Supply Chain Champions – Details, episodes & analysis

Behind Abercrombie’s transformation is a supply chain that had to move just as fast.

Kristen Kravitz, Group Vice President of Transportation at Abercrombie & Fitch, shares how nearly a decade of operational change helped power one of retail’s biggest comebacks. From rethinking team structure to modernizing delivery strategies, she explains how execution across functions helped turn brand goals into customer reality.

In this conversation, Kristen breaks down what makes a supply chain resilient, where visibility creates real advantage, and why investing in your people is non-negotiable. She also shares her take on buzzwords, the role of tech, and how to keep teams focused in the face of nonstop change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Abercrombie redesigned its supply chain to support a brand-wide shift
• What it takes to manage multiple shipping partners without losing visibility
• Why investing in your people is critical for long-term success in supply chain management

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Kristen Kravitz

(01:02) How the supply chain supported Abercrombie’s brand transformation

(03:06) Rebuilding teams and structure to focus on the customer

(05:45) Shifting from a single-carrier model to a flexible last mile

(07:25) Why real-time visibility became non-negotiable

(12:33) Breaking down data silos to make smarter, faster decisions

(18:14) Making sustainability practical in the supply chain

(23:22) The leadership trait that sets top supply chain pros apart

(28:00) Kristen’s hot take on why people still matter most in supply chain

Resources:

• Connect with Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-kravitz-529a064/ 
• Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
• Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

What if the future of logistics isn't about speed but about trust?

In this episode, Nate Shutes, VP of Global Fulfillment & Logistics at Blu Dot, challenges the conventional wisdom that faster is better. He shares his unique perspective on logistics, supply chain innovation, and what it takes to build a customer-first delivery experience. From his early days in economics to his current role at Blu Dot, Nate highlights the evolution of his career and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He explains how delivering furniture isn’t just about moving products but creating a personal customer experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How supply chain logistics is evolving beyond speed
• The impact of design principles on customer experience
• Why human connections and leadership are essential in the logistics space

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Nate Shutes
(04:06) Designing memorable delivery experiences at Blu Dot
(06:31) The “mule, not a unicorn” mindset
(09:00) Ballast: A community for supply chain entrepreneurs
(14:32) The human toll of entrepreneurship
(16:24) Starting the Bootstrapper’s Guide to Logistics podcast
(21:38) Recognizing the impact of frontline workers
(23:10) Integration as an underappreciated supply chain skill
(27:14) The future of supply chain: certainty over speed

Resources:

• Connect with Nate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-shutes-logisticstwit/ 
• Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
• Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Operating at the speed of the consumer means meeting demand, no matter how great.

Rick McDonald, former Chief Supply Chain Officer at Clorox, shares how his team tackled the surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic while operating as an essential business. Clorox navigated one of the most challenging periods in supply chain history by limiting SKUs, prioritizing employee safety, and implementing effective change management strategies. Rick also shares insights from his remarkable career, including the importance of building strong relationships and embracing lateral career moves.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Best practices for managing inventory during high-demand
• The role of change management in driving successful digital transformations
• The value of lateral career moves for long-term success

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Rick McDonald
(04:13) How Clorox tackled COVID-19 challenges
(09:08) Inventory management: Just in time vs. just in case
(12:58) Honesty and humility as a leader
(15:58) Why lateral moves can fuel long-term success
(20:47) The one trait all great supply chain leaders share
(22:39) Overrated and underrated trends in supply chains
(24:10) Balancing human and digital assets for the future

Resources:
Connect with Rick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

A strong supply chain keeps operations running and finances stable.
 
Because, after all, in logistics, 'cash is king.'

In this episode, Jackie Sturm, Corporate Vice President of Global Supply Chain Operations at Intel, shares her insights on the evolving role of supply chains. She explains how they drive profitability, mitigate risk, and ensure customer satisfaction—even amidst global disruptions.Jackie also discusses how supplier diversity and sustainable practices create stronger and more resilient supply chains. As a woman in leadership, she shares her perspective on building a pipeline of female talent to lead the future of supply chains.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why supply chain disruptions are inevitable and how to prepare for them
• How diverse suppliers foster innovation and strengthen supply chains
• Sustainable practices that contribute to long-term business growth 

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Jackie Sturm
(03:53) Key lessons from Silicon Valley
(10:15) Why "cash is king" in supply chains
(13:26) Mitigate risk with preparation
(18:43) Intel’s supplier diversity initiative
(23:49) Sustainable practices that drive business success
(29:01) Empowering women as leaders in the supply chain
(33:22) The importance of building a strong network

Resources:
Connect with Jackie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-sturm/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Years of experience make you knowledgeable about an industry, but true leadership requires foresight and the courage to embrace change.

That’s why Jake Barr, CEO/Principal at BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, is a trusted voice in supply chain and logistics.

Reflecting on his remarkable 45-year career, Jake shares how supply chain operations have evolved over time. He discusses how leaders can tackle modern challenges like the “Amazon Effect " by leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance efficiency. With candid insights, Jake explains why companies must embrace change or risk being left behind in a rapidly shifting industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why AI and machine learning are game-changers for speed and decision-making
• The importance of failing fast and adapting quickly in your supply chain strategy
• Strategies for risk management in logistics

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Jake Barr
(01:20) The Amazon Effect: More SKUs at higher speeds of delivery
(04:13) Transforming supply chains into profit drivers
(07:30) Lessons from 33 years at Procter & Gamble
(12:07) Key supply chain trends to look out for
(15:29) Practical applications of AI for high-velocity supply chains
(21:39) Career and leadership advice for supply chain professionals

Resources:
Connect with Jake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Applying AI in supply chains invites unique challenges and learnings. 

But if used correctly, AI can bring great benefits.

In this episode, Amanda Cameron, AI and Machine Learning Customer Engineer Specialist at Google, explains how AI has transformed supply chain operations. Amanda has seen firsthand how leveraging AI can streamline processes, improve traceability, and boost efficiency.

Amanda explains how Google’s AI technology helps supply chain leaders stay ahead of challenges and setbacks, build resilient systems, and unlock new possibilities in inventory optimization and demand forecasting.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The role of predictive modeling in demand forecasting
• Generative AI’s potential to boost transparency and traceability
• Skills and mindsets needed for future supply chain management

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Amanda Cameron

(01:38) AI, machine learning, and data science in supply chains

(08:04) Predictive modeling and quality control in distribution centers

(13:12) Evolving mindsets in supply chain management

(15:35) Introducing new technologies into legacy supply chain processes

(17:42) Building AI strategies into supply chain management

(21:38) Cybersecurity in supply chain operations

(24:10) Human vs. AI decisions in supply chain management

(30:03) Blockchain, generative AI, and the future of transparency

Resources:

• Connect with Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancameron/
• Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
• Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Visibility in supply chains has grown tremendously in the past couple of years. However, more work must be done to keep up with the increasing complexity of modern logistics.

In this episode, Bart De Muynck, Industry Thought Leader and former Gartner Analyst, discusses the evolution of modern supply chains. He shares insights from his extensive career and discusses the technology trends that are reshaping the industry.

Bart shares how high-quality data, AI, and automation can help tackle challenges like talent shortages and boost operational efficiency, giving the industry the push it needs toward digital maturity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to achieve digital maturity in supply chain operations
• The role of predictive data and AI in managing disruptions
• Future trends in the supply chain industry

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Bart De Muynck
(00:48) The creation of the Magic Quadrant
(06:11) The rising complexity of modern logistics
(08:43) Using more tech and automation in the supply chain
(12:06) Velocity is the ability to pivot and use data
(15:25) Overhyped or underhyped: AI in logistics
(17:41) Vision automation use cases
(21:10) Advice for newcomers in the supply chain industry
(23:36) Modernization and sustainability for the future of supply chains

Resources:
Connect with Bart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdemuynck/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

Disruption is the new norm in global trade. As unexpected crises continue to shake the supply chain, the need for adaptability and resilience has never been greater.

Meet Sal Mercogliano, maritime historian and host of the What's Going on With Shipping podcast, who explains how key events, like the Ever Given Suez Canal obstruction, reveal deeper issues within the shipping industry.

Sal discusses the disruptions within modern supply chains, evolving maritime logistics, and how to increase your company’s adaptability.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The evolution of modern shipping and logistics
• Lessons from past events and their impact on current supply chains
• How to recognize the interconnected nature of the "supply web"

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Sal Mercogliano
(04:00) Educating the supply chain industry through podcasts
(07:20) Sal’s transition from merchant mariner to professor
(10:23) The effect of black swan events on global shipping
(14:05) Learning from history and planning for disruption
(17:16) “Supply web” not supply chain
(22:08) Ocean carriers' increasing control over shipping
(24:30) The interconnectedness of all modes of transport

Resources:
Connect with Sal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-mercogliano-ph-d-95437729/
X: https://x.com/mercoglianos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salvatore.mercogliano.1
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatisGoingonWithShippingwSalMercogliano
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

What does it take to manage one of the busiest rail terminals in the U.S.?

In this episode, Percy Fields, President and General Manager of The Belt Railway Company of Chicago, shares how he rose through the ranks from conductor to senior leadership. With 20 years of experience and deep family ties to railroading, Percy shares insights on managing large-scale operations and keeping 8,500 railcars on track daily.

At the core of the Belt Railway’s success is its unwavering commitment to safety. Percy emphasizes how prioritizing safety—from ensuring well-maintained infrastructure to promoting a strong safety culture among employees—minimizes disruptions and keeps operations running smoothly. With top-tier safety protocols, the Belt Railway ensures it can meet the daily demands of not only Chicago but also the larger U.S. supply chain.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the Belt Railway plays a critical part in U.S. supply chain logistics
• Tips for managing large-scale operations while staying adaptable  
• What it means to lead with authenticity and stay true to yourself

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Percy Fields
(01:00) Entering the railroad industry
(06:02) “What breaks you, makes you”
(08:10) Why the Belt Railway is vital to Chicago's supply chain
(10:01) A day in the life at The Belt Railway Company of Chicago
(13:09) How to prioritize safety for smoother operations
(16:04) Percy’s career advice in embracing discomfort
(17:36) Be authentic in every role of your life
(20:35) How to prepare for setbacks
 
Resources:
Connect with Percy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/percy-fields-415040a1/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/

From natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to pandemics, cyberattacks, and labor strikes, companies have to navigate so many complexities to get goods where they need to go.

What's their secret weapon to operating within the unknown?

It’s the people. 

Welcome to Supply Chain Champions, the show that showcases the stories of those who keep supply chains running smoothly. We're here to highlight their untold stories and share lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Join us as we peel back the curtain on the people who make supply chains work and enhance your own career in the process.

Tune in. Get smart. Move forward.