Supply Chain - Unfiltered

Discover which companies thrive, and which struggle, when tariffs and trade barriers shift. In this “Supply Chain – Unfiltered” episode, Chandler Willison of M Science explains why supply chain flexibility is key to resilience, and how smaller firms with rigid operations are most vulnerable to policy changes. Gain practical insights into the strategic moves that help organizations adapt, optimize, and succeed in a rapidly changing global market. Tune in for expert perspectives on navigating uncertainty and positioning your business for long-term growth.

In this episode of “Supply Chain – Unfiltered,” host Melanie Stern welcomes Dr. John Mitchell, President & CEO of the Global Electronics Association, to discuss why electronics – like energy – touch every sector and every life. Mitchell shares new trade flows analysis showing that electronics now represent one in every five dollars of global merchandise trade, and explains how this trend is accelerating, especially in automotive and manufacturing. He also highlights the Association’s commitment to workforce development, offering industry-recognized credentials and training for over 150,000 professionals annually worldwide, and the first federally recognized electronics apprenticeship program, which helps companies and learners access government support for training.

In this episode of “Supply Chain – Unfiltered,” featuring Conrad Snover, CEO at ProcurAbility, dives into the impact of electrification on grid infrastructure and supply chains. Success in today’s environment hinges on building collaborative, long-term partnerships among utilities, suppliers, and contractors. Conrad discusses that integrated supply chain models, strategic contracting, and shared forecasting are now essential for strengthening resilience and fostering innovation. By working together and leveraging new technologies, industry leaders can better anticipate disruptions, manage risks, and deliver sustainable solutions for the future of utility supply chains.

Audrey Clavedon, Head of ESG Leadership and Consultancy at Sedex, joins “Supply Chain – Unfiltered” to discuss opportunities for transforming ESG compliance and the outlook for 2026. Rather than getting bogged down by reporting requirements, businesses can refocus their efforts on making a tangible impact on sustainability and building resilient supply chains. This year has brought heightened attention to ESG compliance, and sustainability overall that are highlighting the need for practical solutions and forward-thinking strategies.

In this episode of Supply Chain Unfiltered, VJ Kuru, Director of Product at Walmart GoLocal, a division of Walmart, one of the world’s largest retail supply chains, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of delivery and logistics. VJ discusses how Walmart GoLocal is balancing automation and human expertise, scaling innovative technologies like drones and driverless trucks, and keeping customer experience at the heart of every decision. Tune in to hear why VJ believes it’s a great time to be in supply chain.

In this episode, LightSource CEO, Spencer Penn shares how his experience working on the Model 3 program at Tesla – scaling it from a boutique car business to millions of vehicles – helped shape his vision for transforming procurement through AI. Spencer discusses how leveraging AI and automation are redefining procurement, turning it from a tactical function into a driver of strategic level thinking. From supplier discovery to contract management, LightSource’s approach demonstrates how technology can streamline sourcing and elevate decision-making across the profession. Tune in to hear more on his journey from automotive innovation to procurement revolution is helping organizations unlock new effectiveness and competitive advantages.

In this episode, Mat Witte, CEO of ORTEC Americas, addresses the pressing challenges supply chain operators across North America are facing. From labor shortages to rising costs, inventory issues, and reluctance to adopt automation, the landscape in transportation, warehousing, and distribution continue to evolve, and not without strain. Mat brings decades of experience in supply chain optimization. His candid take on the “elephant in the room” is a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability that define successful supply chain teams today.

In this episode of “Supply Chain — Unfiltered”, we explore the evolving landscape of data democratization in supply chain management. Our guest Dr. Charlotte Anabelle de Brabandt, digital futurist and author, introduces a framework designed to make data accessible to both analytics-driven professionals and those less data-inclined. Learn how organizations are shifting away from siloed data ownership and embracing enterprise-wide access to drive smarter decisions, reduce costs, and build resilience. Discover the five fundamentals of this model and why this is the year data becomes everyone’s business.

Is corporate pullback from sustainability real, or just a myth? In our latest “Supply Chain Unfiltered” episode, ISM journalist Melanie Stern sits down with Daniela Ocio, CEO of Clupify, to unpack the economic realities behind emissions reduction and ESG strategy. Daniela shares why sustainability isn’t just a regulatory checkbox, it’s a smart business move.

In this episode of Supply Chain Unfiltered, host Melanie Stern speaks with Mike Aller about the growing intersection of supply chain resiliency, cybersecurity, and national security. With AI accelerating both opportunities and risks, the conversation explores how emerging cyber threats are reshaping the way businesses and governments must think about protecting domestic supply chains. From resources available through the Small Business Development Center and APEX Accelerator Network to strategies for safeguarding critical operations, this episode highlights why securing supply chains in the age of AI is more urgent than ever.

In this episode, we dive into the evolving dynamics in supply chain recruitment and retention. Joined by Christine Corson, Executive Director at DSJ Global, the episode explores the implications of Gartner’s labor market survey, the rise of short-term hiring strategies, and the growing importance of agility and adaptability in candidates. Christine shares actionable advice for job seekers, from networking and resume refinement to navigating AI in recruitment, while emphasizing the enduring value of human connection in hiring. Tune in for insights that empower professionals to thrive in a shifting global landscape.

Join us for our latest episode featuring Angela Burke, Director, Operations & Maintenance, at Pivot Energy, who joins our host, Melanie Stern, to discuss the creative dual use of energy production and agricultural support that organizations are prioritizing. 

Join us for our latest episode featuring Alexander Style, General Manager of Americas at Vinturas, who joins our host, Melanie Stern, to discuss integrating blockchain technology into supply chains. They tackle the risks, cybersecurity, benefits, and use cases for how this technology is accelerating information sharing.

From the 2025 ISM World Conference in Orlando, Florida, this episode features transformative supply chain executive LeAnne Coulter. She joins host Melanie Stern to share crucial insights on how procurement and supply chain professionals can survive and thrive, amid today’s VUCA environment (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) and supply chain regionalization. As Coulter notes, “The world is too small, and supply chains are too vast”—a reminder of the delicate balance between global interconnectivity and local resilience.

Join us for our latest episode featuring Joanna Frank, CEO and President of Fitwel, who joins our host, Melanie Stern, to discuss building safe and healthy facilities. Frank highlights examples of health impacts along with design decisions to increase the health of employees and customers using a physical space.

Join us for our latest episode featuring Yann Babarroux, Co-Founder and CEO Otonomi and Peter Waggonner, Public Policy Director at Greater New Orleans, Inc. Our host, Melanie Stearn, and our guests discuss various climate crises, shifts, policies and risks, and what individuals and organizations are doing to mitigate risk. Link: https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/news-publications/ism-podcast-supply-chain-unfiltered/

Join us for our latest episode featuring Brian Antonellis, Senior Vice President of Fleet Operations at Fleet Advantage. Together, our host Melanie Stern and Brian will explore the current and future challenges for the trucking industry in 2025, what moves organizations can make to set themselves up for success, and what considerations to understand.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies that supply chain and procurement organizations are using to attract and retain top talent in today's competitive market. Join our host, Melanie Stern, as she sits down with Kimberly Neisen, Director of Talent at ProcureAbility, to explore the latest trends and best practices. From growth opportunities and employee recognition to motivation and combating burnout, discover how your organization can stay ahead in the talent game.