Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™

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Aug 2026

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Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research ™ explores the strategies, challenges, and opportunities that define today’s supply chains through biweekly conversations with industry leaders on the critical role supply chains play in business success. ________________ Hosted by Donna Palumbo, Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Research at Penn State, and Tom Nightingale, Chief Executive Officer of MNC Transportation, Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research ™ brings you engaging conversations with top industry leaders, including many Penn State alumni, who share firsthand insights on how supply chains shape resilient, agile, and thriving organizations. From planning and procurement to logistics, manufacturing, and distribution, this podcast explores the full spectrum of supply chain functions and the leaders driving them forward. Whether navigating periods of growth or overcoming disruption, you’ll discover how strong supply chain strategies fuel business performance. New episodes are released every other Wednesday and are available on all major podcast streaming platforms, as well as on the Center for Supply Chain Research website.

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27 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 2924 min

The Toyota Way to Real Estate Success: Cezar Mansour on AI, Systems, and the Art of Socializing

In this episode, Cezar Mansour, President of Beach Lending, reveals how he applied "The Toyota Way" to revolutionize real estate financing. Drawing from his background at the Army Navy Academy and Toyota Technical Center, Cezar explains how principles like PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and 5S can eliminate operational waste and drive business success. He shares the inspiration behind his AI-driven tools, including Savvy Broker and a custom "Nick Saban" coaching agent, which transform static databases into active "goldmines." Cezar discusses his transition from the automotive industry to entrepreneurship, emphasizing that routine matters more than rates. He also redefines networking as "socializing," sharing insights from his upcoming book, Memoirs of a Mortgage Broker. Whether you're interested in supply chain efficiency, AI integration, or relationship-based growth, this conversation offers a masterclass in disciplined execution. Learn why a good process always produces good results and how to stay ahead of automation in a shifting market. Key Takeaways: The Toyota Framework: How to apply PDCA and 5S to streamline business operations and eliminate "waste." AI as a Coach: Using custom AI agents for "film breakdown" style sales coaching and real-time analytics. Mining the Goldmine: Turning idle spreadsheets into active income through automated client touchpoints. Socialize, Don't Network: Why showing up in people's lives is the ultimate strategy for referral-based growth. Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Cezar Mansour is President and Owner of Beach Lending, Inc., a real estate financing firm located in Redondo Beach, California. His business specializes in assisting people with the purchase of their first residence and the purchase of investment properties, both commercial and residential. ( www.beachlending.com ). To support the mission of Beach Lending, Cezar is currently co-developing two additional businesses, Clear Blue Realty and Clarity Escrow. After 15 years in the automotive industry, Cezar decided to follow his entrepreneurial instincts. Naturally outgoing and helpful, he was quickly drawn to the business of real estate financing because of its ability to positively impact people’s lives and their futures. He earned his real estate broker’s license and launched Beach Lending shortly thereafter. Cezar’s experience of starting and operating his own referral-based business inspired him to author his first book, “The Official Guide to Building a Referral Based Business,” a comprehensive guide that helps mortgage brokers, independent contractors, and small companies successfully manage and grow their businesses. Cezar is also Co-founder and CEO of the Business Success Club, a networking company consisting of various networking groups created to help likeminded entrepreneurs support and expand each other’s businesses ( www.biznetclub.com ). Cezar is the Chairman of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee. He is also a Member of the Board of Realtors, the California Association of Mortgage Brokers, and the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. A graduate of the Army and Navy Academy, he also holds a Web Masters Degree from Penn State University. Residing in beautiful Redondo Beach, Cezar and his wife of sixteen years, Tiffany, have three children. When he isn’t busy launching a new business venture, Cezar enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering as an AYSO soccer coach. He feels that coaching is a great way to instill confidence in players by emphasizing the importance of focus, commitment, and teamwork.

August 5, 2026Episode 2823 min

"I Have It When You Need It" — How Distributors Win or Fail with Joe Cubellis of AlixPartners

In this episode hosts Donna Palumbo and Tom Nightingale welcome Joe Cubellis, Partner and Managing Director at AlixPartners. With over two decades of experience spanning both industry and consulting, Joe provides a masterclass in supply chain execution and strategic resilience. The conversation dives deep into the "perpetual disruption" state of modern logistics, where Joe argues that companies must learn to metabolize volatility rather than wait for a calm that may never come. He shares critical insights on why most "control towers" fail due to a lack of executive accountability and how distributors can truly create value through disciplined GMROI management. Joe also explores the hidden traps of complex M&A carve-outs and the importance of structured price pass-throughs in inflationary environments. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a rising professional, Joe’s "practical operator" mindset offers a clear roadmap for driving results when they aren't optional. Takeaways: Metabolizing Disruption: Why resilience must be a design plan rather than a heroic act. Control Towers vs. Dashboards: The critical role of executive ownership and accountability in taking decisive action. M&A and Carve-out Traps: Identifying hidden dependencies like procurement leverage and institutional knowledge. The "Practical Operator" Philosophy: The value of simplifying complex problems into actionable bullet points. Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Joe has ~23 years of broad-based experience in P&L leadership, operations, supply chain and carve-out/M&A in roles with increasing functional and P&L responsibility in both industry and consulting prior to joining AlixPartners. He applies his hands on business experience as a leader in the Performance and Technology Practice for AlixPartners. Joe can often be heard telling his teams “If you can’t explain it in a few bullet points, it is too complicated”. Having “sat in the seat” for many years in industry, Joe has experienced similar challenges to his clients and has a passion for creating clarify in the face of the complicated problems they face. Joe has held many functional roles for wholesale distributors including overall P&L leadership and he now translates that experience to value delivery for distributors across their value chains as a cross-industry expert with AlixPartners. He has deep experience in M&A, participating in several transactions while in industry and leading multiple complex M&A engagements for transportation and logistics clients. Joe brings a P&L owner mindset, strong bias for action, and a proven track record in delivering strong operating and financial results to his clients. Joe has a BS in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering from Penn State and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon.

July 22, 2026Episode 2724 min

Freight Power, AI, and Leading with Heart with Erin Van Zeeland of Schneider

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Erin Van Zeeland, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Truckload and Dedicated Services at Schneider, to discuss the evolution of transportation and the power of strategic logistics. Erin shares insights from her 33-year journey at Schneider, exploring how the company leverages AI and "D4 science" to drive efficiency through platforms like Schneider Freight Power. She breaks down the critical difference between transactional and durable shipping rates, explaining why chasing the lowest cost per mile is often a false economy that leaves shippers exposed during market peaks. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on leadership, the importance of curiosity, and Schneider’s commitment to developing talent through the Schneider Women’s Network. Erin also reveals how real-time AI bots are transforming the driver experience by slashing resolution times for gate issues from 34 minutes to under three. Whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a masterclass in balancing cutting-edge technology with a people-first philosophy. Takeaways: The strategic shift from transactional to durable shipping rates for long-term resilience. How Schneider utilizes AI and bots to enhance driver productivity and real-time problem-solving. Leadership lessons on the "human side" of logistics and the power of curiosity. Navigating the 18-20 month freight market cycles and long-term industry trends. Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Erin Van Zeeland is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Truckload and Dedicated Services at Schneider, a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, enhancing the standard of living worldwide. Schneider Logistics Services is Schneider’s fastest growing segment and in 2018 achieved the $1B revenue milestone for the first time. In this position, she is responsible for all aspects of the company’s Logistics Service offerings, including Transportation Management (Brokerage), Supply Chain Management, Transloading and Distribution, Warehousing and Port Dray. Within her functional responsibilities, she ensures that over 34,000 third party carriers and service providers are effectively utilized to meet supply chain needs, service and profitability objectives across any mode of transportation and logistics services.‍ With 27 years of operations, commercial, transportation logistics experience, Van Zeeland has held several leadership roles in both Schneider’s Logistics and asset-based divisions. She has also served as vice president of Business Transformation, where she managed the enterprise business process engineering and change management/change leadership efforts for the Schneider enterprise. Van Zeeland started her career at Schneider in 1993 as a service team leader at the Harrisburg Operation Center and was subsequently promoted to operations/customer service Integration manager, Van Operations in 1995 before becoming the operations center manager at Schneider’s headquarters in Green Bay, Wis. in 1997. During her career with Schneider, Van Zeeland has served in a variety of leadership positions with increasing responsibility for customer growth and business expansion. Van Zeeland holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wis. Van Zeeland was recognized in Computer World’s Premier 100 IT leaders in 2009, a WIT finalist for the 2019 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award and was named the recipient of the Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s first-ever Women in Supply chain award. She currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way – Green Bay and she has in the past served on board at the Cerebral Palsy Center. She is an active member in women’s ministries at her local church. She serves as a co-lead in the Schneider Women’s network and various other women in leadership and business programs. She also represents Schneider in the Transportation Intermediaries Association.

July 8, 2026Episode 2624 min

From Penn State to Dell: Amit Bansal's Journey Through Global Procurement and AI Transformation

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Amit Bansal, Senior Vice President of Procurement at Dell Technologies, to explore the evolution of strategic sourcing, the transformative impact of AI on procurement, and what it takes to build resilient supply chains in a global landscape. Amit shares insights from his 20+ year career at Dell, spanning roles across Texas, Singapore, and Taiwan, and discusses how adaptability, cross-cultural collaboration, and continuous learning have shaped his leadership philosophy. He also discusses Dell's approach to developing the next generation of supply chain talent and offers advice for students entering the industry. Listeners will gain practical perspectives on navigating complexity, leveraging technology, and creating value through strategic partnerships. Takeaways: The evolution of strategic sourcing and procurement at Dell Technologies How AI is transforming procurement operations and decision-making The importance of adaptability and cross-cultural collaboration in global supply chains Dell's approach to mentoring and developing future supply chain leaders Career advice for students and professionals entering the supply chain field Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Amit Bansal is Senior Vice President of Technology Silicon and Server Infrastructure Procurement at Dell Technologies. He leads the strategic procurement of technology silicon, including CPUs, GPUs/AI modules, and networking chips, supporting all lines of business. Additionally, Amit oversees server infrastructure procurement, driving ODM sourcing strategy and relationship management. His leadership extends to global manufacturing initiatives, including supply chain localization efforts in India under the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Since joining Dell in 2001, Amit has held various global leadership roles in procurement, operations engineering, supplier quality, and manufacturing. His career has taken him to Austin, Singapore, and Taipei, where he has consistently delivered results through cross-functional and cross-cultural collaboration. Amit holds a Master of Manufacturing Management from Penn State and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Panjab University, India. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures with his wife, and their two sons.

June 24, 2026Episode 2531 min

Inside Transportation Investment: A Private Equity Perspective on Supply Chain with Steve Carrel, TRP Capital Partners

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Steve Carrel, Partner and Investment Committee Chairman at TRP Capital Partners, to discuss private equity investment in the transportation sector, leadership lessons, and what makes companies resilient through economic cycles. Steve shares his unique perspective from evaluating and partnering with transportation businesses across seven verticals, from dealerships to logistics and manufacturing. He explains the critical question he asks every potential investment, the skills that matter most in business, and the importance of curiosity and adaptability. Steve also reflects on career advice, the value of being nice over being right, and how his Penn State education shaped his professional journey. Listeners will gain valuable insights for both operators and investors in the supply chain space. Takeaways: The investment perspective on transportation and logistics companies The critical question Steve asks every potential portfolio company Essential skills for success: curiosity, adaptability, and interpersonal excellence Career wisdom and the importance of being nice over being right Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Steve Carrel is a Partner and Investment Committee Chairman at TRP Capital, a Birmingham, Michigan-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the transportation sector. He joined TRP in 1998 and leads deal sourcing, execution, and portfolio management across the firm's seven verticals, which span dealerships, aftermarket services, collision repair, logistics, and manufacturing. Steve currently serves on nine portfolio company boards. Prior to TRP, he worked as an analyst in the Investment Banking Division at Merrill Lynch. Steve holds a BS in Finance from Penn State and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

June 10, 2026Episode 2419 min

Exploring Anti‑Fragile Supply Chains with Jennifer Becka, Global Sourcing Leader at Intuit

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Jennifer Becka, Global Sourcing Leader at Intuit and a supply chain innovator with over 15 years of global sourcing experience across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Jennifer shares insights from her diverse career journey, from managing the world's largest powered industrial fleet at Amazon to leading procurement transformation at GE, Cleveland Clinic, and Diebold, and now driving AI-powered sourcing at Intuit. Jennifer explores the critical distinction between resilient and anti-fragile supply chains, explaining how organizations can build systems that don't just withstand stress but actually improve because of it. She discusses the evolution of value creation from physical goods to digital services, strategies for earning executive buy-in through stakeholder collaboration, and her groundbreaking end-of-life fleet initiative at Amazon that optimized total cost of ownership. Takeaways: The difference between resilient and anti-fragile supply chains How value definition evolves across physical goods, healthcare services, and digital platforms Strategies for stakeholder engagement and earning executive buy-in Lifecycle management and total cost of ownership optimization Jennifer's career philosophy: building systems strong enough to improve under stress Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Jennifer F. Becka leads Accelerating Functions and Services Sourcing at Intuit. With over 15 years of global sourcing leadership, Jennifer has built and transformed procurement functions across manufacturing, healthcare, and technology—including leadership roles at GE, Diebold, Cleveland Clinic, and Amazon, where she directed global categories spanning the world's largest powered industrial fleet and critical digital security and marketing services. Known for building high-performing teams and driving enterprise transformation, Jennifer brings a rare combination of operational rigor, strategic vision, and technical fluency—including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and certifications with ASCM and AI for Business Strategy. Jennifer is a member of the Penn State Smeal Executive DBA Cohort of 2029, where her research explores the governance of agentic AI in cognitive supply chains. She is based in San Diego, California.

May 27, 2026Episode 2333 min

Transforming Supply Chains Through AI and Strategic Leadership with Vineet Khanna, CEO of Advanter Advisory

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Vineet Khanna, CEO of Advanter Advisory and former Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé, to explore the evolution of supply chain leadership in an era of rapid technological change. Vineet shares insights from nearly four decades of multi-cultural experience, discussing how AI and digital transformation are reshaping supply chain operations. He emphasizes the critical importance of mindset shifts required to leverage AI effectively, noting that success in the next several years will separate companies based on their ability to adopt these technologies. Vineet also provides valuable perspective on developing the next generation of supply chain leaders, highlighting the essential skills and cultural shifts needed to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape. Takeaways: The transformative potential of AI in supply chain operations and the mindset shift required for success Critical talent and cultural changes needed for next-generation supply chain leaders Lessons from leading global supply chain transformation at Nestlé Strategic approaches to navigating technological disruption in supply chain management Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Vineet Khanna is a global business leader with nearly four decades of multi-cultural experience across various domains, including supply chain & procurement, finance, digital technologies, and operational excellence. As the CEO of Advanter Advisory, he is a trusted advisor to several leading corporates, tech firms, consulting firms, and startups. Prior to Advanter Advisory, he was the Global Head of Supply Chain at Nestlé where he exemplified his strategic prowess and leadership, managing end-to-end supply chain operations and transformation projects encompassing demand and supply planning, physical logistics & sustainability, digital transformations, customer service and materials management. Throughout his career, Vineet has delivered results in senior leadership roles for 25 years, contributing his expertise at country, regional, and global levels. Vineet's influence extends to the boardroom, having served as a board member of Nestlé Enterprises SA. Currently, Vineet lends his transformative insights to diverse companies and start-ups as an advisor for the entire strategy-transformation-execution spectrum, leveraging his extensive experience to drive excellence. He is widely recognized as a thought leader in the realms of business, leadership, and societal progress, making him an inspiring and highly sought-after keynote speaker. Academically, Vineet holds an MBA degree from IIMA (India) and has pursued advanced studies at esteemed institutions including IMD, Lausanne, and London Business School.

May 13, 2026Episode 2232 min

Building the Benchmark: IWLA & Penn State's 3PL Warehouse Impact Study

In this episode, Donna and Tom welcome Jay Strother, president & CEO of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), and J.C. Capron, director of strategic initiatives for IWLA, to discuss a groundbreaking research initiative that will quantify the economic and workforce impact of 3PL warehouses across North America. Jay and J.C. explain how IWLA serves its diverse membership, from household names like UPS and FedEx to multi-generational family-owned operations, through education, advocacy, and industry-leading resources like their popular podcast. The conversation centers on the ongoing 3PL Warehouse Impact Study, a collaborative effort with Penn State Smeal's Center for Supply Chain Research designed to provide credible, aggregate data that tells the industry's story with authority. Takeaways: IWLA's mission to support 3PL warehouse operators through education, advocacy, and research The importance of the 3PL Warehouse Impact Study in benchmarking industry contributions How the Warehouse Advocacy Fund supports critical industry initiatives Why participation from companies of all sizes matters for credible, protected data Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bios: Jay Strother serves as president & CEO of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), a position he has held since 2023. Strother joined IWLA in 2011 as vice president and executive director of IWLA Canada before assuming his current role. Strother brings decades of association management, communications, and marketing experience to the position. Prior to IWLA, Strother held senior roles at SmithBucklin and the Association of Legal Administrators, where he oversaw editorial, advertising, and design functions and helped shape the association's digital presence. He also served as director of communications at the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce early in his career. He holds a bachelor's degree with honors in English and communications from the University of Tulsa. Jay Capron (J.C.) serves as the director of strategic initiatives for the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) where he provides leadership in advocacy, marketing and communications, and strategic planning to advance the association’s growth initiatives. Capron brings more than 20 years of experience as a professional broadcaster in the radio industry, along with extensive leadership experience in the manufacturing and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining IWLA, Capron served as director of communications and government affairs for ND Paper, the U.S. subsidiary of Nine Dragons, one of the world’s largest containerboard manufacturers. In this role, he developed and strengthened relationships with key government stakeholders while leading the execution of a comprehensive strategic communications program.

April 29, 2026Episode 2122 min

Exploring Armada’s Recipe for Resilience & High-Performing Teams with Kim Hadlum, VP of Inventory Planning at Armada Supply Chain Solutions

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Kim Hadlum, Vice President of Inventory Planning at Armada Supply Chain Solutions, to explore her journey from fashion retail to leading inventory planning for the restaurant industry. Kim discusses the unique supply chain challenges in food service, the importance of adaptability and collaboration, and how technology and innovation drive efficient assured supply. She shares insights on building high-performing teams, the value of mentorship, and practical advice for early-career professionals looking to make their mark in supply chain management. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on career development, cross-industry learnings, and the evolving landscape of inventory planning. Takeaways: Kim's career transition from fashion retail to supply chain solutions in the restaurant space Unique challenges of food service supply chains compared to other industries The importance of being a problem solver with strong communication and relationship-building skills Armada's 20-year partnership with Penn State Smeal's Center for Supply Chain Research Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Kim Hadlum is the Vice President of Inventory Planning for Armada Supply Chain Solutions. In this role, Kim leads Armada's Demand Planning, Supply Planning, and Planning Analytics and Capabilities functions to drive efficient assured supply for clients in the restaurant space. With over 20 years of supply chain experience, Kim has held roles of increasing responsibility, driving inventory focused solutions that leverage technology, innovation, collaboration, and planning expertise both domestically and internationally. In addition to her Armada experience, Kim has a depth of planning leadership experience in the retail sector. Kim leads a team of 40+ individuals and has a demonstrated history of success in mentoring and development that spans beyond her own area of responsibility. Kim holds a bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University and is Armada's liaison to Penn State's Center for Supply Chain Research. She currently resides in western Pennsylvania with her family.

April 15, 2026Episode 2018 min

Inside PepsiCo’s Supply Chain Command Center with Brad Rogers, Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Brad Rogers, Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo, to discuss his leadership of the Supply Chain Command Center, the transformative role of AI in supply chain operations, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of supply chain professionals. Brad shares insights from his 17+ years at PepsiCo, explaining how predictive risk assessment tools proactively mitigate disruptions and safeguard service levels. He emphasizes the importance of networking as a strategic skill and offers wisdom on career development, encouraging students to focus on becoming the best version of themselves rather than just listing achievements. Takeaways: The role of PepsiCo's Supply Chain Command Center in crisis management and network visibility How AI and predictive analytics are revolutionizing supply chain planning Brad's doctoral research on Agentic AI and how autonomous agents could revolutionize supply chain decision-making Networking as a strategic toolkit for students and recent graduates Stay connected with CSCR on LinkedIn ( Center for Supply Chain Research ) and Instagram ( @pennstatesupplychain ), and be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you are tuning into Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research™. Thank you for joining us! Visit our website: https://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr Guest Bio: Brad Rogers is a supply chain executive with over 17 years of Fortune 50 experience, specializing in network strategy, risk management, and business continuity. Currently serving as a Supply Chain Planning Director at PepsiCo, Brad leads the Supply Chain Command Center for PBNA North Division. The department oversees end-to-end network visibility and orchestrated crisis management for PepsiCo Beverages North America. In this role, he pioneered the use of predictive risk assessment tools to proactively mitigate supply disruptions and safeguard service levels during peak demand periods. Previously, Brad served as Senior Manager of Network Strategy, where he steered a multibillion-dollar supply chain redesign initiative aimed at consolidating nodes and increasing resilience across the U.S. network. His strategic approach is grounded in deep operational experience; he has successfully turned around underperforming distribution centers, managed complex manufacturing co-op partnerships, and led Lean Six Sigma initiatives that drove double-digit improvements in efficiency and cost savings. A proud member of the Nittany Lion community, Brad holds an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Penn State and actively mentors incoming students in the program. He is currently bridging the gap between industry and academia as a DBA candidate at Fairfield University. His doctoral research focuses on the emergence of "Agentic AI", investigating how autonomous AI agents can be implemented to enhance supply chain planning and decision-making resilience.

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