Advertise on podcast: Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™

In this episode, hosts Donna Palumbo and Tom Nightingale sit down with Kerry McCarthy, Fellow of Supply Chain Resilience at LMI and Corporate Advisory Board member for the Center for Supply Chain Research. Kerry reflects on more than two decades of supply chain transformation, charting the critical shift from lean, just-in-time cost optimization to building strategic, mission-ready resilience. Drawing on extensive experience across public and commercial sectors, he outlines how leaders can economically prioritize risk, harness AI and simulation modeling for predictive decision-making, and overcome common-mode failure blind spots. Additionally, Kerry shares his LEAD management framework, emphasizing why critical thinking, structured cross-sector collaboration, and proactive preparation are essential to navigating modern global disruption. Takeaways: The strategic evolution of supply chain resilience from a reactive cost center to a driver of competitive advantage and growth Frameworks for economically evaluating risk through pre-mortems, consequence analysis, and targeted mitigation investments Leveraging AI, large language models, and predictive analytics while keeping human decision-makers firmly in the loop Practical leadership strategies to transition teams from reactive fire-fighting to proactive operational recovery Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Bio: Kerry McCarthy is a Fellow at LMI. In his role, he focuses on developing, integrating, and implementing innovative ideas across all of LMI’s mission areas and for LMI’s clients. He oversees supply chain resilience projects, acts as a technical advisor, and drives innovation through collaboration with academia, industry, and government. Previously, he served as the supply chain resilience practice area lead at LMI, where he oversaw business development, managed functional and technical consultants, and directed various projects. He has over 20 years of experience working with various organizations—such as the Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, Department of Veteran Affairs, NASA, Amtrak, Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Intelligence Agencies, and private sector clients—to improve the resilience of their supply chains through data analytics, policy development, and program support. Kerry is a board member on the Supply Chain Risk Leadership Council, President of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Chapter, and an active member in the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Penn State’s Center for Supply Chain Research. Kerry has a bachelor’s in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and both an MBA and master’s in supply chain from Indiana University (Bloomington). He is also a certified Project Management Professional.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Lee Beard to unpack key lessons from an exceptional 35-year career spanning leadership roles at Dell, Nike, Nordstrom, and the Coca-Cola system. Lee details what it takes to build agile, customer-centric transportation networks, navigate major shifts toward direct-to-consumer and omni-channel retail, and balance speed with precision. He addresses cutting through tech hype by focusing on high-leverage use cases and shares why professional engagement through organizations like CSCMP remains a powerful career catalyst. Finally, Lee reflects on his transition into academia to mentor the next generation of supply chain leaders. Takeaways: Managing rapid scale and omni-channel fulfillment across global retail and beverage networks Navigating supply chain technology by avoiding vendor hype and running targeted pilot programs The strategic value of active industry networking and external engagement Core leadership philosophies, career advice, and keeping priorities balanced over a long career Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Lee Beard is a customer-focused operations executive with over 30 years of experience and extensive industry knowledge in transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. He most recently served as SVP, Logistics for Swire Coca-Cola, one of the five largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world. Over three years, Lee led a sweeping operational transformation of Swire’s distribution centers, delivery operations, transportation, and fleet management, along with cold drink equipment service and remanufacturing. Prior to joining Swire CCUSA, Lee was at Nordstrom where he was responsible for all aspects of transportation across the US and Canada, including international ocean and air freight, domestic inbound, store delivery networks, e-commerce customer shipments and returns. Lee also led global transportation at Nike where he and his team developed critical transportation capabilities to power their “Consumer Direct Offense” – a transformational e-commerce strategy to serve consumers personally at scale around the world. Before Nike, Lee spent ten years in the Coca-Cola System in key transportation, logistics, and procurement leadership roles and served as a key member of the executive startup team for a logistics-focused joint venture between The Coca-Cola Company and its largest US bottler. He also worked at Dell, Inc. for six years in various manufacturing, logistics, and global strategy roles. At Dell, Lee was a member of a small team that designed a ground-breaking planning and replenishment methodology for Dell’s assembly factories that was implemented globally and earned a patent for the company (US7577577). Serving the supply chain and logistics profession has long been a passion for Lee. He has been active in CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) for many years, serving on the organization’s Board of Directors, as a Board officer, and Board Chair in 2022. He also served CSCMP as past chair of the Annual Conference Planning Committee and past member of their Research Strategies Committee. Lee also serves on the Board for the Transportation & Supply Chain Institute at the University of Denver and is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Procurement. He enjoys teaching and mentoring those pursuing careers in supply chain and logistics and is a frequent guest speaker in supply chain programs. Lee earned a bachelor’s in industrial engineering and a master of science in management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing his doctorate in business administration at the University of Florida. He and his wife Claire reside in Draper, Utah.

In this episode, hosts Donna Palumbo and Tom Nightingale sit down with Mark Baxa, President & CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). Mark reflects on his career journey from crop scientist to global supply chain leader, exploring how strategic alignment and human judgment drive long-term business resilience. He shares critical perspectives on why the cheapest load is not always the lowest-cost solution, how to move beyond dashboard noise toward actionable data governance, and the evolution of 3PLs from transactional freight haulers into true supply chain orchestrators. Mark also discusses CSCMP’s vital mission to bridge academia and industry, equip professionals in the era of AI, and cultivate lifelong learning. Takeaways: The enduring value of human judgment and professional competency alongside AI advances Why total cost to serve must supersede short-term spot rate savings Data governance principles that prioritize business decisions over dashboard metrics Transitioning 3PL relationships from transactional billing to strategic network orchestration The power of continuous education and curiosity across every career stage Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Mark’s experience in Global Supply Chain leadership spans 44 years. As CSCMP’s President & CEO, he brings broad and deep leadership
experience to lead the world’s premier supply chain education
association. Creating meaningful people leadership and development
opportunities for the world’s supply chain professionals is job #1 with
Mark. The supply chain is the backbone of progress. Society counts on
the supply chain to “deliver the goods while doing the right things right.”  As President & CEO of FerniaCreek Global Supply Chain Consulting
Group, a boutique consulting firm specializing in holistic, company-level
global supply chain practices, Mark leverages his in-depth knowledge
of International Supply Chain Management, global trade practices, and
government policy to improve company performance while preserving
their freedom to operate.  Mark’s vast leadership experience spans sales, customer service,
logistics, distribution, global trade & compliance, procurement,
sustainability, supplier diversity, and supply chain strategy. His CSCMP
experience spans 27 years, including Roundtable President, the Global
Board of Directors & Chairman of the Board. He instituted CSCMP’s
Supply Chain Sustainability practice, supercharged the CSCMP Talent
Center, created the Ukraine Logistics Operations Relief Fund, and the
Executive Inner Circle. Mark also serves as Chairman St Louis
University Center of Supply Chain Excellence and Northwestern
University NUTC Business Advisory Council board member. Mark
served as a global board member for WEConnect International,
consistent with his belief in the value diversity brings to the supply
chain. He facilitates supply chain policy development at the EU & US
Federal levels, teaches executive courses at the university level, is
broadly published in numerous supply chain & business media, and
keynotes at conferences worldwide. Among the awards and recognition
Mark has received, he is most proud of his induction into the
prestigious DC Velocity Rainmakers. He is a University of Illinois alum.

In this episode, Cezar Mansour, President of Beach Lending, reveals how he applied "The Toyota Way" to revolutionize real estate financing. Drawing from his background at the Army Navy Academy and Toyota Technical Center, Cezar explains how principles like PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and 5S can eliminate operational waste and drive business success. He shares the inspiration behind his AI-driven tools, including Savvy Broker and a custom "Nick Saban" coaching agent, which transform static databases into active "goldmines." Cezar discusses his transition from the automotive industry to entrepreneurship, emphasizing that routine matters more than rates. He also redefines networking as "socializing," sharing insights from his upcoming book, Memoirs of a Mortgage Broker. Whether you're interested in supply chain efficiency, AI integration, or relationship-based growth, this conversation offers a masterclass in disciplined execution. Learn why a good process always produces good results and how to stay ahead of automation in a shifting market. Key Takeaways: The Toyota Framework: How to apply PDCA and 5S to streamline business operations and eliminate "waste." AI as a Coach: Using custom AI agents for "film breakdown" style sales coaching and real-time analytics. Mining the Goldmine: Turning idle spreadsheets into active income through automated client touchpoints. Socialize, Don't Network: Why showing up in people's lives is the ultimate strategy for referral-based growth. Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Cezar Mansour is President and Owner of Beach Lending, Inc., a real estate financing firm located in Redondo Beach, California. His business specializes in assisting people with the purchase of their first residence and the purchase of investment properties, both commercial and residential. (www.beachlending.com). To support the mission of Beach Lending, Cezar is currently co-developing two additional businesses, Clear Blue Realty and Clarity Escrow. After 15 years in the automotive industry, Cezar decided to follow his entrepreneurial instincts. Naturally outgoing and helpful, he was quickly drawn to the business of real estate financing because of its ability to positively impact people’s lives and their futures. He earned his real estate broker’s license and launched Beach Lending shortly thereafter. Cezar’s experience of starting and operating his own referral-based business inspired him to author his first book, “The Official Guide to Building a Referral Based Business,” a comprehensive guide that helps mortgage brokers, independent contractors, and small companies successfully manage and grow their businesses. Cezar is also Co-founder and CEO of the Business Success Club, a networking company consisting of various networking groups created to help likeminded entrepreneurs support and expand each other’s businesses (www.biznetclub.com). Cezar is the Chairman of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee. He is also a Member of the Board of Realtors, the California Association of Mortgage Brokers, and the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. A graduate of the Army and Navy Academy, he also holds a Web Masters Degree from Penn State University. Residing in beautiful Redondo Beach, Cezar and his wife of sixteen years, Tiffany, have three children. When he isn’t busy launching a new business venture, Cezar enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering as an AYSO soccer coach. He feels that coaching is a great way to instill confidence in players by emphasizing the importance of focus, commitment, and teamwork.

In this episode hosts Donna Palumbo and Tom Nightingale welcome Joe Cubellis, Partner and Managing Director at AlixPartners. With over two decades of experience spanning both industry and consulting, Joe provides a masterclass in supply chain execution and strategic resilience. The conversation dives deep into the "perpetual disruption" state of modern logistics, where Joe argues that companies must learn to metabolize volatility rather than wait for a calm that may never come. He shares critical insights on why most "control towers" fail due to a lack of executive accountability and how distributors can truly create value through disciplined GMROI management. Joe also explores the hidden traps of complex M&A carve-outs and the importance of structured price pass-throughs in inflationary environments. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a rising professional, Joe’s "practical operator" mindset offers a clear roadmap for driving results when they aren't optional. Takeaways: Metabolizing Disruption: Why resilience must be a design plan rather than a heroic act. Control Towers vs. Dashboards: The critical role of executive ownership and accountability in taking decisive action. M&A and Carve-out Traps: Identifying hidden dependencies like procurement leverage and institutional knowledge. The "Practical Operator" Philosophy: The value of simplifying complex problems into actionable bullet points. Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Joe has ~23 years of broad-based experience in P&L leadership, operations, supply chain and carve-out/M&A in roles with increasing functional and P&L responsibility in both industry and consulting prior to joining AlixPartners. He applies his hands on business experience as a leader in the Performance and Technology Practice for AlixPartners.  Joe can often be heard telling his teams “If you can’t explain it in a few bullet points, it is too complicated”. Having “sat in the seat” for many years in industry, Joe has experienced similar challenges to his clients and has a passion for creating clarify in the face of the complicated problems they face.  Joe has held many functional roles for wholesale distributors including overall P&L leadership and he now translates that experience to value delivery for distributors across their value chains as a cross-industry expert with AlixPartners. He has deep experience in M&A, participating in several transactions while in industry and leading multiple complex M&A engagements for transportation and logistics clients.  Joe brings a P&L owner mindset, strong bias for action, and a proven track record in delivering strong operating and financial results to his clients. Joe has a BS in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering from Penn State and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Erin Van Zeeland, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Truckload and Dedicated Services at Schneider, to discuss the evolution of transportation and the power of strategic logistics. Erin shares insights from her 33-year journey at Schneider, exploring how the company leverages AI and "D4 science" to drive efficiency through platforms like Schneider Freight Power. She breaks down the critical difference between transactional and durable shipping rates, explaining why chasing the lowest cost per mile is often a false economy that leaves shippers exposed during market peaks. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on leadership, the importance of curiosity, and Schneider’s commitment to developing talent through the Schneider Women’s Network. Erin also reveals how real-time AI bots are transforming the driver experience by slashing resolution times for gate issues from 34 minutes to under three. Whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a masterclass in balancing cutting-edge technology with a people-first philosophy. Takeaways: The strategic shift from transactional to durable shipping rates for long-term resilience. How Schneider utilizes AI and bots to enhance driver productivity and real-time problem-solving. Leadership lessons on the "human side" of logistics and the power of curiosity. Navigating the 18-20 month freight market cycles and long-term industry trends. Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Erin Van Zeeland is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Truckload and Dedicated Services at Schneider, a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, enhancing the standard of living worldwide. Schneider Logistics Services is Schneider’s fastest growing segment and in 2018 achieved the $1B revenue milestone for the first time. In this position, she is responsible for all aspects of the company’s Logistics Service offerings, including Transportation Management (Brokerage), Supply Chain Management, Transloading and Distribution, Warehousing and Port Dray. Within her functional responsibilities, she ensures that over 34,000 third party carriers and service providers are effectively utilized to meet supply chain needs, service and profitability objectives across any mode of transportation and logistics services.‍ With 27 years of operations, commercial, transportation logistics experience, Van Zeeland has held several leadership roles in both Schneider’s Logistics and asset-based divisions. She has also served as vice president of Business Transformation, where she managed the enterprise business process engineering and change management/change leadership efforts for the Schneider enterprise. Van Zeeland started her career at Schneider in 1993 as a service team leader at the Harrisburg Operation Center and was subsequently promoted to operations/customer service Integration manager, Van Operations in 1995 before becoming the operations center manager at Schneider’s headquarters in Green Bay, Wis. in 1997. During her career with Schneider, Van Zeeland has served in a variety of leadership positions with increasing responsibility for customer growth and business expansion. Van Zeeland holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wis. Van Zeeland was recognized in Computer World’s Premier 100 IT leaders in 2009, a WIT finalist for the 2019 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award and was named the recipient of the Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s first-ever Women in Supply chain award. She currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way – Green Bay and she has in the past served on board at the Cerebral Palsy Center. She is an active member in women’s ministries at her local church. She serves as a co-lead in the Schneider Women’s network and various other women in leadership and business programs. She also represents Schneider in the Transportation Intermediaries Association.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Amit Bansal, Senior Vice President of Procurement at Dell Technologies, to explore the evolution of strategic sourcing, the transformative impact of AI on procurement, and what it takes to build resilient supply chains in a global landscape. Amit shares insights from his 20+ year career at Dell, spanning roles across Texas, Singapore, and Taiwan, and discusses how adaptability, cross-cultural collaboration, and continuous learning have shaped his leadership philosophy. He also discusses Dell's approach to developing the next generation of supply chain talent and offers advice for students entering the industry. Listeners will gain practical perspectives on navigating complexity, leveraging technology, and creating value through strategic partnerships. Takeaways: The evolution of strategic sourcing and procurement at Dell Technologies How AI is transforming procurement operations and decision-making The importance of adaptability and cross-cultural collaboration in global supply chains Dell's approach to mentoring and developing future supply chain leaders Career advice for students and professionals entering the supply chain field Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Amit Bansal is Senior Vice President of Technology Silicon and Server Infrastructure Procurement at Dell Technologies. He leads the strategic procurement of technology silicon, including CPUs, GPUs/AI modules, and networking chips, supporting all lines of business. Additionally, Amit oversees server infrastructure procurement, driving ODM sourcing strategy and relationship management. His leadership extends to global manufacturing initiatives, including supply chain localization efforts in India under the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Since joining Dell in 2001, Amit has held various global leadership roles in procurement, operations engineering, supplier quality, and manufacturing. His career has taken him to Austin, Singapore, and Taipei, where he has consistently delivered results through cross-functional and cross-cultural collaboration. Amit holds a Master of Manufacturing Management from Penn State and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Panjab University, India. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures with his wife, and their two sons.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Steve Carrel, Partner and Investment Committee Chairman at TRP Capital Partners, to discuss private equity investment in the transportation sector, leadership lessons, and what makes companies resilient through economic cycles. Steve shares his unique perspective from evaluating and partnering with transportation businesses across seven verticals, from dealerships to logistics and manufacturing. He explains the critical question he asks every potential investment, the skills that matter most in business, and the importance of curiosity and adaptability. Steve also reflects on career advice, the value of being nice over being right, and how his Penn State education shaped his professional journey. Listeners will gain valuable insights for both operators and investors in the supply chain space. Takeaways: The investment perspective on transportation and logistics companies The critical question Steve asks every potential portfolio company Essential skills for success: curiosity, adaptability, and interpersonal excellence Career wisdom and the importance of being nice over being right Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Steve Carrel is a Partner and Investment Committee Chairman at TRP Capital, a Birmingham, Michigan-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the transportation sector. He joined TRP in 1998 and leads deal sourcing, execution, and portfolio management across the firm's seven verticals, which span dealerships, aftermarket services, collision repair, logistics, and manufacturing. Steve currently serves on nine portfolio company boards. Prior to TRP, he worked as an analyst in the Investment Banking Division at Merrill Lynch.  Steve holds a BS in Finance from Penn State and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Jennifer Becka, Global Sourcing Leader at Intuit and a supply chain innovator with over 15 years of global sourcing experience across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Jennifer shares insights from her diverse career journey, from managing the world's largest powered industrial fleet at Amazon to leading procurement transformation at GE, Cleveland Clinic, and Diebold, and now driving AI-powered sourcing at Intuit. Jennifer explores the critical distinction between resilient and anti-fragile supply chains, explaining how organizations can build systems that don't just withstand stress but actually improve because of it. She discusses the evolution of value creation from physical goods to digital services, strategies for earning executive buy-in through stakeholder collaboration, and her groundbreaking end-of-life fleet initiative at Amazon that optimized total cost of ownership. Takeaways: The difference between resilient and anti-fragile supply chains How value definition evolves across physical goods, healthcare services, and digital platforms Strategies for stakeholder engagement and earning executive buy-in Lifecycle management and total cost of ownership optimization Jennifer's career philosophy: building systems strong enough to improve under stress Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Jennifer F. Becka leads Accelerating Functions and Services Sourcing at Intuit. With over 15 years of global sourcing leadership, Jennifer has built and transformed procurement functions across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology—including leadership roles at GE, Diebold, Cleveland Clinic, and Amazon, where she directed global categories spanning the world's largest powered industrial fleet and critical digital security and marketing services. Known for building high-performing teams and driving enterprise transformation, Jennifer brings a rare combination of operational rigor, strategic vision, and technical fluency—including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and certifications with ASCM and AI for Business Strategy. Jennifer is a member of the Penn State Smeal Executive DBA Cohort of 2029, where her research explores the governance of agentic AI in cognitive supply chains. She is based in San Diego, California.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Vineet Khanna, CEO of Advanter Advisory and former Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé, to explore the evolution of supply chain leadership in an era of rapid technological change. Vineet shares insights from nearly four decades of multi-cultural experience, discussing how AI and digital transformation are reshaping supply chain operations. He emphasizes the critical importance of mindset shifts required to leverage AI effectively, noting that success in the next several years will separate companies based on their ability to adopt these technologies. Vineet also provides valuable perspective on developing the next generation of supply chain leaders, highlighting the essential skills and cultural shifts needed to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape. Takeaways: The transformative potential of AI in supply chain operations and the mindset shift required for success Critical talent and cultural changes needed for next-generation supply chain leaders Lessons from leading global supply chain transformation at Nestlé Strategic approaches to navigating technological disruption in supply chain management Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Vineet Khanna is a global business leader with nearly four decades  of multi-cultural experience across various domains, including supply chain & procurement, finance, digital technologies, and operational excellence. As the CEO of Advanter Advisory, he is a trusted advisor to several leading corporates, tech firms, consulting firms, and startups. Prior to Advanter Advisory, he was the Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé where he exemplified his strategic prowess and leadership, managing end-to-end supply chain operations and transformation projects encompassing demand and supply planning, physical logistics & sustainability, digital transformations, customer service and materials management. Throughout his career, Vineet has delivered results in senior leadership roles for 25 years, contributing his expertise at country, regional, and global levels. Vineet's influence extends to the boardroom, having served as a board member of Nestlé Enterprises SA. Currently, Vineet lends his transformative insights to diverse companies and start-ups as an advisor for the entire strategy-transformation-execution spectrum, leveraging his extensive experience to drive excellence. He is widely recognized as a thought leader in the realms of business, leadership, and societal progress, making him an inspiring and highly sought-after keynote speaker. Academically, Vineet holds an MBA degree from IIMA (India) and has pursued advanced studies at esteemed institutions including IMD, Lausanne, and London Business School.

In this episode, Donna and Tom welcome Jay Strother, president & CEO of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), and J.C. Capron, director of strategic initiatives for IWLA, to discuss a groundbreaking research initiative that will quantify the economic and workforce impact of 3PL warehouses across North America. Jay and J.C. explain how IWLA serves its diverse membership, from household names like UPS and FedEx to multi-generational family-owned operations, through education, advocacy, and industry-leading resources like their popular podcast. The conversation centers on the ongoing 3PL Warehouse Impact Study, a collaborative effort with Penn State Smeal's Center for Supply Chain Research designed to provide credible, aggregate data that tells the industry's story with authority. Takeaways: IWLA's mission to support 3PL warehouse operators through education, advocacy, and research The importance of the 3PL Warehouse Impact Study in benchmarking industry contributions How the Warehouse Advocacy Fund supports critical industry initiatives Why participation from companies of all sizes matters for credible, protected data Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bios: Jay Strother serves as president & CEO of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), a position he has held since 2023. Strother joined IWLA in 2011 as vice president and executive director of IWLA Canada before assuming his current role. Strother brings decades of association management, communications, and marketing experience to the position. Prior to IWLA, Strother held senior roles at SmithBucklin and the Association of Legal Administrators, where he oversaw editorial, advertising, and design functions and helped shape the association's digital presence. He also served as director of communications at the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce early in his career. He holds a bachelor's degree with honors in English and communications from the University of Tulsa.   Jay Capron (J.C.) serves as the director of strategic initiatives for the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) where he provides leadership in advocacy, marketing and communications, and strategic planning to advance the association’s growth initiatives. Capron brings more than 20 years of experience as a professional broadcaster in the radio industry, along with extensive leadership experience in the manufacturing and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining IWLA, Capron served as director of communications and government affairs for ND Paper, the U.S. subsidiary of Nine Dragons, one of the world’s largest containerboard manufacturers. In this role, he developed and strengthened relationships with key government stakeholders while leading the execution of a comprehensive strategic communications program.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Kim Hadlum, Vice President of Inventory Planning at Armada Supply Chain Solutions, to explore her journey from fashion retail to leading inventory planning for the restaurant industry. Kim discusses the unique supply chain challenges in food service, the importance of adaptability and collaboration, and how technology and innovation drive efficient assured supply. She shares insights on building high-performing teams, the value of mentorship, and practical advice for early-career professionals looking to make their mark in supply chain management. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on career development, cross-industry learnings, and the evolving landscape of inventory planning. Takeaways: Kim's career transition from fashion retail to supply chain solutions in the restaurant space Unique challenges of food service supply chains compared to other industries The importance of being a problem solver with strong communication and relationship-building skills Armada's 20-year partnership with Penn State Smeal's Center for Supply Chain Research Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Kim Hadlum is the Vice President of Inventory Planning for Armada Supply Chain Solutions. In this role, Kim leads Armada's Demand Planning, Supply Planning, and Planning Analytics and Capabilities functions to drive efficient assured supply for clients in the restaurant space. With over 20 years of supply chain experience, Kim has held roles of increasing responsibility, driving inventory focused solutions that leverage technology, innovation, collaboration, and planning expertise both domestically and internationally. In addition to her Armada experience, Kim has a depth of planning leadership experience in the retail sector. Kim leads a team of 40+ individuals and has a demonstrated history of success in mentoring and development that spans beyond her own area of responsibility. Kim holds a bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University and is Armada's liaison to Penn State's Center for Supply Chain Research. She currently resides in western Pennsylvania with her family.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Brad Rogers, Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo, to discuss his leadership of the Supply Chain Command Center, the transformative role of AI in supply chain operations, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of supply chain professionals. Brad shares insights from his 17+ years at PepsiCo, explaining how predictive risk assessment tools proactively mitigate disruptions and safeguard service levels. He emphasizes the importance of networking as a strategic skill and offers wisdom on career development, encouraging students to focus on becoming the best version of themselves rather than just listing achievements. Takeaways: The role of PepsiCo's Supply Chain Command Center in crisis management and network visibility How AI and predictive analytics are revolutionizing supply chain planning Brad's doctoral research on Agentic AI and how autonomous agents could revolutionize supply chain decision-making Networking as a strategic toolkit for students and recent graduates Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Brad Rogers is a supply chain executive with over 17 years of Fortune 50 experience, specializing in network strategy, risk management, and business continuity. Currently serving as a Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo, Brad leads the Supply Chain Command Center for PBNA North Division. The department oversees end-to-end network visibility and orchestrated crisis management for PepsiCo Beverages North America. In this role, he pioneered the use of predictive risk assessment tools to proactively mitigate supply disruptions and safeguard service levels during peak demand periods.  Previously, Brad served as Senior Manager of Network Strategy, where he steered a multibillion-dollar supply chain redesign initiative aimed at consolidating nodes and increasing resilience across the U.S. network. His strategic approach is grounded in deep operational experience; he has successfully turned around underperforming distribution centers, managed complex manufacturing co-op partnerships, and led Lean Six Sigma initiatives that drove double-digit improvements in efficiency and cost savings.  A proud member of the Nittany Lion community, Brad holds an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Penn State and actively mentors incoming students in the program. He is currently bridging the gap between industry and academia as a DBA candidate at Fairfield University. His doctoral research focuses on the emergence of "Agentic AI", investigating how autonomous AI agents can be implemented to enhance supply chain planning and decision-making resilience.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Ron Walters, Director of Digital Technology at Collins Aerospace (an RTX business), to explore the intersection of supply chain management and digital transformation. Ron shares insights from his 25+ years of Fortune 500 experience and military service, discussing how AI, automation, and advanced analytics are reshaping supply chain visibility and operational performance. He explains the commonalities across industries, from military to aviation, that all supply chain professionals can apply, and offers practical advice on successfully transforming complex supply chain processes through digital adoption. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on building supply chain resilience, understanding technology use cases, and preparing for the evolving landscape of the next 5-10 years. Takeaways: Ron's career journey from Army Intelligence Officer to leading digital transformation at Fortune 500 companies How digital transformation, AI, and automation are fundamentally reshaping supply chain visibility Practical strategies for transforming complex supply chain processes through digital adoption Advice for supply chain professionals and students on building careers at the intersection of technology and operations Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Ron Walters is an accomplished operations and technology leader with over 25 years of Fortune 500 industry experience. He has held leadership roles in manufacturing, supply chain, strategic sourcing, and IT business transformation at globally recognized companies, including General Electric, Black & Decker, Ingersoll Rand, and Trane Technologies. Currently, Ron serves as Director of Digital Technology at Collins Aerospace (an RTX company), where he plays a critical role in aligning technology strategy with business objectives, driving efficiencies, and enabling enterprise-wide digital initiatives. Before his current role, he served as Director of Supply Chain Technology and Systems, leading digital transformation efforts across the company's global supply chain and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance visibility, automation, and operational performance. With a deep background in digital transformation, Ron specializes in leveraging digital applications, AI, automation, and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency, streamline enterprise processes, and drive digital adoption. He actively shares insights on digital ecosystems, supply chain resilience, and emerging technology trends through industry engagements, professional collaborations, and his passion of mentoring employees and students. Prior to his corporate career, Ron served five years as an Intelligence and Reconnaissance Officer in the U.S. Army. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Penn State, an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business, and a graduate certificate in Digital Transformation for Senior Executives from The Wharton School.

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Chieh Huang, founder of Boxed and CEO of Pelgo, to explore his journey from shipping toilet paper out of his parents' garage to leading a publicly traded e-commerce company and now building an AI-powered workforce platform. Chieh shares the operational engineering behind making unit economics work on low-margin, high-volume items, his early adoption of autonomous guided vehicles in fulfillment centers, and the evolution from pure automation to human-machine collaboration. Listeners will gain actionable insights on balancing cutting-edge technology with operational reality, preparing teams for rapid change, and leading with humor, humility, and perseverance in today's dynamic supply chain landscape. Takeaways: The operational engineering behind making unit economics work on low-margin, high-volume e-commerce items Early adoption and evolution of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and the balance between automation and human flexibility Pelgo's mission to retrain workers for AI-forward roles and the potential for gamifying frontline supply chain work Cultural leadership lessons from Boxed, including employee education benefits and building anti-micromanagement teams Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn (Center for Supply Chain Research) and Instagram (@pennstatesupplychain), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us!  Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr  Guest Bio: Chieh Huang is a Co-founder and the CEO of Pelgo. Prior to Pelgo, Chieh was the President of the World Economic Forum's Global Collaboration Village. Throughout his career, Chieh has founded and led both public and private companies. He was the CEO of Astro Ape, an early pioneer in mobile social gaming later acquired by Zynga. During his time at Zynga, Huang led Zynga Mobile's New York studio, which produced one of the company's first homegrown, chart-topping mobile games. He was also a co-founder and the CEO of Boxed, an NYSE listed online retailer, and Spresso, an AI-powered pricing optimization company acquired by Blackrock. Before his days as an entrepreneur, Huang was a corporate attorney at a leading law firm after attending The Johns Hopkins University and Fordham Law School. Huang currently serves on the Board of Six Flags, the world's largest regional theme park operator and has also served on several non-profit boards, including New York Cares and The Museum of Chinese in America. Chieh also serves on the Advisory Board for Mclaren Racing, with entries in Formula 1, Indycar and WEC. Huang's personal honors include being named to Bloomberg's "50 people to watch", Crain's "40 Under 40", Goldman Sachs' list of "100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs" and Entrepreneur Magazine's "The 50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs." People Magazine profiled Chieh for their "American Dream" series, tracking his growth from humble beginnings to leading industry-changing initiatives like the Pink Tax and college tuition reimbursement. You can also catch more of him at TED.com delivering a talk about his lifelong battle against micromanagers.