Explore every episode of the podcast Sustainable Supply Chain Forum

Supply chain leaders are under pressure to cut costs, adopt AI, and prove their ESG commitments—all without breaking the trust of partners or consumers. In this episode, Dr. Robert Handfield and Ben Barras join Russ Shumaker to unpack how AI can realistically support planning and decision-making (not just headcount reduction), why tariff stress-testing and scenario planning matter more than ever, and how brands can turn surplus and returns into meaningful impact through reverse logistics partnerships with nonprofits like World Vision. The conversation dives into ethical apparel, transparency, and what it takes to build long-term, trust-driven relationships across the supply chain—from manufacturers and 3PLs to NGOs serving people at the very end of the value chain.

What happens when a retailer builds every decision around the customer and backs it up with a disciplined, data‑informed operating model? In this episode of Sustainable Supply Chain Forum, Home Depot legend Jim Inglis reflects on the culture, leadership, and merchandising principles that powered the company’s rise from regional chain to industry giant. He shares stories from the early days, why “bleeding orange” culture still matters, and how store operations, inventory strategy, and vendor partnerships all connect back to serving the customer better. Listeners will gain practical insight into just‑in‑case vs. just‑in‑time inventory, the role of trust between merchants and suppliers, and what today’s retail leaders can learn from Home Depot’s playbook in an era of constant disruption.

Retailers are under pressure to cut waste, protect margins, and hit aggressive sustainability targets—and the answer may be hiding in their returns, trade‑ins, and donations programs. In this episode of Supply Chain Forum, Rich Bulger explains how circular logistics can turn post‑purchase chaos into a strategic advantage, sharing real‑world examples from major brands that are reclaiming value, reducing landfill, and creating new customer experiences from what used to be pure cost centers. Listeners will learn where most retailers leave money on the table today, what data and partners you actually need to stand up a circular model, and how to get started without disrupting your existing supply chain operations.

What if surplus inventory could protect your brand, outperform liquidation, and change lives? Host Russ Shumaker introduces a new B2B podcast where operators and executives share real playbooks for turning excess into impact. Expect practical conversations on disposition vs. liquidation, tariff-trapped SKUs, disaster-relief logistics, and ESG reporting.

Subscribe now and get ready for weekly, operator-level insights that boost margins, reduce risk, and deliver humanitarian impact.