The Chain Podcast

Is the answer to supply chain disruption really more technology?   In this episode of ASCM's The Chain, host Abe Eshkenazi sits down with John Melbye, founder of Become Demand Driven, to challenge some of the most common assumptions shaping supply chain planning today.   Organizations continue investing heavily in AI, planning platforms and digital transformation initiatives, yet many still struggle with inventory imbalan...

Transformation is everywhere—but real results are rare.

  In this episode of The Chain Podcast, we sit down with DeAnna Harner, Global Executive Partner of Supply Chain Operations, to explore why so many transformation initiatives fall short — and what it actually takes to make change stick.   Harner shares hard-earned insights from working with hundreds of organizations navigating AI adoption, digital transf...

In this episode of The Chain Podcast, ASCM is joined by geopolitical supply chain expert and advisor, Koray Köse, founder and chief analyst at Köse Advisory, discuss how supply chains are evolving from efficiency-driven networks into strategic infrastructure that shapes resilience, competitiveness and business continuity.   The conversation explores how geopolitical pressure, tariffs, sanctions, export controls, AI adoption, c...

In this episode of The Chain, we’re joined by Leah Shaver, President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI) and one of the most trusted voices in trucking workforce and compensation data.

  Leah breaks down what supply chain leaders often misunderstand about the so‑called driver shortage — and why the real challenge is more complex than headcount alone. Drawing on decades of data and experience, sh...

In this episode of The Chain Podcast, we sit down with Mike Bunge, Vice President of Global Supply Chain Operations at Hamilton Beach Brands, explores how SCOR®-based maturity assessments can help supply chain leaders take control of trade, customs, and global logistics.

Bunge shares how Hamilton Beach used a SCOR assessment to move beyond reactive decision-making and identify where trade costs, risks, and inefficiencies were trul...

We're joined by Nashay Naeve, President of the Engineered Plastic Components Business Unit at Tsubaki Nakashima, to explore what it takes to lead manufacturing organizations in an era of constant disruption.

Nashay shares how global experience — from living and working in China to leading teams across Europe and the U.S. — has shaped her leadership philosophy.

Together, we discuss how:

• Manufacturers can move from r...

Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, Rosemary Coates, joins us to unpack what’s truly happening beyond reshoring.

You’ll hear why much of the work described as “coming back” to the U.S. was never here to begin with, where nearshoring to Mexico fits, how friend‑shoring actually plays out and why automation and skills will define the next decade.

We dig into China “decoupling&rdquo...

In this episode of The Chain, Guy Yehiav, President of SmartSense by Digi, joins us to explore how IoT, AI and real‑time sensing are reshaping the cold chain.   From preventing foodborne illness and reducing waste to improving healthcare safety and unlocking full supply chain visibility, Guy shares how data-driven monitoring and predictive analytics are helping organizations build resilience, consistency, and customer trust ac...

We revisit the past year of tariff policy and its ripple effects across global supply chains.   Our guest, supply chain expert Alastair Charatan, returns to discuss what predictions held up and what surprises emerged from the predictions we made back in January.   We unpack why large‑scale reshoring hasn’t materialized, how shortened planning horizons complicate capital investment and why a “carrots over stick...

Join Abe Eshkenazi as he welcomes Scott Luton, founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, for a dynamic conversation on the future of supply chain management.

Fresh from the annual conference in Columbus, they give a sneak peek into the top trends shaping 2026, including the rise of artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and the growing impact of climate and circularity.

Scott shares insights on the human-machine dynamic, the...

In this episode of The Chain, we sit down with Ronald Kleijwegt, CEO of Vinturas, to explore the future of supply chain visibility, traceability and collaboration.

Ronald shares insights on how blockchain and AI are transforming global supply chains, the importance of connecting every tier of suppliers, and how technology can help organizations respond to disruptions — from tariffs to cyber threats.

Discover how leading compa...

In this episode of The Chain Podcast, we dive into the future of returns and the creation of a more sustainable and socially conscious supply chain. Our host, Abe Eshkenazi, is joined by Disney Petit, the CEO and founder of LiquiDonate. Disney shares her extensive experience working with tech companies to implement social impact programs and discusses how LiquiDonate is revolutionizing the returns process.

Discover how LiquiDonate ...

Join host Abe Eshkenazi and Dr. Zal Phiroz, professor of supply chain management at Harvard University.

Dr. Phiroz shares his unique journey from computer science to supply chain. We explore the evolving role of the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the balance between technology and critical thinking and the preparedness of the next generation of supply chain leaders.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student entering the fiel...

The global supply chain is walking a tariff tightrope, and the impact is reaching far and wide.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of current trade negotiations and their direct effects on everything from consumer prices to long-term business strategies.

David Stephen Jacoby, a leading supply chain expert, cuts through the noise, revealing how tariffs are reshaping industrial manufacturing, sparking inflationary cycles and forc...

ASCM CEO Abe Eskenazi sits down with Heather Lane, VP of Supply Chain Strategy and Systems at Ulta Beauty.

Learn how Ulta Beauty navigated a massive supply chain transformation, accelerated by the pandemic's e-commerce boom. Heather shares insights into their innovative three-tier distribution model, featuring regional distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers and their groundbreaking market fulfillment centers.

You'll al...

Retail reality check: Are we solving problems or creating new ones? 

Dropit President and COO, Stuart Ford, reveals the shocking truth about the retail supply chain industry. 

• Over half of retailers are in some form of distress 
• Roughly 20% of fashion is never worn 
• About 40% return rates 
• Landfills so large that they are visible from space 

Listen to how we can transform these challenges in...

How do you orchestrate logistics aid in a disaster zone? Well, it's a bit like juggling "greasy cats"

Host and ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi sits down with Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), to discuss the vital role of logistics and supply chain management in disaster relief.

Kathy shares her experiences and insights on how ALAN collaborates with nonprofit organizations and private industry to ...

Mitigating the increase of global food waste is a constant challenge for supply chains and consumers alike. That’s why we invited Professor Linda Dunn to share her strategies and excitement about cutting-edge supply chain technology that can help with perishable goods’ inventory and distribution.

If you want to prepare yourself and your company to face the challenges ahead, download ASCM's Top 10 Supply Chain Tren...

Consumers play a significant role in shaping our global supply chains.

Whenever you make a purchase, you cast a vote and signal to companies what needs to be manufactured, restocked, shipped, and sold. Imagine if consumers had increased visibility into supply chains and knew exactly where all their products were made and sourced. Would that change their buying habits?

In this episode, Abe Eshkenzai, CEO of ASCM, is joined by Profes...