In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Claudia Freed, President & CEO of EALGreen, welcome Chuck Johnston, Chief Strategy Officer at ReturnPro, for a deep dive into the “dark side” of supply chain: reverse logistics and returns management. They unpack why returns are a nearly trillion-dollar challenge in the U.S., how BORIS (buy online, return in store) strains store operations, and why many retailers still under-invest: leaders often can’t see the full cost across functions or make the ROI case for what’s treated as a cost center. Chuck shares how the space has evolved from yellow notepads to data-driven decisioning, highlighting intelligent algorithms that route items at the customer’s first return click, fraud mitigation with imaging and behavior signals, and how third-party innovation is compressing software build times. Claudia adds a nonprofit and circularity lens: donation channels, extended tax credits, and AI pilots (computer vision + MCP agents) that identify item condition and slotting in real time. Together, they explore where to start, why cross-functional “ambassadors” matter, and how partnerships across retailers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and 3PLs can turn returns from margin erosion into measurable value and social impact.   This episode is hosted by…

Feeling unsure how to approach financial discussions with your CFO? The latest episode of White Board Wisdom offers valuable insights! In today’s episode, host Scott Luton welcomes Bill Huber, a former CFO himself, to the show, to teach you what to do and what not to do in a conversation with your CFO. Huber shares top tips about what CFOs really want: someone who listens, gets the situation, and comes to the table with creative solutions. He even says it’s okay to take some calculated risks! But remember, honesty and respect are key throughout. By the end of the episode, you’ll be ready to confidently chat finance with your CFO. So, tune in and avoid any future money misunderstandings!