The Chain Podcast

AI, Talent and Sustainability: 2026 Supply Chain Trends

Join Abe Eshkenazi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshkenazi/] as he welcomes Scott Luton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/], founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now [https://supplychainnow.com/], for a dynamic conversation on the future of supply chain management. Fresh from the annual conference in Columbus, they give a sneak peek into the top trends shaping 2026, including the rise of artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and the growing impact of climate and circularity. Scott shares insights on the human-machine dynamic, the evolving skills gap and why investing in people is key to overcoming today’s challenges. Whether you’re an early-career professional or a seasoned leader, this episode offers actionable advice and inspiration for navigating the fast-changing supply chain landscape. Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org [https://www.ascm.org/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep17].  For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast [http://ascm.org/podcast?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep17]

Blockchain-Driven Supply Chain Transformation with Vinturas

In this episode of The Chain, we sit down with Ronald Kleijwegt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/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. [https://www.ascm.org/making-an-impact/research/visibility-and-traceability-whitepaper/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep16]  Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org [https://www.ascm.org/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep16].  For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast [http://ascm.org/podcast?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep16]

Revolutionizing Returns with LiquiDonate

In this episode of The Chain Podcast, we dive into the future of returns and the creation of a more sustainable and socially conscious supply chain. Our host, Abe Eshkenazi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshkenazi], is joined by Disney Petit [https://www.linkedin.com/in/disneypetit/], the CEO and founder of LiquiDonate [https://www.liquidonate.com/]. Disney shares her extensive experience working with tech companies to implement social impact programs and discusses how LiquiDonate is revolutionizing the returns process. Discover how LiquiDonate leverages existing business models and evolving technologies to reduce landfill waste and enable circularity by connecting retailers' excess unsold and returned inventory to nonprofits. Disney explains the shocking reality that about 80% of returned products end up in landfills and how LiquiDonate's innovative software helps reroute these items to nonprofits, upcyclers, or recyclers. We also explore the environmental impact of returns, the inefficiencies in reverse logistics and the role of e-commerce in complicating the returns process.    Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org [https://www.ascm.org/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep15].  For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast [http://ascm.org/podcast?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep15]

The Future of Supply Chain Leadership

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.  https://www.ascm.org/making-an-impact/research/salary-survey/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep14 Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org [https://www.ascm.org/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep14].  For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast [http://ascm.org/podcast?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep14] Register for CHAINge [http://chainge.events/] now and join supply chain leaders from around the globe at ASCM's transformative supply chain conference. Get $200 off by using code PODCAST200

Tariff Tightrope: Navigating the New Global Supply Chain

The global supply chain is walking a tariff tightrope, and the impact is reaching far and wide. Join us as we unravel the complexities of current trade negotiations and their direct effects on everything from consumer prices to long-term business strategies. David Stephen Jacoby [https://davidstevenjacoby.com/], a leading supply chain expert, cuts through the noise, revealing how tariffs are reshaping industrial manufacturing, sparking inflationary cycles and forcing companies to rethink their very approach to sourcing and supplier relationships.  Listen to the podcast, then find out more from Jacoby's book, Trump, Trade, and the End of Globalization. [https://davidstevenjacoby.com/trade-and-tariff-policy/] https://www.ascm.org/making-an-impact/research/visibility-and-traceability-whitepaper/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interrupter-ep13 Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org [https://www.ascm.org/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep13].  Check out our Tariff Tracker [https://www.ascm.org/tariff-tracker/?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep13] and start navigating tariffs with confidence. For more details on The Chain Podcast, visit ascm.org/podcast [http://ascm.org/podcast?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep13] Register for CHAINge [http://chainge.events/] now and join supply chain leaders from around the globe at ASCM's transformative supply chain conference. Get $200 off by using code PODCAST200