Let's Talk Supply Chain

Omar Abuhashish of Reform talks about scaling without increasing operational overheads; why AI isn’t just a tool; & redefining what’s possible in supply chain.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.23] Omar’s background and his journey of discovery in supply chain. “I’m a builder at heart, and I love solving very challenging problems. I went to school and studied the hardware AND the software to see what’s possible and what solutions I can build.” “I really wanted to go after a foundational industry with a lot of room for improvement, but at the forefront of innovation, where there’s room for opportunity and challenges that can be solved with the best technologies.” [07.28] The big challenges Omar saw as he became increasingly interested in global transportation networks, and how they led him to establish Reform. “I really noticed how operationally intensive a lot of the workflows are. There a lot of people doing the same job, the data is siloed, things are living on paper… I just felt there was a clear way to improve all of this.” [11.21] An overview of Reform – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [14.29] The ideal client for Reform, and why they’re putting a focus on duty drawback providers, having helped one provider reduce process time on a project from 450 hours to 40 minutes. [19.13] Reform’s vision for AI in supply chain, why it isn’t just a tool to help businesses reach a goal, and how it’s going to transform how both businesses and the industry operate in the coming years. “Customers deserve much quicker turnaround times, companies deserve higher margins, higher revenues per employee, and employees actually doing what they’re best at.” [23.34] How Reform’s AI-first platform can help customers automate up to 90% of their manual freight operations. “Manual flows, looking at a stack of paper, sifting through them, entering data – that’s the first step. The second step is actually synthesizing the data and doing some manipulation and reasoning, before it’s placed in the system. The third is to start taking action.” [28.00] Some of the key features within Reform’s workflow automation platform, what teams can do with it, and the different sets of teams that can use the platform. “One of the biggest challenges outside of the manual work is that, even when the work is done, there’s still no visibility, both internally and to the customer. It’s super important to actually make sense of that data.” [30.09] How Reform can help customers navigate complexity in the midst of disruption and manage exceptions. [33.34] The impact Reform can have at a business level and, with its mission to transform how freight moves, the impact it will also have on the industry. [36.02] A case study detailing how Reform helped a mid-size freight forwarder automate manual processes, saving approximately 1500 hours per month, optimizing processes, and allowing them to scale without adding more headcount. [40.25] Reform’s special offer for Let’s Talk Supply Chain customers.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Reform’s website [https://www.reformhq.com/] to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reform and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/reformhq/] or X (Twitter) [https://x.com/reform_hq], or you can connect with Omar on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarabuhashish/].

Lina Castaneda talks about her career journey; being an industry rising star, the importance of staying coachable; & why our differences are our superpowers.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [05.00] Why Lina emigrated from Colombia to Canada, and what the move taught her. “It was a big change, but I saw it as a chance for growth on my own journey. I’ve always believed that stepping outside of your comfort zone is where real growth happens.” [06.35] How Lina found supply chain, and why she fell in love with the industry. “I quickly fell in love with the complexity and the impact of the industry. Supply chain touches every single part of our lives – it’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse that keeps the world moving!” [07.59] Lina’s journey moving through operations and customer service, and how each role added a new layer to her expertise and developed her leadership style. “It’s been quite a journey. Tons of learning, tons of growth – and a few surprises along the way!” [11.41] Lina’s role as Chief Customer Officer at Tai Software. [13.33] Lina’s take on why customer experience is harder, but also more important, than ever before, and the challenges of balancing personalization with scalability. “Customers have higher expectations. They’re not just comparing us to other companies in the industry, but to the best experiences they’ve had anywhere. So there’s a constant need to raise the bar.” [16.04] From technology to collaboration, Lina’s biggest takeaways from Manifest in February. “Being surrounded by so many passionate creative minds was really energizing.” [18.29] What it means to be a Certified ScrumMaster and Scrum Product Owner, the importance of staying coachable and continuing to learn, and why that mindset has been key to Lina’s leadership style and success. “Great leaders are learners forever.” [20.58] What being named an industry ‘Rising Star’ means to Lina, and why awards and recognition for women are so important. “Representation matters. So when women see other women being celebrated for their worth, it reinforces that there is a place for them at the table. It breaks down stereotypes, inspires the next generation, and helps create a more diverse, inclusive industry.” [23.06] Why our differences are our superpowers, and how Lina encourages her team to recognize and leverage their own unique superpowers. [26.49] Lina’s experience, as a woman and immigrant, moving through the male-dominated worlds of technology and supply chain, and how a sense of purpose was critical to overcoming challenges. “These fields have historically been male-dominated. Being an immigrant meant I often had to overcome not just gender biases but cultural barriers. I had to work harder to prove myself or make my voice heard, but I focused on what I could control – my work ethic, my ability to adapt, my commitment to learning. And I leaned into my differences.” [29.50] Lina’s advice to those looking to follow in her footsteps. [31.39] The future for Lina.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Lina Castaneda over on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-castaneda/]. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more women discussing the immigrant experience, check out 422: Women In Supply Chain, Kiran Mann [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-422-women-in-supply-chain-kiran-mann/], 437: Women In Supply Chain, Mercedes Pina [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-437-women-in-supply-chain-mercedes-pina/], 450: Women In Supply Chain, Jenny Perlitch [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-450-women-in-supply-chain-jenny-perlitch/] or 207: Women in supply chain, Shana Zheng [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode207/].

Rob Norlander of Circle K Pro talks about the difference between a fleet card and a credit card, industry challenges, driver satisfaction; & saving you money. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.12] Rob and his career journey, and how Circle K has evolved over the past 60 years. “What drives the business is a focus on the customer… Our mission is to make their lives easier every day.” [08.09] Circle K Pro’s unique view of the industry and the biggest challenges they see, from cost to efficiency. “Businesses are under pressure to do more with less… They’re having trouble with keeping costs in check and making sure their employees are taken care of. Fuel is one of the largest variables for fleets and how they manage that, and try to keep it as low as possible, is more important than ever.” [11.55] An overview of the Circle K Pro fleet card and how it works. [14.08] How the Circle K Pro fleet card differs from a traditional business credit card, and how businesses should decide what’s right for them. “With a traditional credit card, all you see is that fuel cost. But if you want to know more and want to optimize your business, a fleet card helps you to have more visibility.” [17.47] Circle K Pro’s two different fleet card options, the differences, and how businesses should decide which to choose. [19.17] Why looking after drivers is so important to Circle K Pro, and the fleet card benefits specifically for them. “A driver can benefit personally from their decisions professionally… We can sign up a company, but it’s the driver that makes the choice every day to fuel with us, and we don’t take that for granted.” [20.49] The business benefits of utilizing a Circle K Pro fleet card. [22.28] From real-time transaction monitoring to alerts, the types of reporting businesses can access with Circle K Pro, and what they can do with that data. [25.27] The ideal client for Circle K Pro. [27.08] How Circle K Pro customers can save between 5% to 15% on fuel costs, whilst reducing their administrative time, consolidating bills, lowering fraud, and boosting driver satisfaction. “The controls limit variability – and variability is what costs money.” [29.42] What Circle K Pro are excited about as we head into the second half of 2025. [32.21] Circle K Pro’s special offer for Let’s Talk Supply Chain customers.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Circle K Pro’s website [https://www.circlek.com/] to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Circle K Pro and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/circle-k-pro/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/circlekstores], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@circlekstores], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/circlekstores], or X (Twitter) [https://x.com/circlekstores], or you can connect with Rob on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-nordlander-21040819/]. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 467: Put The Pedal To The Metal with Hassle-Free Rentals & Leasing, with Premier Trailer Leasing [https://letstalksupplychain.com/467-put-the-pedal-to-the-metal-with-hassle-free-rentals-leasing-with-premier-trailer-leasing/], 431: Fleet Logistics Made Easy, with TSG Fleet [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-431-fleet-logistics-made-easy-with-tsg-fleet/] or 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-429-women-in-supply-chain-kameel-gaines/].

Daragh Mahon talks about driving competitive advantage, the importance of cybersecurity, real-time visibility & their 'Cloud First, Cloud Now' strategy. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.26] An overview of Werner, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We run all modes of transportation… And we’ve proven over and over again that we’re excellent at every single one of them.” [05.24] Daragh’s reflections on the first half of the year, why 2025 is the year of AI, and how Werner’s digital transformation journey has positioned them for the future. “The first half of the year has been tough, we’re still in this freight recession… There’s a lot of volatility, but it does feel like it’s leveling out a bit.” [12.22] From demand predictability and labor issues to sustainability and cyber security, the biggest challenges faced by Werner customers, the types of technologies they’re looking for to tackle them, and why Werner tech is built around what their customers need most. “You combine all those things, and what you have is a very unpredictable environment. What we have to do… is help level out that playing field and give our customers technology that will help them in all of those places… so that everything is reliable, scalable and secure.” [16.56] Whether data security is being compromised because of increasingly large tech stacks. [20.26] How Werner customers can use their interactive tools to access insights, drive better decision-making and, ultimately, gain a competitive advantage. “Data is more real-time than it’s ever been before… And when you give customers real-time access to visibility, that gives them a competitive advantage.” “It’s crazy what the supply chain looks like today versus 20 years ago… It’s night and day. And the beauty of it is that 20 months from now it will look different, and 20 years from now it will be unrecognizable. That’s why I get so excited – especially at the pace we’re moving at now.” [27.25] Werner’s data access strategy, and how it helps with flexibility, speed, and decision-making support. “I think of data as the great equalizer.” [31.36] The issue of increasing cyber threats and cargo thefts, an overview of Werner’s security and safety solutions and how they’re protecting what matters most to customers. “You have to think about a cyber attack as ‘when’ and not ‘if’ – you have to think about how vulnerable you can be, and how you watch and shut down those vulnerabilities.” [36.46] Werner’s ‘Cloud First, Cloud Now’ strategy, what it means, and how it translates to results for customers. “The tech part is easy. It’s the change management that gets really hard.” [40.42] Daragh’s key takeaways from today’s discussion. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Werner’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Daragh on LinkedIn.  If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner or 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner.

Daragh Mahon talks about driving competitive advantage, the importance of cybersecurity, real-time visibility & their 'Cloud First, Cloud Now' strategy. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.26] An overview of Werner, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We run all modes of transportation… And we’ve proven over and over again that we’re excellent at every single one of them.” [05.24] Daragh’s reflections on the first half of the year, why 2025 is the year of AI, and how Werner’s digital transformation journey has positioned them for the future. “The first half of the year has been tough, we’re still in this freight recession… There’s a lot of volatility, but it does feel like it’s leveling out a bit.” [12.22] From demand predictability and labor issues to sustainability and cyber security, the biggest challenges faced by Werner customers, the types of technologies they’re looking for to tackle them, and why Werner tech is built around what their customers need most. “You combine all those things, and what you have is a very unpredictable environment. What we have to do… is help level out that playing field and give our customers technology that will help them in all of those places… so that everything is reliable, scalable and secure.” [16.56] Whether data security is being compromised because of increasingly large tech stacks. [20.26] How Werner customers can use their interactive tools to access insights, drive better decision-making and, ultimately, gain a competitive advantage. “Data is more real-time than it’s ever been before… And when you give customers real-time access to visibility, that gives them a competitive advantage.” “It’s crazy what the supply chain looks like today versus 20 years ago… It’s night and day. And the beauty of it is that 20 months from now it will look different, and 20 years from now it will be unrecognizable. That’s why I get so excited – especially at the pace we’re moving at now.” [27.25] Werner’s data access strategy, and how it helps with flexibility, speed, and decision-making support. “I think of data as the great equalizer.” [31.36] The issue of increasing cyber threats and cargo thefts, an overview of Werner’s security and safety solutions and how they’re protecting what matters most to customers. “You have to think about a cyber attack as ‘when’ and not ‘if’ – you have to think about how vulnerable you can be, and how you watch and shut down those vulnerabilities.” [36.46] Werner’s ‘Cloud First, Cloud Now’ strategy, what it means, and how it translates to results for customers. “The tech part is easy. It’s the change management that gets really hard.” [40.42] Daragh’s key takeaways from today’s discussion.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Werner’s website [https://www.werner.com/] to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/werner-enterprises/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WernerEnterprisesInc/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/WernerEnterprises], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/one_werner/], or X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/one_Werner], or you can connect with Daragh on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daraghmahon/]. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-446-keep-america-moving-with-werner/] or 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner [https://letstalksupplychain.com/episode-460-discover-the-limitless-value-of-dedicated-freight-in-todays-market-with-werner/].