In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton welcomes special guest Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), to discuss the reinvention of ASCM’s annual supply chain event, now rebranded as CHAINge North America 2025. Scheduled for September 9th and 10th in Columbus, Ohio, CHAINge North America 2025 aims to provide supply chain leaders with opportunities to gather critical market intelligence and learn strategies to tackle both existing and emerging challenges. Listen in as Scott and Abe discuss the importance of collaboration, technology, and talent development in navigating the current dynamic supply chain landscape, key insights from the 2025 ASCM Supply Chain Salary and Career Report, and highlight significant gains in supply chain compensation and the increasing recognition of supply chain professionals’ roles. Tune in for an episode that underscores the value of human interaction and relationship-building in addressing the complex challenges faced by supply chain professionals today.   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: Register now for CHAINge 2025 (Use code SCN200 for $200 off)…

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Lushentha Naidoo, Managing Director of the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP), for a candid conversation on purpose-driven leadership and the business value of inclusive procurement. Drawing on a 14-year transformation career at Unilever and a personal journey from apartheid-era South Africa to global operations leadership, Lushentha shares how caring as a leadership “superpower” can fuel innovation, save jobs, and build psychologically safe teams. She explains how supplier diversity isn’t charity. It’s a competitive advantage that increases agility, strengthens resilience, and unlocks fresh thinking when disruption hits. She also breaks down how ESDP bridges corporates and diverse suppliers through a fast-growing database, networking events, and the Inclusive Procurement Academy, teaching pitching, storytelling, and “corporate readiness.” From real success stories (mentorship that kept a founder in the fight) to pragmatic guidance for senior leaders doubling down on DEI, this conversation offers actionable takeaways: define the why, build inclusive cultures, and widen the supplier funnel so the best partner wins.   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…