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

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Sep 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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October 28, 2026Episode 3226 min

Engineering Resilient Supply Chains, AI Integration, and Leadership with Kerry McCarthy

In this episode, hosts Donna Palumbo and Tom Nightingale sit down with Kerry McCarthy, Fellow of Supply Chain Resilience at LMI and Corporate Advisory Board member for the Center for Supply Chain Research. Kerry reflects on more than two decades of supply chain transformation, charting the critical shift from lean, just-in-time cost optimization to building strategic, mission-ready resilience. Drawing on extensive experience across public and commercial sectors, he outlines how leaders can economically prioritize risk, harness AI and simulation modeling for predictive decision-making, and overcome common-mode failure blind spots. Additionally, Kerry shares his LEAD management framework, emphasizing why critical thinking, structured cross-sector collaboration, and proactive preparation are essential to navigating modern global disruption. Takeaways: The strategic evolution of supply chain resilience from a reactive cost center to a driver of competitive advantage and growth Frameworks for economically evaluating risk through pre-mortems, consequence analysis, and targeted mitigation investments Leveraging AI, large language models, and predictive analytics while keeping human decision-makers firmly in the loop Practical leadership strategies to transition teams from reactive fire-fighting to proactive operational recovery 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 Bio: Kerry McCarthy is a Fellow at LMI. In his role, he focuses on developing, integrating, and implementing innovative ideas across all of LMI’s mission areas and for LMI’s clients. He oversees supply chain resilience projects, acts as a technical advisor, and drives innovation through collaboration with academia, industry, and government. Previously, he served as the supply chain resilience practice area lead at LMI, where he oversaw business development, managed functional and technical consultants, and directed various projects. He has over 20 years of experience working with various organizations—such as the Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, Department of Veteran Affairs, NASA, Amtrak, Federal Emergency Management Agency, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Intelligence Agencies, and private sector clients—to improve the resilience of their supply chains through data analytics, policy development, and program support. Kerry is a board member on the Supply Chain Risk Leadership Council, President of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Chapter, and an active member in the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Penn State’s Center for Supply Chain Research. Kerry has a bachelor’s in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and both an MBA and master’s in supply chain from Indiana University (Bloomington). He is also a certified Project Management Professional.

September 30, 2026Episode 3128 min

Speed, Scale, and Service: Lee Beard on Transforming Logistics at Nike, Nordstrom, and Swire Coca-Cola

In this episode, Donna and Tom sit down with Lee Beard to unpack key lessons from an exceptional 35-year career spanning leadership roles at Dell, Nike, Nordstrom, and the Coca-Cola system. Lee details what it takes to build agile, customer-centric transportation networks, navigate major shifts toward direct-to-consumer and omni-channel retail, and balance speed with precision. He addresses cutting through tech hype by focusing on high-leverage use cases and shares why professional engagement through organizations like CSCMP remains a powerful career catalyst. Finally, Lee reflects on his transition into academia to mentor the next generation of supply chain leaders. Takeaways: Managing rapid scale and omni-channel fulfillment across global retail and beverage networks Navigating supply chain technology by avoiding vendor hype and running targeted pilot programs The strategic value of active industry networking and external engagement Core leadership philosophies, career advice, and keeping priorities balanced over a long career 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: Lee Beard is a customer-focused operations executive with over 30 years of experience and extensive industry knowledge in transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. He most recently served as SVP, Logistics for Swire Coca-Cola, one of the five largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world. Over three years, Lee led a sweeping operational transformation of Swire’s distribution centers, delivery operations, transportation, and fleet management, along with cold drink equipment service and remanufacturing. Prior to joining Swire CCUSA, Lee was at Nordstrom where he was responsible for all aspects of transportation across the US and Canada, including international ocean and air freight, domestic inbound, store delivery networks, e-commerce customer shipments and returns. Lee also led global transportation at Nike where he and his team developed critical transportation capabilities to power their “Consumer Direct Offense” – a transformational e-commerce strategy to serve consumers personally at scale around the world. Before Nike, Lee spent ten years in the Coca-Cola System in key transportation, logistics, and procurement leadership roles and served as a key member of the executive startup team for a logistics-focused joint venture between The Coca-Cola Company and its largest US bottler. He also worked at Dell, Inc. for six years in various manufacturing, logistics, and global strategy roles. At Dell, Lee was a member of a small team that designed a ground-breaking planning and replenishment methodology for Dell’s assembly factories that was implemented globally and earned a patent for the company (US7577577). Serving the supply chain and logistics profession has long been a passion for Lee. He has been active in CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) for many years, serving on the organization’s Board of Directors, as a Board officer, and Board Chair in 2022. He also served CSCMP as past chair of the Annual Conference Planning Committee and past member of their Research Strategies Committee. Lee also serves on the Board for the Transportation & Supply Chain Institute at the University of Denver and is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Procurement. He enjoys teaching and mentoring those pursuing careers in supply chain and logistics and is a frequent guest speaker in supply chain programs. Lee earned a bachelor’s in industrial engineering and a master of science in management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing his doctorate in business administration at the University of Florida. He and his wife Claire reside in Draper, Utah.

September 16, 2026Episode 3028 min

Leading Through Disruption, Data, and Lifelong Learning with Mark Baxa

In this episode, hosts Donna Palumbo and Tom Nightingale sit down with Mark Baxa, President & CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). Mark reflects on his career journey from crop scientist to global supply chain leader, exploring how strategic alignment and human judgment drive long-term business resilience. He shares critical perspectives on why the cheapest load is not always the lowest-cost solution, how to move beyond dashboard noise toward actionable data governance, and the evolution of 3PLs from transactional freight haulers into true supply chain orchestrators. Mark also discusses CSCMP’s vital mission to bridge academia and industry, equip professionals in the era of AI, and cultivate lifelong learning. Takeaways: The enduring value of human judgment and professional competency alongside AI advances Why total cost to serve must supersede short-term spot rate savings Data governance principles that prioritize business decisions over dashboard metrics Transitioning 3PL relationships from transactional billing to strategic network orchestration The power of continuous education and curiosity across every career stage 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: Mark’s experience in Global Supply Chain leadership spans 44 years. As CSCMP’s President & CEO, he brings broad and deep leadership experience to lead the world’s premier supply chain education association. Creating meaningful people leadership and development opportunities for the world’s supply chain professionals is job #1 with Mark. The supply chain is the backbone of progress. Society counts on the supply chain to “deliver the goods while doing the right things right.” As President & CEO of FerniaCreek Global Supply Chain Consulting Group, a boutique consulting firm specializing in holistic, company-level global supply chain practices, Mark leverages his in-depth knowledge of International Supply Chain Management, global trade practices, and government policy to improve company performance while preserving their freedom to operate. Mark’s vast leadership experience spans sales, customer service, logistics, distribution, global trade & compliance, procurement, sustainability, supplier diversity, and supply chain strategy. His CSCMP experience spans 27 years, including Roundtable President, the Global Board of Directors & Chairman of the Board. He instituted CSCMP’s Supply Chain Sustainability practice, supercharged the CSCMP Talent Center, created the Ukraine Logistics Operations Relief Fund, and the Executive Inner Circle. Mark also serves as Chairman St Louis University Center of Supply Chain Excellence and Northwestern University NUTC Business Advisory Council board member. Mark served as a global board member for WEConnect International, consistent with his belief in the value diversity brings to the supply chain. He facilitates supply chain policy development at the EU & US Federal levels, teaches executive courses at the university level, is broadly published in numerous supply chain & business media, and keynotes at conferences worldwide. Among the awards and recognition Mark has received, he is most proud of his induction into the prestigious DC Velocity Rainmakers. He is a University of Illinois alum.

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.

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