Every industry talks about preparing for the future, but few spend enough time listening to the people who will ultimately shape it. What often gets overlooked is that this generation may already be bringing exactly the mindset the industry needs: adaptability, systems thinking, technological fluency, and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott W. Luton and guest co-host Liz Raman, Founder and CEO of Supply Chain Gals, sit down with the winning team from the 2026 Supply Chain Gals Case Competition: Madeline Creasman, Founder and CEO of EverChain Solutions; Ashley Bailey, Inventory Analyst at InComm Payments; Thanmayee Maddipati, Global Supply Manager at Apple; and Katerina Folkin, Operations and Economics student at Minerva University. Drawing from backgrounds across agriculture, healthcare operations, entrepreneurship, procurement, technology, and global education, they explore what sets the next generation of supply chain leaders apart, and how younger professionals are navigating disruption with fresh perspectives shaped by diverse experiences, a global mindset, and a growing focus on sustainability and emerging technologies like AI. Along the way, they reflect on the role of curiosity, the importance of questioning long-standing ways of working, and why the strongest solutions are often those…

The pace of change in global supply chains isn’t slowing down — and on this week’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker are back to break down the headlines, trends, and real-world implications leaders need to watch. From winter storms in metro Atlanta to rising cost pressures and workforce challenges, this episode cuts through the noise to explore what’s shaping supply chain strategy in 2026 and beyond. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG! Scott and Marty welcome featured guest, Heidi Benko, VP Product Management and Strategy for Infor Nexus, to join in diving into the biggest stories impacting supply chains today — and what they mean for operators, planners, and executives alike. Together, they discuss: Why analysts are forecasting a challenging year ahead for the automotive industry and what slow post-pandemic recovery means for manufacturers How the American Logistics Aid Network continues to meet urgent needs — and the growing impact of the “Never Normal” leadership series How Walmart is using AI-driven tools to boost performance during extreme weather events New survey data revealing how tariffs are driving up costs, fueling layoffs, and raising recession concerns across the industry The growing skills gap in…