In this special two-part episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we take you inside three of the top supply chain university programs in the United States to uncover how they’re shaping the next generation of leaders. Hosts Mike Ogle, Rodney Apple, and Chris Gaffney sit down with Dr. Judy Whipple of Michigan State University, Dr. Brian Fugate of the University of Arkansas, and Chris Gaffney in his role leading Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain and Logistics Institute.

You’ll hear firsthand how these programs are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing supply chain landscape - covering curriculum design, industry partnerships, experiential learning, and the essential skills students need to thrive in their careers. Whether you’re a student, educator, or supply chain professional, this episode delivers valuable insights into the future of supply chain talent development.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing

In this special episode, guest host Brian Kennedy sits down with Chris Gaffney to explore how supply chain professionals can take control of their careers by embracing artificial intelligence. Chris introduces the “AI Maturity Ladder,” a step-by-step roadmap that helps individuals and teams evolve from foundational tools like Excel to advanced capabilities like predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI agents.

The conversation covers:

• The evolution of AI in supply chain roles
• Practical skills to stay relevant in a data-driven market
• How tools like Python, SQL, and Power BI tie into career growth
• Why applied analytics beats theoretical knowledge in today’s job market
• Strategies for leaders to upskill their teams and create a culture of innovation

Whether you're a student, mid-career professional, or supply chain leader, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for climbing the AI ladder and ensuring you’re leading change instead of reacting to it.

🔗 Learn more at scl.gatech.edu
🎙️ Powered by SCM Talent Group | scmtalent.com

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing

Featuring Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at YMX Logistics

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with Erin Mitchell, COO of YMX Logistics, to explore her remarkable career journey from software developer at Kraft to leading logistics integrations and scaling a fast-growing startup.

Erin shares how a company-sponsored MBA opened doors into operations, and how servant leadership, stretch assignments, and a bias for action helped her navigate major mergers, build high-performing teams, and drive innovation in supply chain.

We discuss:

• The skills Erin looks for when hiring logistics talent
• Leading during high-pressure M&A integrations
• Transitioning from shipper to logistics service provider
• Why operations experience is critical for long-term career growth
• Balancing sustainability, customer success, and profitability
• How to lead through change, even when the plan goes off-course

Whether you're just starting out or leading a global supply chain, Erin’s story offers practical advice and inspiration for supply chain professionals at every stage.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we dive deep into the world of operations leadership with Fabio Paniza, Director of Operations for a leading global medical device and pharmaceutical company. Fabio oversees global manufacturing operations spanning the U.S. and Switzerland, managing everything from component warehousing and kitting to final assembly, packaging, and service support for life-saving medical devices.

Fabio shares his inspiring journey from his family business in Brazil to leading complex global operations for one of the world's top healthcare companies.

Whether you're just starting out or seeking your next leadership role in supply chain, Fabio’s career path and perspective on people-first operations will leave you both informed and inspired.

🔗 Connect with Fabio on LinkedIn: Fabio Paniza
🎧 Powered by SCM Talent Group – the industry-leading supply chain recruiting and executive search firm.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we sit down with award-winning supply chain leader, Moonmoon Rathod, for an inside look at what it’s like to work as a Supply Chain Manager. With over a decade of experience at global powerhouses like Amazon, Apple, Daimler Mercedes-Benz, and William Sonoma, Moonmoon shares her career journey, daily responsibilities, and the skills—both technical and soft—that are essential for success in logistics and operations.

Tune in as Moonmoon discusses:

• How a career-shaping internship led her into supply chain
• What she likes about being a Supply Chain Manager
• What her main day-to-day job duties consist of
• Her passion for problem-solving, innovation, and mentorship

Whether you're a student exploring career paths, a mid-career professional seeking advancement, or a leader shaping supply chain strategy, this episode offers actionable insights from one of the industry’s rising stars. Moonmoon also shares advice for breaking into the field, the value of rotational programs, and how to build a career that thrives in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.

🎧 Presented by SCM Talent Group – the industry-leading supply chain recruiting and executive search firm.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we talk with Jenny Yao Harrison, a seasoned global supply chain and business transformation executive with over two decades of experience leading cross-functional teams across continents and industries. Currently serving as the commercial leader for a strategic customer at Niagara Bottling, Jenny shares insights from a career that has taken her from Coca-Cola’s global operations to leading supply chain strategy at Finlays in London.

We explore Jenny’s journey—from her unexpected entry into the supply chain world to building a T-shaped leadership profile through roles in operations, R&D, and innovation. She unpacks the contrasts between public and private companies, the realities of international assignments, and how she’s navigated career transitions while balancing personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re starting out or leading supply chains at scale, this episode offers valuable lessons in adaptability, leadership, and creating a fulfilling global career in the ever-evolving beverage industry.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we sit down with Scott Mason, a seasoned supply chain leader whose career spans high-impact roles in industry, academia, and now at Amazon, where he leads optimization efforts for under-the-roof operations.

Scott shares how his early experiences in semiconductor manufacturing and consulting laid the groundwork for a career focused on modeling, analytics, and systems thinking. He reflects on his academic tenure at Clemson and the University of Arkansas, and what ultimately brought him back into industry to help Amazon move over 100 million packages a day with precision and efficiency.

We explore:

• The evolution of supply chain modeling — from spreadsheets to AI
• The critical balance between hard skills and soft skills
• Why empathy, communication, and self-awareness matter more than ever
• How Amazon's culture fosters innovation at scale
• Leadership lessons across academia, consulting, and tech

Whether you're a student, a seasoned professional, or someone exploring a pivot in supply chain, Scott’s insights offer a grounded roadmap for building a meaningful, impactful career.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with John Peoples, a seasoned supply chain and operations leader whose career spans major organizations like Ford, Halliburton, Coca-Cola, and Domino’s.

John shares how he built his career from the plant floor to multi-site operations leadership—emphasizing the importance of curiosity, continuous improvement, and a people-first leadership style. From leading startup facilities to turning around underperforming sites, John reveals how emotional safety, empowerment, and team culture drive performance at scale.

You’ll hear:

• Why frontline experience is critical to long-term leadership success
• The difference between managing a single site vs. multiple operations
• How to build trust, drive metrics, and develop high-performing teams
• The role of mentorship, networking, and advocacy in career growth
• Advice for young professionals looking to lead in manufacturing

Whether you're early in your career or looking to step into senior operations leadership, John offers grounded, practical insights you can apply today.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage SCM Talent Group, a supply chain recruiting & executive search firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Inventory Planning
• Logistics & Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Operations
• Robotics
• Sales & Business Development
• S&OP
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Automation
• Warehousing