content that influences others to be great in whatever industry they are in. I’ve done this by working with lifestyle, financial, and editorial companies by providing resources to enhance their businesses.

Another passion of mine is trying new things. Whether it’s food, an activity, or a sport. I would like to say that I am an adventurous Taurus that never shies away from a new quest or challenge.

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Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

As the founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, you might say Scott is the voice of supply chain – but he’s too much of a team player to ever claim such a title. One thing’s for sure: he’s a tried and true supply chain expert. With over 15 years of experience in the end-to-end supply chain, Scott’s insights have appeared in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and CNN. He has also been named a top industry influencer by Thinkers360, ISCEA and more.

From 2009-2011, Scott was president of APICS Atlanta, and he continues to lead initiatives that support both the local business community and global industry. A United States Air Force Veteran, Scott has also regularly led efforts to give back to his fellow veteran community since his departure from active duty in 2002.

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Greg White

Principal & Host

When rapid-growth technology companies, venture capital and private equity firms are looking for advisory, they call Greg – a founder, board director, advisor and catalyst of disruptive B2B technology and supply chain. An insightful visionary, Greg guides founders, investors and leadership teams in creating breakthroughs to gain market exposure and momentum – increasing overall company esteem and valuation.

Greg is a founder himself, creating Blue Ridge Solutions, a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader in cloud-native supply chain applications, and bringing to market Curo, a field service management solution. He has also held leadership roles with Servigistics (PTC) and E3 Corporation (JDA/Blue Yonder). As a principal and host at Supply Chain Now, Greg helps guide the company’s strategic direction, hosts industry leader discussions, community livestreams, and all in addition to executive producing and hosting his original YouTube channel and podcast, TEChquila Sunrise.

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Chris Barnes

Principal, Supply Chain Now
Host of Supply Chain is Boring

Talk about world-class: Chris is one of the few professionals in the world to hold CPIM-F, CLTD-F and CSCP-F designations from ASCM/APICS. He’s also the APICS coach – and our resident Supply Chain Doctor. When he’s not hosting programs with Supply Chain Now, he’s sharing supply chain knowledge on the APICS Coach Youtube channel or serving as a professional education instructor for the Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistic Institute’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) program and University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Center for Professional Education courses.

Chris earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Bradley University, an MBA with emphasis in Industrial Psychology from the University of West Florida, and is a Doctoral in Supply Chain Management candidate.

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Tyler Ward

Director of Sales

Tyler Ward serves as Supply Chain Now's Director of Sales. Born and raised in Mid-Atlantic, Tyler is a proud graduate of Shippensburg University where he earned his degree in Communications. After college, he made his way to the beautiful state of Oregon, where he now lives with his wife and daughter.

With over a decade of experience in sales, Tyler has a proven track record of exceeding targets and leading high-performing teams. He credits his success to his ability to communicate effectively with customers and team members alike, as well as his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

When he's not closing deals, you can find Tyler on the links or cheering on his favorite football and basketball teams. He also enjoys spending time with his family, playing pick-up basketball, and traveling back to Ocean City, Maryland, his favorite place!

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Kevin L. Jackson

Host of Digital Transformers

Kevin L. Jackson is a globally recognized Thought Leader, Industry Influencer and Founder/Author of the award winning “Cloud Musings” blog.  He has also been recognized as a “Top 5G Influencer” (Onalytica 2019, Radar 2020), a “Top 50 Global Digital Transformation Thought Leader” (Thinkers 360 2019) and provides strategic consulting and integrated social media services to AT&T, Intel, Broadcom, Ericsson and other leading companies. Mr. Jackson’s commercial experience includes Vice President J.P. Morgan Chase, Worldwide Sales Executive for IBM and SAIC (Engility) Director Cloud Solutions. He has served on teams that have supported digital transformation projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US Intelligence Community.  Kevin’s formal education includes a MS Computer Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School; MA National Security & Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a BS Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Internationally recognizable firms that have sponsored articles authored by him include CiscoMicrosoft, Citrix and IBM.  Books include “Click to Transform” (Leaders Press, 2020), “Architecting Cloud Computing Solutions” (Packt, 2018), and “Practical Cloud Security: A Cross Industry View” (Taylor & Francis, 2016). He also delivers online training through Tulane UniversityO’Reilly MediaLinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight.  Mr. Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems EngineeringCarrier Onboard Delivery Logistics and carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control. While active, he also served with the National Reconnaissance Office, Operational Support Office, providing tactical support to Navy and Marine Corps forces worldwide.

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Enrique Alvarez

Host of Logistics with Purpose and Supply Chain Now en Español

Enrique serves as Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics and believes we all have a personal responsibility to change the world. He is hard working, relationship minded and pro-active. Enrique trusts that the key to logistics is having a good and responsible team that truly partners with the clients and does whatever is necessary to see them succeed. He is a proud sponsor of Vector’s unique results-based work environment and before venturing into logistics he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). During his time at BCG, he worked in different industries such as Telecommunications, Energy, Industrial Goods, Building Materials, and Private Banking. His main focus was always on the operations, sales, and supply chain processes, with case focus on, logistics, growth strategy, and cost reduction. Prior to joining BCG, Enrique worked for Grupo Vitro, a Mexican glass manufacturer, for five years holding different positions from sales and logistics manager to supply chain project leader in charge of five warehouses in Colombia.

He has an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a BS, in Mechanical Engineer from the Technologico de Monterrey in Mexico. Enrique’s passions are soccer and the ocean, and he also enjoys traveling, getting to know new people, and spending time with his wife and two kids, Emma and Enrique.

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Kelly Barner

Host of Dial P for Procurement

Kelly is the Owner and Managing Director of Buyers Meeting Point and MyPurchasingCenter. She has been in procurement since 2003, starting as a practitioner and then as the Associate Director of Consulting at Emptoris. She has covered procurement news, events, publications, solutions, trends, and relevant economics at Buyers Meeting Point since 2009. Kelly is also the General Manager at Art of Procurement and Business Survey Chair for the ISM-New York Report on Business. Kelly has her MBA from Babson College as well as an MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and she has co-authored three books: ‘Supply Market Intelligence for Procurement Professionals’, ‘Procurement at a Crossroads’, and ‘Finance Unleashed’.

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Mary Kate Soliva

Host, Veteran Voices

Mary Kate Soliva is a veteran of the US Army and cofounder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative. She is currently in the Doctor of Criminal Justice program at Saint Leo University. She is passionate about combating human trafficking and has spent the last decade conducting training for military personnel and the local community.

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Constantine Limberakis

Host

Constantine Limberakis is a thought leader in the area of procurement and supply management. He has over 20 years of international experience, playing strategic roles in a wide spectrum of organizations related to analyst advisory, consulting, product marketing, product development, and market research.Throughout his career, he's been passionate about engaging global business leaders and the broader analyst and technology community with strategic content, speaking engagements, podcasts, research, webinars, and industry articles.Constantine holds a BA in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA in Finance & Marketing / Masters in Public & International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Amanda Luton

Vice President, Production

Amanda is a seasoned production and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, including retail, healthcare, and digital marketing. Throughout her career, she has worked with notable organizations such as Von Maur, Anthropologie, AmericasMart Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Currently, Amanda manages, produces, and develops digital content for Supply Chain Now and its clients, delivering modern, engaging solutions for a wide range of audiences.

A former Vice President of Information Systems and Webmaster on the Board of Directors for APICS Savannah, Amanda also founded and led Magnolia Marketing Group, a successful digital marketing firm. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family.

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Clay Phillips

Business Development Manager

Clay is passionate about two things: supply chain and the marketing that goes into it. Recently graduated with a degree in marketing at the University of Georgia, Clay got his start as a journalism major and inaugural member of the Owl’s football team at Kennesaw State University – but quickly saw tremendous opportunity in the Terry College of Business. He’s already putting his education to great use at Supply Chain Now, assisting with everything from sales and brand strategy to media production. Clay has contributed to initiatives such as our leap into video production, the guest blog series, and boosting social media presence, and after nearly two years in Supply Chain Now’s Marketing Department, Clay now heads up partnership and sales initiatives with the help of the rest of the Supply Chain Now sales team.

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Trisha Cordes

Administrative Assistant

Trisha is new to the supply chain industry – but not to podcasting. She’s an experienced podcast manager and virtual assistant who also happens to have 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. It’s safe to say, she’s passionate about helping people, and she lives out that passion every day with the Supply Chain Now team, contributing to scheduling and podcast production.

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Lori Sofian

Marketing Coordinator

Lori is currently completing a degree in marketing with an emphasis in digital marketing at the University of Georgia. When she’s not supporting the marketing efforts at Supply Chain Now, you can find her at music festivals – or working toward her dream goal of a fashion career. Lori is involved in many extracurricular activities and appreciates all the learning experiences UGA has brought her.

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Katherine Hintz

Director, Customer Experience

Katherine is a marketing professional and MBA candidate who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.

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Mary Kate Love

Chief of Staff & Host

Mary Kate Love is currently the VP of marketing at Supply Chain Now focused on brand strategy and audience + revenue growth. Mary Kate’s career is a testament to her versatility and innovative spirit: she has experience in start-ups, venture capital, and building innovation initiatives from the ground up: she previously helped lead the build-out of the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific and before that, MxD (Manufacturing times Digital): the Department of Defense’s digital manufacturing innovation center. Mary Kate has a passion for taking complicated ideas and turning them into reality: she was one of the first team members at MxD and the first team member at the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific.

Mary Kate dedicates her extra time to education and mentorship: she was one of the founding Board Members for Women Influence Chicago and led an initiative for a city-wide job shadow day for young women across Chicago tech companies and was previously on the Board of Directors at St. Laurence High School in Chicago, Young Irish Fellowship Board and the UN Committee for Women. Mary Kate is the founder of National Supply Chain Day and enjoys co-hosting podcasts at Supply Chain Now. Mary Kate is from the south side of Chicago, a mom of two baby boys, and an avid 16-inch softball player. She holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Joshua Miranda

Marketing Specialist

Joshua is a student from Institute of Technology and Higher Education of Monterrey Campus Guadalajara in Communication and Digital Media. His experience ranges from Plug and Play México, DearDoc, and Nissan México creating unique social media marketing campaigns and graphics design. Joshua helps to amplify the voice of supply chain here at Supply Chain Now by assisting in graphic design, content creation, asset logistics, and more.  In his free time he likes to read and write short stories as well as watch movies and television series.

Donna Krache

Director of Communications and Executive Producer

Donna Krache is a former CNN executive producer who has won several awards in journalism and communication, including three Peabodys.  She has 30 years’ experience in broadcast and digital journalism. She led the first production team at CNN to convert its show to a digital platform. She has authored many articles for CNN and other media outlets. She taught digital journalism at Georgia State University and Arizona State University. Krache holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. She is a serious sports fan who loves the Braves. She is president of the Dave Krache Foundation. Named in honor of her late husband, this non-profit pays fees for kids who want to play sports but whose parents are facing economic challenges.

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Vicki White

Controller

Vicki has a long history of rising to challenges and keeping things up and running. First, she supported her family’s multi-million dollar business as controller for 12 years, beginning at the age of 17. Then, she worked as an office manager and controller for a wholesale food broker. But her biggest feat? Serving as the chief executive officer of her household, while her entrepreneur husband travelled the world extensively. She fed, nurtured, chaperoned, and chauffeured three daughters all while running a newsletter publishing business and remaining active in her community as a Stephen’s Minister, Sunday school teacher, school volunteer, licensed realtor and POA Board president (a title she holds to this day). A force to be reckoned with in the office, you might think twice before you meet Vicki on the tennis court! When she’s not keeping the books balanced at Supply Chain Now or playing tennis matches, you can find Vicki spending time with her husband Greg, her 4 fur babies, gardening, cleaning (yes, she loves to clean!) and learning new things.

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Katherine Hintz

Creative Director, Producer, Host

Katherine Hintz, MBA is a marketing professional who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.

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Kim Reuter

Host

From humble beginnings working the import docks, representing Fortune 500 giants, Ford, Michelin Tire, and Black & Decker; to Amazon technology patent holder and Nordstrom Change Leader, Kimberly Reuter has designed, implemented, and optimized best-in-class, highly scalable global logistics and retail operations all over the world. Kimberly’s ability to set strategic vision supported by bomb-proof processes, built on decades of hands-on experience, has elevated her to legendary status. Sought after by her peers and executives for her intellectual capital and keen insights, Kimberly is a thought leader in the retail logistics industry.

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Kristi Porter

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Kristi Porter is VP of Sales and Marketing at Vector Global Logistics, a company that is changing the world through supply chain. In her role, she oversees all marketing efforts and supports the sales team in doing what they do best. In addition to this role, she is the Chief Do-Gooder at Signify, which assists nonprofits and social impact companies through copywriting and marketing strategy consulting. She has almost 20 years of professional experience, and loves every opportunity to help people do more good.

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Sofia Rivas Herrera

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Sofia Rivas Herrera is a Mexican Industrial Engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey class 2019. Upon graduation, she earned a scholarship to study MIT’s Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and graduated as one of the Top 3 performers of her class in 2020. She also has a multicultural background due to her international academic experiences at Singapore Management University and Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg. Sofia self-identifies as a Supply Chain enthusiast & ambassador sharing her passion for the field in her daily life.

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Demo Perez

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Demo Perez started his career in 1997 in the industry by chance when a relative asked him for help for two just weeks putting together an operation for FedEx Express at the Colon Free Zone, an area where he was never been but accepted the challenge. Worked in all roles possible from a truck driver to currier to a sales representative, helped the brand introduction, market share growth and recognition in the Colon Free Zone, at the end of 1999 had the chance to meet and have a chat with Fred Smith ( FedEx CEO), joined another company in 2018 who took over the FedEx operations as Operations and sales manager, in 2004 accepted the challenge from his company to leave the FedEx operations and business to take over the operation and business of DHL Express, his major competitor and rival so couldn’t say no, by changing completely its operation model in the Free Zone. In 2005 started his first entrepreneurial journey by quitting his job and joining two friends to start a Freight Forwarding company. After 8 months was recruited back by his company LSP with the General Manager role with the challenge of growing the company and make it fully capable warehousing 3PL. By 2009 joined CSCMP and WERC and started his journey of learning and growing his international network and high-level learning. In 2012 for the first time joined a local association ( the Panama Maritime Chamber) and worked in the country’s first Logistics Strategy plan, joined and lead other associations ending as president of the Panama Logistics Council in 2017. By finishing his professional mission at LSP with a company that was 8 times the size it was when accepted the role as GM with so many jobs generated and several young professionals coached, having great financial results, took the decision to move forward and start his own business from scratch by the end of 2019. with a friend and colleague co-founded IPL Group a company that started as a boutique 3PL and now is gearing up for the post-Covid era by moving to the big leagues.

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Kim Winter

Host, Supply Chain Now

The founder of Logistics Executive Group, Kim Winter delivers 40 years of executive leadership experience spanning Executive Search & Recruitment, Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Corporate Advisory, Motivational Speaking, Trade Facilitation and across the Supply Chain, Logistics, 3PL, E-commerce, Life Science, Cold Chain, FMCG, Retail, Maritime, Defence, Aviation, Resources, and Industrial sectors. Operating from the company’s global offices, he is a regular contributor of thought leadership to industry and media, is a professional Master of Ceremonies, and is frequently invited to chair international events.

He is a Board member of over a dozen companies throughout APAC, India, and the Middle East, a New Zealand citizen, he holds formal resident status in Australia and the UAE, and is the Australia & New Zealand representative for the UAE Government-owned Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the Middle East’s largest Economic Free Zone.

A triathlete and ex-professional rugby player, Kim is a qualified (IECL Sydney) executive coach and the Founder / Chairman of the successful not for profit humanitarian organization, Oasis Africa (www. oasisafrica.org.au), which has provided freedom from poverty through education to over 8000 mainly orphaned children in East Africa’s slums. Kim holds an MBA and BA from Massey & Victoria Universities (NZ).

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Adrian Purtill

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Adrian Purtill serves as Business Development Manager at Vector Global Logistics, where he consults with importers and exporters in various industries to match their specific shipping requirements with the most effective supply chain solutions. Vector Global Logistics is an asset-free, multi-modal logistics company that provides exceptional sea freight, air freight, truck, rail, general logistic services and consulting for our clients. Our highly trained and professional team is committed to providing creative and effective solutions, always exceeding our customer’s expectations and fostering long-term relationships. With more than 20+ years of experience in both strategy consulting and logistics, Vector Global Logistics is your best choice to proactively minimize costs while having an exceptional service level.

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