Supply Chain Now

The global supply chain is shifting fast—from rising compliance demands to major reshoring investments—welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44!
In this episode, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens break down the forces reshaping the electronics supply chain, from Apple’s massive U.S. manufacturing expansion to the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on critical materials like helium. Joined by Justin Sears of Altium, the conversation dives into how data, design, and visibility are becoming essential to navigating complexity and staying competitive.
Join us and learn:
Why strategic data intelligence is now critical for compliance and decision-making
How fragmented data and manual processes are slowing down modern supply chains
The ripple effects of helium shortages on chips and electronics production
What Apple’s $600B U.S. manufacturing push signals for reshoring trends
How modern tech stacks and cloud adoption are helping companies leapfrog competitors
Why security, visibility, and control are essential in electronics design and sourcing

From regulatory complexity to global disruptions and bold reshoring moves, the electronics supply chain is entering a new era—one defined by data, agility, and smarter decision-making.

Additional Links & Resources:
Project 44: https://www.project44.com/
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-29-March-2026
Decision44 Event: https://www.project44.com/events/decision44/
American Supply Chain Summit: https://supplychainus.com/
National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
Strategic Data Intelligence Is Reshaping Electronics Supply Chain Resilience: https://bit.ly/Strategic-Data-Intelligence
Helium shortage has started impacting tech supply chains, execs say: https://bit.ly/4bFEonN
Apple expands American manufacturing program with four new partners: https://cnb.cx/4bUjhgl
Supply Chain & Logistics Summit: https://bit.ly/SC-and-Logistics-Summit-2026
Securing Your Electronics Development Workspace: https://bit.ly/Securing-Electronics-Workspace
The Geopolitics of Junk: https://supplychainnow.com/geopolitics-junk/?category=blog
Altium: https://www.altium.com/
Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsears/
Dave Krache Foundation: https://davekrache.com/
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

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Allison Giddens and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-chips-compliance-chaos-navigating-todays-electronics-supply-chain-1566

Supply chain leadership is being tested like never before, and the expectations keep rising.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Wiley Jones to kick off another episode of Enterprise Unleashed, powered by the DOSS team. Together, they sit down with Rick McDonald, CEO at Rick McDonald Supply Chain Advisory, LLC, and retired SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Clorox, to talk about the evolving role of leaders in today's fast-changing environment. Rick discusses the importance of digital fluency for leaders, particularly in integrating AI, and emphasizes that AI should be viewed as decision support, not a replacement.
He highlights key strategies for leaders navigating disruptive technologies, such as investing in reskilling and upskilling, and underscores the critical role of change management. With extensive experience in managing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and a five-month-long cyberattack, Rick shares insights into leadership during times of transformation and how companies can leverage technology for better decision-making.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:59) Meet supply chain expert Rick McDonald
(05:53) Rick's supply chain career origin story
(07:30) Clorox’s global supply chain scale
(09:31) Rick's proudest Clorox leadership moments
(11:35) How supply chains evolved in five years
(14:02) Navigating talent and technology intersection
(16:16) Sorting through AI hype and ROI
(19:52) The human edge over AI in leadership
(23:05) AI adoption and overcoming fear
(26:27) Cohorts and adoption strategies for success
(27:23) Leaders must walk the digital talk
(29:33) The strategic commitment to transformation
(30:16) Next-gen skills for supply chain leaders
(31:44) Stall versus scale in digital projects
(34:33) Avoiding the shiny tool temptation
(36:58) CSCO’s role in owning digital strategy
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Rick McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82/
Connect with Rick through email: [email protected]
Learn more about Clorox: http://www.TheCloroxComRick McDonald - AutoScheduler.AI | LinkedInpany.com
Connect with Wiley Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/
Learn more about DOSS: https://www.doss.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 Wiley Jones, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/enterprise-unleashed-rick-mcdonald-whats-now-whats-next-1565

Supply chain disruption isn’t slowing down, it’s becoming the baseline. So what separates leaders who keep up from those who fall behind?
In this episode, Scott Luton sits down with Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to break down what it takes to lead in 2026. Mike revisits key lessons from the pandemic, including why top organizations “handle hard better,” and explains why “winning in the turns” still applies in today’s environment of constant disruption.
They also unpack where many leaders are misreading AI, especially as supply chain and IT continue to converge, and what that means for CSCOs. You’ll hear Gartner’s top three priorities for supply chain leaders, plus practical examples of how AI is already improving decision-making, from vendor selection to faster insights.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:17) What the pandemic taught supply chain leaders about handling hard
(06:02) A broader perspective on AI and the rise of LLMs
(08:40) Why winning in the turns still matters
(12:15) Quantum risk and the future of data security
(14:56) Why so many leaders are misreading AI strategy
(19:00) The top priorities for CSCOs in 2026
(22:53) Where agentic AI is creating real value
(27:34) What supply chain leaders in 2050 may say about today
(31:38) Join the conversation at Gartner Supply Chain Symposium
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 the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ 2026 conference: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/symposium-us
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/priorities-cscos-2026-boards-still-getting-wrong-1564

From geopolitical tensions impacting global energy markets to rising food costs and shifting delivery networks, today’s supply chains are navigating a perfect storm of disruption and transformation. At the same time, innovation is accelerating—from AI-powered logistics to tech-enabled food platforms redefining how we eat at home. The stakes are high, and the pace of change is only increasing… welcome to The Buzz, powered by project44!
In this episode, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker explore how global conflict is impacting energy and supply chains, how rising cocoa prices are reshaping the food industry, and what Amazon’s shift away from USPS means for last-mile delivery. Plus, HelloFresh COO Dan Seidel joins us to share how AI, robotics, and supply chain innovation are transforming the home cooking experience.
Key Learnings & Takeaways:
Geopolitical conflict continues to disrupt global supply chains
Oil price volatility impacts nearly every industry
Cocoa shortages are driving product and pricing innovation
Amazon’s delivery strategy shift could reshape last-mile logistics
Strategy is evolving toward speed, flexibility, and resilience
AI and robotics are enabling more responsive supply chains
HelloFresh is redefining convenience, personalization, and freshness

Disruption isn’t slowing down—but neither is innovation. The organizations that stay agile, customer-focused, and ready to adapt will be the ones that lead what’s next.

Additional Links & Resources:
Project 44: https://www.project44.com/
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-22-March-2026
Decision44 Event: https://www.project44.com/events/decision44/
American Supply Chain Summit: https://supplychainus.com/
National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
Mondelēz rethinks chocolate innovation as high cocoa prices linger: https://bit.ly/Cocoa-Prices-High
Amazon Plans Drastic Cut in Packages Sent Via Already-Struggling Postal Service: https://on.wsj.com/3NGS6xs
Redefining corporate strategy in a more volatile world: https://bit.ly/Corp-Strategy-Is-Changing
LLMs in Shipping Ebook: https://bit.ly/LLMs-in-Shipping
The 2025-2026 State of Home Cooking Report: https://www.hellofresh.com/eat/reports/stateofhomecooking
HelloFresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/
Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-seidel-6389903a8/
Connect with Marty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyparker/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
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

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-shocks-cocoa-crunch-hellofresh-innovation-1563

What if the next big supply chain breakthrough also creates one of its biggest security risks?
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Akhilesh Agarwal, President of P2P Solutions and Technology at apexanalytix, and William McNeill, Vice President of Market Intelligence at apexanalytix, for an in-depth discussion on quantum computing’s role in supply chains. They examine how it can improve visibility, risk management, and decision-making. Akhilesh and William stress the importance of preparing now, as waiting could expose companies to risks.
The conversation also covers the convergence of quantum computing and AI, enhancing predictive analytics, supply chain modeling, and risk management. The episode concludes with practical steps leaders can take to prepare for quantum disruptions and stay ahead as the technology evolves.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(04:26) Sci-fi influences and tech discussion
(07:49) Career background and journey details
(10:16) Overview of apexanalytix's work
(12:30) Why they wrote the quantum paper
(17:34) Comparing quantum risk to AI delays
(21:19) Why quantum is both overhyped and underestimated
(26:26) Quantum’s potential for deep visibility
(32:21) The power of quantum risk modeling
(32:54) Data hurdles in supplier visibility
(33:40) Quantum access and the risk of bad actors
(37:45) The rise of quantum computing as a service
(39:34) Near-term risks and HNDL explained
(44:08) Compliance, insurance, and data lifespan
(47:13) Misconceptions about quantum readiness
(51:53) Practical steps to take in 24 months
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Akhilesh Agarwal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilesh78/
Connect with William McNeill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wimcneill/
Learn more about apexanalytix: https://apexanalytix.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 produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/quantum-paradox-what-supply-chain-leaders-need-know-1562