Let's Talk Supply Chain

• 507: Logistics Providers: Ready For An AI-First Approach? Then Discover Your Biggest Opportunity, with Google Cloud

  Steven Delperdang of Google Cloud talks about trust; evolution of visibility; & and the big opportunities for logistics providers taking an AI-first approach. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.08] After years spent at Caterpillar and Penske, how Steven is now using the 'One Google' approach to run Google's own internal supply chain and solve the legacy pain points he faced in his past roles, and exactly what's so transformative about this approach. "In my previous roles, many of the frustrations stemmed from fragmented systems and data siloes. You have a warehouse management system here, a transportation management system there, various auxiliary 1P and 3P systems – and often a lot of manual effort to stitch it all together." "Siloes are a major barrier, and consolidating data is critical. Logistics is simply a chain of interconnected events… so without that centralized view, you're only seeing a piece of the puzzle." "It's this centralized access that means we can perform more sophisticated analysis and our AI tools can draw on a much richer data set." [07.00] Why trust is such a big hurdle for providers who are already drowning in data, and the areas Google Cloud focus on to build that trust. [10.44] The evolution of visibility, why consolidating disparate data is so critical, and how Google is tackling disparate data problems to achieve true centralized access. "Everybody has basic visibility now, but that leap from dots on a map to true actionable insights is crucial. Basic visibility tells us what's happening. Our target for visibility tells you why it's happening, what's likely to happen next, and what you should do about it." [13.33] How Steven's experience of using Google Cloud to power Google's own global supply chain helps him strategize, and the business outcomes Google has achieved that other organizations can replicate. [16.12] The practical, day-to-day logistics problems Steven's team is currently solving with AI. "AI can help us cut through the noise." [21.21] How integrating Gemini AI has changed Steven's tools, and why he's seeing faster, better quality insights. [23.13] How the day-to-day work of Google Cloud's own analysts and developers has shifted with the addition of new AI capabilities. "For us, it's been a really significant shift up the value chain. Three years ago, a large proportion of my teams time was consumed by manual data extraction, cleansing, building bespoke reports for leaders. Today, we have less firefighting and the team can focus on more strategic work, more complex and impactful problems." [26.40] How Google is making high-powered AI tools usable for everyday logistics operators. [29.57] How Steven's past award-winning work at Caterpillar would have been different if he had had the Google Cloud tools that exist today. [32.47] From hyper-personalized insights to AI-driven collaboration, the biggest untapped opportunity for logistics providers ready to embrace an AI-first approach.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Google Cloud's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Google Cloud and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) or YouTube, or you can connect with Steven on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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• 506: Women In Supply Chain™, Zera Zheng

  Zera Zheng talks about her career journey; being open to opportunity; the importance of understanding risk; & what she learned, moving from China to Europe.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.36] How Zera began her career, going from University to a graduate program at Kuehne and Nagel, and how it allowed her to learn all about logistics. [07.20] Why it's important to try different things during your career, why Zera felt like she was getting a new challenge every day at Kuehne and Nagel, and the importance of expanding your comfort zone if you want to strengthen your capability. "Don't jump into decisions... Look around and see what could keep you interested... Success starts with passion." [10.42] How Zera came to specialize in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment. "As a graduate, you don't really know what each department is doing, you have to be open to the opportunity… That knowledge and experience, the things I did in the past, have shaped who I am now." [12.45] Zera's move to A.P. Moller–Maersk, the types of projects she works on now, and the importance of understanding, and responding to risk. [17.50] Why Zera took an opportunity to move from China to Holland, the pressures she felt, and the support she received to help make it happen. "We often hear that the logistics industry is men's work and, especially for a security role – we see men with a background from the military or police. It was rare to offer this opportunity to an Asian woman." [27.37] What Zera's 'industry rising star' award win means to her. [29.21] Zera's experience speaking at forums and on panels, and her advice for other women, from leaning into making mistakes to taking the time to practice. "I still remember making a mistake as a child, when I couldn't speak on stage… It reminds me of where I was to who I am now." [34.22] The mentors that have made an impact on Zera's life and career, and the scientist who inspires her. [38.00] The future for Zera.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Zera over on LinkedIn. If you want to find out more about Zera's work at Maersk, read up on her Supply Chain Resilience Model or Risk Management. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women who have made big moves for their careers, check out 207: Women In Supply Chain™, Shana Zheng, 450: Women In Supply Chain™, Jenny Perlitch or 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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• 505: New Tech and A Big Announcement: Go Behind the Scenes at IANA, with Lynxis

  Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about two new products; demystifying AI; the biggest challenge & opportunity in intermodal; & why terminals need to work better.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [02.12] An introduction to Allen and Lynxis. "We have the tech, services and infrastructure to make terminals work better." [02.48] Why we need terminals to work better. [03.16] Why Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is top of mind for the intermodal industry right now. [04.43] Why investment is a key area of opportunity for intermodal organizations, and how Lynxis is helping customers deliver on their returns. "People are looking to clarify how they're going to invest, and what that return is going to be. We're talking to our customers about their hopes and dreams for 2026… and we strive to help them execute and meet those commitments." [06.41] Allen's take on AI and where the industry is now, and why Lynxis is focused on machine learning and using AI to help streamline and reduce time to value. "We try to demystify the phrase 'artificial intelligence' – it's really software!" [09.58] Two new product announcements, and an overview of ORCA: software to optimize and orchestrate terminal operations. [11.18] The ORCA brand, and how Lynxis developed the name. "It's the killer app that no one else has." "Orchestration is a key differentiator for Lynxis, and it will be for the terminal operators that implement it." [12.38] How terminal evolution has historically been driven through complex custom software applications, why orgainzations need to move away from this time-consuming, expensive, and inflexible approach, and what makes ORCA different. "It's optimization of workflows via configuration, not software coding… Each one is a snowflake, it's unique." [16.51] An overview of enVision, Lynxis' new computer vision system. [19.12] How enVision will drive higher inventory accuracy for organizations and create real impact. "Our vision is to have eyes on every transaction." [21.08] The impact these innovations will make for the industry. "Too often, people want to optimize processes before they have a secure grasp on the data." [23.14] Allen's biggest highlight from IANA 2025. "Process automation in existing facilities is the next right step." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Lynxis' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lynxis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Allen on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Lynxis, you'll love: 458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis 448: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Technology, with Buckeye Mountain 424: Orchestrate and Optimize Your Terminal Operations, with Lynxis Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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• 504: Discover the Recipe for Best-in-Class Transformation, with EyeOn

  Freek Aertsen & Bart Paridaen of EyeOn talk about digital transformation: value discovery, creation & realization; the big challenges; & key success factors.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.17] An introduction to Freek and Bart, their backgrounds, and roles at EyeOn. "I have a background in economics, took a wrong turn somewhere - and ended up in supply chain!" Freek [07.13] An overview of EyeOn – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. "Response is all about planning." "We connect data, systems, data science and AI with people and processes." [10.58] The ideal client for EyeOn, and the common challenges and questions businesses come to them with. [12.29] An overview of EyeOn's recent report on digital transformation in the industry, who they spoke to, and why now was the right time to conduct this research. "We live in a very volatile business landscape, and there are changes coming to our customers on a constant basis. And, at the same time, there's a new generation of technology. That combination is an interesting one." [16.14] The main drivers for digital supply chain transformation, and what's important to leaders right now, as they grapple with multiple priorities and challenges. "Businesses are changing strategies, and changing a corporate strategy means you have to change your supply chain strategy." [22.47] From balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies to overcoming disruption, the biggest hurdles leaders are faced with as they navigate transformation, and why businesses need to look at these projects from an external perspective as well as an internal one. [27.44] Why the first stage of digital transformation is value discovery, and how businesses can define an actionable framework for success. "It's important for leaders to understand and be aligned on their vision for transformation… The key is improving decision intelligence. The tools and capabilities come in to support, but you need to go back to the starting point to know where you want to transform to." [30.37] The importance of trust, breaking down siloes, and aligning teams in the discovery phase of transformation. [34.23] How businesses can translate value discovery into tangible value creation initiatives. "Companies that went too fast on design paid the price afterwards." [38.03] How value discovery and value creation leads to value realization. [41.06] Next steps: how businesses can work with EyeOn. [43.12] What the next few years of innovation and growth are going to look like, for EyeOn and for the industry. "It all comes back to decisions… Our investments will be in technology, because it's changing – and it's changing rapidly. We need to be at the forefront." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to EyeOn's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with EyeOn and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Freek or Bart on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

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• 503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-Vandome

  Andrea Morgan talks about her career journey; the similarities between supply chain & astrophysics, innovation, and why women need to bloom where they land.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [03.37] Andrea's degree in astrophysics, and why curiosity was her biggest driver. "I had a deep interest in the origins of the universe… It gave me the training to ask the right questions." [5.14] How a post-graduate placement at IBM exposed Andrea to a range of business areas, and ignited a passion for supply chain. "I learned that I didn't want to be a researcher, I liked being with people… Quickly I started to specialize in supply chain, I was drawn by the nature of the problems we were trying to solve." [07.20] From the emergence of the cloud to transformation at scale, Andrea's experience at Oracle during pivotal years in the adoption and expansion of new technology. [10.09] Andrea's role in digital transformation at Nike and what we can learn, from the alignment of business strategy and vision to the importance of metrics and measurement. "The biggest thing is putting the concept behind product management at the centre of that digital transformation… You can't do transformation for transformations sake." [15.56] Andrea's current role at Blue Yonder as Chief Innovation Officer, what the role entails, and how it has evolved. [19.15] What innovation means to Andrea, and where the industry is when it comes to innovation. "For me, innovation at its core is: 'How do you do things differently?'" [21.03] Andrea's perspective on AI, and how they're thinking about agentic AI at Blue Yonder. "The ones that aren't successful are the ones that aren't focused on deep domain expertise. Where we're going with agentic is not just the general knowledge, but really understanding the specifics of supply chain." "It's important to get started, because we know it's coming. So you might as well try it out, and see the value you could get along the way." [24.58] Andrea's experience as a woman in male-dominated spaces. [26.49] Why a rising tide lifts all boats, and why women need to support collective growth and empowerment. [29.44] Why Andrea wants to encourage women to bloom where they land, even when the circumstances aren't ideal. "It's not always about the destination, it's about the journey." [32.25] What being an industry 'trailblazer' means to Andrea, and how others can follow in her footsteps. [34.02] The future for Andrea.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Andrea over on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out 497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder 434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder 484: Women In Supply Chain™, Saskia Van Gendt Check out our other podcasts HERE.    

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