n this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we talk with Lee Beard, a supply chain executive with extensive experience at companies such as Coca-Cola, Nordstrom, Nike and Dell. Lee knew he wanted to be an engineer because his dad was a manufacturing guy, but then made his way into logistics where he saw a future. He has achieved his career goal of leading large teams and organizations. To get there he knew he needed greater financial understanding, so he got an MS in Management with a...

In this episode, Chris Gaffney, Rodney Apple, and Mike Ogle synthesize each lesson from the entirety of the SCC Leadership Series. In this 20th episode, they discuss ways that your team can benefit from these lessons and how to implement a lot of these practices across your organization. Chris emphasizes that these best practices in leadership are not limited to supply chain practices. So share across your networks and help others become better leaders and improve their own career success.Lea...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we talk with Steve Simmerman, currently Vice-President of Global Alliances with Locus Robotics. Steve has extensive experience in supply chain automation and information systems. He provides how he got started in supply chain and the transitions he has made. Transitions that were inspired by carefully tracking industry trends and finding the opportunities to pursue what's next. Steve explains the value of one of those "What's Next?" as the ...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we have Katie Fowler, President of Unchained Value. Katie starts with her career path prior to starting up Unchained Value, which most recently she spent 11 years at energy services firm Schlumberger, advancing through sourcing and costing focused roles, all the way up to a VP role. Plus two years at Fluke Electronics as a Master Scheduler and a Planner/Buyer. Katie said supply chain found her starting at 15 years old. She has operations ex...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with Walter Abreu, Director of Global Procurement at Del Monte, to discuss his fascinating career journey. Walter shares his experiences, starting from his early days in finance and international trade, leading to his current leadership role in global procurement. Tune in to learn about the critical hard and soft skills needed for success in procurement, including negotiation, market analysis, and effective communication. Walter...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we are joined by two key leaders from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) – Debbie Sparks, Executive Director, and Joe Ohr, Chief Operating Officer. Together, they share their journeys into the supply chain industry, the mission of NMFTA, and how they are helping to reshape the trucking world through digital innovation.Listen as Debbie and Joe dive into the heart of the trucking industry, reflecting on their personal expe...

The 19th episode of our Supply Chain Careers Leadership Series!Welcome to the Supply Chain Careers Leadership Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris Gaffney, Mike Ogle, and Rodney Apple dive into the essential skills, competencies, and experiences needed to ascend to the Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) role. Join us as we explore strategic thinking, team building, financial acumen, change management, innovation, and the importance of a global perspective.Chris shares invaluable insights from...

Join us in this insightful episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast's "Day in the Life" series as we delve into the world of demand planning. Host Rodney Apple welcomes Vicki Grillo, a seasoned demand planning expert with over 20 years of experience in supply chain management. Vicki shares her journey from retail merchandise planning at the Gap to her current role in the footwear industry, highlighting her passion for combining analytical skills with cross-functional collaboration.Vicki pr...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, hosts Mike Ogle and Chris Gaffney chat with Brian Keiger, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at ConveyCo Technologies. Brian shares his unique entry into the supply chain industry, starting from a chance encounter at a softball league. He discusses the influence of mentors Randy Jennings and John Hill, and valuable life lessons from his father.Brian highlights the importance of integrity, accountability, and effective communication...

Join Supply Chain Careers co-hosts Mike Ogle and Chris Gaffney as they chat with Ellen Voie, founder of Women in Trucking. Ellen shares her inspiring journey from broadcast journalism to trucking leadership, highlighting career transitions and the mission of her organization. Discover how the trucking industry is evolving to support female drivers, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and Ellen's valuable career advice. Whether you're a student, job seeker, or professional, this e...

Welcome to the Supply Chain Careers podcast, the premier resource for employers, professionals, and students in the supply chain discipline. In this episode, podcast hosts Mike Ogle and Rodney Apple speak with Joe Tillman, Manager of Education Programs at SMC³. Joe shares his diverse career journey from early influences to his current role.Joe discusses the development of SMC³’s LTL certification program, the significance of credentials in the industry, and the insights from the annual DC Mea...

The 18th episode of our Supply Chain Careers Leadership Series!In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Leadership Podcast, hosts Chris Gaffney, Mike Ogle, and Rodney Apple delve into the crucial role of developing future leaders within organizations. They explore why leadership development should be a strategic priority, share best practices for cultivating new leaders, and discuss the measurable impacts of these efforts on organizational success. Tune in for insightful stories, practical...

The 10th episode of our "Day-In-The-Life of a Supply Chain Professional" podcast series!In this episode, we dive into the day in the life of Andrew Schneider, Director of S&OP at Project Canary.Andrew Schneider is an award-winning S&OP expert with over 20 years of experience directing & thought-leading within supply chain, business transformation, advanced analytics, and enterprise risk management disciplines. He is one of the few triple-fellowship level holders with T...

The 17th episode of our Supply Chain Careers Leadership Series! The discussion in episode 17 of the Leadership Series podcast frames the critical importance of leadership soft skills. As we navigate an ever-evolving work environment, these skills are not just nice-to-have but essential for fostering strong, resilient teams capable of facing future challenges. Leaders who invest in developing their soft skills are better equipped to lead with empathy, adaptability, and a clear understanding of...

The 16th episode of our Supply Chain Careers Leadership Series! In this engaging episode of the Supply Chain Careers Leadership Podcast, join host Chris Gaffney along with co-hosts Mike Ogle and Rodney Apple as they delve into the intricate world of orchestrated supply chains. This episode explores the dynamic and multifaceted approach to leading complex supply chain environments that extend beyond traditional company boundaries. Our hosts discuss the critical leadership skills required to...

Thank you for 100 Episodes!!! In this landmark 100th episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we celebrate a significant milestone by reflecting on the journey so far and peering into the future of supply chain careers. Hosts Mike Ogle, Rodney Apple, and Chris Gaffney dive deep into the evolution of supply chain roles, from foundational operations to the cutting-edge integration of AI and technology. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, featuring a reflective look at the top...

Supply Chain Careers podcast hosts - Chris Gaffney and Rodney Apple speak with Interim & Fractional Executive, Dan Marous. In an engaging conversation on the “Supply Chain Careers Podcast,” Dan Marous, a seasoned supply chain advisor and interim executive, delves into the burgeoning trend of fractional and interim executive roles within the supply chain sector. This evolution reflects the industry’s dynamic needs and highlights the importance of fractional supply chain executives in...

Supply Chain Careers podcast hosts - Mike Ogle and Rodney Apple speak with Founder and CEO, Bill Thayer. In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Bill Thayer, a seasoned expert in logistics and supply chain management with a storied career spanning over three decades. Bill shares his unconventional journey into the logistics sector, starting from his early days at Macy's, moving through significant roles at various retail giants, and eventually co-founding Filogic. His narrative is a...

The 7th episode of our new podcast series - "The Supply Chain Talent Building and Engagement Series". Supply Chain Careers podcast hosts - Chris Gaffney and Rodney Apple speak with CHRO, Andrew Lobo. In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we delve into the fascinating intersection of supply chain management and talent management with guest Andrew Lobo. Drawing from his extensive experience in HR and supply chain roles, including at the Coca-Cola Company, Andrew illuminates the...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of Chris Harris, Founder of Supermoon Solutions.  From his early days of summer jobs in warehousing to becoming a pivotal figure in supply chain technology, Chris shares invaluable insights into his career evolution. He highlights the importance of understanding client relationships, the principles of leadership, and how to stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of supply chain and technology....

The 15th episode of our Supply Chain Careers Leadership Series! In this engaging episode of the Supply Chain Careers Leadership dive into the complexities and challenges of leading other leaders within the supply chain industry. Featuring a mix of personal experiences and expert insights, the episode uncovers the nuances of multi-level leadership, effective communication, and strategic decision-making. Key topics include the transition from individual contributor to leading larger teams, the...

The 6th episode of our new podcast series - "The Supply Chain Talent Building and Engagement Series". Supply Chain Careers podcast hosts - Chris Gaffney and Rodney Apple speak with HR Manager, Kelly Little, and Project Coordinator, Matt Kennedy. In this episode, we dive into the heart of talent management in the supply chain industry with Tryon Solutions. Unveiling the secrets behind their innovative Tryon University program, they reveal how the company masters the art of nurturing,...

In this new episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, our hosts Chris Gaffney and Rodney Apple speak with Liz Raman-Grubbs - Supply Chain Director /  Founder of Supply Chain Gals. We delve into the inspiring career journey of Liz's prominent figure in the supply chain industry. Liz shares her experiences from working at major companies, offering valuable insights into the challenges and innovations in supply chain management. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of...