The Chain Podcast

Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, Rosemary Coates, joins us to unpack what’s truly happening beyond reshoring. You’ll hear why much of the work described as “coming back” to the U.S. was never here to begin with, where nearshoring to Mexico fits, how friend‑shoring actually plays out and why automation and skills will define the next decade. We dig into China “decoupling” realities, tariff whiplash, the rise of C‑suite supply chain strategy and what leaders, policymakers and the next generation of professionals must do now. You’ll learn: Clear definitions: reshoring vs. nearshoring vs. friend‑shoring Why automation, data and AI change the talent equation The hard parts of leaving China: contracts, IP risk and regulatory permissions. Practical steps executives can take now to build a resilient supply chain Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast

We revisit the past year of tariff policy and its ripple effects across global supply chains. Our guest, supply chain expert Alastair Charatan, returns to discuss what predictions held up and what surprises emerged from the predictions we made back in January. We unpack why large‑scale reshoring hasn’t materialized, how shortened planning horizons complicate capital investment and why a “carrots over sticks” industrial strategy beats blunt trade instruments. Listen and learn: Why you need to invest in scenario planning tools lock capacity early when bottlenecks loom, and prioritize workforce development to work alongside automation and co-bots. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast

In this episode of The Chain, we sit down with Ronald Kleijwegt, CEO of Vinturas, to explore the future of supply chain visibility, traceability and collaboration. Ronald shares insights on how blockchain and AI are transforming global supply chains, the importance of connecting every tier of suppliers, and how technology can help organizations respond to disruptions — from tariffs to cyber threats. Discover how leading companies are leveraging data to design agile, resilient supply chains and why cross-functional collaboration is essential for success in today’s volatile environment. Get the latest tips for improving your supply chain visibility by downloading our whitepaper. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast

Join host Abe Eshkenazi and Dr. Zal Phiroz, professor of supply chain management at Harvard University. Dr. Phiroz shares his unique journey from computer science to supply chain. We explore the evolving role of the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the balance between technology and critical thinking and the preparedness of the next generation of supply chain leaders. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student entering the field, this episode provides an important look at how academia is shaping the supply chain industry. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast Register for CHAINge now and join supply chain leaders from around the globe at ASCM's transformative supply chain conference. Get $200 off by using code PODCAST200

ASCM CEO Abe Eskenazi sits down with Heather Lane, VP of Supply Chain Strategy and Systems at Ulta Beauty. Learn how Ulta Beauty navigated a massive supply chain transformation, accelerated by the pandemic's e-commerce boom. Heather shares insights into their innovative three-tier distribution model, featuring regional distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers and their groundbreaking market fulfillment centers. You'll also learn about the cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) making their operations safer and more efficient, and how their S/4HANA ERP implementation built the foundation for this agile, omnichannel approach. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast Register for CHAINge now and join supply chain leaders from around the globe at ASCM's transformative supply chain conference.

How do you orchestrate logistics aid in a disaster zone? Well, it's a bit like juggling "greasy cats" Host and ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi sits down with Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), to discuss the vital role of logistics and supply chain management in disaster relief. Kathy shares her experiences and insights on how ALAN collaborates with nonprofit organizations and private industry to ensure that essential resources like food, water, shelter, and medical care reach disaster survivors efficiently and effectively. Learn how you can help ALAN and the network of non-profits by visiting alanaid.org. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast Register for CHAINge now and join supply chain leaders from around the globe at ASCM's transformative supply chain conference.

Consumers play a significant role in shaping our global supply chains. Whenever you make a purchase, you cast a vote and signal to companies what needs to be manufactured, restocked, shipped, and sold. Imagine if consumers had increased visibility into supply chains and knew exactly where all their products were made and sourced. Would that change their buying habits? In this episode, Abe Eshkenzai, CEO of ASCM, is joined by Professor Merieke Stevens to discuss why it's essential that consumers, producers, and policymakers work together to improve global supply chain operations. Did you know visibility and traceability is the #6 need-to-know supply chain trend of 2025? Leading supply chain organizations are leveraging advanced technologies to enhance visibility and traceability across their operations. If you want to prepare yourself and your company to face the challenges ahead, download ASCM's Top 10 Supply Chain Trends of 2025. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast Register for CHAINge now and join supply chain leaders from around the globe at ASCM's transformative supply chain conference.

Ready to unbox the world of packaging? Abe Eshkenazi and Professor Doug Thomas dive into the intricate world of packaging and delivery. Discover the fascinating process behind assembling, storing and shipping your orders. Tune in now to learn more about the secrets of your package and the power of visibility and traceability. Did you know visibility and traceability is the #6 need-to-know supply chain trend of 2025? Leading supply chain organizations are leveraging advanced technologies to enhance visibility and traceability across their operations. If you want to prepare yourself and your company to face the challenges ahead, download ASCM's Top 10 Supply Chain Trends of 2025. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org. For more details on The Chain Podcast visit ascm.org/podcast Register for CHAINge now and join supply chain leaders from around the globe at ASCM's transformative supply chain conference.

The supply chain touches everything, even the clothes on your back! Join us as we explore the complex world of retail supply chains in this episode of ASCM's The Chain podcast. Dive into the conversation with our guest, Frankie Mossman, CCO of Dropit. She reveals the challenges retailers face on a day-to-day basis to bring you the latest goods and threads for your wardrobe. “From the shirt on your back to the shoes on your feet, the modern apparel industry hinges on an effective supply chain. In this episode, Abe and I take a clear-eyed look at the increasingly complex apparel supply chain and ask a critical question: how can we in the apparel and retail industry move toward a brighter, more sustainable future? “ - Frankie Mossman.

“You know when you’re watching sci-fi movies, and the heroes enter a grocery store and see empty shelves, you know the zombies are coming.” -Brian David Johnson What does sci-fi have to do with the supply chain? Well, supply chains' inner workings were non-existent for the average consumer. But, as soon as there’s a toilet paper shortage, suddenly this invisible link comes into full view. There is always going to be disruptions. Supply chains and the people who run them, find their resilience in their preparation for the future. Our guest, Brian David Johnson, shares his expertise as a Futurist and Threatcaster for leading tech organizations and how that translates to supply chains and consumers. Part one of this two-part episode will explore: What is futurecasting, threatcasting, and scenario planning? How does futurecasting function in supply chain? How have disruptions changed the mindsets of consumers and businesses?

How do you tell a story about global supply chains? It’s easier said than done. For The Chain’s inaugural episode, host and ASCM’s CEO, Abe Eshkenazi, is joined by the creative minds at WAG Entertainment to discuss how they created the soon to be released documentary, The Chain. The documentary is a six part series that breaks down how some of the most critical industries create the products and services we use everyday. Hear how working on the docuseries opened the documentarian’s eyes to the hidden world of supply chains. Learn how they made the docuseries, the stories it presents and the communities influenced by our global supply chains — and why we must all understand the intricacies of this system to create a better world.

The shortage of supply chain talent, especially on the line, isn’t new: It just became more visible during the pandemic. What’s more, with baby boomers retiring every day, it’s only likely to become more of a challenge in the future. What’s a supply chain manager to do? The answer is to begin looking for talent among overlooked and underutilized communities. On this episode of The reBound, Tim Engstrom joins Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management, and Bob Trebilcock, consulting editor of Supply Chain Management Review, to discuss a new approach to recruitment. As the SVP of supply chain at Essendant and an adjunct professor at Elmhurst College, Engstrom and his team have developed a playbook to bring people with disabilities, second chance hires and veterans into operations. They have also launched a program to train and educate young hires with the potential to lead. The results are impressive.