In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner takes listeners back to visit an era and a place mythologized by one of the most popular Christmas stories of all time: A Christmas Carol. The story, which was written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843, addresses a number of economic and social issues that not only marked the impact of the Industrial Revolution and emerging middle class, but how poverty was viewed and treated by society at the time.
More Podcast Episodes
supply chain risk
Podcast
October 2, 2024
Three Ways to Optimize Your Supply Chain Risk Management
In this new episode of Whiteboard Wisdom on Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest Patrick Van Hull dive into the critical topic of supply chain risk management. They explore three essential capabilities to optimize risk management strategies: due diligence, continuous monitoring, and executive reporting. Summary: Listen in as Patrick emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for various risks, including geopolitical, cyber, and environmental factors, and shares insights from industry surveys highlighting the significant financial impacts of supply chain disruptions. The discussion also covers the necessity of building risk intelligence and operational resilience to ensure business continuity in the face of adverse events. This episode is a must-watch for supply chain professionals looking to enhance their risk management practices and drive competitive advantage.
manufacturing
Podcast
December 10, 2025
Building a Bold New Roadmap Forward for the U.S. Manufacturing Industry
Tariffs, trade uncertainty, and shifting energy demands are colliding with rapid advances in AI, medtech, and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, companies are racing to fill hundreds of thousands of open roles, rethink how they attract talent, and modernize permitting and policy frameworks that haven’t kept pace with innovation. The result is a U.S. manufacturing sector on the verge of a new chapter, but only if leaders can unlock the right mix of policy, people, and technology. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and Kathy Wengel, Executive Vice President, Chief Technical Operations and Risk Officer at Johnson & Johnson, live from the Innovation Summit North America 2025, powered by Schneider Electric. Together, they unpack NAM’s comprehensive manufacturing strategy and the conditions needed for American industry to thrive. Scott, Jay, and Kathy explore how permitting reform, energy leadership (including nuclear), and trade certainty impact investment decisions on the factory floor, from small manufacturers to multinational enterprises. They discuss the urgent need to expand the workforce pipeline, especially for veterans and non-traditional talent, and why modern manufacturing careers offer both purpose and prosperity.…