We’re continuing our series on leadership within the booming supply chains of Africa and delving deep into the dynamic and challenging world of the African supply chain ecosystem. In this episode, hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love, we’re thrilled to have two exceptional guests with us – Jacques de Villiers, Head of Supply Chain for the Omnia Group, an influential heavyweight in the mining and agriculture sectors, and MJ Schoemaker, President of the Board at SAPICS, where she’s leading from the front to uplift and transform supply chain professionalism through educational initiatives and community engagement. Listen in as we discuss the hurdles and prospects of supply chain operations, touching upon critical issues like infrastructure, education, and the shifting paradigms from efficiency to reliability in a world where environmental and social considerations are paramount. MJ brings us insights from the upcoming 46th SAPICS conference, focusing on global healthcare, sustainability, and the importance of networking in our era of significant change. From the fine after-notes of South African wines to the empowering stories of local solutions like WhatsApp-enabled supply networks, we’ll explore how agility, diversity of thought, and mentorship shape future supply chain leaders. Stay tuned for actionable insights and…

Operating conditions for supply chains continue to shift faster than most organizations can plan for. Labor pressures, evolving customer expectations, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasingly complex global networks are forcing leaders to rethink how decisions get made and how teams stay aligned when certainty is no longer guaranteed. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Mario Morhy, Vice President, Integrated Planning at Sam’s Club, Mike Gomes, Vice President of Supply Chain North America at Perfetti Van Melle, and Rodrigo Alponti, Senior Vice President Global Supply Chain at STADA Group. Together, they reflect on how supply chain leadership has evolved over the past year, moving away from linear optimization toward adaptability, resilience, and closer collaboration with customers and partners. The panel also explores how AI is accelerating the pace of insight and action, enabling faster scenario planning, stronger visibility, and more empowered teams. Rather than replacing people, AI emerges as a decision-making copilot, freeing leaders to focus on risk, tradeoffs, and long-term value. The conversation closes with practical leadership takeaways on learning faster than competitors, asking better questions, and building cultures that can turn volatility into advantage.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced…