Tao of Pizza Podcast

Why Supply Chain Leaders Are Key To Solving Systemic Business Challenges With C.J. Nord

C.J. Nord is the Founder of Supply Chains for Good, an organization that applies supply chain expertise to social impact, public safety, family prosperity, and circular-economy challenges. With nearly 30 years of experience running manufacturing supply chains, she has collaborated with government and private entities to avert major supply chain disruptions and support public safety. C.J. has also created initiatives such as "There's Cash in that Trash" and has engaged in advocacy work addressing racially biased law-enforcement training targets. In this episode… Supply chain leaders do more than move products — they solve the hidden systems problems that shape businesses, communities, and everyday life. When waste, regulation, education gaps, or infrastructure breakdowns threaten progress, the right operational mindset can turn those challenges into opportunities. How can supply chain thinking help solve problems far beyond the warehouse? C.J. Nord suggests treating the supply chain as a practical tool for protecting people, strengthening businesses, and building effective systems. As a manufacturing and supply chain leader, she encourages professionals to look for root causes, use data before accepting regulations or assumptions, and design circular systems around profit instead of penalties. Start with the problem, bring the right partners to the table, and build solutions where every stakeholder has a reason to say yes. In this episode of The Tao of Pizza Podcast, Mark Hiddleson chats with C.J. Nord, Founder of Supply Chains for Good, about using supply chain expertise to create social and economic impact. C.J. discusses her "There's Cash in That Trash" initiative, turning wood waste into bioenergy, and why supply chain leaders need a bigger role in preventing disruption.

The Power of Intentional Networking in Supply Chain and Logistics With Katie Date

Katie Date is the Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Strategic Initiatives at Manifest, which was acquired by Hyve, where she builds strategic partnerships, drives event growth, and shapes industry-relevant content for the global supply chain community. She spent over a decade at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, where she led industrial relations, executive education programs, and global collaboration across the SCALE network. With more than 20 years of experience across the supply chain ecosystem, Katie advocates for gender diversity and inclusion in the industry. In this episode… What does it take to build meaningful connections in a fast-moving, tech-driven industry? In a field flooded with automation, events, and digital outreach, standing out — and building trust — can feel daunting. So how can professionals cut through the noise and create lasting relationships? It starts with being intentional about relationships, says Katie Date, a supply chain leader with experience in industry collaboration and research. She emphasizes quality over quantity by targeting the right people rather than taking a "spray and pray" approach to outreach. Katie also recommends cultivating both sponsors (who advocate for you when you're not in the room) and mentors (who support your day-to-day growth), while following through consistently to build trust. Meaningful relationships are built through authenticity, clarity, and long-term thinking. In this episode of The Tao of Pizza Podcast, Mark Hiddleson talks with Katie Date, SVP of Industry Relations and Strategic Initiatives at Manifest, a Hyve Group company, to discuss building meaningful relationships in the supply chain industry. Katie shares her journey into the industry, how intentional networking drives outcomes, and key lessons from her research on women in leadership.

Carrier Vetting Best Practices: How To Protect Your Freight From Fraud With Danielle Spinelli

Danielle Spinelli is the Director of Partnerships at GenLogs, a logistics technology company that helps brokers, carriers, and shippers combat fraud and improve supply chain visibility. With over a decade of experience in the logistics industry, she has experience in carrier vetting, compliance, and cargo theft prevention. Before joining GenLogs, Danielle spent eight years as a carrier sales broker. She is also the host of the Tell Me Everything podcast, where she educates and connects professionals across the supply chain while raising awareness about fraud trends. In this episode… Fraud in logistics isn't just about stolen goods anymore — it's evolving into something far more sophisticated and difficult to detect. With bad actors becoming more strategic and technology advancing rapidly, even experienced professionals can struggle to keep up. How can companies stay ahead when the rules keep changing? According to fraud-prevention and carrier-vetting expert Danielle Spinelli, it starts with combining human intuition and technology. Relying solely on automation is a mistake. Instead, teams should combine tools with genuine conversations, such as calling drivers to validate legitimacy. Building strong relationships and maintaining transparency with partners can also reduce risk when issues arise. Additionally, using layered verification methods — like checking VIN-level data and monitoring behavioral patterns — helps uncover red flags that basic checks might miss. A proactive, relationship-driven approach strengthens both security and operations. In this episode of The Tao of Pizza Podcast, Mark Hiddleson talks with Danielle Spinelli, Director of Partnerships at GenLogs and the host of Tell Me Everything, about combating modern logistics fraud. Danielle shares evolving fraud tactics and verification methods, the importance of relationships and transparency in brokerage, and how integrating multiple data sources improves visibility and risk prevention.

Building Connections and Community in the Supply Chain Space With Nathan Chaney

Nathan Chaney is the Founder of Supply Chaney, a media, marketing, and consulting firm for supply chain companies. He also leads the Supply Chain Social Club to foster collaboration and growth within the supply chain industry. Previously, Nathan held roles across 3PL operations, corporate supply chain leadership, and autonomous transportation. In this episode… Can supply chain operations translate into effective media and networking strategies? Logistics professionals often work behind the scenes, but how can they create a platform that fosters collaboration and engagement across the industry? According to supply chain and logistics networking professional Nathan Chaney, the answer lies in leveraging skills from across the business to create a network that connects and educates industries. He maintains that virtual networking platforms can democratize connections and provide equal access to industry events, no matter the participant's location or budget. Supply chain professionals have unique skill sets that can be applied in unexpected areas, like media and marketing, to expand their influence. In this episode of The Tao of Pizza Podcast, Mark Hiddleson chats with Nathan Chaney, Founder of Supply Chaney, about how professionals can create impactful networking opportunities. Nathan discusses the importance of improving operational efficiencies in media, how students can gain hands-on logistics experience, and how the Supply Chain Social Club connects professionals globally.

How To Optimize Warehouse Space With Modern Racking and Mezzanine Systems With Mark Hiddleson

Mark Hiddleson is the Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., a nationwide logistics company with industry-leading warehouse storage solutions. It provides clients with innovative products, facility layouts, and designs to optimize their logistics operations. With several decades of service experience in the warehousing and logistics industry, Mark has held leadership roles in several professional industry organizations. Using a holistic approach, he also has experience in equipment material handling, operations management, supply chain optimization, professional development, and public speaking. In this episode… Warehouses are growing taller, denser, and more complex as real estate costs rise and supply chains demand faster fulfillment. Behind every efficient distribution center is a carefully engineered storage system designed to maximize space and improve workflow. What strategies allow businesses to store more while working smarter? According to warehouse racking and storage expert Mark Hiddleson, it starts with understanding how products move in and out of your facility. Companies should match their rack type to inventory volume, SKU turnover, and picking needs. Mark suggests using selective pallet racks for accessibility, drive-in or pushback racks for higher-density storage, and gravity-fed case flow for faster order picking. The key is designing systems that balance space efficiency with operational flexibility. In this episode of The Tao of Pizza Podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 interviews Mark Hiddleson, Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., about warehouse racking strategies for maximizing space. Mark discusses the basics of pallet racks, the advantages of pushback and drive-in systems, and how mezzanines and case flow improve storage density and picking efficiency.