In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Paul Brooks, founder of Go Further Consulting, and Dave Food, Chief Strategy Officer at Prophetic Technology, to explore the evolving demands of supply chain leadership in today’s global economy. They discuss how the role has become more visible since the COVID-19 pandemic, why leadership fundamentals like judgment, communication, and resilience remain constant, and how AI and technology are reshaping the way leaders think and operate.

Paul shares insights from interviewing 50 global executives on servant leadership and values-based decision making. At the same time, Dave emphasizes the importance of T-shaped leaders who balance specialist expertise with a broad organizational perspective. Together, they highlight why empowering teams to experiment safely, aligning metrics across functions, and fostering collaboration with suppliers and customers are critical for long-term success. This conversation offers a clear roadmap for developing future-ready leaders who can navigate complexity and inspire high-performing teams.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:48) Core mantras and leadership philosophies

(07:23) Paul and Dave’s career journeys

(11:35) Challenges facing supply chain leadership today

(16:23) Why customer experience drives supply chains

(18:26) The bigger picture and process explained

(27:02) The role of the wider team

(28:38) Aligning KPIs with new CEO strategies

(29:29) Supply chain leadership in the boardroom

(31:51) Specialists versus generalists in supply chain

(36:02) Understanding the T-shaped leader concept

(42:39) Leadership mistakes to avoid in supply chains

(45:22) Future trends in supply chain leadership

(48:46) Projects and initiatives from Paul and Dave

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Paul Brooks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrooksfcilt/
• Learn more about Go Further Consulting: http://www.gofurtherconsulting.co.uk/
• Learn more about Paul’s website: www.wordstoinspire.co.uk
• Connect with Dave Food: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davefood
• Learn more about Prophetic Technology: https://www.prophetic-technology.com/
• Connect with Scott Luton: 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...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Claudia Freed, President & CEO of EALGreen, welcome Chuck Johnston, Chief Strategy Officer at ReturnPro, for a deep dive into the “dark side” of supply chain: reverse logistics and returns management. They unpack why returns are a nearly trillion-dollar challenge in the U.S., how BORIS (buy online, return in store) strains store operations, and why many retailers still under-invest: leaders often can’t see the full cost across functions or make the ROI case for what’s treated as a cost center.

Chuck shares how the space has evolved from yellow notepads to data-driven decisioning, highlighting intelligent algorithms that route items at the customer’s first return click, fraud mitigation with imaging and behavior signals, and how third-party innovation is compressing software build times. Claudia adds a nonprofit and circularity lens: donation channels, extended tax credits, and AI pilots (computer vision + MCP agents) that identify item condition and slotting in real time. Together, they explore where to start, why cross-functional “ambassadors” matter, and how partnerships across retailers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and 3PLs can turn returns from margin erosion into measurable value and social impact.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(04:03) Warm-up questions and fun facts

(05:54) Chuck Johnston's career journey

(13:53) Challenges and opportunities in returns management

(21:47) Technological innovations in returns management

(29:50) AI solutions in inventory management

(30:26) Tax benefits and opportunities for companies

(31:06) The golden age of supply chain tech

(31:44) AI's impact on fraud management

(34:44) The debate on more returns vs. fewer returns

(37:08) The EU Circular Economy Act

(39:18) Returns fraud and data analytics

(47:00) The importance of education and ambassadors

(49:45) Connecting with industry leaders

(52:01) Resources and upcoming events

Resources

• Connect with Chuck Johnston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-johnston-b07b3b4/
• Connect with Claudia Freed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiafreed/
• Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
• Learn more about ReturnPro: https://www.returnpro.com
• Download a copy of the Returns Report: 2025 Holiday Edition by ReturnPro: https://www.returnpro.com/resources/blog/returns-report-2025-holiday-edition
• Learn more about EALGreen: https://www.ealgreen.org
• Register for The Optimized Digital Transformer: Key Concepts for Enhancing Modern Leadership and other upcoming webinars: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
• Learn more about...

Additional Links & Resources:

• 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 produced by . For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, and part of the Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa series, Scott Luton is joined by co-host Clare Fincham of SAPICS, with guests Nicole Petersen from the South African Graduate Employers Association, and Yaseen Ahmid, CEO of Luna, to explore the biggest takeaways from the SAPICS Annual Conference 2025 in Cape Town. Together, they discuss the rising demand for supply chain graduates, the growing emphasis on sustainability skills, and the widening gap between what universities teach and what employers need.

Nicole shares how initiatives like Quantify Your Future are creating clear pathways for students, while Yaseen highlights the importance of tailoring resumes, building early employer relationships, and showcasing entrepreneurial soft skills. Clare emphasizes the role of community and collaboration in extending conference conversations into universities and businesses. This discussion offers a roadmap for addressing supply chain talent shortages and preparing Africa’s workforce to lead in global innovation.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Supply chain leadership across Africa

(02:10) Introducing Nicole Petersen and Yaseen Ahmid

(04:16) Cape Town experiences and warm-up questions

(07:40) SAGEA’s role in early career talent

(10:24) Luna and career development with Yaseen

(14:12) SAPICS Annual Conference 2025 highlights

(20:47) Talent trends in South African supply chains

(25:05) Recap and industry insights shared

(26:25) Tailoring resumes for specific roles

(28:05) Case study: Quantify Your Future initiative

(32:36) Case study: Drexel supply chain advisory board

(41:13) Innovative leadership examples from Africa

Resources:

• Connect with Nicole Petersen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-petersen-sagea/
• Learn more about the South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA): https://sagea.org.za/
• Connect with Yaseen Ahmid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/
• Learn more about Luna: https://luna-resume.com/
• Connect with Clare Fincham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-fincham-5aab6a27/
• Learn more about SAPICS: https://www.sapics.org/
• Connect with Scott Luton: 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:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with two leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics from the floor to the classroom: Troy Campbell, Director of Reverse Logistics Centers at The Home Depot, and Dr. Glenn Richey, Jr., Harbert Eminent Scholar in Supply Chain Management at Auburn University.

Troy opens the doors to Home Depot’s four Reverse Logistics Centers: Phoenix, Pittston (PA), McDonough (GA), and Indianapolis, showing why a people-first culture remains the operating system for returns at scale. He gets real about “automation when the box isn’t a box,” how rethinking inbound flows through 3PLs reduces touches and transportation cost, and why simple vendor conversations (like consolidating daily pallets into a single weekly load) can unlock outsized impact. His north star: make associates’ days easier, and the entire reverse network improves.

Glenn zooms out to the macro shifts: the move from minimizing returns to maximizing returns within a circular economy, generative AI for scenario planning and real-time decision support, and reverse logistics as the operational backbone of sustainability. He maps the skills the next workforce will need, calls for clearer industry coding to separate reverse data from forward logistics, and outlines how universities can build dedicated reverse tracks.

Together, Troy and Glenn offer a practical, research-backed playbook for turning returns into speed, value, and advantage without losing the human element that makes it work.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:17) Interview with Troy Campbell from Home Depot

(04:20) Challenges and innovations in reverse logistics

(08:49) Networking opportunities and industry insights

(17:20) Interview with Glenn Richey from Auburn University

(19:30) About Auburn’s supply chain management program

(20:52) Maximizing returns in a circular economy

(23:29) Role of generative AI within supply chain operations

(28:34) Reverse logistics and sustainability practices explained

(32:26) The next generation of logistics skills

(34:55) Engaging students in reverse logistics education

Resources:

• Connect with Troy Campbell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-campbell-6321a31/
• Connect with Dr. Glenn Richey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennrichey/
• Learn more about The Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/
• Learn more about The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University: https://harbert.auburn.edu/index.html
• Learn more about the Reverse Logistics Association: https://rla.org/
• Connect with Scott Luton: 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:

Today we're discussing the top news in workforce development in manufacturing, reverse logistics, and circular economy. Welcome to The Buzz powered by AutoScheduler!

Hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter, along with Founder & Chief Circularity Officer with All Things Circular, guest Rich Bulger, explore:

• The implications of large-scale investment announcements in U.S. manufacturing, such as Intel's $28 billion project in Ohio
• The potential delays and challenges posed by the U.S. government shutdown
• The importance of workforce development in manufacturing, emphasizing the need for skilled trades and education
• Insights on the reverse logistics and circular economy, advocating for more returns in certain contexts to drive profitability and sustainability
• Orchestration in supply chains, showcasing platforms that streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

Join us for this episode with expert perspectives and actionable insights, offering valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/
• Check out All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/
• Supply Chain and Logistics Summit: https://bit.ly/4q9yeBE
• Check out AutoScheduler's new Warehouse Decision Agent: https://autoscheduler.ai/agent-gate/
• Learn more about AutoScheduler: https://autoscheduler.ai/
• How Intel's $28 Billion Pledge Left an Ohio Town in Limbo: https://bit.ly/48iVgPU
• U.S. Government Shutdown: How Will it Impact the Global Supply Chain? https://bit.ly/48iVgPU
• Workforce Development and Vocational Training: https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/workforce-development-vocational-training-kellanova-pella/761262/
• Complete Protection for Every Shipment with EasyPost: https://get.easypost.com/guard
• Q2 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: bit.ly/scn-us-bank
• Rich's vlog about orchestration: https://bit.ly/4o70Ucq
• 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
• WEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators:

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton sits down with two industry leaders shaping the future of reverse logistics and circular supply chains. Joining the conversation are Sean Cleland, Vice President of Mobility and Asset Recovery at B-Stock, and Rich Bulger, Founder and Chief Circularity Officer at All Things Circular.

Sean shares how B-Stock has pioneered the secondary market for retailers and brands, using data and AI to transform returns from a tactical afterthought into a strategic advantage. He explores how mobile technology sets the pace for the broader supply chain, why retailers like Best Buy are rethinking refurbished and resale programs, and how companies are shifting toward proactive planning and insourcing to better manage reverse flows.

Rich reflects on his journey from building billion-dollar trade-in programs at Verizon and Cisco to launching All Things Circular, a platform dedicated to education, collaboration, and innovation in reverse logistics. He highlights the evolution of returns as a revenue driver, the urgent need for new training and curricula, and the importance of circular thinking in addressing a $1.6 trillion challenge.

Together, Sean and Rich offer a candid look at where reverse logistics is headed, the role of AI in predicting value and shaping contracts, and how leaders can rethink returns as an opportunity for growth, sustainability, and impact.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Interview with Sean Cleland from B-Stock

(02:55) B-Stock's role in reverse logistics

(04:02) Trends in mobile tech and returns management

(08:15) The importance of data and AI

(11:52) Interview with Rich Bulger from All Things Circular

(13:13) Rich Bulger's journey and insights

(21:56) Introduction to circular platforms

(25:05) The evolution of Going Circular

(27:46) Viewing feedback as blessings for improvement

(31:01) The importance of reverse logistics education

(35:35) Impact of returns and circular logistics

Resources:

• Connect with Sean Cleland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanrcleland/
• Connect with Rich Bulger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger-43b02112/
• Learn more about All Things Circular: https://allthingscircular.com/
• Learn more about B-Stock: https://bstock.com/
• Connect with Scott Luton: 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!...

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton welcomes Angie Jula, Director of Product Management, and Matt Brolsma, Sr. Manager of Product Marketing at SPS Commerce, to discuss how AI and automation are transforming retail supply chains. Angie draws on more than a decade in product leadership, while Matt brings cross-functional expertise from both supplier and buyer perspectives. Together, they share how retailers can transform clean, connected data into actionable insights that enhance demand forecasting, supplier collaboration, and pricing strategy, all while reducing manual work that slows down their teams.

From tackling organizational silos with cross-functional dashboards to equipping executives with real-time visibility, Angie and Matt emphasize why AI is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative. They highlight case studies on supplier scorecarding, automation-driven fill rates, and proactive exception management, showing how early adopters are gaining competitive advantages in resilience, agility, and customer loyalty. This discussion is a roadmap for retailers navigating tariffs, disruptions, and the rising expectations of today’s consumers.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:46) Warm-up stories: golf and DJing

(05:36) Professional journeys and SPS Commerce background

(07:31) How AI is reshaping retail supply chains

(09:16) Barriers to AI adoption and implementation gaps

(12:22) Retailer priorities in today’s uncertain market

(14:56) Why many retailers still manage suppliers manually

(18:38) How AI is transforming supplier management

(29:50) Breaking down silos with cross-functional understanding

(31:20) SPS Commerce’s role in enabling retail automation

(33:53) Moving from reactive to proactive supplier management

(37:10) How automation impacts team productivity

(39:59) AI-driven strategic decision making in the C-Suite

(44:48) Performance metrics as a competitive advantage

(51:20) Practical advice for starting the automation journey

(55:16) The billion-dollar question: key takeaways

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Angie Jula: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-jula-9aa59258/
• Connect with Matthew Brolsma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbrolsma/
• Learn more about SPS Commerce: https://www.spscommerce.com/
• Connect with Scott Luton: 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: