Share:

The Buzz: Copper & Chemicals, Tariffs & Trade Tensions

Today we dive into the intricate dynamics of supply chain orchestration, drawing a compelling analogy between the orchestration of supply chains and the harmonious and complex performance of a symphony. Welcome to The Buzz!

Hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr dive into the critical issues of the day including:

  • The challenges currently threatening global copper supply, emphasizing the implications of water shortages in key producing regions and the rising incidence of copper theft
  • The European Union’s initiatives to bolster its chemical supply chains in response to international trade tensions, particularly with China
  • How effective supply chain leadership necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to foster resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges
  • Recent trade tensions, particularly between the EU and China, highlight the necessity for companies to remain agile and informed amid evolving geopolitical landscapes
  • How decision-making within supply chains can be streamlined through orchestration

Join us as we underscore the imperative for supply chain leaders to adopt a proactive approach in an increasingly volatile environment and illuminate strategies that can empower organizations to thrive amidst the chaos of the modern supply chain landscape.

 

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr, 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:

 

Want more Supply Chain Now?

We know you can’t get enough Supply Chain Now! Don’t miss a single episode, livestream, or webinar:

 

More Podcast Episodes

speed
play-button-podcast
podcast-blue-microphone
Podcast
June 9, 2025

Five Key Tips for Driving Organizational Success in 2025

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and President of LinkedXL, to explore the foundational principles behind high-performing supply chain organizations. Drawing on his decades of leadership at Goodyear and his work with industry teams today, Billy Ray shares how speed, clarity, and connected systems drive real, measurable change. He breaks down five timeless yet urgent considerations for modern leadership—from rethinking KPIs as KPAs, to cultivating ownership and alignment across the organization, to architecting operating systems that empower people at every level. As Billy Ray says, “Speed is the currency of leadership”—and in today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s not just a competitive edge, it’s a necessity.   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: Watch NOW on YouTube Connect with Billy Ray Taylor Learn more about LinkedXL Learn more about our hosts   Want more Supply Chain Now? We know you can’t get enough Supply Chain Now! Don’t miss a single episode, livestream, or webinar: Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes…
communication
play-button-podcast
podcast-blue-microphone
Podcast
June 23, 2025

Distribution Strategy & Operations Insights with The Distribution Guy®, Will Quinn

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor sit down with Will Quinn, supply chain consultant at CAMM Consulting and better known as The Distribution Guy® to unpack the evolving world of warehousing and distribution. With a rich background spanning military logistics, Coca-Cola operations, and enterprise tech systems, Will offers a grounded yet forward-looking view of how distribution excellence is built from the floor up. Together, they explore why the biggest risk in distribution is doing nothing, how to use AI to document standard operating procedures, and what the dirtiest ceiling fan in the building might say about a warehouse’s performance. Will also shares why digital transformation should support—not drive—your business strategy and why automation won’t replace people, but poorly managed change might. The discussion also touches on tariff-induced uncertainty, rising labor costs, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the rising importance of nearshoring. Will and Tevon share leadership insights that emphasize culture, consistency, and communication—and leave us with a simple but powerful reminder: success starts with taking care of your people.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources…