Supply Chain Now

For three decades, WiseTech Global has been quietly powering the movement of goods around the world, but the biggest transformation in the company’s history may still be ahead. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones are joined by Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer at WiseTech Global, Australia’s largest ASX-listed technology firm and the world’s leading logistics, supply chain, and global trade technology company. Together, they explore what it truly means to build digital infrastructure for the global supply chain, from customs brokerage and freight forwarding to the full end-to-end trade lifecycle following WiseTech’s landmark acquisition of e2open. Zubin draws on nearly 25 years of experience, including 15 foundational years at WiseTech and seven years leading social purpose businesses, to make the case for being AI-first rather than AI-assisted. He also unpacks how decades of proprietary data, combined with large language models, are enabling WiseTech to solve problems that were previously out of reach, faster and more powerfully than ever before. Zubin also shares the leadership philosophy that has guided him across every role: reward success, reward failure, punish inaction. It’s a mindset built for an era where the pace of change demands bold experimentation,…

In this episode of The Buzz, we break down rising cargo theft, global supply chain disruptions, and the growing gap in AI readiness—plus what it all means for leaders trying to stay ahead—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS! Hosts Scott Luton and Yaseen Ahmid break down major forces shaping today’s supply chains—from geopolitical disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and its ripple effects on fuel, fertilizer, and costs, to a surprising gap in AI readiness where most employees can’t apply what they’ve learned. Joined by Danny Ramon, the conversation dives into the rapid rise of cargo theft, how increasingly sophisticated criminal networks are exploiting digital systems and documentation, and why high-demand goods are more vulnerable than ever. This episode delivers clear, real-world insight into where supply chains are most exposed right now—and what leaders must do to stay ahead. Cargo theft is rising fast—with continued double-digit growth and increasing sophistication Criminal networks are exploiting digital gaps, paperwork fraud, and fragmented systems High-demand, easily resold goods (electronics, food, clothing) are top theft targets Global disruptions (fuel, fertilizer, shipping routes) are driving widespread cost increases AI training is falling short—most employees can’t apply it to real workflows Visibility—not just technology—is the…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Tevon Taylor are joined by Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost and host of Unboxing Logistics. Together, they break down what’s really driving shipping challenges today, from fragmented consumer demand to rising costs hidden in accessory fees, packaging inefficiencies, and routing decisions rather than just carrier rate increases. The discussion highlights how demand has become less predictable, with promotion-driven spikes creating operational strain and forcing reactive, costly decisions. At the same time, customer expectations have shifted. Cost, reliability, visibility, and accuracy now matter more than speed, pushing companies to rethink how they design their shipping strategies. Lori also shares how leading teams are responding by improving visibility, aligning service levels with customer needs, and using AI to support faster, data-driven decisions. This episode offers a practical look at how organizations can reduce costs, adapt to uncertainty, and build more resilient and efficient shipping operations.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Lori Boyer Learn…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now and ongoing Now Generation series, Scott W. Luton is joined by Professor Catarina Carvalho, faculty member at Columbia University and Associate Principal at Arup, alongside Briana Stregiel from Columbia Business School, Curran Murphy, Distribution Planning Manager at Louis Vuitton, and Ingrid Eck, Graduate Student, M.S. in Sustainability Management at Columbia University. Together, they share how the next wave of supply chain leaders is already tackling complex challenges across sustainability, data, and global operations. The conversation highlights how diverse backgrounds, from luxury fashion and food systems to natural gas trading, help students bridge classroom learning to real global challenges. Topics such as decarbonization, scope 3 emissions, climate risk, and cross-functional collaboration take center stage as each guest shares what drives them most. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change. Catarina also shares insights into how Columbia’s program intentionally develops well-rounded leaders by bridging academic rigor with hands-on, real-world practitioner expertise. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced…

In this episode of The Buzz, we unpack the latest manufacturing signals, leadership priorities, and the growing impact of AI—plus a candid look at corporate jargon and why clarity matters more than ever—welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS! Hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor dive into March manufacturing data showing modest growth and improving job trends, while also highlighting ongoing cost pressures and global disruptions. From there, the conversation shifts to what’s really on the minds of business leaders today—uncertainty, decision-making challenges, and the widening gap between strategy and execution. This episode delivers practical, real-world perspectives on how organizations can move forward with confidence. Key Learnings & Takeaways: Manufacturing momentum is steady—but fragile with growth signals tempered by inflation and disruption Today’s labor market = “low hire, low fire” driven by uncertainty and hesitation AI isn’t transforming your business—it’s exposing it (data gaps, inefficiencies, misalignment) Execution beats strategy—most companies don’t fail from bad plans, but poor follow-through KPIs vs. KPAs—why actions (not just metrics) drive real performance Corporate jargon can damage performance by masking clarity and weakening decision-making Great leadership = clarity, standards, and accountability, not buzzwords Bottom line: In today’s complex environment, leaders who prioritize execution, clarity,…

Warehouses have become one of the most important battlegrounds in modern supply chain. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by industry leaders Lance Olmsted, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS, and Patrick Maley, Chief Revenue Officer at IFS Softeon, to explore why warehouse execution now plays a much bigger strategic role across the business. As customer expectations rise and supply chains face more pressure to move faster, they explain how companies are rethinking the warehouse as a source of speed, flexibility, and competitive advantage. The conversation covers how real-time visibility, modern warehouse systems, and industrial AI can help teams make better decisions, respond faster to disruptions, and close the gap between planning and execution. Lance and Patrick also share their perspective on where warehouse operations are headed next and why adaptability will be critical moving forward.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Lance Olmsted Connect with Patrick Maley Learn more about IFS Learn more about IFS Softeon Upcoming Live Programming Learn more about Hytrol…

Early purchase order visibility can be the difference between staying ahead of disruption and scrambling to catch up. In this episode, Mike Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment, and Nayeli Valladares, Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment at DP World, discuss why early purchase order visibility matters more than ever as supply chains face disruption, sourcing shifts, and greater complexity. They explain how purchase orders can give teams an earlier read on demand, risk, and pressure across suppliers, carriers, brokers, and internal teams, leading to better forecasting and smarter planning around inventory, capacity, and transportation. They also explore how companies are using technology and closer coordination to make faster, more informed decisions. From tariff-driven sourcing changes and seasonal demand swings to stockout risk and communication gaps, Mike and Nayeli show how stronger visibility helps teams act sooner, reduce surprises, and build more resilient operations.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Connect with Mike Wiggins Connect with Nayeli Valladares Learn more about DP World Upcoming…

In this episode, we break down the latest retail sales signals, explore the growing importance of supply chain storytelling, and spotlight the powerful role Georgia plays in global logistics. From shifting consumer behavior to automation trends and industry events, this episode is packed with insights that matter right now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS! Hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love dive into early March retail data, highlighting cautious consumer spending patterns and what they signal for the months ahead. The conversation also explores the newly released documentary The Chain: How the World Works, which brings supply chain complexity to life for a broader audience. Plus, special guest Sandy Lake from the Georgia Center of Innovation shares key trends driving logistics growth, including automation, trade policy shifts, and infrastructure investments across the state. Key Learnings & Takeaways: Retail trends show resilience—but with more selective, value-driven spending Rising energy costs and uncertainty continue to shape supply chain strategy Automation and AI are accelerating transformation across logistics networks Georgia continues to emerge as a critical U.S. logistics and supply chain hub The Chain documentary highlights the real-world impact of supply chains Resilience and predictability are becoming essential—not optional—for leaders As…

What are future supply chain leaders paying attention to right now? In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Julie Niederhoff, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Department Chair of Marketing, Retail and Supply Chain Management at Syracuse University, alongside standout students Odette Sherk, Katherine Foley, Makayla Amatuegwu, and David Patterson. Together, they explore how today’s students are discovering supply chain as a dynamic career path that blends strategy, sustainability, and real-world problem solving. The conversation highlights how hands-on experiences, from study abroad programs to industry internships, are helping students connect classroom learning to global challenges. Topics like sustainability transparency, rail transportation, globalization shifts, and ethical sourcing take center stage as each student shares what excites them most about the industry. Their perspectives reveal a generation that is not only career-focused but deeply motivated to create meaningful change. Julie also shares insights into how Syracuse’s program develops well-rounded leaders by combining academic rigor with experiential learning. This episode offers a glimpse of how the next generation is approaching the field of supply chain with curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes,…