Supply Chain Now

Some of the most influential companies in today’s economy rarely make headlines. Known as the titanium economy, these small and mid-sized industrial businesses supply the parts, systems, and expertise that keep global supply chains operating.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Karin Bursa, Steffen Fuchs, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, and Ryan Fletcher, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to examine what makes these industrial companies so effective. The group discusses the characteristics that set them apart, from disciplined operations and close customer relationships to long-term thinking that helps them remain competitive across changing market conditions.
Steffen and Ryan also share perspectives from their work with companies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy. The discussion looks at how these organizations respond to supply chain disruptions, approach growth opportunities, and invest in their people and operations. Along the way, the group explores leadership decisions, workforce development, and how companies are applying new technologies to support continued growth.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:28) Meet the guests and introductions
(05:05) Warmup: March Madness and theater roots
(08:22) Steffen discusses background in AI
(10:38) Ryan’s experience in mid-cap industries
(14:02) Defining the titanium economy concept
(19:50) Book impact and changes since 2022
(23:15) Global policy and geopolitics influences
(29:01) Resilience and supply chain adjustments
(35:27) The great amplification cycle explained
(37:14) Clusters, innovation, and regional growth
(38:00) Supply chain tailwinds and opportunities
(39:34) Top performers’ playbook for success
(41:25) Lead time and SKU management
(42:39) Capacity bets that lead to success
(46:02) AI as a competitive advantage
(47:53) Real-world examples of AI in practice
(54:36) Leadership lessons from the titanium economy
(01:00:40) Trends flying under the radar today
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Steffen Fuchs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffen-fuchs/
Connect with Ryan Fletcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanfletcher/
Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/
Learn more about McKinsey & Company: http://www.mckinsey.com
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKp
WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/titanium-economy-how-ai-supply-chains-reshaping-industrial-competitiveness-1559

Supply chains across Africa are being reshaped by sustainability pressures, public health needs, digital transformation, and the growing recognition that supply chain is ultimately about people.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Jenny Froome, Founder and Director of Upavon Management, along with Liesl de Wet, Head of Accelerated Organisational Sustainability at Unitrans and Champion at the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA), and ASCEA 2025 award winner Angelina Cumba, Manager, Access to Health Products at VillageReach. Together, they explore the major trends shaping African supply chains today, from climate-related disruption and technology adoption to public-private collaboration and the need to strengthen local capabilities.
Scott, Jenny, Liesl, and Angelina also spotlight the fifth anniversary of the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards and the program's role in celebrating innovation, resilience, and real-world impact across the continent. The conversation highlights why strong supply chains depend on solid fundamentals, continuous improvement, and leadership that is both practical and purpose-driven. From humanitarian success stories and public health transformation to lessons in sustainability and system design, this episode offers a powerful look at how African supply chain leaders are solving complex challenges and creating models worth learning from around the world.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:02) Meet the panel and their roles in supply chain leadership
(03:43) Liesl on penguin conservation and sustainability
(06:28) Hobbies and work-life balance
(11:15) Top supply chain trends across Africa
(16:10) Shifts in public health supply chains
(19:55) Why the awards were created
(24:18) Angelina on winning and impact
(26:59) Favorite winner stories
(30:50) The Luke Commission resilience story
(33:45) Leadership lessons in supply chain
(36:40) Awards momentum and community
(37:59) What’s new for the 2026 awards
(52:27) Leadership reflections and connections
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Angelina Cumba: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-c-90304124/
Connect with Liesl de Wet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liesl-de-wet-83903419/
Connect with Jenny Froome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-froome-ba3b09b/
Learn more about the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA): https://www.ascea.co.za/
Learn more about VillageReach: https://www.villagereach.org/
Learn more about Unitrans: https://www.unitransafrica.com/
Learn more about Upavon Management: https://upavon.co.za/
Learn more about the Luke Commission: https://www.lukecommission.org
Learn more about Books for Africa: https://www.booksforafrica.org
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKp
WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-excellence-leadership-innovation-across-africa-1558

From manufacturing data and AI adoption to workforce trends and the evolving role of women in industry, supply chain leaders are navigating a fast-changing landscape. In this episode of The Buzz, hosts Scott Luton and Karen Betancourt break down the latest global supply chain news and welcome Tracy Hyatt Bosman of Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company to explore how economic signals, workforce dynamics, and site selection strategies are shaping the future of manufacturing and logistics. Buckle up and join us for this week’s insights and conversations — welcome to The Buzz powered by Project44!
This episode dives into the latest developments impacting global supply chains, including new data on U.S. manufacturing performance, the rapid rise of AI in factory operations, and the workforce dynamics influencing site selection and economic development. The conversation also highlights Women’s History Month, explores real-world examples of supply chain and marketing alignment, and examines how emerging technologies and shifting economic signals are reshaping industry strategy.
Tune in and learn:
What the latest U.S. manufacturing data signals about jobs, tariffs, and production costs
How manufacturers are deploying AI to improve productivity, quality, and resilience
Why workforce availability and skills remain the biggest factor in manufacturing site selection
The myths and realities surrounding manufacturing careers and workforce shortages
Key economic insights from leading economists on the outlook for U.S. manufacturing and global trade
How retailers like Target are investing in supply chain and fulfillment capabilities to compete in the omnichannel era
The role of women’s leadership in supply chain and manufacturing operations
Why data centers are becoming a critical (and sometimes controversial) part of modern infrastructure

Whether you're a supply chain leader, manufacturer, logistics professional, or industry enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspective on the economic forces, workforce realities, and technology shifts shaping the future of supply chain. Tune in to gain practical insights and stay ahead of the trends influencing how the world moves goods, data, and innovation.
Additional Links & Resources:
Project 44: https://www.project44.com/
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7-March-2026
National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
American Supply Chain Summit: https://supplychainus.com/
FritoLay Chip Challenge: https://bit.ly/Karen-FritoLay-Chip-Challenge
US manufacturing activity steady, factory gate inflation surges: https://reut.rs/4roemtI
U.S. payrolls unexpectedly fell by 92,000 in February; unemployment rate rises to 4.4%: https://cnb.cx/4bgHFse
Manufacturers are making progress with AI, but barriers remain: Cisco: https://bit.ly/State-of-AI-in-Manufacturing
Target readies next-day delivery for 20 more metros this spring: https://bit.ly/Target-Expands-Next-Day-Delivery
Fox’s Burton’s Companies factory chief: “I was told being a woman would hold me back:” https://bit.ly/Women-In-Manufacturing
Decision44 Event: https://www.project44.com/events/decision44/
The Executives'​ Club of Chicago's Annual Economic Outlook 2026: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/traceyhyattbosman_before-it-gets-too-far-in-the-rearview-mirror-activity-7418784479105691649-Azng/
Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyhyattbosman/
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendbetancourt/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKp
WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karen Betancourt, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-hits-factory-floor-1557

Global supply chains are navigating an era marked by evolving challenges and opportunities. As technological advancements such as AI continue to reshape the landscape, leaders must adapt to the constant pressures of global uncertainty.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Tony Zuazo, Interim CEO of the Community Resource Center, to explore the intersection of people, process, and technology in today’s supply chain environment. Tony shares insights from his extensive experience leading supply chains at Dollar General and his current work in nonprofit leadership. Together, they discuss the critical role of innovation in supply chain management, the growing significance of automation and AI, and the importance of adapting processes to meet both short-term needs and long-term goals.
Scott and Tony also touch on the complexities of decision-making in global supply chains, the balance between technology and human-driven processes, and the need for clear communication in change management. The episode concludes with advice for leaders on how to manage uncertainty, drive efficiency, and keep people at the heart of successful supply chain operations.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:42) Tony Zuazo’s background and supply chain leadership at Dollar General
(07:35) Retail supply chain’s evolution over the past decade
(08:16) Shifts in technology: automation and AI
(10:24) Unchanging global pressures in the supply chain
(11:18) Importance of micro decisions in operations
(13:52) Key non-negotiables at Dollar General
(16:49) Overengineering vs. oversimplifying technology solutions
(20:07) The importance of overcommunication in leadership
(23:20) CRC's mission: hygiene and security
(26:33) Ways to support the Community Resource Center
(30:15) Leadership lessons: people, process, and technology
(32:49) Standardizing processes with room for flexibility
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Tony Zuazo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyzuazo/
Learn more about the Community Resource Center: http://www.crcmidtn.org
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
WEBINAR- From Months to Days: How AI-Speed Supply Chain Design Is Breaking Traditional Org Models—And Talent Too: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/store-shelves-commnity-impact-journey-1556

Global supply chains are at an inflection point as geopolitical uncertainty collides with rapid AI advancement and rising performance expectations. Leaders must decide when to invest, where to modernize, and how to stay ahead.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to reflect on insights from Manifest 2026 and the evolving role of supply chain leadership. Together, they explore practical AI adoption, the growing importance of augmentation over automation, and how supply chains are stepping into more strategic, decision-shaping roles.
Scott and Mike discuss the shift from AI experimentation to real-world use cases that solve specific business problems. They emphasize the importance of integrating technology with strong processes, particularly in Sales and Operations Planning, and maintaining clarity between planning and execution. The conversation concludes with perspectives on investment timing, competitive advantage, and how leaders can confidently navigate uncertainty while building stronger, more resilient supply chains.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:26) Coaching championship and basketball trivia showdown
(06:20) Sports nostalgia and shifting into supply chain mode
(07:30) Manifest 2026 and five major supply chain technology themes
(09:29) Moving from AI theater to real-world use cases
(13:16) Investment hesitation and navigating market uncertainty
(17:03) “We never lacked data,” and the rise of new analysis paralysis
(21:55) Using frameworks and knowing when enough insight is enough
(26:47) Why S&OP struggles with executive support
(29:56) S&OP versus S&OE and avoiding tactical drift
(31:22) How the supply chain became a strategic decision shaper
(35:42) Why the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium is a must-attend event
(38:19) How to connect with Mike and a deeds not words challenge
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/
Connect with Mike through email: [email protected]
Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
WEBINAR- From Months to Days: How AI-Speed Supply Chain Design Is Breaking Traditional Org Models—And Talent Too: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-ai-transforming-supply-chain-decision-making-2026-1555