Steven Delperdang of Google Cloud talks about trust; evolution of visibility; & and the big opportunities for logistics providers taking an AI-first approach.

[03.08] After years spent at Caterpillar and Penske, how Steven is now using the 'One Google' approach to run Google's own internal supply chain and solve the legacy pain points he faced in his past roles, and exactly what's so transformative about this approach.

"In my previous roles, many of the frustrations stemmed from fragmented systems and data siloes. You have a warehouse management system here, a transportation management system there, various auxiliary 1P and 3P systems – and often a lot of manual effort to stitch it all together."

"Siloes are a major barrier, and consolidating data is critical. Logistics is simply a chain of interconnected events… so without that centralized view, you're only seeing a piece of the puzzle."

"It's this centralized access that means we can perform more sophisticated analysis and our AI tools can draw on a much richer data set."

[07.00] Why trust is such a big hurdle for providers who are already drowning in data, and the areas Google Cloud focus on to build that trust.

[10.44] The evolution of visibility, why consolidating disparate data is so critical, and how Google is tackling disparate data problems to achieve true centralized access.

"Everybody has basic visibility now, but that leap from dots on a map to true actionable insights is crucial. Basic visibility tells us what's happening. Our target for visibility tells you why it's happening, what's likely to happen next, and what you should do about it."

[13.33] How Steven's experience of using Google Cloud to power Google's own global supply chain helps him strategize, and the business outcomes Google has achieved that other organizations can replicate.

[16.12] The practical, day-to-day logistics problems Steven's team is currently solving with AI.

"AI can help us cut through the noise."

[21.21] How integrating Gemini AI has changed Steven's tools, and why he's seeing faster, better quality insights.

[23.13] How the day-to-day work of Google Cloud's own analysts and developers has shifted with the addition of new AI capabilities.

"For us, it's been a really significant shift up the value chain. Three years ago, a large proportion of my teams time was consumed by manual data extraction, cleansing, building bespoke reports for leaders. Today, we have less firefighting and the team can focus on more strategic work, more complex and impactful problems."

[26.40] How Google is making high-powered AI tools usable for everyday logistics operators.

[29.57] How Steven's past award-winning work at Caterpillar would have been different if he had had the Google Cloud tools that exist today.

[32.47] From hyper-personalized insights to AI-driven collaboration, the biggest untapped opportunity for logistics providers ready to embrace an AI-first approach.

Head over to Google Cloud's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Google Cloud and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) or YouTube, or you can connect with Steven on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Zera Zheng talks about her career journey; being open to opportunity; the importance of understanding risk; & what she learned, moving from China to Europe.

[03.36] How Zera began her career, going from University to a graduate program at Kuehne and Nagel, and how it allowed her to learn all about logistics.

[07.20] Why it's important to try different things during your career, why Zera felt like she was getting a new challenge every day at Kuehne and Nagel, and the importance of expanding your comfort zone if you want to strengthen your capability.

"Don't jump into decisions... Look around and see what could keep you interested... Success starts with passion."

[10.42] How Zera came to specialize in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment.

"As a graduate, you don't really know what each department is doing, you have to be open to the opportunity… That knowledge and experience, the things I did in the past, have shaped who I am now."

[12.45] Zera's move to A.P. Moller–Maersk, the types of projects she works on now, and the importance of understanding, and responding to risk.

[17.50] Why Zera took an opportunity to move from China to Holland, the pressures she felt, and the support she received to help make it happen.

"We often hear that the logistics industry is men's work and, especially for a security role – we see men with a background from the military or police. It was rare to offer this opportunity to an Asian woman."

[27.37] What Zera's 'industry rising star' award win means to her.

[29.21] Zera's experience speaking at forums and on panels, and her advice for other women, from leaning into making mistakes to taking the time to practice.

"I still remember making a mistake as a child, when I couldn't speak on stage… It reminds me of where I was to who I am now."

[34.22] The mentors that have made an impact on Zera's life and career, and the scientist who inspires her.

[38.00] The future for Zera.

You can connect with Zera over on LinkedIn.

If you want to find out more about Zera's work at Maersk, read up on her Supply Chain Resilience Model or Risk Management.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women who have made big moves for their careers, check out 207: Women In Supply Chain™, Shana Zheng, 450: Women In Supply Chain™, Jenny Perlitch or 275: Women In Supply Chain™, Amani Radman.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about two new products; demystifying AI; the biggest challenge & opportunity in intermodal; & why terminals need to work better.

[02.12] An introduction to Allen and Lynxis.

"We have the tech, services and infrastructure to make terminals work better."

[02.48] Why we need terminals to work better.

[03.16] Why Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is top of mind for the intermodal industry right now.

[04.43] Why investment is a key area of opportunity for intermodal organizations, and how Lynxis is helping customers deliver on their returns.

"People are looking to clarify how they're going to invest, and what that return is going to be. We're talking to our customers about their hopes and dreams for 2026… and we strive to help them execute and meet those commitments."

[06.41] Allen's take on AI and where the industry is now, and why Lynxis is focused on machine learning and using AI to help streamline and reduce time to value.

"We try to demystify the phrase 'artificial intelligence' – it's really software!"

[09.58] Two new product announcements, and an overview of ORCA: software to optimize and orchestrate terminal operations.

[11.18] The ORCA brand, and how Lynxis developed the name.

"It's the killer app that no one else has."

"Orchestration is a key differentiator for Lynxis, and it will be for the terminal operators that implement it."

[12.38] How terminal evolution has historically been driven through complex custom software applications, why orgainzations need to move away from this time-consuming, expensive, and inflexible approach, and what makes ORCA different.

"It's optimization of workflows via configuration, not software coding… Each one is a snowflake, it's unique."

[16.51] An overview of enVision, Lynxis' new computer vision system.

[19.12] How enVision will drive higher inventory accuracy for organizations and create real impact.

"Our vision is to have eyes on every transaction."

[21.08] The impact these innovations will make for the industry.

"Too often, people want to optimize processes before they have a secure grasp on the data."

[23.14] Allen's biggest highlight from IANA 2025.

"Process automation in existing facilities is the next right step."

Head over to Lynxis' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lynxis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Allen on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Lynxis, you'll love:

• 458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis
• 448: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Technology, with Buckeye Mountain
• 424: Orchestrate and Optimize Your Terminal Operations, with Lynxis

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Freek Aertsen & Bart Paridaen of EyeOn talk about digital transformation: value discovery, creation & realization; the big challenges; & key success factors.

[04.17] An introduction to Freek and Bart, their backgrounds, and roles at EyeOn.

"I have a background in economics, took a wrong turn somewhere - and ended up in supply chain!" Freek

[07.13] An overview of EyeOn – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

"Response is all about planning."

"We connect data, systems, data science and AI with people and processes."

[10.58] The ideal client for EyeOn, and the common challenges and questions businesses come to them with.

[12.29] An overview of EyeOn's recent report on digital transformation in the industry, who they spoke to, and why now was the right time to conduct this research.

"We live in a very volatile business landscape, and there are changes coming to our customers on a constant basis. And, at the same time, there's a new generation of technology. That combination is an interesting one."

[16.14] The main drivers for digital supply chain transformation, and what's important to leaders right now, as they grapple with multiple priorities and challenges.

"Businesses are changing strategies, and changing a corporate strategy means you have to change your supply chain strategy."

[22.47] From balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies to overcoming disruption, the biggest hurdles leaders are faced with as they navigate transformation, and why businesses need to look at these projects from an external perspective as well as an internal one.

[27.44] Why the first stage of digital transformation is value discovery, and how businesses can define an actionable framework for success.

"It's important for leaders to understand and be aligned on their vision for transformation… The key is improving decision intelligence. The tools and capabilities come in to support, but you need to go back to the starting point to know where you want to transform to."

[30.37] The importance of trust, breaking down siloes, and aligning teams in the discovery phase of transformation.

[34.23] How businesses can translate value discovery into tangible value creation initiatives.

"Companies that went too fast on design paid the price afterwards."

[38.03] How value discovery and value creation leads to value realization.

[41.06] Next steps: how businesses can work with EyeOn.

[43.12] What the next few years of innovation and growth are going to look like, for EyeOn and for the industry.

"It all comes back to decisions… Our investments will be in technology, because it's changing – and it's changing rapidly. We need to be at the forefront."

Head over to EyeOn's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with EyeOn and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Freek or Bart on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Andrea Morgan talks about her career journey; the similarities between supply chain & astrophysics, innovation, and why women need to bloom where they land.

[03.37] Andrea's degree in astrophysics, and why curiosity was her biggest driver.

"I had a deep interest in the origins of the universe… It gave me the training to ask the right questions."

[5.14] How a post-graduate placement at IBM exposed Andrea to a range of business areas, and ignited a passion for supply chain.

"I learned that I didn't want to be a researcher, I liked being with people… Quickly I started to specialize in supply chain, I was drawn by the nature of the problems we were trying to solve."

[07.20] From the emergence of the cloud to transformation at scale, Andrea's experience at Oracle during pivotal years in the adoption and expansion of new technology.

[10.09] Andrea's role in digital transformation at Nike and what we can learn, from the alignment of business strategy and vision to the importance of metrics and measurement.

"The biggest thing is putting the concept behind product management at the centre of that digital transformation… You can't do transformation for transformations sake."

[15.56] Andrea's current role at Blue Yonder as Chief Innovation Officer, what the role entails, and how it has evolved.

[19.15] What innovation means to Andrea, and where the industry is when it comes to innovation.

"For me, innovation at its core is: 'How do you do things differently?'"

[21.03] Andrea's perspective on AI, and how they're thinking about agentic AI at Blue Yonder.

"The ones that aren't successful are the ones that aren't focused on deep domain expertise. Where we're going with agentic is not just the general knowledge, but really understanding the specifics of supply chain."

"It's important to get started, because we know it's coming. So you might as well try it out, and see the value you could get along the way."

[24.58] Andrea's experience as a woman in male-dominated spaces.

[26.49] Why a rising tide lifts all boats, and why women need to support collective growth and empowerment.

[29.44] Why Andrea wants to encourage women to bloom where they land, even when the circumstances aren't ideal.

"It's not always about the destination, it's about the journey."

[32.25] What being an industry 'trailblazer' means to Andrea, and how others can follow in her footsteps.

[34.02] The future for Andrea.

You can connect with Andrea over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Blue Yonder, check out

• 497: Transform Your Returns Management and Delight Customers, with Blue Yonder
• 434: Synchronize Your Supply Chain Execution, with Blue Yonder
• 417: Fulfill Your Potential, with Blue Yonder
• 484: Women In Supply Chain™, Saskia Van Gendt

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Jason Murray of Shipium talks about AI: its impacts, now and in the future; common misconceptions; investment; developing new skills; & changing your mindset.

[04.04] An introduction to Jason, his career, and why he founded Shipium.

"Lots of companies are going through an Amazon-ification. Amazon was really good at dealing with this complex multi-source, multi-destination supply chain, and everything is evolving towards that."

[07.04] Jason's take on the factors that sit behind his success, and how he got to where he is today.

"Focusing on being a builder, a lifelong-learner, continuing to evolve how I thought about things… really being curious."

[10.12] How AI is making an immediate impact on supply chains.

"People are trying to decode multi-factored issues. A carrier, a model, a rule – all of this culminates to make a decision. We've always been good at automating that, but the ability to use new information and diagnose it has been critical."

[16.35] From automation to a completely fresh approach to problem-solving and business management, where AI is going to have the biggest impact in the future.

"You do have to adjust. From a leadership perspective, you need a new culture. If you keep doing things the way you've always been doing them, eventually you're going to get outcompeted."

[23.13] Why Jason believes we're still under-hyping AI, the common misunderstandings, and why AI isn't simply a productivity tool.

"We're not putting enough energy into fully embracing it – people are quitting too early. There's also a problem around understanding what it can and can't do."

[32.17] AI investment, and Jason's advice to leaders about finding the balance between success in the now and future potential.

"You have to be thoughtful about how you approach this… and figure out what spaces it's going to work the best in."

[36.13] The role of software providers, and how Shipium is helping customers on their AI journey's.

"It's really our job to innovate on behalf of the customer, and push to make it as easy and seamless as possible."

"You have to work with a partner that you believe will be able to adjust as these times change. That's where the human element comes back into it."

[41.06] The skills that will be most important for supply chain operators of the future.

[46.26] What 2026 is going to hold for the industry, and what that means for Shipium.

"The innovation funnel is going through AI, and that is what 2026 is going to be defined by."

Head over to Shipium's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shipium and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shipium, check out 491: 2028 – Shipium Counts Down to the AI Revolution, 299: Modernize Your Ecommerce Supply Chain, with Shipium or Unlock Retail Growth This Quarter with Multi-Carrier Tech from Shipium.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Mary Casillo & Aubrey Galbraith talk about how Pallet Alliance's onsite audits uncover inefficiencies & identify opportunities for cost-saving & sustainability.

[04.04] An introduction to Mary and Aubrey, their backgrounds, and roles at Pallet Alliance.

[07.30] An overview of Pallet Alliance – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

[10.10] From cost to sustainability, the big challenges and opportunities for Pallet Alliance customers in the current landscape.

"We see organizations trying to find opportunities for cost-saving… especially because of tariffs."

[12.37] How pallet optimization can make an impact, in light of these challenges and opportunities.

"When we're talking about optimization, we're not just talking about the pallets themselves. We're talking about taking a holistic approach to manufacturing."

[17.14] Onsite audits – what they can look like for a customer, how they can be used to create cost-effective and fit-for-purpose solutions, and align pallet programs across multiple locations.

"Onsite audits allow us to meet with a customer, understand their specific pain points, look at their specifications – and a lot of times we see these things don't match."

[21.20] The benefits of pallet and crate customization.

"Customization is very important for long-term efficiencies."

"When we talk about total cost of ownership of pallets and crates, we're not just talking about the product itself. We're talking about the entire supply chain process that the pallet or crate interacts with. It's a whole universe out there!"

[27.35] The ROI for pallet customization, the importance of figuring out your 'why,' and leveraging the science behind pallet redesign to develop the best solutions for cost, sustainability and efficiency.

"When you hear customization, you think expensive. But it's an opportunity, it's like solving a puzzle. Making savings and redesigns… so customers aren't seeing an increase in cost or inefficiencies."

"We use the wood science behind the decisions, and share the knowledge."

[36.08] How smarter pallet designs can be key to a company's sustainability initiatives.

"Redesign and sustainability go hand in hand."

[39.16] Next steps: how you can request a free onsite audit from Pallet Alliance.

[41.38] What 2026 is going to look like for Pallet Alliance.

Head over to Pallet Alliance's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Pallet Alliance and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Mary or Aubrey on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Pallet Alliance, check out 482: Transform the Way Your Business Moves, with Pallet Alliance or Mary Casillo on Solving Problems and Building Advocacy.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Angela Woody talks about her career journey; learning to let go of inherited beliefs; making IT investments; & the guiding principles that have shaped her life.

[04.09] Angela's coincidental career – how volunteering at an event led to an internship that led to a full-time role at Kimberly-Clark.

"It was a happenstance!... Someone took a chance on me."

[08.41] Angela's 13-year tenure at Kimberly-Clark: how her career progressed, what she learned, and her biggest achievements.

"Working for a global manufacturing company, you just had a wealth of opportunities… There was an opportunity to work on a first-of-a-kind project… and on that project, I could be innovative, experimental – it was career-changing."

[14.21] Why Angela made a move from large CPG to small healthcare business, and how she changed her assumptions around what a stable, long-term career should look like.

[17.45] What Angela loves about supply chain.

"Supply chain is not a flashy job! … It's dirty, and for some reason that sparked my intertest... Supply chain is the last thing that's going to touch a product before it's delivered to the customer, that's our responsibility – and I fell in love with that."

[21.40] How the pandemic shone a light on the industry, and why hesitation to make capital investments in IT systems is one of the biggest challenges in supply chain right now.

"2020 was a blessing in disguise for supply chain. It brought some immediate visibility into how fragile our global supply chain really is – and it finally became a topic in the boardroom."

"The companies that are truly making the investment in IT, making the investment in upgrades, they're the ones that are winning."

[24.40] Why change management is still such a big problem, and how businesses should be approaching it for success.

"Change management takes focus, time, resources and empathy. Change management is one of the most underleveraged capabilities, and I've seen many IT transformations fail because of a lack of investment in it."

[27.40] Angela's 'Bring Your Kid To Work Day' experience with her daughter, and how we engage the upcoming generations in supply chain.

"I have two girls, and I want to be a role model for them. I want to show them they can do anything they set their minds to, as long as they work hard."

[31.31] Angela's experience as a woman in supply chain and technology.

[35.15] The guiding principles that have shaped Angela's success, in life and work.

[36.08] The importance of mentorship, and how Angela supports the next generations.

"When I first started, mentorship wasn't something that was available, or even discussed… So, as we've evolved, and have seen its importance, I've taken male and female mentees and worked with them to have an opportunity to talk about things – I wish I had that."

[38.35] The future for Angela.

"I've worked hard to be where I am, but the feeling you get when you spend time out in the community and truly give back, is very special to me."

You can connect with Angela over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in tech, check out 493: Women in Supply Chain, Natalie Walker, 470: Women in Supply Chain, Melodie Van Der Baan, or 479: Women in Supply Chain, Lina Castaneda.