Let's Talk Supply Chain

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey

My Name is Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and this is Let's Talk Supply Chain where I interview the top Supply Chain professionals in the industry. You will learn about best practices, changes in the industry and Hot Topics surrounding Supply Chain. Have a specific question you want answered? E-mail us at listener@letstalksupplychain.com

  1. 22 HR AGO

    524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara

    Kiren Sekar of Samsara talks about what they do; data, AI and unification; improving driver safety; and cutting costs whilst boosting engagement.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [3.19] An introduction to Kiren, his background, and why supply chain is a big opportunity to make an impact. "What's always motivated me is solving hard technical problems that have big impact in the world." [07.16] How the Samsara founding teams' vision, that sensors and software could impact the world of physical operations at a global scale, led them to establish Meraki and ultimately Samsara. [11.23] An overview of Samsara, and how they helped DHL cut asset-related costs by approximately 49% and put a clear focus on driver safety. "We saw, across the industry, that keeping folks safe out on the road was becoming a bigger and bigger challenge, and the cost of accidents was getting higher and higher." [15.40] The role of habits in change management, and why leading consumer apps have played a key role in Samsara's product design. "Strava, Duolingo… There's really effective ways these apps can change habits. Gamification, leaderboards, friendly competition, rewards… We've built those types of experiences into our product." [18.44] The ideal customer for Samsara. [20.59] From safety to efficiency, the common challenges Samsara customers are looking to solve, and why digitization is their critical opportunity. "We now have a digitally native set of leaders at many of these companies. They have all the cutting edge technology in their personal life… and they want to be at the forefront." [25.36] What the discovery, solution development, onboarding and integration process looks like with Samsara, and why being flexible and fast-to-value is key. [29.51] How the Samsara platform allows teams to run all operations from one place, and the big benefits to unification. "It starts with unified data. Historically there were technologies for driver safety, GPS tracking, compliance, digital documents – and they were all siloed… You end up with fragmentation and complexity. It doesn't work, and it doesn't scale." "Collaboration is a fundamentally human thing. But it's really inhibited when each person has a different view of the world." [34.33] How Samsara Intelligence leverages AI to drive impact for customers. [38.55] A case study exploring how Samsara helped Mohawk improve driver safety and reduce miles driven, and how the technology changed their relationship with drivers. "It translates to bottom line savings and increases driver engagement, which turns into lower turnover and vacancies." [40.50] The future for Samsara, and why data is helping them build solutions that were previously impossible. "There are still so many unsolved problems in the world of operations. And we're still in the early days of how technology can improve safety, efficiency and sustainability." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Samsara's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Samsara and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Kiren on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    48 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    523: Q1 Kick-Off: Discover the Strategies and Steps You Need to Take Now, with Blue Yonder

    Duncan Angove of Blue Yonder talks about supply chain in 2026 and beyond; AI; & how businesses can get out of testing mode and lean into scalable innovation.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.52] An introduction to Duncan, his background and career journey, and what has always interested him about technology. "I'm lucky to have lived through multiple computing transitions, and I always loved the idea that you could leverage technology and code to solve problems." [07.55] The biggest challenges and opportunities for 2026, and why businesses need to step back and look at the bigger picture. "Disruption and complexity is business as usual in supply chain… So we don't get hung up on how you're going to solve for tariffs. You need to have a systemic approach to being more agile, resilient and efficient all the time." [12.54] From the importance of change management to putting a focus on building trust, how organizations are adjusting to a new reality of near-constant disruption and emerging technologies. "There's a lot of experimentation, but not a lot of companies have crossed the chasm from pilot and sexy demo into production… The consequences of getting something wrong have huge business implications." [18.20] How businesses can actually prepare for disruption. "Fundamentally it's about speed and precision, and having a business and software architecture that enables that. Supply chain, historically, doesn't look like that." [22.27] Blue Yonder's long-term vision for transforming global supply chains, and how technology is shaping that future. [26.06] The biggest roadblocks right now with AI integration and adoption, and why supply chain sits in a unique position bridging the digital and physical worlds. "The worst people to innovate in a category are experts." [30.47] How businesses can get out of testing mode and lean into scalable innovation. "Helping people understand and manage their data is step one." [32.59] How Blue Yonder has combined multiple types of AI to create new solutions for retailers, practical examples of that AI in action, and why complete automation is the ultimate end goal. [39.13] What truly sets an organization apart as innovative. [41.49] What leaders should be doing and thinking about now to position for the future.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Blue Yonder's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Blue Yonder and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Duncan on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out: 516: Innovation, Transformation, and Modern Supply Chains, with Blue Yonder 497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder 434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder 503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    49 min

  3. 9 FEB

    522: Replace Heroics Not Humans, with Amazon Web Services

    Tariq Choudry of Amazon Web Services talks about why AI pilots still fail, cyber risk, decisions over dashboards, & why AI will replace heroics, not humans.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.13] An introduction to Tariq, his background, and role at AWS. "I spend my time thinking about how we move from software that explains problems to software that actually solves them at scale." [06.18] Why AI will replace heroics, not humans. "Supply chains are held together by caffeine, guilt, that one person that hasn't had a vacation since 2019. There are a lot of late nights and Slack war rooms, and there are groups of people that have the entire network in their hands. That's extremely fragile – and not scalable." [10.10] Why so many AI pilots still fail, what's going wrong with both technology and people, and the big problem with incentive and blame culture. "Pilots don't fail because the underlying model is bad. They fail because the organizations are very good at protecting how decisions are currently made. Companies are saying they want AI – but only if nothing important changes." "If all you're doing is trying to determine what failed, why, and who's to blame, you've missed the point." [15.30] How businesses can incorporate new capabilities and integrate them into their existing systems and workflows, and use agentic AI to surface the need for critical decisions earlier when there's more time and optionality. "Time is the one commodity you can't earn back… Use the agent to surface those weak signals earlier – that's when you still have options." [21.17] From dashboards and Excel to tribal knowledge in our workflows, how AI is exposing organizational debt, and what that means for teams. "You spend your time fighting the fires, and less time designing the new systems to prevent them." [26.49] What does all of this means for planners? "The best planners won't get replaced – they should be promoted!" [30.43] Why cyber risk is now a supply chain problem, and how AI can helps teams navigate it. "Your weakest supplier is your weakest point in your firewall." [33.39] Why people want AI but don't trust it, and why trust is built from predictability. "When humans make mistakes, over time we call that judgement. It comes from experience – that's a judgement call. But when AI makes that mistake, it's scandalous." "Trust isn't perfection, it's predictability." [38.37] Tariq's advice for how businesses can build trust in AI, prove predictability, and scale with confidence.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Amazon Web Service's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with AWS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Tariq on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Amazon Web Services, check out 489: Time To Swap Your Axe For A Chainsaw: The Power of Agentic AI or 519: Overcoming The Perfect Storm: Moving Beyond Basic Automation To Realize AI's Full Potential. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    43 min

  4. 4 FEB

    521: Women In Supply Chain™, Ruth Rojas

    Ruth Rojas talks about her career journey; bridging the gap between frontline teams and supply chain tech; mentorship; & what drives her in her life & career.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [02.57] An introduction to Ruth and her company Tecsys. [04.04] Ruth's early interest in engineering and how she chose her major. [05.42] Why Ruth moved from Texas to New York, and her first industry job as a logistics coordinator. "It taught me how to interact with different cultures… It was a very enriching experience and I'm so happy I found it at that moment, because I wasn't planning it." [08.18] Ruth's experience at Canon, and how it allowed her to travel, learn and grow. "I was offered my dream job. It involved diverse cultures and travel… It was a turning point for me." [11.28] Ruth's current role as a Platinum Application Specialist at Tecsys. "I get to talk to different people, from a CEO to a warehouse worker picking an order." [13.32] An overview of the warehousing and distribution landscape right now, and the challenges impacting it. [15.42] Ruth's role as the bridge between frontline operational teams and sophisticated supply chain technologies, her advice for other leaders looking to bridge that gap effectively, and why it's so important to let teams know they're not alone. "Get into the frontline workers shoes! You can imagine… but if you don't go to the floor and actually see the warehouse space, the equipment they use, the tools they have available – you're not getting the real picture." [19.08] What makes Ruth a workforce innovator, and why workforce innovation is key. "It's all about adding value. And that can be as simple as having new ideas." [20.26] How Ruth found her voice. [21.35] Ruth's experience as a woman moving through engineering and logistics, and how these industries are changing for women. [23.05] Ruth's experience of mentorship, why finding a mentor is crucial to success, and how to find one. "Everybody should have a mentor – if you don't have one, get one!" [26.52] What drives Ruth in her life and career, and her commitment to personal growth. [28.50] The future for Ruth.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Ruth over on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more female leaders at Tecsys, check out episodes 509: Women In Supply Chain™, Nermine Saad or 433: Women In Supply Chain™, Annie Torikian. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    34 min

  5. 2 FEB

    520: Enter the New Era of Supply Chain Management, with Infios

    Beth Hendriks talks about Infios: what they do; intelligent supply chain execution; moving AI from hype to outcomes; & what 2026 will bring for the industry.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.33] An overview of Beth's 30-plus year career and how she learned to balance it with motherhood. "I'm a mother of six, and that gave me a lot of skills to be effective in my everyday job… To balance challenges, to learn to prioritize, and how to have peace in the midst of chaos." [06.07] An overview of Infios and what they do, and what their recent mergers and acquisitions mean for their customers. "Being data-driven is crucial because, as we get into things like AI, it's only as good as the data that feeds it." "For our customers, the acquisitions translate into broader functionality with less integration complexity, so they benefit from a more connected platform that allows them to align inventory, fulfilment and transportation decisions." [08.57] The ideal customer for Infios. [11.06] From poor visibility and slow decision-making to an inability to coordinate across channels, the common challenges Infios customers experience, and how Infios help to solve them by delivering tighter control over planning and execution through unification. "Customers come to Infios when their operational complexity has outgrown either their existing systems or processes and is starting to impact from a cost, service level or scalability perspective." "They want to run a more agile, efficient, resilient supply chain while keeping pace with ongoing disruption and growth." [14.00] What 'intelligent supply chain execution' means, the benefits, and the impact it's driving for Infios customers. [18.04] How Infios' modular technology helps tackle historical tech stack issues and support quicker testing, flexibility, and transformation. "It ultimately results in a supply chain execution platform that evolves with the business, rather than constraining it, and it supports continuous improvement instead of periodic disruptive overhauls." [22.23] Beth's perspective on AI in the current market, the gap between hype and reality, and how Infios is driving AI with purpose. "Many organizations talk about AI in conceptual terms: 'AI is going to help transform my supply chain'… But, in practice, common challenges like fragmented data, legacy systems and unclear ROI means most are still in early stages of adoption." "Hype around AI hasn't fully materialized into broad operational impact." [27.00] A case study exploring how Infios helped a customer struggling with slow order-to-ship cycles and low inventory visibility by implementing an integrated stack that resulted in 70% fewer back orders, a 20% increase in customer satisfaction, and improved delivery accuracy as well as lowered inventory costs. [30.42] Why Infios believe that the future can be better if we make supply chains better, and their vision for moving toward it. "Supply chains quietly shape almost every aspect of modern life – people that aren't familiar with it don't even realize the impact it has." [34.13] What 2026 is going to bring for the industry, and for Infios. "2026 is going to be a year of practical AI adoption, tighter integration and smarter execution." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Infios' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Infios and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Beth on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    44 min

  6. 28 JAN

    519: Overcoming The Perfect Storm: Moving Beyond Basic Automation To Realize AI's Full Potential, with Amazon Web Services

    Kris Orlowski of Amazon Web Services talks about their recent survey and what it reveals about data, trust, decision-making and AI readiness in supply chain.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.12] An introduction to Kris, his background, and his role at Amazon Web Services. "A good part of my role right now, as we're continuing to innovate, is understanding what supply chain practitioners actually want and need." [05.17] An overview of AWS – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [06.20] An overview of Amazon Web Services' recent industry survey, who they spoke to, and what they were trying to understand. "We were really trying to understand the gap between aspiration and reality – because there's a lot of hype!" [08.12] The challenges businesses are currently facing when it comes to data and decision-making. "85% of supply chain teams take two or more weeks to resolve urgent issues… And it's partly because of the 'data gathering tax.'" [14.14] From engaging in less strategic work to the creation of a risk aversion culture, the business impact of slow and inaccurate decision-making. "When you spend your time firefighting, you're not doing strategic work." "The cost of a delayed decision can exceed the cost of an imperfect one." [17.20] The surprising results revealed by the AWS survey around how supply chain practitioners envision AI as part of their operations, and what the three-step 'execute, adapt, advise' approach could mean for businesses. "Organizations are envisioning AI as an operational partner, not just a tool… An assistant that can work alongside them." [21.21] The 'double barrier phenomenon' organizations see when trying to implement AI, and what those barriers to both adoption and utilization look like. "57% said the top barrier to realizing AI's full potential was a limited understanding of its capabilities, followed by a lack of trust in AI recommendations." "Organizations are buying AI technology, but they're not building AI readiness." [27.17] What businesses are looking for to help them build trust in new technology and AI-powered decision-making. [31.00] How vendors and developers should be thinking about partnership, trust and building the type of AI that businesses are actually looking for. "There's a trust paradox. Organizations want AI that is simultaneously autonomous, but controllable; intelligent, but explainable; proactive, but compliant. The vendors that understand this will build AI that organizations actually use, not just purchase." [35.02] The big opportunities for organizations that are able to make real strides in their decision-making, and how listeners can access the report. [37.36] The survey results that surprised Kris most, and what they might mean for businesses and AI adoption. [41.15] The practical next steps businesses can take to ensure their AI journeys are a success in 2026.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Amazon Web Service's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with AWS and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Kris on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from AWS, check out 489: Time To Swap Your Axe For A Chainsaw: The Power of Agentic AI. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    49 min

  7. 27 JAN

    518: From Automation to Intelligence: How AI Is Transforming the Modern Warehouse, with GreyOrange

    Saurabh Gupta of GreyOrange talks about how AI is transforming the modern warehouse, the role of partners, & why automation without orchestration underdelivers.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.33] Saurabh's career journey and what he learned from being involved in software development for iPods and the very first iPhone at Apple. "The most powerful technology is one that works so seamlessly that it's invisible to the user." [09.39] Why Saurabh pivoted from a career in consumer robotics to supply chain and warehouse robotics. "In consumer robotics, we start with the technology first, then figure out what to do with it… And, beyond cleaning the house, not many robots are really changing your life in the home. In supply chain, the value is clear." [11.10] Why GreyOrange shifted from robotics company to an orchestration platform, and the importance of focusing on decision-making systems, not product. "Warehouses need a symphony – robots are the instruments, and orchestration is the conductor." [16.40] Why automation without orchestration underdelivers. [18.47] What AI orchestration actually means for complex, omnichannel warehouses, and the three-question framework to determine if software and systems are actually AI. "AI is not perfect, it's never going to be perfect. But it is going to make our lives better. It's about getting that balance right." [23.47] What hyperintelligence means in real operational terms. [27.23] What the warehouse of the future is going to look like when it comes to robotics, and how AI orchestration is going to help enable it. "It won't be a room full of robots. It will be a living ecosystem." [31.11] The role of system integrators, robot partners, and technology providers in scaling outcomes, and why orchestration platforms need strong partners to deliver real-world results. "We want to give system integrators the intelligence to more confidently predict performance. They should be able to do that before a single piece of hardware is put on the floor." [34.25] How GreyOrange thinks about collaboration and shared accountability and outcomes with their partners. [38.02] What warehouses will expect from AI orchestration platforms in the next few years that they don't expect today, and why they're going to get their 'ChatGPT moment.'   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to GreyOrange's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with GreyOrange and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Saurabh on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from GreyOrange, check out 495: Discover Hyper-Intelligent Orchestration, with GreyOrange. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    46 min

  8. 22 JAN

    517: 'Useful AI': Your Key to Visibility Project Success, with Shippeo

    Lucien Besse of Shippeo talks about navigating supply chain chaos; data quality & continuous improvement; AI; and the keys to visibility project success.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.38] An introduction to Lucien and the journey that led him to co-found Shippeo. [07.07] The biggest sources of chaos for supply chain teams, and why they need flexibility and visibility. "Supply chain managers need to make hundreds of decisions every day, every hour, every minute – they need to navigate uncertainty every single day, and that hasn't changed… What has really changed is the number of disruptions." [09.28] Why supply chain professionals are 'the calm in the storm,' what even small problems amidst the backdrop of chaos mean for businesses, and how Shippeo help customers with both inbound and outbound challenges. [15.00] The big issues that sit behind supply chain chaos, and why trust in data is crucial. "Visibility is a commodity, everybody needs it. But accurate visibility is not a commodity. The reliability of the information you provide to the customer needs to be correct, and they need to have the ability to take action. Because the end goal is not just to look at an ETA on a platform, it's to take an action." [18.02] The importance of data quality and why it's a continuous improvement project. "When we talk to our customers, we tell the truth. There is work to be done, there's no magic wand. It's continuous improvement." "Visibility is about technology, but also about process and people." [23.47] The importance of honesty and setting clear expectations in communications with customers, and why three-way collaboration between vendors, carriers and customers is key. [28.37] How data issues impact the success of AI, and how Shippeo is leveraging AI for customers. "There are two main pillars when it comes to AI – data quality and automation of manual tasks, and making visibility actionable through workflows." [33.31] What success looks like, how organizations can ensure their visibility projects are a success, and why change management relies on understanding people and their daily habits. [40.13] The two core areas Shippeo will be focusing on in 2026.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Shippeo's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shippeo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Lucien on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shippeo, check out: 494: The Digitization Dilemma: Overcoming Transformation Failures with Shippeo 443: Mastering Visibility: Insights from LogTech Live with Shippeo 486: Revealed – The Number One Way To Make Your Supply Chain Future-Proof 475: Leverage Real-Time Transportation Visibility, with Shippeo Check out our other podcasts HERE.

    47 min
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About

My Name is Sarah Barnes-Humphrey and this is Let's Talk Supply Chain where I interview the top Supply Chain professionals in the industry. You will learn about best practices, changes in the industry and Hot Topics surrounding Supply Chain. Have a specific question you want answered? E-mail us at listener@letstalksupplychain.com

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