Chad Molen

At Manifest 2026, Scott Luton spent time with his friend, Jorge Morales, Global Chief Operating Officer of the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA), for a conversation that centered not on hype, but on growth. ISCEA is a global certification body serving supply chain professionals around the world. But as Morales put it, “We’re in the knowledge business; but most of all, we’re in the personal growth business.” Through certifications, membership programs, advisory boards, and global events, ISCEA empowers professionals to stay current, expand their networks, and advance their careers. In a volatile era, that mission has never been more relevant.   Beyond the AI Hype Cycle When asked about dominant themes from 2025 to 2026, Morales pointed to a shift in how the industry views technology. “Last year we were still in the bubble of the hype of AI,” he said. Many professionals feared being replaced or assumed AI would solve everything overnight. That perspective has matured. “Technology by itself is not what determines your level of success,” Morales explained. “Understanding the basics, knowing how things work; THAT is key.” AI and data tools remain critical across procurement, logistics, manufacturing, planning and more. But success depends on how organizations…

Special Guest Blog Post written by Brittany Caskey, Chief Commercial Officer – Logistics with DP World Americas   I was recently invited to speak with students in the Supply Chain and Logistics Organization at Georgia Tech, and it reminded me why I still find this industry so energizing. I walked them through my own path — starting in logistics right out of college, building my foundation at UPS in sales and sales management, and eventually stepping into my role today as Chief Operating Officer at DP World in the Americas. What I shared with them is something I still believe deeply: logistics keeps life interesting, because no two days are ever the same. Customer expectations change. Geopolitical realities shift. Trade lanes evolve. Weather, labor, technology — everything is in constant motion. That constant change is what keeps logistics professionals sharp and solutions focused. It’s also why customer experience has become the true differentiator in today’s supply chains. Because while disruption is unavoidable, how you manage it is a choice.   Customers Don’t Care Why — They Care That It Works One message I emphasized with the students is the same one I reinforce with customers and teams every day: customers…