The Chain Podcast

The Chain Podcast

More than just a link in the chain, The Chain podcast shines a light on powerful, complex systems of technology, business and people that make up what we call the supply chain. Created and produced by ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), The Chain is a riveting podcast that discusses the toughest supply chain challenges and the people who get the job done no matter the disruptions. Join host Abe Eshkenazi as he invites supply chain innovators and influencers to share their stories about that invisible link that binds our worlds together. If you enjoyed ASCM’s The reBound podcast, you’ll want to tune in to every episode and listen to the untold stories from the people who run our supply chains.

Episodes

August 14, 2025 36 mins

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...

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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...

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June 12, 2025 28 mins

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 also le...

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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 into opportunities and enhance s...

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April 3, 2025 32 mins

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 ...

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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 Trends of 2025. 

Want...

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February 27, 2025 26 mins

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...

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Our conversation continues on the subject of tariffs. Global trade evolves as the current U.S. administration launches then postpones tariffs on U.S. trading partners, China, Mexico and Canada.

 

ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi is joined again by supply chain expert Alastair Charatan and Douglas Kent, ASCM's executive vice president of corporate and strategic alliances.

Listen as they discuss what's new in the global trade landscape and how...

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January 23, 2025 44 mins

Ready to unbox the world of packaging? Abe Eshkenazi and Professor Doug Thomas dive into the intricate world of packaging and delivery.

Discover the fascinating process behind assembling, storing and shipping your orders. Tune in now to learn more about the secrets of your package and the power of visibility and traceability.  

 

 

Did you know visibility and traceability is the #6 need-to-know supply chain trend of 2025? Leading...

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January 9, 2025 30 mins

Kicking off 2025, we are talking tariffs. Join ASCM CEO, Abe Eshkenazi, and special guest, Alastair Charatan, as they give their tariff predictions. 

We examine the proposed tariffs and their potential effects on supply chains and consumers. Our discussion sheds light on the broader implications for global trade and the economy. 

Did you know global trade is the #2 need-to-know supply chain trend of 2025? Global trade dynamics and...

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The supply chain touches everything, even the clothes on your back!

Join us as we explore the complex world of retail supply chains in this episode of ASCM's The Chain podcast. Dive into the conversation with our guest, Frankie Mossman, CCO of Dropit. She reveals the challenges retailers face on a day-to-day basis to bring you the latest goods and threads for your wardrobe. 

“From the shirt on your back to the shoes on your feet, t...

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Welcome (back) to part two of our series on supply chain futurecasting.

We continue our conversation with our guest, Brian David Johnson. This time, we discuss:

  • What are the future stressors for the supply chain?
  • How will the next generation of professionals shape supply chains?
  • How can organizations implement futurecasting in their businesses today?

 

Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org.

For more details on...

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“You know when you’re watching sci-fi movies, and the heroes enter a grocery store and see empty shelves, you know the zombies are coming.” -Brian David Johnson

What does sci-fi have to do with the supply chain? Well, supply chains' inner workings were non-existent for the average consumer. But, as soon as there’s a toilet paper shortage, suddenly this invisible link comes into full view. There is always going to be disruptions.  S...

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Sustainability, supply chains, and Antarctica?  

Listen to episode two of The Chain Podcast, recorded live from ASCM Connect: North America Conference 2024.

Abe Eshkenazi invited eco-tourism expert and executive producer, Richard Crawford, to share how one of the world's coldest, driest, most remote places is helping lead the charge in creating sustainable supply chains. 

To get the full picture of how to operate supply chains in A...

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August 14, 2024 54 mins

How do you tell a story about global supply chains? It's easier said than done. For The Chain's inaugural episode, host and ASCM's CEO, Abe Eshkenazi, is joined by the creative minds at WAG Entertainment to discuss how they created the soon to be released documentary, The Chain.

The documentary is a six part series that breaks down how some of the most critical industries create the products and services we use every day. 

Hear how...

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April 25, 2024 31 mins

Abe Eshkenazi and Bob Trebilcock launched The reBound in the spring of 2020 with a simple goal: In the thick of the pandemic, let’s highlight the best of what’s happening in an industry grappling with labor challenges, parts shortages and unpredictable shutdowns.  

After four years and nearly 70 guests, now was the time to look back at those guests and events that left a lasting impression on us as ASCM charts a new course for the ...

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On this episode of The reBound, Stephanie Cannon joins Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management, and Bob Trebilcock, consulting editor of Supply Chain Management Review, to discuss a new approach to mid-mile deliveries in the e-commerce supply chain. Cannon is the senior vice president of operations excellence and collaborative innovation at Pitney Bowes, where her team is working with the startup community...

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The shortage of supply chain talent, especially on the line, isn’t new: It just became more visible during the pandemic. What’s more, with baby boomers retiring every day, it’s only likely to become more of a challenge in the future. What’s a supply chain manager to do? The answer is to begin looking for talent among overlooked and underutilized communities.

On this episode of The reBound, Tim Engstrom joins Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of t...

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One of the lessons from Apple’s wild success in the years following the introduction of the iPhone is that it pays to be an innovator. Today, every company worth its salt is looking to get some of that innovation magic. In the supply chain, Maersk (www.maersk.com) is investing in innovation  to maintain its competitive edge.

On this episode of The reBound, Yujie Su, head of product innovation at Maersk, joins Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of ...

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Not that long ago, self-driving, autonomous trucks might have seemed like something out of The Jetsons. Or a logistics manager’s dream. Today, autonomous vehicles may not yet be mainstream, but they are beginning to find a home in the supply chain, especially in sunny southwestern states. Broader adoption is in the foreseeable future.

On this episode of The reBound, hosts Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Manag...

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