Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

In this special Father’s Day bonus episode of  Kev Talks , Kevin Parkerson and co-host Kevin Higgins pause the logistics talk to focus on something even more foundational-fatherhood. Joined by returning guest Aron Kolosik (featured in Episode #20), the trio reflects on how being a dad has shaped their leadership styles, taught them patience, and influenced how they show up, both at work and at hom...

In this insightful episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Steve Kochan, CEO and Co-founder of  HaulPay , to dig into the intersection of freight, finance, and freight-tech innovation. Steve shares how HaulPay is rethinking logistics payments and cash flow management by combining deep industry knowledge with smart technology. He...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we sit down with Janine Mansour, Commercial Director at the Port of New Orleans, to talk about the port's role in global trade, infrastructure growth, and community engagement. Janine shares how Port NOLA is working to become a Gulf gateway of choice by connecting water, rail, and highway networks with regional shippers and consumers...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Eric Wolfe , President of  Watco Logistics , for a candid and insightful conversation about leadership, career development, and the future of supply chain. As part of our  Kev Talks NWA (Northwest Arkansas)  series, this episode highlights the region’s role as a hub of logistics i...

In this wide-ranging and heartfelt episode, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Dani Kaplan—a true logistics innovator, ERP pioneer, mentor, storyteller, and photographer. With more than 40 years of experience helping manufacturers and distributors navigate complex ERP systems, Dani brings a unique perspective that goes far beyond technology. This episode is about soul as much...

In celebration of National Maritime Day on May 22, 2025, this episode features Capt. Ashok Pandey of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Capt. Pandey shares his journey from sea to classroom and how the Academy prepares students for careers in global shipping. He highlights their “learn, do, learn” philosophy, pandemic-era adaptations, and global industry exposure through international trips and partn...

Jim Gillis- President, Pacific Region @ IMC Logistics joins Kev Talks to share what it really takes to run a zero-emissions drayage fleet in California. He talks through the hard truths behind electric and hydrogen truck adoption—from charging delays and infrastructure gaps to the financial strain on operators. Jim also challenges common “zero emissions” assumptions, explaining how energy sourcing...

In this special TPM25 edition of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we sit down on-site in Long Beach with Paxton Bowman, Director of Destination Management – West Coast, and Jimmy Patrick, VP of Information Technology at E Dray, to explore how the company is transforming inland drayage and port-to-door visibility. Together, they unpack E Dray’s collaborative model that bridges silos across...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Anna McGovern—CEO of Pondview Consulting and author of  "Antifragile Supply Chains" —joins us to discuss building supply chains that thrive under pressure. Anna shares insights from her career leading global teams at Unilever and the launch of her new book, which offers a roadmap for making supply chains more resilient, adaptab...

In this episode, Jason Cook (CEO) and Paul Diedrich (VP of Customs & Compliance) from Ardent Global Logistics join Kev Talks to unpack how importers are adapting to rising tariffs, evolving trade policy, and compliance crackdowns. They dive into smart strategies like tariff engineering, reclassification, and the use of FTZs/bonded warehouses to manage risk and improve cash flow. 🔑  Key Takeaw...

In this insightful bonus episode, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins welcome Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta, for a deep dive into the volatile state of global container shipping as we enter Q2 2025. Peter brings a data-driven perspective paired with real-world wisdom to explain what’s happening behind the scenes in ocean freight markets. He unpacks the latest Xeneta rate movements, bl...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson welcome Paul Gatling, a former business journalist and current Senior Director of Northwest Arkansas Engagement at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Paul shares his career journey from storytelling in journalism to storytelling in university advancement, where he's now focused on strengthenin...

In this episode, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with veteran logistics leader John Esborn to explore what it really means to build strategic logistics partnerships. Drawing on decades of experience across both shipper and provider roles, John shares hard-won insights into cost efficiency, trade policy, and the value of curiosity in driving innovation. From cutting parcel costs by 43% t...

In this episode,  Kevin Parkerson  &  Kevin Higgins  chat with  Bertrand Chen  about the game-changing role of  blockchain in global shipping  and the road to  eBL adoption . Bertrand shares his journey from Wall Street to supply chain tech, offering insights on: ✅  Blockchain’s Impact on Shipping:  Enhancing security and streamlining trade documentation. ✅  Lessons from TradeLens:  What wor...

In this episode, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins are joined by Jeff Pulver, a pioneer in internet communications and co-founder of Vonage. Jeff reflects on his groundbreaking work in Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and shares insights into how AI and blockchain are transforming global supply chains. He discusses the role of these technologies in improving transparency, trust, and da...

In this special episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we sit down with maritime industry legend  Adrian Pinna , who has spent over 30 years at OOCL. Recorded live at  TPM25 , The Kevins and Adrian dive deep into the evolution of the conference, the transformation of the shipping industry, and the regulatory shifts that have shaped global trade over the past 25 years. Adrian shares h...

Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics:  Aaron Kolosik – Founder of Unstuck Master Plan In this insightful episode, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Aaron Kolosik, a seasoned leader with a career spanning Procter & Gamble and Central Garden & Pet. Aaron shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in small-town Iowa to leading global supply chain transformations—an...

In this special TPM25 series episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach. Dr. Hacegaba shares his insights on global logistics trends, the impact of mega-ships, infrastructure investments, and the importance of fostering the next generation of supply chain professi...

In  Episode 19 , co-hosts  Kevin Parkerson  and  Kevin Higgins  deliver an unfiltered breakdown of key global supply chain trends: Amazon vs. Walmart:  How Amazon’s bold logistics investments and former Walmart talent helped it surpass Walmart in quarterly sales. Proposed Fees on Chinese-Built Ships:  Potential fees of up to $1.5m per port call for Chinese-built vessels and its impact on U.S. ship...

In this episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with  Mike Robinson , a seasoned retail executive, board member, and startup advisor with over 30 years of experience in consumer products, digital transformation, and logistics. Mike shares key insights from his career, including how he helped scale  Macy’s online business from $700M to $...

In this episode, we speak with Jim Tompkins, chairman of Tompkins Ventures and a legendary figure in supply chain and logistics. With over five decades of experience, Jim shares his insights on designing end-to-end supply chains, the impact of tariffs, the rise of "friend-shoring", and the importance of technology in building resilient supply chains. He also discusses the evolving global...

In Episode #16 of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics , we sit down with Lynn Wong—former global logistics leader turned executive well-being coach. Lynn’s career spans Maersk, The Home Depot, Walmart, and NYSHEX, but her journey didn’t stop there. She’s now helping high-achieving professionals navigate burnout, career transitions, and leadership challenges with a focus on holistic well-being....

In this episode, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins are joined by John Wolfe, CEO of the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA). John discusses the unification of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, driving operational efficiencies and economic growth through collaboration and partnerships. He explores the role of automation and AI in port operations, highlighting NWSA's use of AI to streamline rail lo...

Amy Barnes, Founder & Chief Heart Officer, Eleven-B Consulting In this episode, Amy Barnes shares her inspiring journey from an administrative assistant to leading multi-billion dollar logistics operations and launching her own consulting firm. Amy dives into heart-based leadership, career growth, and the challenges of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways: • The powe...

In this special episode of  Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics,  Kevin Higgins takes the lead, welcoming a very special guest: his mom, Kathy Mosley. With Kevin Parkerson stepping back due to his superstition around the number 13, Kevin and Kathy dive deep into their family's rich history in transportation and logistics. Kathy shares anecdotes from Kevin's early years, touching on his...