Episoder
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In this episode, hosts Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean engage with Diane Randolph, a retired CIO and Retail Technology Executive, and Jonathan Salama, Co-Founder and CEO of Transfix.io, to discuss the evolving landscape of supply chain technology. Diane shares insights from her extensive experience in retail, emphasizing the importance of digitization, end-to-end supply chain visibility, and balancing competing goals like cost, speed, and sustainability. Jonathan provides a perspective from the transportation side, illustrating how automation and data-driven tools enable faster, more adaptive supply chains while preserving critical human relationships.
Key topics discussed
The impact of digitization on supply chain efficiency, cost management, and sustainability.The challenges of integrating new technologies with legacy systems in supply chain operations.The role of automation and AI in reducing human error, optimizing processes, and improving decision-making.The importance of people and relationships in maintaining operational excellence alongside technological innovation.Additional Resources:
Follow Diane Randolph on LinkedIn
Follow Jonathan Salama on LinkedIn
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Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean explore the challenges and strategies for navigating supply chain uncertainties. Kris Ferreira, an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School, discusses the role of algorithmic decision-making in improving supply chain predictions, while Rick Watson, CEO and Founder of RMW Commerce, shares insights on managing market, global, and workforce uncertainties and the critical need for agility in modern supply chains.
Key topics discussed:
When and how to use AI tools effectively and their integration with human expertise in reducing uncertainty.The challenges of sharing data across supply chain nodes and its impact on overall optimization.How time horizons affect the accuracy and applicability of demand forecasting models.The shift towards agility and resilience as core principles for navigating supply chain disruptions.Additional Resources:
Follow Kris Ferreira on LinkedIn
Follow Rick Watson on LinkedIn
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Mangler du episoder?
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Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean explore the evolving landscape of last-mile delivery, highlighting the impact of consumer expectations and technological advancements. They are joined by Nate Skiver, Founder of LPF Spend Management, who shares insights into the demand side and evolution of parcel services, and Bill Catania, the CEO of OneRail, who discusses how technology is helping retailers streamline their last-mile delivery solutions and optimize operations for both shippers and carriers.
Key topics discussed:
Challenges and opportunities in last-mile delivery, including the shift from traditional delivery models to carrier diversification for maximizing efficiencyThe influence of Amazon and Walmart on consumer demand and expectations for faster, more reliable deliveryHow retailers are adapting their strategies to meet the rising demand for same-day and next-day servicesThe role of AI and technology in optimizing delivery routes, predicting supply and demand, and driving business growth and innovationAdditional Resources:
Follow Nate Skiver on LinkedIn
Follow Bill Catania on LinkedIn
Logistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer
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Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean examine the evolving landscape of logistics and investment in innovation within the supply chain sector. They engage with Will O'Donnell, Managing Partner at Prologis Ventures, who shares insights into the venture investment landscape and emerging technologies reshaping logistics. Later, Mike Griffin, President of Razor Logistics, shares how private equity investment has unlocked new growth and collaboration opportunities for his team.
Challenges and opportunities in strategic investments in supply chain technology and sustainable infrastructureThe impact of post-COVID economic shifts and funding constraints on logistics tech investments - McKinsey reports a 90% drop in logistics startup funding in 2023 (1)AI’s potential to increase supply chain efficiency through better data connectivity, facilitating predictive insights and improving the decision-making processThe importance of sustainable logistics solutions, including green materials and renewable energy sources
Key topics discussed:Links:
Follow Will O'Donnell on LinkedIn
Follow Mike Griffin on LinkedIn
McKinsey Report (1)
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Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean kick off season two with a deep dive into the current logistics landscape and macroeconomic trends. Dr. Zac Rogers, Associate Professor at Colorado State University, discusses the Logistics Managers' Index (LMI), a key tool for monitoring the industry's performance and predicting future trends. Meanwhile, Dr. John Min, Macroeconomics Professor at Northern Virginia, offers insights into broader economic conditions, discussing the resilience of the U.S. economy, the impact of tariffs, and the ongoing shifts in global trade dynamics.
Key topics discussed:
How the LMI helps in predicting logistics trends and the state of the economyThe end of the freight recession and the anticipated recovery of transportation demandThe global impact of protectionist policies and tariffs on supply chainsThe growing reliance on AI to forecast logistics trendsRecorded in Aug 2024
Links:
Learn more about the Logistics Managers' Index
Access GPDNow
Follow Zac Rogers on LinkedIn
Follow John Min on LinkedIn
Listen to more episodes
Learn more about Flexe
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Ongoing disruptions. Rising complexities. New opportunities. Season 2 of the Logistics Leadership Podcast dives deeper into the critical issues shaping today’s supply chain landscape. Hosted by Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean, this season features expert insights, discussions on the latest logistics innovations, and actionable strategies that supply chain leaders need to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.
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Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean (Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization) conclude season one of the Logistics Leadership Podcast and highlight key moments and conversations. They discuss how to prepare supply chains for uncertainty, evolve to meet strategic goals and continuously optimize to improve outcomes.
Some of the topics explored:
How to build agility into the forecasting process and prepare for disruptionEvolving omnichannel supply chains to create great customer experiencesTest-and-learn approaches to optimize supply chains
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Karl Siebrecht and Ben Dean (Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization) consider the future of logistics and reflect on past guests’ supply chain predictions. They examine trends from digitization to rising consumer expectations to the cyclical nature of the logistics industry.
Some of the topics explored:
The cycle of supply and demand in logisticsThe benefits created by the digitization of supply chainsWhy supply chain leaders focus on customers, costs, and carbonThe future of supply chain innovation, infrastructure and agility
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Jon Schechter (VP of Fulfillment Solutions, AutoStore) joins Karl to discuss robotics and warehouse automation. Listen in to learn about the acceleration of robotics in the past decade, automation challenges and how great people and processes accelerate ROI. Then hear from Jordan Lawrence (Flexe Director of Logistics Strategy) and Ben Dean (Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization) as they discuss the rapid growth of warehousing and automation solutions, automation’s ROI and future innovations in the space.
Some of the topics explored:
The rapid acceleration of robotics over the past decadeThe benefits of automation, from maximizing space to meeting customer SLAsHow investments in automation intersect with 2024 labor trendsHow great people and processes accelerate robotics ROI
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Rob Garrison (Managing Director, WiseTech Global) joins Karl to discuss global onshoring and nearshoring trends. Listen in to learn about three nearshoring approaches, the intersection of innovation and nearshoring, and what industries may benefit. Then hear from George Holland (VP of Business Development, JT Logistic), Jordan Lawrence (Flexe Director of Logistics Strategy) and Ben Dean (Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization) as they discuss supply chain bottlenecks, hybrid nearshoring strategies and new solutions over the next decade.
Some of the topics explored:
Post-pandemic trends and supply chain bottlenecksThree approaches to nearshoring and their strengths and weaknessesThe intersection of technology, innovation and nearshoringIndustries interested in nearshoring strategiesHow nearshoring increases supply chain resilience
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Melinda McLaughlin (Global Head of Research, Prologis) joins Karl to discuss the current state of warehousing, how the supply and demand cycle affects logistics real estate and long-term projections for warehousing into 2024. Listen in to learn about the value of tech-enabled networks—and the importance of test-and-learn approaches. Then hear from Jordan Lawrence (Flexe Director of Logistics Strategy) and Ben Dean (Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization) as they discuss the latest warehousing trends and Flexe data points.
Some of the topics explored:
The cycle of supply and demand in logistics real estateMarket expansions and scarcity into 2024Nearshoring as a trend and what that means for U.S. warehousingThe importance of tech-enabled omnichannel networks to meet consumer demandHow test-and-learn approaches reduce CapEx spend and create a competitive advantageLogistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer
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Lior Ron (CEO, Uber Freight) joins Karl to discuss supply chain digitization as well as transportation opportunities and challenges. Listen in and learn how digital infrastructure transforms logistics—and how innovators connect fragmented supply chains. Then hear from Chris Reed (Director of Business Development, Bogdan Delivery) on diversifying transportation partners and investing in the future.
Some of the topics explored:
The top benefits created by the digitization of supply chainsHow technology democratizes supply chains and unlocks efficienciesAdvice for businesses who haven’t yet begun to digitize their supply chainTop trends in transportation today—and the unprecedented speed of changeLogistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer
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In part two of a two-part series on retail and eCommerce, Michael Bender (former COO of eCommerce, Walmart) joins Karl to discuss how consumer behavior drives eCommerce decision-making, the importance of robust forecasting and how supply chain flexibility creates eCommerce success. Listen in and discover lessons retailers learned from pandemic-era disruptions—and how AI can transform supply chain insights. Then hear from Chris Halkyard (Founder and COO of La Bella Stella, former Chief Supply Chain Officer of Blue Apron), Jordan Lawrence (Flexe Director of Logistics Strategy), and Ben Dean (Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization).
Some of the topics explored:
The four customer questions every eCommerce brand should ask themselvesLessons retailers learned from pandemic-era disruptions Why supply chain leaders focus on customers, costs, and carbonHow AI transforms supply chain insightsThe value of combining robust forecasts and flexible supply chainsLogistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer
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In part one of a two-part series on retail and eCommerce, Jason Trusley (SVP, Land O’Lakes) joins Karl to discuss how consumers think, behave and make purchases in an evolving economy. Learn how retailers build great experiential brands with new technologies—without creating complex supply chains. Then hear from Jacob Laufer (Head of Expansion, Ohi), Jordan Lawrence (Flexe Director of Logistics Strategy), and Ben Dean (Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization).
Some of the topics explored:
Changes in consumer behavior amid a rapidly evolving economyConsumer cravings, great brand experiences and the role of eCommerceWhat AI can reveal about consumer desires, expectations and experiencesHow to test and learn fast, build experiential brands and create a durable competitive advantage with new technologiesHow flexible infrastructure helps retailers quickly adapt to evolving consumer behaviors
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Dave Tuttle (VP of Data Intelligence, former VP of Sustainability at Breakthrough) joins Karl to discuss what drives supply chain sustainability, from organizational obstacles to new technologies. And then hear from Jen Grimaudo, Senior Director of Sustainability at Iron Mountain, Flexe Director of Logistics Strategy, Jordan Lawrence and Flexe Sr. Director of Network Strategy & Optimization, Ben Dean.
What drives supply chain sustainability initiativesBarriers to sustainability and how to overcome themHow supply chain analytics optimize supply chain networks Technology’s place in driving sustainability
Some of the topics explored:Logistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer
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Matt Davis (VP of Research at Zero100) joins Karl to discuss logistics tech and the latest industry innovations. They discuss how logistics technology accelerated logistics’ biggest ideas and the next innovation wave. Also, hear current logistics trends from Flexe Director of Logistics Strategy, Jordan Lawrence and Flexe Director of Sourcing, Carmen Vazquez.
Some of the topics explored:
Where to start when tackling issues that may require new tech capabilitiesThe democratization of information, technology and analyticsAnd how humility leads to better innovation“We’re right now at that next wave when innovation is going to come and companies do feel ready.” - Matt Davis VP of Research, Zero100
Logistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer
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Today’s supply chain industry leaders navigate a complex and uncertain environment. Join Karl, Jordan and Ben as they delve into the market dynamics facing shippers and warehouse operators. Karl interviews Dilip Bhattacharjee (McKinsey & Company) to discuss the biggest challenges in the supply chain today. And Jordan and Ben discuss market trends affecting shippers and warehouse operators.
eCommerce drives the atomization of supply chain networksStrategic supply chain technologies cut through complexityInnovation shapes the industry and creates new flexible logistics modelsOperators continue to struggle with labor shortages
Learn how:Sources
U.S. job reshoring (Bloomberg)Global and regional costs and 3PL market trends (Downshift)McKinsey’s recent logistics and supply chain report (Logistics Disruptors
Logistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer -
Increasing costs. Evolving consumer expectations. And accelerating disruptions. Today’s supply chain leaders face more challenges than ever before. Hosted by Karl Siebrecht, the Logistics Leadership Podcast features industry interviews, warehousing and transportation deep dives and the unique insights supply chain leaders require to compete and win in today’s environment.
Logistics Leadership Podcast legal disclaimer
