2 Babes Talk Supply Chain

Mercedes Pina talks about her career journey; her experience as an immigrant; her passion for logistics; and why she believes that anything is possible.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.05] Mercedes’ experience as a young immigrant in Long Island, and why her parents instilled in her a sense of hard work and perseverance. “The sacrifices my parents made gave me the opportunity to strive for excellence in everything I do.” [08.47] The challenges Mercedes faced as a young immigrant in a new country, her approach to tackling them, and how those experiences shaped the woman she is today. [10.11] Where Mercedes’ career began, and how she discovered a passion for logistics. “Initially, I thought logistics would be something temporary. But as I got deeper into the industry, I became captivated by it’s vastness and complexity, and by the challenges of understanding the full scope of it.” [11.58] Mercedes’ role as Vice President of Client Services and Expedited Pricing at STG Logistics, and the importance of

Alex Yaseen of Parabola talks about his founder journey; the future of spreadsheets; empowering teams with workflow control; and embracing AI.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.34] An introduction to Alex, his background, and the journey that led him to found Parabola. “Most people seem to engage with new tech with fear and a lack of agency… People describe fighting against technology. And that’s a shame, because you could have such a positive, productive, empowering relationship with technology once you know how to use it.” [12.48] The challenges Alex saw as a consultant at Deloitte, and the problems he still sees across the industry, when it comes to people and technology. “Even at Fortune 50 companies, people were still doing incredibly non-scalable, crazy, manual processes on spreadsheets.” [16.46] An overview of Parabola – who they are, what they do and how they help their customers – and Alex’s take on the mismatch between operations and IT that Parabola is helping to solve. [21.09] The growing i

Tiffany Brewer of Blue Yonder talks about synchronizing supply chain execution; building resilient businesses; & helping clients reduce spend & drive growth. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.23] An introduction to Tiffany, her background, and the expertise she brings to her role at Blue Yonder. “I’ve been in the shoes of our customers, and I’m able to speak to the product teams and say: “Hey – this is what’s going on in the industry, this is what our customers need.” [08.24] What synchronizing supply chain execution means to Blue Yonder and their customers. “We’ve historically had point solutions that solve each problem, from warehousing to transportation… but they’re not really separate processes to the point that systems shouldn’t be talking to each other.” [12.35] The macro challenges rocking the industry right now; why a lot of current tech architecture isn’t capable of keeping up; and how connected solutions can help. [20.35] How those big challenges impact Blue Yonder customers, and the chall

Annie Torikian talks about her career journey; her passion for innovation; balancing professional and social responsibility; and being named a trailblazer.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.47] The journey that led Annie from Lebanon to Canada, and what she learned along the way. “When I first came to Canada, I was really ready to embrace a new chapter in my life. I came looking for stability and security… It was a big shift… and it gave me a new perspective on life.” [08.30] The surprisingly practical reason that led Annie to supply chain, and how she fell in love with the industry. “Over the years… I realized how impactful and important the job I was doing was... As I discovered the complexities and global impact of supply chain, it became a no-brainer for me, I thought ‘I’m going to stay in this industry and thrive’… Sometimes, the most rewarding paths are the ones we never planned to take.” [10.37] An overview of Tecsys, what they do, and how they help their customers. [11.54] Annie’s role as Vice P

Jeff Beadle of Manhattan talks about their Unified Forecasting Method; how the hybrid approach is different; & the benefits to supply chain planning.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.28] An introduction to Jeff, his role at Manhattan, and how, as a physicist coming from a job at the “applied chaos lab,” he found his way to supply chain. “As a data scientist, there’s not a better sandbox than supply chain – and especially at Manhattan, given the breadth of solutions we have across the space.” [09.10] Why unification is key to both Manhattan’s approach to helping clients and to improving the industry; and its importance in forecasting. “By unifying demand forecasting methods into a single composite model, it elevates capability, robustness, adaptability, and accuracy – and therefore all of the optimization of supply chain processes, and applications that are consuming that output.” [12.32] An overview of UFM, how its hybrid forecasting approach differs from more traditional statistical models and sta

Trace Haggard of TSG Fleet talks about his founder journey; the problem of overcapacity; avoiding delays; & the benefit of providing solutions under one roof.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.45] Trace’s entrepreneurial background, and the journey that led him to found TSG Fleets.  “I came from an agricultural family, and I wanted to get off the farm!... By coincidence, I did an internship at a 3PL… The general manager asked if I’d be interested in coming back for a job, and that sounded much better than law school!” [14.10] An overview of TSG – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [16.09] The ideal client for TSG. “I prefer relationship-based customers… When things happen strategically, or when economics aren’t working out, you can sit down and have a discussion and accomplish something. Transactional customers come and go.” [19.11] The current landscape of trucking and biggest challenges, from theft to over-capacity. “The pandemic sent a tidal wave of capacity out the

Bryant Smith of Manhattan talks about supply chain unification; visibility, resiliency & cost; overcoming siloes; and delivering big results with their TMS. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.52] An overview of Manhattan – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [08.20] The basics of supply chain unification, what it means, and the common misconceptions. “There are a lot of misconceptions about unification… Sometimes you hear other companies express unification as integrations between different systems… that’s not our definition of unification!” “There are a lot of different components and workflows that are associated with managing a supply chain… and we have a single platform that manages all those workflows in one central place.” [10.39] A closer look at Manhattan’s transport management solutions and modernized tech platform, and how the platform has evolved over time. “Supply chain execution is hard – but using the technology shouldn’t be.” [18.20] Why supply chain has histor

Kameel Gaines talks about her career journey; her business Rig on Wheels; driver recruitment; & the importance of elevating African American women in trucking.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.37] Kameel’s career journey, and how she found her way from educational sales to trucking recruitment. “Trucking chose me!” [10.38] Why Kameel founded her own business, Rig on Wheels, and why she always had an entrepreneurial mindset. “I came from an entrepreneurial family, so I wasn’t afraid of it. [13.42] A closer look at Rig on Wheels; what makes it different; and Kameel’s reputation for innovation and taking a driver-centric approach to business. “We are very much an advocate of the professional driver. Innovation is very important because evolution is coming, it’s here! We want to make sure that our drivers are ready.” “Recruitment is changing, and social media is the new CB radio! We need to meet drivers where they are.” [16.54] Rig on Wheels’ upcoming 15-year anniversary, and Kameel’s laidback approac

Amit Sharma of Narvar talks about leveraging intelligent communication to boost consumer trust, create memorable shopping experiences & maximize conversions. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.56] Amit’s career journey, and how it led him to establish Narvar. [10.12] An overview of Narvar – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “Online, after we buy, there’s a waiting period. And often that waiting period is overlooked, or under-invested. We help businesses engage their customers with the intention of driving long term loyalty and advocacy.” [12.54] The ideal client for Narvar. [14.28] Amit’s take on the biggest e-commerce challenges right now, especially when it comes to the post-purchase experience. “Once you buy a product, it’s a chore. ‘Find a tracking number; When can I get it?; Do I have to be at home,?; Will the package be secure?’… There are all these questions that lead to anxiety about the order you placed. So the challenge is to build the trust every step of the way.”

Jeremy Reeves of Relish & Matt Montgomery of SAP talk about how technology can automate supplier data validation and mitigate risk; our data end games; & AI.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.15] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. [08.59] An overview of the landscape of supplier data and the challenges of validation. “Supplier management needs to be thought of as the foundation for everything. It’s the knowledge that you need to have for every single decision you’re making.” “As we look at solutions and talk about supplier data, we can’t just talk about ‘company name and address.’ We have to think: What do you need to know to make the choice to use that supplier, to make a better decision, to streamline processes? … How do you collaborate and drive efficiency so you can spend more time on the good decisions versus data collection?” [13.25] The supplier data end game – what supplier data should look like, and what it should do for their businesses, if organizations have the right solu

Thomas Bagge of DCSA & Thomas Morris of FINN Partners talk about digitalization in container shipping; drivers & barriers to change; and progress & priorities.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.45] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. “DCSA aims to help digitalize and make container shipping more effective. We’re open source and vendor neutral… and our members represent about 75% of the world’s containerized capacity.” [10.13] An overview of DCSA’s new state of the industry report: what it’s about, why they commissioned it, and what they’re aiming to achieve. “Decision makers are strongly advocating for more digital tools, more interoperability – they want to improve efficiency… So how do we convert these demands into firm commitments that will help drive digitalization forward?” [13.41] A closer look at the methodology and analytics that were used in the creation of the report. “We’re excited. Given the amount of ground we’ve covered, and the amount of research we’ve done – we th

Josephine Coombe talks about her career journey; how marketing has changed; work/life balance; & why it’s never been a more exciting time to be in supply chain.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.26] Josephine’s career journey; her transition from the arts to technology and supply chain; and why embracing ambiguity is a good thing. “I wouldn’t say my career was planned, or at least the first half was more serendipity than planning. But, around halfway through, I started being much more deliberate about where I was going as a professional. And, particularly for young women, allowing a little bit of the unexpected can take you down paths that are very positive.” [08.49] How marketing has changed over the course of Josephine’s career; why it’s vital to bring creativity and analytics together; and why data isn’t everything when it comes to marketing. “It’s been a very interesting time to see the shifts in marketing. Back then marketing was, to some extent, more of an arts discipline… And it’s changed dramati

Larry Cuddy of Lynxis talks about transforming terminal operations; consolidating solutions; & his vision for the landside logistics facilities of tomorrow.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [05.39] Larry’s career journey and unrivalled passion for supply chain. “My journey is so special because I love what I do. I have to pinch myself, because it’s really not a job for me… This journey started at five or six years old in a truck with my grandfather.” [08.53] An overview of Lynxis – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re designing a platform for the asset owner and the operator, and there are three things that are core to that: how do you move cargo; how do you do it in less space; and how do you reduce your operating costs? And the common denominator is optimizing terminals.” [12.35] The ideal client for Lynxis. [14.24] The biggest challenges currently faced by cargo terminals and landside logistics facilities, and Lynxis’ approach to tackling them. “Yes: tech is importa

Ryan Zelhofer of Assent talks about PFAS management & evolving regulations; understanding risk; working with suppliers; & compliance as a competitive advantage.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.35] An overview of Assent – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re a SaaS company, with a flair of personal touch!” [07.31] The ever-changing regulatory landscape, specifically through the lens of PFAS, and the challenges it’s presenting for businesses. “You’re seeing a flurry of activity in the U.S. alone, and each state has it’s own twist to the regulations… Companies are having to prepare for a federal reporting requirement, but they’re also having to keep a close eye on each state level.” “For a lot of people, this isn’t their full-time job. They probably have a more traditional supply chain responsibility, and someone came along with a hat and said: “Wear this too!” So selecting a good partner in that journey is very important; having regulatory experts in your back pocket

Kiran Mann talks about her career journey; her experience in the male-dominated auto industry; & why she left the corporate world to found her own business.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.20] Kiran’s early years, and how an unexpected opportunity led her to a successful career in automotive and manufacturing. “It was a temporary situation that turned into 22 years! It felt like home. At some point I forgot about fashion designing, and became a full-time professional in automotive and manufacturing!” [09.49] From viewing challenges as opportunities to setting an example for other immigrants, the things Kiran is most proud of across her career, and what she’s learned along the way. “At the time, it felt normal. We all look for where we fit in, for opportunities, we grow. But, looking back now, it gives me a different feeling. A feeling of pride, a sense of accomplishment… who am I today is what I went through and what I learned.” [16.41] Kiran’s experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry; and h

Evan Smith of Altana talks about his mission to fix globalization; the role of AI in making data actionable; & the changing face of supply chain visibility.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.59] Evan’s early fascination with global issues, and how that curiosity, combined with his unwavering work ethic, ignited a passion that has driven his career and led him to co-found Altana. “I was kind of a weird kid, focused on big global issues – I actually wrote my high school senior thesis on the impending collapse of globalization… I was really curious about how the world works.” [11.07] From geopolitical consequences to environmental and social impacts, how globalization has gone wrong; and Altana’s mission to fix it. “The side effects, and unintended consequences of globalization, have resulted in its demise.” [17.30] Exactly what a value chain is; an overview of Altana and what they do; and how Altana’s Value Chain Management System is helping them to work towards a vision of better global commerce for ever

Eric Johnson of LogTech Live talks about the new FMC detention and demurrage billing rules - the changes, challenges & what they mean for businesses.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.58] The latest from Eric – an update from Home Delivery World, two upcoming events, and how to get involved with the Blended Pledge. “Remember when everyone said ‘when the pandemic is over, everything will slow down’ – it didn’t, it never slows down!” [11.52] The big industry news of the week. “Now we’ve had Convoy and Transfix, within 6 months of each other, become defunct as brokerage brands… A lot of people are talking about whether the digital brokerage model worked on its own (as it was pitched to VC’s a decade ago).” [17.31] An introduction to Eric’s guest, Alexandra Griffon, and her company BlueCargo. “Historically truckers and drayage providers were the ones risking the per diem, detention, and demurrage costs, but this has changed. Shippers want to internalize this cost, and have control… Between 2020 and 2022,

Bill Catania of OneRail talks about inventory, visibility & shrinkage; empowering customers by normalizing data; & optimizing customer experience.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.07] An overview of OneRail, what they do, and how they help their customers. “Don’t ever think of us like a parcel shipping solution! What we’re doing is delivering in localized markets – think about turning a store into a warehouse, turning a warehouse into a localized delivery zone.” [07.52] The latest at OneRail, and some of the big challenges they’re focusing on right now. “These days, you can’t hear an earnings call from a retailer without hearing about product shrinkage – and about 65% of that is theft.” [08.38] Why inventory, visibility, and shrinkage – particularly related to theft – is a growing concern for retailers. “It was easy when it was single-channel commerce. But now there’s so many different channels, so many different shipping options – customers have demands they didn’t have before. When product start

Jon Phillips of Newage Software and Solutions & Chuck Simmons of E-Freight Solutions talk about collaboration, developing new software, & helping SME's compete.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.51] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. [08.33] How, and why, Newage was founded, and its evolution over the years. “Our view has always been that a customer is looking for a forwarder to be their solution across multiple modes and activities – so how do we enable that?” [13.27] Newage’s varied client base, and how their tools are helping small and mid-size companies to keep up in a competitive market. “Our goal is to provide those enablement solutions to the small and mid-size forwarders that have always viewed them as unachievable.” [15.14] The early days of Newage and E-Freight’s partnership; and how they decided that Newage was the right partner for them. [16.27] Newage’s wide range of products and services. [19.19] The big challenges Newage is helping customers tackle with their soluti

Ann Marie Jonkman of Blue Yonder talks about using tech to solve labor challenges; empowering teams & organizations to fulfill potential; & future supply chains. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.42] An introduction to Blue Yonder, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re your technology partner… if you want new innovation, advice on reducing your labor cost, reducing your tech stack debt… we have the chops and vision to execute with you.” [09.19] The ideal client for Blue Yonder. “Our clients are looking for innovation and differentiation; in this volatile market, they’re looking to reduce costs… and they’re looking for a partner.” [13.02] The current landscape of supply chain, and the biggest challenges faced by Blue Yonder customers. “2024 has been a slow recovery. When you look at transportation, post-pandemic, there was a lot of excess capacity… Now volume is down, we have a lot of healthy competition, and shippers were smart – they locked in rates… So people are looking to incre