Over 80% of AI initiatives fail to meet their goals—yet companies can't compete without AI-driven supply chains. The secret isn't more technology; it's knowing when humans must override the algorithms. When COVID hit, every math-based forecasting model failed because AI still runs on historical data. Supply chain expert reveals the collision of three forces reshaping global business: structural transformation from lean/just-in-time to resilient operations, AI-powered autonomous systems, and unprecedented geopolitical volatility. Learn why over 70% of S&P 500 companies now have Chief Supply Chain Officers at the C-suite level, and how companies like Zara use real-time sensors to track customer behavior from the moment a garment is picked up. In the latest episode of International Business Today, host Ravi Sarathy sits down with Dr. Nada Sanders, Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at Northeastern University and past President of the Production and Operations Management Society, to explore: • Why supply chains have moved from back-office function to strategic frontline • How Amazon, Zara, and Unilever run near-autonomous AI-driven supply chains • The 80/20 rule for AI: automate B and C customers, build relationships with A customers • Why AI excels at both short-term efficiency AND long-term scenario planning • How Apple turned a white iPhone production failure into marketing genius • The critical talent gap: young coders who lack domain expertise to override AI • Why 80-90% of AI initiatives fail—and how to avoid becoming a statistic • Skills supply chain leaders need now: communication, negotiation, public speaking Whether you're a supply chain executive navigating tariff uncertainty, a business leader evaluating AI investments, or a student preparing for careers in operations management, this episode reveals why the future belongs to humans who can partner with AI—not be replaced by it. About the guest: Dr. Nada Sanders is Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University. Ranked in the top 2% of world scientists by Stanford University, she is an internationally recognized expert in forecasting, global supply chains, and human-technology integration. She has served as President of the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS), sits on the Board of Economic Advisers of the Association of Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), and has consulted with Fortune 100 companies including Amazon, Dell, and Lego. She is the author of eight books, including the award-winning "The Humachine: Humankind, Machines, and the Future of Enterprise" (Routledge, 2nd ed. 2024). Learn more about Nada Sanders: https://damore-mckim.northeastern.edu/people/nada-sanders/ Nada Sanders website: https://nadasanders.com/ The Humachine on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Humachine-Nada-R-Sanders/dp/1032345683 New book out now : "Supply Chain Management With AI" (Prospect Press) https://www.prospectpressvt.com/textbooks/sanders-scm-with-ai Watch on https://youtu.be/Oqr0nlI8yDc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalBusinessToday Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2y21XexVdXEiTBdZQIuSyf Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/international-business-today/id1665009512
