Manufacturing Industry Observations: Talent, Tariffs, and Innovation
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purpose
Podcast
December 18, 2025
A Journey of Purpose: The Epic Climb of Kilimanjaro for Leukemia Awareness
What does it take to climb the tallest mountain in Africa — and why would someone take on that challenge in honor of a loved one? In this inspiring episode of Logistics With Purpose®️, we sit down with Kieran Purtill to unpack his extraordinary journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, a climb driven by love, loss, and purpose. Kieran shares the deeply personal motivation behind the expedition — honoring his late mother — and how her legacy shaped every step of the journey. We dive into the physical, logistical, and emotional realities of preparing for and completing such a demanding climb, from months of training to the critical role of teamwork and support along the way. Kieran also reflects on the powerful lessons he learned about resilience, perseverance, mental strength, and community when facing adversity at altitude. Whether you’re an adventurer, someone navigating loss, or simply looking for inspiration to pursue a meaningful goal, this conversation will challenge you to reflect on your own purpose — and remind you that courage and connection can carry you further than you ever imagined. This episode is hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda,…
AI
Podcast
June 17, 2024
Unveiling Supply Chain Innovation: Deep Dive and Expert Perspectives
Innovation and disruption are constants in the supply chain game. In this episode, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, alongside special guests Greg Buzek from IHL Group and Vignesh Balasubramanian from Microsoft, dive deep into the pivotal role of generative AI in revolutionizing supply chain management. Understand the significant inefficiencies in current transportation logistics, with over 50% of trucks less than half full, and how AI can turn this challenge into a substantial efficiency gain. Our experts share real-world applications from Microsoft, highlighting AI’s role in enhancing planning and forecasting capabilities, adapting to changing data, and optimizing logistics to cut costs and improve delivery times. Vignesh’s personal anecdotes from the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate the importance of preparedness and strategic adaptation in the face of geopolitical and weather-related disruptions. Looking toward the future, we discuss strategies like nearshoring, the lasting impact of supply chain disruptions on inflation and consumer experiences, and the critical importance of maintaining clean and ready data for AI optimization. Gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and a compelling call to action to embrace AI-driven innovations to stay competitive in today’s volatile market.