" data-arrowposition="">

Supply Chain Now
Episode 1182

We have got to really lean into AI, machine learning, and all the modern technologies and leverage them in our active cybersecurity strategies. Because, unfortunately, bad actors are using machine learning and artificial intelligence to attack you.

-Scott Luton

Episode Summary

The Supply Chain Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12n ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!

In this special Digital Transformers edition of the Buzz, host Kevin L. Jackson joins regular host Scott Luton to discuss a variety of news and developments across global business- with an extra helping of all things technology AND cybersecurity as we recognize the month of October as Cybersecurity Awareness month!

Listen in and learn more about:

  1. How new orders, shrinking backlogs, and increases in factory employment translate to near recovery for the US Manufacturing sector
  2. Lego, the world’s largest toy manufacturer, and its $1.4 billion pledge to reduce carbon emissions across its supply chain by 2025
  3. The re-evaluation of the phrase “supply chain”
  4. In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, how all the digital transformation around the globe can open up organizations to new vulnerabilities

Episode Transcript

Intro/Outro (00:03):

Welcome to Supply Chain. Now, the voice of Global Supply Chain Supply chain now focuses on the best in the business for our worldwide audience, the people, the technologies, the best practices, and today’s critical issues, the challenges and opportunities. Stay tuned to hear from Those Making Global Business Happen right here on supply chain now.

Scott Luton (00:31):

Hey, hey. Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, wherever you are, Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson with you here on Supply Chain. Now, welcome to today’s live stream, Kevin. How you doing today,

Kevin L. Jackson (00:42):

Man? I’m doing great. How else could I feel? It’s the second Monday of the month. <laugh>. It’s digital Transformers, buzz,

Scott Luton (00:50):

<laugh>, <laugh>, man. Okay, so whenever this Hollywood thing doesn’t work out anymore for you, Kevin <laugh>, you Can do voiceovers For the Monster Truck Show coming to a city near you, right?

Kevin L. Jackson (01:02):

Yes, absolutely. It’s the buzz <laugh>.

Scott Luton (01:06):

Wonderful. We need, we, we need that kind of energy here today, folks. We got a big show teed up. Lots of good news, lots of technology, lots of news you can use, and then some. It’s the special edition of the Supply Chain Buzz. It’s a digital Transformers edition of the Buzz here today. And as Kevin knows, and hopefully the rest of y’all, we’re gonna be discussing a variety of news and developments across global business with that extra helping of technology. So, you know, Kevin and I, we’ve got four stories and several resources to walk through. And Kevin, one last thing. For folks that may be listening to this replay, because we take this live stream and publish it as a, uh, audio podcast later in the week, what advice would you have to them? What should they do?

Kevin L. Jackson (01:47):

You know, first of all, we love you with the replay. Okay? Don’t, don’t, don’t stop looking at the replay. This is, that’s great. You can get your information. It’s, it’s when you are, you know, available. It, it, it fits your schedule. That’s, and that’s what the replay is all about. But there’s so much more you can do with the live, right? If you join us when we live, you can interact with our global audience. We get people here from India, Europe, south America, and that other country, uh, United States, <laugh>. Yeah. Yeah. We get people here from everywhere and, and it’s just the viewpoints that are so enlightening. That’s right. You know, when we have, uh, people in and, you know, so join us live. Like the crowd is here already. That’s Wow. That’s right. Look at all those peoples.

Scott Luton (02:40):

So Kevin, we got a lot to get into here today. I wanna make sure folks understand that October is cybersecurity awareness month, right? Mm-hmm.

Kevin L. Jackson (02:50):

<affirmative>.

Scott Luton (02:51):

So we’re gonna be talking a lot more about cyber as we always do, especially for the third story here today. But mark your calendars if you take any month, and it really needs to be all year round. But at the very least, if you can learn more about cyber in the month of October, that’d be a good thing, right, Kevin?

Kevin L. Jackson (03:07):

So, it makes me wonder why October Is this the ghost in goblins of cybersecurity out to get you <laugh>? I, I think

Scott Luton (03:16):

You’re onto something there. Gremlins, ghosts, goblins, all the

Kevin L. Jackson (03:20):

Jeans. Grim Reaper, the Cyber Grim Reaper is out to get you in October. So stay tuned. Your cybersecurity, be aware, protect yourself. All

Scott Luton (03:32):

Right. So, Kevin, we gotta get to work. You ready?

Kevin L. Jackson (03:34):

<laugh>? Oh, no, not to get to work. I’m having too much fun, <laugh>.

Scott Luton (03:38):

Alright, well let’s get into our first story here today, because I, we’re gonna start with some good news. It’s always good to start with good news. And, and Kevin, uh, also great to have you back on this second Monday of the month. So first off, the United Auto Workers appear to be making some progress mm-hmm. And negotiations with the big three automotive companies because Kevin, they’ve chosen not to expand the labor strikes last week for the first time since the strikes have began. So I’ll Take that as some good news.

Kevin L. Jackson (04:08):

They’re Talking.

Scott Luton (04:09):

Yeah, they’re talking and making some progress. Perhaps on a related note, the manufacturing industry in the US seems to have picked up a little pace in September. So Kevin, according to our forensic Reuters, the manufacturing industry in September, according to ISMS Manufacturing Index, showed its strongest activity since November, 2022. Now, while it still shows an overall contraction for the 11th month in a row, it is contracting at a little bit slower of a pace. Hey, we’ll take it and it’s really close. So, on that index 50 is like the line of demarcation. If you’re under 50, you’re contracting. If you’re over 50, you’re growing. I think they came in at 49 for the month of September. But a little more good news, I’m gonna get your take, Kevin, the US Department of Commerce release figures showing that the spend on the domestic construction market rose again in August for the eighth straight month. Now, with all of that good news, and I, and I’m gonna take that as good news, there’s still lots of debate whether or not the US economy hits a soft landing or something. A lot worse. We’ll see, Kevin, your thoughts up.

Kevin L. Jackson (05:12):

So last week we saw over 300,000 new jobs created mm-hmm. <affirmative>. So don’t get me wrong, I am all for everyone having a job, especially, you know, those kids and everything <laugh>. But that is one of the signs of an economy that’s expanding at an unsustainable rate. The other sign Is A rising rate of inflation, which we also see signs of. So, I mean, I, I I, I hope we can sort of ski in there on a like, nice soft landing. You know, that’s an, that’s an Air Force landing, <laugh>, you know.

Scott Luton (05:58):

Well, Let’s expound that a little bit more <laugh>, because it’s funny, when I was in the Air Force, whenever you saw pilots come straight down Yeah. Instead Of a nice long glide, it was, those were Navy pilots are used to having a certain amount of real estate.

Kevin L. Jackson (06:15):

Yes, yes.

Scott Luton (06:16):

But Kevin, a lot of folks may not know that you are a naval aviator. So when we’re talking soft landings or hard landings, I would assume any soft landing is is music to your ears, huh?

Kevin L. Jackson (06:26):

No. Look, look, you land hard on a carrier, <laugh>, and any landing is a good landing <laugh>,

Scott Luton (06:31):

I’m with you.

Kevin L. Jackson (06:31):

I have Over 200 traps and every one of them were nice and solid on that three wire beat.

Scott Luton (06:37):

Wow. <laugh>. It’s remarkable. We’re gonna have to have another view on the show of Veteran Voices and just talk about the training that enabled, just being able to, all that it takes to be able to land an aircraft on a pitching and rolling carrier deck out in the middle of the ocean. That is just remarkable to me. All right, last note then, Kevin, you’re talking about 300,000 jobs report that came out last week. That’s some good news. I’m no economist, thankfully I’m our audience probably celebrates that, but we’ll see. Yeah, I think some folks may take that soft landing based on earlier projections of where the economy was headed, huh? Yeah.

Kevin L. Jackson (07:10):

Yeah. I hope so. I’m, I mean, it’s, you know, everything is hard. <laugh> soft landings are hard and, uh, but let’s, let’s see if we can hit it.

Scott Luton (07:20):

Yeah, that’s right. Okay, moving ride along. This is an interesting story. Number two here about Legos. Did you play with Legos as a kid, Kevin? Oh

Kevin L. Jackson (07:28):

Yeah. I love Legos. I still play with Legos in fact, didn’t we? What was it that Theo just there a couple weeks ago we had Theo on.

Scott Luton (07:36):

Yes.

Kevin L. Jackson (07:36):

He had That big, uh, star Wars Millennium. Falcon Legos.

Scott Luton (07:41):

<laugh>. That’s right, man. You got a great memory. And my son loves Legos, but boy, the prices of these Legos. Hey, let’s, let’s talk about Legos from a supply chain perspective, perhaps Great read here from the folks over at the fashion law. Okay? Uh, now Lego, in case you’re keeping track at home, the world’s largest toy manufacturer, and it’s pledged some $1.4 billion to reduce carbon emissions across its global supply chain by 2025. Now, bottles two bricks was one neat project associated with the company sustainability initiative, where Lego was looking to, uh, make its Lego bricks like y’all see here in the picture out of recycled plastic bottles. But Kevin,

Kevin L. Jackson (08:22):

Okay

Scott Luton (08:23):

The company had a little bit of a, a eureka moment. It recently discovered that the bottles to bricks process, the manufacturing process would require a lot more extra materials and energy. Geez. Which would actually increase the company’s carbon emissions. No good deeded, right? <laugh>. Um, now as the article also includes, and I think it’s important for folks because you’re hearing these terms thrown out almost in every conversation, especially scope three. So I wanna walk through this Kevin, and I’ll get your comments here. Three basic types of emissions, right? Mm-hmm. <affirmative> scope one, are those emissions generated directly by the company’s facilities and operations, right? Very direct emissions.

Kevin L. Jackson (09:02):

Yeah. Yeah.

Scott Luton (09:03):

Scope two are those emissions caused by generating the energy that a company consumes. Think electricity or heating or cooling, you name it. Carbon

Kevin L. Jackson (09:12):

Based synergy. Yeah.

Scott Luton (09:13):

Yeah. Scope two. And now that brings us to scope three, which is talked about a ton and for good reason, scope three emissions are generated by an organization’s upstream and downstream supply chain suppliers, distributors, customers, the whole enchilada. Now, back to Lego, it’s been reported that 98% of the Lego companies carbon emissions are Scope three. Hmm. So, no wonder why we’re spending so much time on scope three. So big opportunities and soon requirements as regulations are increasing around the world. Kevin, your thoughts? So,

Kevin L. Jackson (09:46):

What this really brings to fore is the fact that everything is connected. Mm. Which Means that it’s critical to do everything in moderation. They always said, you can never have too much of a good thing.

Scott Luton (09:59):

Right.

Kevin L. Jackson (09:59):

That Is actually wrong. Right. Agree Too much. I agree with you. You drown <laugh>. So, so recycling is a great thing, but using more carbon sourced energy to recycle isn’t. Mm-hmm. So let’s all work to identify and maintain the appropriate balance. And, you know, I applaud Lego for actually, you know, listening. Clearly. They listen to someone who understand the whole value chain when it comes to emissions and, uh, carbon neutral economy, and they learn from that. Mm-hmm. So it takes us all to work together. So I’m, I’m sure Lego is going to figure out that Right. And appropriate balance.

Scott Luton (10:50):

And no doubt about that. Actually the article mentions, of course, so many kids play with Legos and sustainability is all about protecting the earth for that our kids are inheriting. So they’re really serious as it seems about their E S G initiatives and particular their sustainability goals. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> goals. Alright. So y’all check out that article. Let us know what you think there. So Kevin, let’s get into this third and fourth story. This is an interesting one here from our friends at Supply Chain Digital. We’re talking about Change, Change, change. <laugh>

Kevin L. Jackson (11:21):

Always change, change changing chains,

Scott Luton (11:24):

Especially though in this case, Kevin, when it comes to reevaluating the use of the phrase supply chain. So tell us more.

Kevin L. Jackson (11:31):

Well, you know, the pandemic changed a lot, including the nature of the global supply and demand economy while geopolitical instability. And, you know, we can’t get away from what’s happening in the world. We have Ukraine and Russia, but, and China and, and the US and noun. We have this big flare up between Israel and Hamas. Mm-hmm. But This has all changed the shape of supply and demand economy. But in today’s world, business is moving from the concept of linear chain to dynamic configuration of a network of companies and locations. When it comes to supply. We used to always talk about locally sourced or regionally sourced, right?

Scott Luton (12:28):

Everything

Kevin L. Jackson (12:29):

Today is globally sourced. So sustainability, we just talked about that. Visibility and resilience are really defining the new standard for supply chain excellence, which means we have to question what should be sourced locally or regionally or, or globally. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, this leads to the formation and management of very complex partner ecosystems. So modern supply chains are really more networked based than in the pre pandemic times. And that requires a mindset change among all of the vendors, among your vendors traditional supply chains, uh, set to become more like private training networks. Mm-hmm. All of which will be many to many trading networks that are permissioned based. You know, think blockchain, uh, this inevitable transition leads to digitally network ecosystems which shared data in the cloud think digital transformation. Right? <laugh>. So all of this is really critical to change, to keep up, to understand we’re in supply networks now.

Scott Luton (14:03):

Hmm. That word ecosystems. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> folks, if you think you’ve heard that word a lot, buckle up. ’cause these next few years we’re gonna be hearing about that a ton to somewhat Kevin’s points. ’cause it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s just no longer things are gonna statically remain that linear supply chain. To Kevin’s point,

Kevin L. Jackson (14:21):

Yeah. Greg and I went to a event in South Carolina last year and where this came up. Yep. The importance of not no longer looking at business processes like supply chain management as a linear thing. You really have to expand your viewpoint. That’s right. And be able to manage that network.

Scott Luton (14:43):

I think that was the global Upstate conference event you Greg both spoke at. I think the other thing I enjoyed about this read here is it talked about Ernst and Young’s research into 500 senior level leaders at a wide variety of companies that all had revenues over a billion dollars. And what that research is telling them, kind of bolsters what you and I both are saying mm-hmm.

Kevin L. Jackson (15:06):

<affirmative>

Scott Luton (15:07):

By 2025, that’s where the research really sees a lot more of these autonomous supply chains really replacing these hybrid models and processes and operations that we have here today. An article, they also kind of pointed at one of the quotes pointed at, we’ve got autonomous driving cars, we’re lives are in stake. And, you know, if we can do that, we can certainly apply it to autonomous supply chains. I would say this, and we’re gonna talk about this in just a second, but, you know, these handoff points between each node and supply chain, you know, that’s where there’s a ton of risk, especially at cyber risk as digital transformation has been taking root for years. Yeah.

Scott Luton (15:45):

And there’s something about, and, and I can’t quite find the right analogy, Kevin, but with a car, I guess you got other people at risk, but all the information is kind of within the four walls of the car. And that’s where these global supply chains, especially in these really big organizations, it seems like to me the complexity is so much more right. Because you got, so, you know, thousands of suppliers, each of those information handoff points. And you got, as we’re gonna talk about in a second, you got tons and tons of bad actors that are looking for the right weak point at the right time and do bad things. Right. Kevin? Well,

Kevin L. Jackson (16:20):

I’ll tell you, you think that’s scary? <laugh> Uhoh, we, we were just talking about these networks and identifying vendors. Mm. This means that more and more vendors are small and medium sized businesses. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, In Order to be resilient in your supply chain, you need to have more sources. And as your customer base grows, you need to be able to adjust your product and services sometimes to meet a single user’s need and expectations. Right. Did you know that there are over 33 million small businesses just in the United States alone? Really? I mean, almost 62 million Americans work in small businesses. And that’s where companies are going to be sourcing from small and medium sized businesses. Now, if you have that many endpoints to deal with, think about your cybersecurity challenge. I’m with

Scott Luton (17:33):

You, man.

Kevin L. Jackson (17:34):

You need to, you need to be able to make sure that your vendor network is secure, that your vendor network hasn’t been compromised so that they can break into your network. You heard about the, uh, target breach years ago, right?

Scott Luton (17:54):

Yeah.

Kevin L. Jackson (17:54):

Did You hear about that? And that was a HVAC vendor to target. So the HVAC vendors network had been breached.

Scott Luton (18:07):

Yep.

Kevin L. Jackson (18:07):

And That enabled the malevolent actor to get into the target network and that led to hundreds of million credit cards being compromised and tens of millions of losses to target.

Scott Luton (18:24):

So autonomous supply chains are definitely gonna be here. Right? They’re, uh, yes. It’s just a matter of when I think for me and 2025, especially for the largest, most complex ecosystems we’re talking about that have thousands of those handoff Yeah.

Kevin L. Jackson (18:41):

Touch Points.

Scott Luton (18:42):

That seems a bit ambitious, but we’ll see. I wanna make sure folks understand. October is cybersecurity awareness month. So if we’re baking in an extra dose of that in our themes today, <laugh>, that’s why I wanna share this with you, Kevin. You’re talking about the target example. Our friends at Cisco, we’ve had Jack Allen with us on a, a couple different times and they pointed out, I think this was the real story that they then baked into a Cisco campaign, if I got that right. And Kevin, I think it’s one of the, for me, it’s like a level setting example. So basically a team from a local factory,

Kevin L. Jackson (19:15):

right.

Scott Luton (19:16):

They All hung out in the evenings together and they were in a bowling league. Right. Okay. A bunch of employees from this factory. Well, the bowling league had an online portal for folks that entered their scores and track scoring and where the team stood and all that stuff. Well, bad actors were noticing via social media that these teams were celebrating and posting on social media that they were on this league together.

Kevin L. Jackson (19:41):

Wow.

Scott Luton (19:41):

And So the bad actors then go to the bowling alley and then they, that’s where they discover this, uh, you know, a bowling alley website which is not gonna have perhaps, I don’t wanna generalize, but typically that’s not gonna have the same protections as a, you know, a car factory or something.

Kevin L. Jackson (19:55):

Right. Right.

Scott Luton (19:56):

So The bad actors, Kevin, were able to, using the information that the employees from this factory put into this bowling alley database, able to crack it and then trace it back, gain entry into the factory technology platforms and shut down the production line, Kevin.

Kevin L. Jackson (20:14):

Wow. You know? Yeah. So, so these social media platforms are really common targets for hackers.

Scott Luton (20:22):

Yes. Because

Kevin L. Jackson (20:23):

You can gather information just like you’re talking about.

Scott Luton (20:27):

Yeah.

Kevin L. Jackson (20:27):

For Phishing, they can imitate brands or launch malware against unsuspecting victims. Yeah. They Can also spread malware to different accounts, steal that sensitive and sometimes unsensitive data, think about it. I mean, I bowl on Mondays myself and I, you know, it’s like Really? Yeah, I do. And it’s like, okay, well I don’t think about that as being sensitive data, like Right. But you can use that information to find out additional information Mm. That May enable you to, you know, use what’s known as social engineering

Scott Luton (21:09):

Right.

Kevin L. Jackson (21:10):

To really infiltrate businesses and companies and these commercial networks.

Scott Luton (21:17):

Ah,

Kevin L. Jackson (21:17):

Cyber is critical. And, and this is the other thing, <laugh>, you can’t, in a way separate your business from your pleasure. It used to be everyone talked about the work life balance, but you know, since when we actually used to have a work cell phone, right. And a personal cell phone. Isn’t that crazy? Who does that anymore? <laugh>. It’s just too hard. Right?

Scott Luton (21:47):

It’s all one world. It’s all one ecosystem.

Kevin L. Jackson (21:50):

All one eco. You you said it. It’s another ecosystem that you have to manage. So it’s cybersecurity month. Yes. You have to protect your businesses, but think about your personal cybersecurity.

Scott Luton (22:06):

That’s right. That’s right. All right. So Kevin, fourth story. We’re moving fast. I’ll tell you what. Interesting read from industrial cybersecurity pulse. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, who is reporting on something we’ve spoken about quite a bit. Right. Even over the last 34 minutes. And that is all of this wonderful digital transformation across global supply chain. It’s the name of the game. Yeah. We’ve gotta lean into it. Right? But it also opens up new vulnerabilities for these bad ghouls and goblins that we’ve been talking about. Kevin <laugh>. Tell us more.

Kevin L. Jackson (22:37):

Yeah. You know, I love my technology. <laugh> technologies like embedded sensors and G P SS and R F I D tags, these are really helped companies transform their e existing, traditional and networked supply chain structures into more agile, flexible, open, and collaborative digital models. These models and the abundance of data. And we really, this data is great, right? Because the data can benefit from machine learning and artificial intelligence, which is particularly both of them are very useful in inventory and supply chain management. But these recent advancements in technology also increase the risk of use by cyber criminals. Hmm.

Kevin L. Jackson (23:31):

Making Manufacturing the number one target for cyber attacks. Companies are layering more systems into their IT networks to support remote work, enhance the customer experience and to generate value, all of which creates potential new vulnerabilities. You know, this was highlighted in a report from one of our longtime that was published by one of our longtime supporters of digital transformers at T business.

Scott Luton (24:11):

Hmm.

Kevin L. Jackson (24:11):

They had their last at t insight cyber report.

Scott Luton (24:16):

Yeah.

Kevin L. Jackson (24:17):

Talked About manufacturing and how it was like, you know, that sweet apple for, for cyber criminals, <laugh>, they wanna go after it. So, so companies that are layering these more and more systems onto their IT network to support remote work. You know, so this creates really bad vulnerabilities and the connectivity is dramatically increased in things like smart factories. Yep. This leaves them exposed to cyber threats. In fact, Deloitte did a survey and found that while 90% of manufacturers reported capabilities to detect cyber events, very few of these companies have extended monitoring into their operational technology environments.

Kevin L. Jackson (25:18):

SoThis, this digitized world, people continue to be one of the most glaring, weak spots in cybersecurity. So cybersecurity training should begin for all new employees.

Scott Luton (25:35):

Yep.

Kevin L. Jackson (25:35):

During The onboarding process and be continuous throughout their time with your organization. We need, from a personal point of view, strengthen passwords. ’cause this is a critical first line of defense. And make sure you use M F A or multifactor authentication, you know, when you put your password in and they

Scott Luton (25:59):

Right.

Kevin L. Jackson (25:59):

Send you something, uh, text through your cell phone.

Scott Luton (26:02):

Yes.

Kevin L. Jackson (26:03):

That’s M F a, right? You need to use that. This can really be implemented quickly and your software of your applications. I know, I know. It’s a pain. <laugh> every day. My wife complains about she has a iPhone and every day all the apps are, you know, different apps are being updated. Right. I know all this change. Why they keep updating. I like the app just like it was. But you know, these updates address security concerns, particularly in manufacturing. And in manufacturing especially sometimes you’re using this legacy machinery.

Scott Luton (26:41):

Yep.

Kevin L. Jackson (26:41):

That You really have to keep up. So applying patches whenever possible can also limit those areas of, of cyber weakness. I know we’re talking all about cyber today, but it is cybersecurity awareness,

Scott Luton (26:57):

You know, And it’s so important. I know folks hear about it all the time from passwords to, you name all the threats out there, but you know, there are folks looking to gain access to all of your critical information mm-hmm. <affirmative> and either hold it for ransom or, or opposes you or you name it, folks are under constant surveillance. I wanna point out two quick things, Kevin, first off Yeah. And you kind of touched on this, but we have got to really lean into AI, machine learning and all the modern technologies and leverage them in our active cyber strategy, right Kevin?

Kevin L. Jackson (27:30):

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. Cyber defense. Absolutely. There are a lot of artificial intelligence. Machine learning is being embedded into the cyber protection software like McAfee and, and Norton. These are critical because technology changes so fast and it’s so prevalent in our lives, the attackers know and they change their attacks.

Scott Luton (27:57):

Right.

Kevin L. Jackson (27:58):

Every day. Maybe sometimes hourly and <laugh>.

Scott Luton (28:01):

Right.

Kevin L. Jackson (28:01):

Unfortunately they are using machine learning and artificial intelligence to attack you.

Scott Luton (28:09):

That’s right. Every time I read, especially, ’cause when I read it, you know, we all have that voice in our minds, right?

Kevin L. Jackson (28:15):

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Scott Luton (28:16):

Every Time I read Norton or hear Norton, I always think of Norton from the, the Honeymooners I think is what that’s from. Norton. Alright. So Norton For a second.

Kevin L. Jackson (28:27):

<laugh>, you’re, you’re showing your age, man. You’re showing your age.

Scott Luton (28:30):

I’m Mad about that. As you were sharing some of your perspective, I was looking on a different screen. I came across a top 10 list of the worst passwords that are most hacked. <laugh> and I couldn I couldn’t find it. But anyway,

Kevin L. Jackson (28:44):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5. <laugh> <laugh>,

Scott Luton (28:45):

I’ll point this out. Phishing, evidently, you know, that’s a P H I S H. Phishing is still the most common cyber attack. Kevin, 3.4 billion daily spam emails are sent out. 3.4 billion.

Kevin L. Jackson (29:00):

I get half of them <laugh>.

Scott Luton (29:02):

Seriously, I must get the other half up to 90% of data breaches are due to that phishing activity. So folks, not to preach, but just we’ve all been impacted probably. And we all are seeing these bam emails. Hey, share it with your team. Especially if you see a new wrinkle to the attack. Maybe they are uncovering this about your business or this about your business. Hey, make sure your team is aware because you know, one person may be real savvy and delete that email. Yeah. The other person, Kevin May clinging to a certain thing that was mentioned, hit that click and then man, watch out where we go from here. Kevin, your final word.

Kevin L. Jackson (29:39):

So, I mean, we’re talking about email and, and everything, but don’t, you know, don’t be lull into a sense of comfort when it comes to text. I have gotten that text to my phone that says someone has made a charge on Amazon of, uh, $1,500. If you didn’t do this charge, click here. That’s a fish <laugh>. Right?

Scott Luton (30:06):

Right.

Kevin L. Jackson (30:08):

And it can get into your cell phone and from your cell phone, get into your email and from that get into called a lateral movement, get into your laptop and from that, getting to your business. Mm.

Scott Luton (30:21):

Right? It’s all connected.

Kevin L. Jackson (30:23):

Everything’s connected.

Scott Luton (30:25):

<laugh>. Right. And we love the convenience of that, right? We all love the convenience of that. But as this last article that we just went through and y’all check out the link in the comments, all of that wonderful digital transformation, that’s a lot of good news there. But it also exposes those critical vulnerabilities that we all just have to be aware of. So y’all check it out from our friends at Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse. All right, Kevin, you broke some records with your efficiency today. Kevin <laugh>. Do you know that?

Kevin L. Jackson (30:52):

Yeah. I mean, you can’t talk enough about protecting not just your organization or your company, but each other, right? I mean, it’s who is the weakest link in cybersecurity? Don’t let it be you.

Scott Luton (31:07):

Don’t let it be. You. Do not let it be you. <laugh> and Gino adds this little deal here. I was at Bellagio. Gino says mm-hmm

Kevin L. Jackson (31:17):

<affirmative>,

Scott Luton (31:17):

When he was hacked, bad actors used the help desk to fake out the telephone that they were, the IT head needed. A password changed. So evidently it looks like he was at the hotel. Bad actors used that and convinced the maybe the hotel workers that they were the IT head and needed to have passwords changed. Man, that is bad news, Kevin.

Kevin L. Jackson (31:40):

Well, just the, uh, yesterday, a couple days ago, M G M came clean with the ransomware attacks. Really?

Scott Luton (31:48):

Okay.

Kevin L. Jackson (31:48):

They Lost over a hundred million dollars based upon a ransomware attack and the attackers stole tons of customer data, right?

Scott Luton (32:03):

Yes, that’s right. M g m oh man. A hundred million dollars in losses capital.

Kevin L. Jackson (32:06):

a hundred Million.

Scott Luton (32:08):

Wow.

Kevin L. Jackson (32:08):

That’s, it’s expected to go over a hundred million.

Scott Luton (32:13):

Unbelievable. As y’all know, Clorox, the Clorox company is still recovering from its hack from a few weeks back. Okay. Lot of good stuff here on the Buzz Digital Transformers edition. And Kevin, this is where I wanna, I wanna wrap here today. First off, let’s make sure folks, before I have a fun question for you. Okay. Kevin, How can folks connect with you? How can they tune in to digital Transformers? What would your advice be there?

Kevin L. Jackson (32:36):

Yeah, so the fourth Monday of every month is a digital Transformers show. And this month we’re gonna release a show, uh, with s a p with Topcon. And, uh, I had a great, great conversation during that show.

Scott Luton (32:52):

Okay.

Kevin L. Jackson (32:53):

And Then we have some shows coming up before the end of this year with at and t interviewing the chief information security officer For At t.

Scott Luton (33:05):

Wow. Okay.

Kevin L. Jackson (33:05):

What’d you think we’re gonna talk about <laugh> <laugh>.

Scott Luton (33:09):

I got a couple ideas and I’m sure the rest of the world’s gonna be listening. Kevin, that’s awesome. And I got confused for a second. So you’re here the second Monday of each month and we release a new episode bus on the fourth Monday,

Kevin L. Jackson (33:21):

Right?

Scott Luton (33:22):

Fourth Monday, right? Okay. Yep. Yep. I’m a little bit closer time, so I’m

Kevin L. Jackson (33:25):

Everywhere. I’m everywhere. You can also catch me on LinkedIn or on supply chain now and under Digital Transformers. Hey <laugh>.

Scott Luton (33:33):

Alright. This is what we wanna finish on here today. Okay. We need to come up with a fun little wager because your Washington commanders Kevin <laugh>, are playing my Atlanta Falcons, right? Yes. This cumin Sunday, right? This coming Sunday. So let’s do this. Okay.

Kevin L. Jackson (33:51):

Okay. Here’s the wager.

Scott Luton (33:53):

Yeah. So based on who wins and who loses

Kevin L. Jackson (33:56):

Yes. Bet on the commanders winning <laugh>. That’s right.

Scott Luton (34:01):

So here’s a simple deal. One of us has to come out decked out in the opposing team’s colors. Oh. On your next appearance based on who wins and who loses. Okay.

Kevin L. Jackson (34:12):

<laugh>, what the next buzz?

Scott Luton (34:14):

That’s right. Next buzz. Well,

Kevin L. Jackson (34:15):

You, you, you’re, you’re scaring me. <laugh>. Okay. <laugh>

Scott Luton (34:19):

Or we gotta at least get a picture of you celebrating in the opposing teams. We’ll refine that. Okay.

Kevin L. Jackson (34:24):

You’re, you’re on. That’s, y’all heard commands are gonna be commanding over the falcons.

Scott Luton (34:29):

All Of y’all heard that. So we’ve got our little friendly wager and we’ll see who wins between the commanders and the Falcons. Okay. Kevin, great episode here today. Yes. We’re gonna give folks a couple of minutes of time back. Always a pleasure having you join us. I love the cool things you’re doing from a technology, a cloud, a cyber, just a global tech standpoint, and always a pleasure to have you here. So Kevin, if you had to share one final thought, one final thought based on this discussion, based on, on the vibe you’re feeling this fine Monday morning, whatever it is, what’s your final thought to share with our audience here?

Kevin L. Jackson (35:06):

So when I was in the military, you know, they always say you have to keep your head on a swivel. You know, especially when you’re walking across a, uh, aircraft carrier deck. You Know, planes are all everywhere. You can get sucked up and killed in a, in a heartbeat. So When you’re walking around the cyber world, keep your head on a swivel for those attackers.

Scott Luton (35:29):

That’s right. They’re out there looking to do really bad things. Well, Kevin L. Jackson, always a pleasure. Really appreciate what you’re doing, you’re doing.

Kevin L. Jackson (35:37):

Thank you, Scott. This is fun.

Scott Luton (35:39):

And it was a lot of fun. And we know what we have to do. We are on together next month too. So we’ll see who wins between the Falcons and Commanders <laugh> folks. Hopefully y’all enjoyed this lively edition of the Buzz here today, the Digital Transformers edition of the Buzz. Again, big thanks, uh, folks behind the scenes, Catherine and Amanda, helping to make the production happen. But folks, whatever you do, Hey, Kevin and I have dropped a lot of, I think, practical advice here today. It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month here in October. Just take one idea and put it in action. Deeds, not words. Make your organization, make your team safer. Make your organization safer. Make your mission safer. So with that said, on behalf of the entire team here at Supply Chain now, Scott Luton challenging you to do good, to give forward and to be the change. And we’ll see next time right back here at Supply Chain now. Thanks everybody.

Intro/Outro (36:33):

Thanks for being a part of our supply chain Now, community. Check out all of our programming@supplychainnow.com and make sure you subscribe to Supply Chain now, anywhere you listen to podcasts. And follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. See you next time on Supply Chain. Now.

Would you rather watch the show in action?

Hosts

Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

Kevin L. Jackson

Host, Digital Transformers

You May Also Like

Click to view other episodes in this program

Additional Links & Resources

Learn more about Supply Chain Now

Check out our new Supply Chain Now Media Kit

Subscribe to Supply Chain Now and all other Supply Chain Now programs

Join the NOW Community!

2023 Q2 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index

WEBINAR- From Numbers to Strategy: How Finance Drive Data-Driven Supply Chains

Check Out Our Sponsors

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.

Connect on :

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).

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

Jose Miguel Irarrazaval

Host, Logistics with Purpose

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

Allison Giddens

Host

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.

Connect on :

Billy Taylor

Host

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.

A disciple of continuous improvement, Taylor’s love for people inspires commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. He is a dynamic speaker and hosts "The Winning Link," a popular podcast centered on business and leadership excellence with the #1 rated Supply Chain Now Network. As a leadership guru, Taylor has earned several invitations to universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to achieve and sustain effective results through cultural acceptance and employee ownership. Leveraging the wisdom of his business acumen, strong influence as a speaker and podcaster Taylor is set to release "The Winning Link" book under McGraw Hill publishing in 2022. The book is a how-to manual to help readers understand the management of business interactions while teaching them how to Deine, Align, and Execute Winning in Business.

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.

Connect on :

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).

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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!

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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. 

Connect on :

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. 

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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!

Connect on :

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 Cisco, Microsoft, 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 University, O’Reilly Media, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight.  Mr. Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems Engineering, Carrier 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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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’.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

Amanda Luton

Vice President, Production

Amanda is a production and marketing veteran and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across a variety of industries and organizations including Von Maur, Anthropologie, AmericasMart Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Amanda currently manages, produces, and develops modern digital content for Supply Chain Now and their clients. Amanda has previously served as the VP of Information Systems and Webmaster on the Board of Directors for APICS Savannah, and founded and managed her own successful digital marketing firm, Magnolia Marketing Group. When she’s not leading the Supply Chain Now production team, you can find Amanda in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, or enjoying time with family.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :

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.

Connect on :