In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner remembers key innovations, inventions, and firsts that took place between September 13th and the 17th. In our main story, she shares the life story of the man who fixed Thomas Edison’s lightbulb, drew Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone into reality, and made a real and lasting mark on his community. We’ll also hear about the release of Super Mario Bros., find out why the founder of General Motors hated cars, and wish a happy birthday to Agatha Christie and Wendy Thomas.
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Revolutionizing Retail Supply Chain Operations with AI and Automation
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Angie Jula, Director of Product Management, and Matt Brolsma, Sr. Manager of Product Marketing at SPS Commerce, to discuss how AI and automation are transforming retail supply chains. Angie draws on more than a decade in product leadership, while Matt brings cross-functional expertise from both supplier and buyer perspectives. Together, they share how retailers can transform clean, connected data into actionable insights that enhance demand forecasting, supplier collaboration, and pricing strategy, all while reducing manual work that slows down their teams. From tackling organizational silos with cross-functional dashboards to equipping executives with real-time visibility, Angie and Matt emphasize why AI is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative. They highlight case studies on supplier scorecarding, automation-driven fill rates, and proactive exception management, showing how early adopters are gaining competitive advantages in resilience, agility, and customer loyalty. This discussion is a roadmap for retailers navigating tariffs, disruptions, and the rising expectations of today’s consumers. 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: Connect…
leadership
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From Store Shelves to Community Impact: Tony Zuazo’s Journey
Global supply chains are navigating an era marked by evolving challenges and opportunities. As technological advancements such as AI continue to reshape the landscape, leaders must adapt to the constant pressures of global uncertainty. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Tony Zuazo, Interim CEO of the Community Resource Center, to explore the intersection of people, process, and technology in today’s supply chain environment. Tony shares insights from his extensive experience leading supply chains at Dollar General and his current work in nonprofit leadership. Together, they discuss the critical role of innovation in supply chain management, the growing significance of automation and AI, and the importance of adapting processes to meet both short-term needs and long-term goals. Scott and Tony also touch on the complexities of decision-making in global supply chains, the balance between technology and human-driven processes, and the need for clear communication in change management. The episode concludes with advice for leaders on how to manage uncertainty, drive efficiency, and keep people at the heart of successful supply chain operations. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources…