Supply Chain Careers Podcast

This episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast is Part 2 of our 3-part series on why hiring in supply chain can be so difficult. In Part 1, Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle explored the complexities of supply chain hiring, from inconsistent job titles and operating models to the importance of transferable skills and leadership experience. Today, in Part 2, the conversation shifts to de...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we bring to you Part 1 of a three-part series on what makes the supply chain hiring process challenging, plus we provide ways to address those challenges. These three episodes are part of our Supply Chain Careers Catalyst series which is focused on why hiring in supply chain is so difficult. Listen as Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle e...

In this episode, Carlos Gutierrez Ferrete joins Rodney Apple and Chris Gaffney to discuss the experiences and leadership lessons that shaped his supply chain career. Carlos explains why career growth should be measured by capabilities rather than titles, why discomfort is essential to professional development, and how emerging leaders can take greater ownership of their careers. The conversation a...

  In this episode, Brad McGregor joins Rodney Apple and Mike Ogle to discuss a supply chain career shaped by manufacturing, procurement, aerospace, defense, and emerging technology. Brad explains why early experience on the production floor helped shape his leadership style, how moving between companies and industries expanded his capabilities, and why professionals should continue seeking difficu...

  In this episode, Wanda Johnson, Supply Chain Technology Fellow at Deloitte , joins Rodney Apple and Mike Ogle to share how a career that began in accounting and retail operations evolved into supply chain consulting, technology, and transformation leadership. She explains how transferable skills helped her move across industries and organizations including Ralph Lauren, Tompkins Associates, IBM,...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, Adri McCaskill, CEO of SplitLogiX , joins us to discuss her career journey that took her from South Africa to supply chain leadership and entrepreneurship in the US. She shares how mentorship, operational experience, stretch assignments, industry involvement, and a willingness to step into uncomfortable roles helped prepare her to launch and lea...

 In the eighth episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast Catalyst Series , the second installment of our  Beyond the Resume episode, Rodney Apple and Chris Gaffney explore why professional references have become one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in today's hiring market. As AI continues to produce polished resumes and help candidates prepare for interviews, employers increas...

In the eighth episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast Catalyst Series , Rodney Apple and Chris Gaffney discuss why resumes and interviews alone are no longer enough to distinguish top talent. They explore how hiring managers are adapting to an AI-assisted recruiting landscape, why employers are placing greater emphasis on validating experience, and how professionals can proactively build a car...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we speak with Mike Hammel, President of KDL, a third-party logistics organization specializing in transportation management, freight optimization, and supply chain technology solutions. Mike grew up in a family business deeply rooted in the trucking and transportation industry, where he developed an early appreciation for how freight moves, how...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we speak with Calem Harris, Founder and CEO of Top Hat Engineering, a supply chain technology firm focused on warehouse automation, software solutions, and operational performance. Calem is a former Marine Corps special operations officer and graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He has built a unique career at the intersection of enginee...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we speak with Rob Handfield, the Bank of America University Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at North Carolina State University and the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative. Widely regarded as one of the leading voices in global supply chain management, Rob has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journa...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we have a conversation with Gerald Perritt, who has extensive experience in the world of contract logistics with companies such as  UTI and Kuehne + Nagel. He got his start in supply chain in Less Than Truckload (LTL) logistics. Listen as Gerald focuses on the value of discipline, culture, and relationship building to develop a partnership menta...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst podcast, Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle explore how supply chain risk management principles can be applied to your career to stay prepared in an uncertain job market. The discussion covers building a strong plan B, maintaining an active network, and recognizing early warning signs before disruption hits. We break down practical steps...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we are joined by Mark Richards, President of AWI, Associated Warehouses, Inc. He is a long-time expert in the world of outsourced logistics. Mark provides his career progression through a variety of companies such as Nabisco, Oral B, Gillette, and Weber Logistics. He shares how people can prepare for and become successful during a career in the...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, our guest is Josh Middlebrooks, President of Luxer One, a company focused on not just the last mile of logistics, but also what they call the last 100 feet of package logistics, primarily through the use of lockers for packages. Josh spoke with us about his own career journey, starting with a logistics software company, then moving on to a large...

Starting a new supply chain role? What you do after accepting the offer may matter more than the offer itself. In our latest Supply Chain Career Catalyst episode, we break down why onboarding is one of the most underestimated inflection points in a career — and how to turn your first 90 days into real momentum. This conversation covers:  • What to do before day one  • How to approach your first we...

As supply chain leaders and professionals look ahead to 2026, one reality remains unchanged. Supply chains still exist to move, make, store, and deliver the goods and services people rely on every day. Food must be produced and distributed. Energy demand continues to rise. Products still need to move from suppliers to manufacturers to customers. What has changed is the level of complexity required...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst series, we break down one of the most overlooked stages of the job search journey – offer evaluation and negotiation . Supply chain professionals often focus on interviewing well, but far fewer know how to assess the true quality of an opportunity, uncover red flags, and negotiate with confidence. Rodney Apple, Chris Gaffney, and Mike Ogle walk t...

In this episode of the Supply Chain Career Catalyst podcast, hosts Rodney Apple , Chris Gaffney , and Mike Ogle dive into how to prepare for, execute, and follow up after a supply chain job interview. They cover what it takes to stand out as a top candidate, including how to research companies effectively, tailor your responses to different interviewers, and communicate measurable value through yo...

In this episode of Supply Chain Career Catalyst , we move from reflection to execution by teaching you how to turn your job search into a strategy. Learn how to build structure, stay organized, and leverage your network to land the right role faster. Whether you’re between jobs or ready for your next move, this episode will help you take control of the process and stay motivated. Need help hiring...

 In Episode 2 of our Supply Chain Career Catalyst series, Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney turn self-reflection into action. We map the career landscape with the SCOR lens ( Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, Enable ), show how industries (manufacturing, retail/wholesale, and enablers) shape your day-to-day, and explain why company type and size (public, private, PE/VC-backed, NGO/Gov) matter...

This inaugural episode of our new podcast Series, Supply Chain Career Catalyst, hosts Rodney Apple, Mike Ogle, and Chris Gaffney take a deep dive into the importance of intentional reflection in career planning. They share how supply chain professionals can avoid making emotionally driven job changes by using structured self-assessment tools, seeking honest feedback, and exploring roles through in...

In this special two-part episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast , we take you inside three of the top supply chain university programs in the United States to uncover how they’re shaping the next generation of leaders. Hosts Mike Ogle, Rodney Apple, and Chris Gaffney sit down with Dr. Judy Whipple of Michigan State University, Dr. Brian Fugate of the University of Arkansas, and Chris Gaffney...

In this special episode, guest host Brian Kennedy sits down with Chris Gaffney to explore how supply chain professionals can take control of their careers by embracing artificial intelligence. Chris introduces the “AI Maturity Ladder,” a step-by-step roadmap that helps individuals and teams evolve from foundational tools like Excel to advanced capabilities like predictive analytics, machine learni...

Featuring Erin Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at YMX Logistics In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with Erin Mitchell, COO of YMX Logistics, to explore her remarkable career journey from software developer at Kraft to leading logistics integrations and scaling a fast-growing startup. Erin shares how a company-sponsored MBA opened doors into operations, and how serva...