From natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to pandemics, cyberattacks, and labor strikes, companies have to navigate so many complexities to get goods where they need to go.
What's their secret weapon to operating within the unknown?
It’s the people.
Welcome to Supply Chain Champions, the show that showcases the stories of those who keep supply chains running smoothly. We're here to highlight their untold stories and share lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Join us as we peel back the curtain on the people who make supply chains work and enhance your own career in the process.
Tune in. Get smart. Move forward.
The Power of People in Every Supply Chain Decision with Kristen Kravitz
Kristen Kravitz, Group Vice President at Abercrombie & Fitch, discusses Abercrombie's supply chain transformation, team restructuring, and the critical role of investing in people for long-term success, in this interview.
21 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Faster Isn’t Always Better in The Modern Supply Chain with Nate Shutes
Nate Shutes, VP at Blu Dot, discusses evolving supply chain logistics beyond speed, emphasizing customer experience and human connections, in an interview with Eric Fullerton.
7 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Protecting Supply Chains from Tariff Shocks with Eric Fullerton
Product Marketing Head Eric Fullerton discusses how supply chain professionals leverage real-time visibility and predictive intelligence to navigate tariff shocks and protect margins in an interview.
23 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
A Supply Chain That Saves Lives with Ammie McAsey
Ammie McAsey, SVP at McKesson, discusses the high-stakes pharmaceutical supply chain, emphasizing the critical role of people and technology in ensuring timely medication delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, in an interview with Eric Fullerton.
9 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Disruptions Are the Ultimate Supply Chain Stress Test with Bill Hutchinson
Former Chief Supply Chain Officer Bill Hutchinson discusses how anticipating and adapting to change helps leaders capitalize on disruption, drawing from experiences at Dell, Chewy, and Westrock in this interview.
26 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
The Key Supply Chain Strategy for Market Shifts with Michelle Livingstone
Michelle Livingstone discusses balancing control and collaboration in supply chain strategy, emphasizing strong carrier relationships and communication skills for resilience and sustainability in an interview with Eric Fullerton.
12 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
What It Takes to Build a Customer-Centric Supply Chain with Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs, SVP at Ferguson Enterprises, discusses how tracking metrics such as perfect order index and net promoter score builds a customer-centric supply chain, balancing people, processes, and technology in this interview with Eric Fullerton.
26 Feb 2025
The Secrets of Georgia-Pacific’s $20 Billion Supply Chain with David Null
David Null, former SVP of Supply Chain at Georgia-Pacific, discusses managing a $20 billion supply chain, emphasizing data visibility and balancing efficiency with resilience in this interview episode.
12 Feb 2025
Know, Decide, Act: The Formula for Supply Chain Success with Keith Carter
CEO Keith Carter shares his formula for supply chain success, emphasizing actionable intelligence through data and decisive action, while Eric Fullerton interviews him about AI adoption and cybersecurity priorities.
29 Jan 2025
How to Build Resilient Leaders with Ted Stank
Ted Stank, Bruce Chair of Excellence, discusses preparing future supply chain leaders with essential skills and prioritizing resilience to navigate uncertainty in an interview with Eric Fullerton.
15 Jan 2025
Crisis Management Essentials with 32+ Year Clorox Veteran Rick McDonald
Rick McDonald, former Chief Supply Chain Officer at Clorox, discusses managing unprecedented demand during the COVID-19 pandemic through strategic inventory and change management, in this interview.
2 Jan 2025
Cash is King: Supply Chain Lessons from Intel’s Jackie Sturm
A strong supply chain keeps operations running and finances stable.
Because, after all, in logistics, 'cash is king.'
In this episode, Jackie Sturm (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-sturm/), Corporate Vice President of Global Supply Chain Operations at Intel (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/homepage.html), shares her insights on the evolving role of supply chains. She explains how they drive profitability, mitigate risk, and ensure customer satisfaction—even amidst global disruptions.Jackie also discusses how supplier diversity and sustainable practices create stronger and more resilient supply chains. As a woman in leadership, she shares her perspective on building a pipeline of female talent to lead the future of supply chains.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why supply chain disruptions are inevitable and how to prepare for them
How diverse suppliers foster innovation and strengthen supply chains
Sustainable practices that contribute to long-term business growth
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Jackie Sturm
(03:53) Key lessons from Silicon Valley
(10:15) Why "cash is king" in supply chains
(13:26) Mitigate risk with preparation
(18:43) Intel’s supplier diversity initiative
(23:49) Sustainable practices that drive business success
(29:01) Empowering women as leaders in the supply chain
(33:22) The importance of building a strong network
Resources:
Connect with Jackie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-sturm/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-sturm/)
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/)
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/ (https://www.project44.com/)
11 Dec 2024
The John Wayne of Supply Chain with Jake Barr
Years of experience make you knowledgeable about an industry, but true leadership requires foresight and the courage to embrace change.
That’s why Jake Barr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/), CEO/Principal at BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, is a trusted voice in supply chain and logistics.
Reflecting on his remarkable 45-year career, Jake shares how supply chain operations have evolved over time. He discusses how leaders can tackle modern challenges like the “Amazon Effect " by leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance efficiency. With candid insights, Jake explains why companies must embrace change or risk being left behind in a rapidly shifting industry.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why AI and machine learning are game-changers for speed and decision-making
The importance of failing fast and adapting quickly in your supply chain strategy
Strategies for risk management in logistics
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Jake Barr
(01:20) The Amazon Effect: More SKUs at higher speeds of delivery
(04:13) Transforming supply chains into profit drivers
(07:30) Lessons from 33 years at Procter & Gamble
(12:07) Key supply chain trends to look out for
(15:29) Practical applications of AI for high-velocity supply chains
(21:39) Career and leadership advice for supply chain professionals
Resources:
Connect with Jake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/)
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/)
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/ (https://www.project44.com/)
27 Nov 2024
Demystifying AI in Supply Chains with Amanda Cameron
Applying AI in supply chains invites unique challenges and learnings.
But if used correctly, AI can bring great benefits.
In this episode, Amanda Cameron (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancameron/), AI and Machine Learning Customer Engineer Specialist at Google (https://www.linkedin.com/company/google/), explains how AI has transformed supply chain operations. Amanda has seen firsthand how leveraging AI can streamline processes, improve traceability, and boost efficiency.
Amanda explains how Google’s AI technology helps supply chain leaders stay ahead of challenges and setbacks, build resilient systems, and unlock new possibilities in inventory optimization and demand forecasting.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The role of predictive modeling in demand forecasting
Generative AI’s potential to boost transparency and traceability
Skills and mindsets needed for future supply chain management
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Amanda Cameron
(01:38) AI, machine learning, and data science in supply chains
(08:04) Predictive modeling and quality control in distribution centers
(13:12) Evolving mindsets in supply chain management
(15:35) Introducing new technologies into legacy supply chain processes
(17:42) Building AI strategies into supply chain management
(21:38) Cybersecurity in supply chain operations
(24:10) Human vs. AI decisions in supply chain management
(30:03) Blockchain, generative AI, and the future of transparency
Resources:
Connect with Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancameron/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancameron/)
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/)
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/ (https://www.project44.com/)
13 Nov 2024
The Digital Playbook for Modern Logistics with Bart De Muynck
Visibility in supply chains has grown tremendously in the past couple of years. However, more work must be done to keep up with the increasing complexity of modern logistics.
In this episode, Bart De Muynck (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdemuynck/), Industry Thought Leader and former Gartner (https://gartner.com/) Analyst, discusses the evolution of modern supply chains. He shares insights from his extensive career and discusses the technology trends that are reshaping the industry.
Bart shares how high-quality data, AI, and automation can help tackle challenges like talent shortages and boost operational efficiency, giving the industry the push it needs toward digital maturity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to achieve digital maturity in supply chain operations
The role of predictive data and AI in managing disruptions
Future trends in the supply chain industry
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Bart De Muynck
(00:48) The creation of the Magic Quadrant
(06:11) The rising complexity of modern logistics
(08:43) Using more tech and automation in the supply chain
(12:06) Velocity is the ability to pivot and use data
(15:25) Overhyped or underhyped: AI in logistics
(17:41) Vision automation use cases
(21:10) Advice for newcomers in the supply chain industry
(23:36) Modernization and sustainability for the future of supply chains
Resources:
Connect with Bart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdemuynck/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdemuynck/)
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/)
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/ (https://www.project44.com/)
30 Oct 2024
Charting a Maritime Career with Sal Mercogliano
Disruption is the new norm in global trade. As unexpected crises continue to shake the supply chain, the need for adaptability and resilience has never been greater.
Meet Sal Mercogliano (https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-mercogliano-ph-d-95437729/), maritime historian and host of the What's Going on With Shipping (https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatisGoingonWithShippingwSalMercogliano) podcast, who explains how key events, like the Ever Given Suez Canal obstruction, reveal deeper issues within the shipping industry.
Sal discusses the disruptions within modern supply chains, evolving maritime logistics, and how to increase your company’s adaptability.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The evolution of modern shipping and logistics
Lessons from past events and their impact on current supply chains
How to recognize the interconnected nature of the "supply web"
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Sal Mercogliano
(04:00) Educating the supply chain industry through podcasts
(07:20) Sal’s transition from merchant mariner to professor
(10:23) The effect of black swan events on global shipping
(14:05) Learning from history and planning for disruption
(17:16) “Supply web” not supply chain
(22:08) Ocean carriers' increasing control over shipping
(24:30) The interconnectedness of all modes of transport
Resources:
Connect with Sal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-mercogliano-ph-d-95437729/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-mercogliano-ph-d-95437729/)
X: https://x.com/mercoglianos (https://x.com/mercoglianos)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salvatore.mercogliano.1 (https://www.facebook.com/salvatore.mercogliano.1)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatisGoingonWithShippingwSalMercogliano (https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatisGoingonWithShippingwSalMercogliano)
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/)
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/ (https://www.project44.com/)
16 Oct 2024
Behind the Belt Railway with Percy Fields
What does it take to manage one of the busiest rail terminals in the U.S.?
In this episode, Percy Fields (https://www.linkedin.com/in/percy-fields-415040a1/), President and General Manager of The Belt Railway Company of Chicago (https://beltrailway.com), shares how he rose through the ranks from conductor to senior leadership. With 20 years of experience and deep family ties to railroading, Percy shares insights on managing large-scale operations and keeping 8,500 railcars on track daily.
At the core of the Belt Railway’s success is its unwavering commitment to safety. Percy emphasizes how prioritizing safety—from ensuring well-maintained infrastructure to promoting a strong safety culture among employees—minimizes disruptions and keeps operations running smoothly. With top-tier safety protocols, the Belt Railway ensures it can meet the daily demands of not only Chicago but also the larger U.S. supply chain.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How the Belt Railway plays a critical part in U.S. supply chain logistics
Tips for managing large-scale operations while staying adaptable
What it means to lead with authenticity and stay true to yourself
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Percy Fields
(01:00) Entering the railroad industry
(06:02) “What breaks you, makes you”
(08:10) Why the Belt Railway is vital to Chicago's supply chain
(10:01) A day in the life at The Belt Railway Company of Chicago
(13:09) How to prioritize safety for smoother operations
(16:04) Percy’s career advice in embracing discomfort
(17:36) Be authentic in every role of your life
(20:35) How to prepare for setbacks
Resources:
Connect with Percy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/percy-fields-415040a1/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/percy-fields-415040a1/)
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/)
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/ (https://www.project44.com/)
5 Sept 2024
This is Supply Chain Champions
From natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to pandemics, cyberattacks, and labor strikes, companies have to navigate so many complexities to get goods where they need to go.
What's their secret weapon to operating within the unknown?
It’s the people.
Welcome to Supply Chain Champions, the show that showcases the stories of those who keep supply chains running smoothly. We're here to highlight their untold stories and share lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Join us as we peel back the curtain on the people who make supply chains work and enhance your own career in the process.
Tune in. Get smart. Move forward.
Inside a recent episode
The Power of People in Every Supply Chain Decision with Kristen Kravitz
Published 4 Jun 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] But we interact significantly with our cross -functional partners, like sourcing and planning and merchandising, to make sure that we're delivering on, you know, the promise to get product here when it needs to be that we're agile and how we do that, and that we, you know, get product here in a timely way. […]
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