Supply Chain Now

In this special marketing edition of The Buzz, we explore the hidden supply chain behind one of the world’s biggest fashion and branding events—the Met Gala. From global sourcing and luxury logistics to influencer marketing and AI-driven fashion trends, this episode uncovers how artistry, supply chain precision, and marketing strategy all intersect—welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!
Hosts Mary Kate Love and Amanda Luton break down the massive global supply chain operation behind the Met Gala—from sourcing luxury fabrics and handcrafted beadwork across multiple countries to managing white-glove transportation, security, and just-in-time execution for one of fashion’s biggest nights. The conversation explores how viral fashion moments now directly influence manufacturing schedules, demand forecasting, and fast-fashion response times, while also examining the growing role of AI, wearable tech, and influencer marketing in shaping consumer trends. This episode offers a fascinating look at how logistics, branding, creativity, and technology come together behind the scenes of a global cultural event.
Key Learnings & Takeaways
The Met Gala relies on a highly complex global supply chain involving sourcing, logistics, security, and precision execution
Luxury fashion production depends heavily on skilled artisans, handcrafted work, and long-lead-time procurement
Viral social media moments now directly influence manufacturing schedules and consumer demand
Fast fashion brands can respond to runway-inspired trends in a matter of days
Fashion brands increasingly use influencer partnerships as a core marketing and brand strategy
AI and wearable technology are beginning to reshape fashion design, production, and personalization
Logistics and supply chain visibility are essential for managing high-value assets and event execution

The Met Gala may look like a night of glamour and celebrity fashion, but behind every iconic look is a deeply connected global supply chain. This episode highlights how modern supply chains power cultural moments, influence consumer behavior, and drive rapid innovation across industries. Whether you work in logistics, marketing, procurement, or retail, there are valuable lessons here about speed, precision, creativity, and adaptability.

Additional Links & Resources:
Optilogic: https://optilogic.com/
Optilogic Webinar: Ahead of Disruption: https://bit.ly/3RiFMol
US Bank Q1 2026 Freight Payment Index Livestream: https://streamyard.com/watch/f6zU8BU2PCpY
EasyPost webinar: https://bit.ly/48Z2Lv1
The Bridge webinar with Billy Ray Taylor and Regine Villain: https://bit.ly/49a4uNS
With That Said: https://bit.ly/4tSH5ci
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Mary Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklove/
Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-luton/
Katherine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-h/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode is hosted by Mary Kate Love and Amanda Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes and Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-supply-chain-powering-met-gala-1581

Most warehouse automation projects don't fail because of the technology. They fail because of the approach.
In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Don DeLash, Sales Director, Logistics Automation at SICK Sensor Intelligence, for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to modernize warehouse operations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that derail even well-funded initiatives. With more than 25 years spanning project management, finance, sales leadership, and logistics automation, Don brings a refreshingly grounded perspective. Ditch the glossy pitch, focus on real operational impact, and lead with curiosity and clear communication.
Together, they paint a vivid picture of today's warehouse floor, quieter, cleaner, and increasingly populated by AGVs, mobile robots, unmanned forklifts, and sensor-driven systems. Don walks through the full automation journey, from planning and piloting to scaling and long-term support, covering how to choose the right partners, define success upfront, build flexibility into implementation plans, and invest in aftercare. The conversation also digs into how AI and vision technology are reshaping decisions around package inspection, palletizing, and damage detection, and how smart automation ultimately frees people to focus on higher-value work.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(05:48) Don’s career path in logistics automation
(07:24) What SICK Sensor Intelligence brings to modern warehouses
(09:09) Earning trust as a technology partner
(11:01) Don’s guideposts for supply chain success
(13:15) What today’s warehouses look and sound like
(15:03) Why smart automation matters more than ever
(16:57) The role of experimentation in supply chain technology
(21:02) Planning for successful automation projects
(23:39) Choosing the right partners and defining success
(26:08) Scaling automation from pilot to enterprise-wide impact
(35:38) How vision technology and AI are improving warehouse decisions
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Don DeLash: [email protected]
Connect with Don DeLash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondelash/
Learn more about SICK Sensor Intelligance: https://www.sick.com/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b
WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/smart-logistics-101-modern-warehouse-operations-1580

AI is everywhere in supply chain, but more AI does not always mean better decisions.
In this episode, Scott W. Luton and special co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, sit down with Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst for Supply Chain at Gartner, for a forward-looking conversation on how chief supply chain officers can lead into the autonomous business era.
Lindsay shares why AI should not be treated as a standalone strategy, but as an enabler tied to a broader vision for the future. She also previews her Gartner Supply Chain Symposium keynote, centered on three priorities for leaders preparing for what comes next: autonomous-ready operations, autonomous-ready intelligence, and an autonomous-ready workforce.
They also discuss the risks of AI sprawl, the importance of stronger human-machine partnerships, and why supply chain leaders need to rethink decision-making through a “decision stack” that combines data, knowledge assets, and human judgment. From documenting tribal knowledge to preparing for “job chaos” rather than a job apocalypse, Lindsay and Mike offer practical insight for leaders navigating disruption, workforce change, and the rising role of versatile talent.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:11) Listener shoutouts and the AI workforce impact
(04:38) Meet Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner
(11:22) Lindsay’s path from sustainability to Gartner
(14:55) Storytelling for supply chain leaders
(18:41) Today’s top supply chain priorities
(22:41) Why vision must come before AI
(23:25) How leaders can avoid AI sprawl
(25:34) Leading supply chains into the autonomous era
(28:20) Building autonomous-ready operations
(31:16) Introducing autonomous-ready intelligence
(36:09) The idea behind the autonomous-ready workforce
(39:52) Why leaders should attend Gartner Symposium
(41:50) Pop culture lessons for supply chain leaders
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Lindsay Azim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-azim/
Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/
Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/
Learn more about the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ conference: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/supply-chain-us
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b
WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/three-big-thoughts-leading-supply-chain-autonomous-era-1579

In today’s environment, complexity is rising, but clarity wins. Leaders who focus on execution, empower their frontline, and turn insights into action will outperform the competition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and looking to lead with confidence.In this episode of The Buzz, we unpack the growing complexity of returns, explore the gap between data and decision-making in manufacturing, and examine Boeing’s ongoing turnaround—plus a powerful conversation on leadership, execution, and empowering the frontline, welcome to The Buzz, powered by DOSS!
Hosts Scott Luton and special guest host Ray Attiyah break down the $700B returns economy and how companies like UPS are turning reverse logistics into a competitive advantage. The conversation also dives into new data on manufacturing decision-making, and why visibility alone isn’t enough without clear action. Plus, the team explores Boeing’s slow but steady recovery and what it really takes to rebuild trust at scale. This episode delivers practical, real-world perspective on execution, leadership, and how organizations can stay resilient in uncertain times.
Key Learnings & Takeaways:
Returns are a $700B opportunity, customer experience now defines brand loyalty
Easy, frictionless returns can drive repeat purchases and long-term loyalty
Manufacturing data is improving, but decision-making frameworks are lagging
Visibility isn’t enough, leaders need actionable insights, not just dashboards
Only 9% of manufacturers can identify root causes in real time, leaving many stuck in firefighting mode
Boeing’s recovery highlights the long road from lost trust to regained confidence
Execution > strategy, top organizations are doubling down on operational excellence
Empowered frontline teams unlock speed, clarity, and better business outcomes

In today’s environment, complexity is rising, but clarity wins. Leaders who focus on execution, empower their frontline, and turn insights into action will outperform the competition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change and looking to lead with confidence.
Additional Links & Resources:
DOSS: https://www.doss.com/
National Supply Chain Day: https://bit.ly/NSCD-2026
Gartner Supply Chain Symposium: https://gtnr.it/48hXcap
Decision Spot: https://decisionspot.com/
EasyPost Case Study: https://now.supplychainnow.com/easypost-q2
UPS Doesn’t Want to Deliver Every Package, but It Really Likes Returning Them: https://on.wsj.com/4cJ07um
The Manufacturing Data Paradox: Drowning in Data, Starving for Insights: https://bit.ly/Mfg-Decision-Making-Survey
Boeing CEO says ‘all systems are go’ to increase 737 production as company narrows loss: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/22/boeing-ba-q1-2026-earnings.html
3 Tips for Optimizing Leadership Effectiveness in 2025: https://bit.ly/Ray-On-SCN-JAN2025
The Fearless Front Line: https://amzn.to/4mOXZFL
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Ray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayattiyah/
Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b
WEBINAR- How “Almost Right” Shipping Decisions Turn Into Six-Figure Losses: https://bit.ly/4mMov2T
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Ray Attiyah, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/the-buzz-data-gaps-boeing-comeback-returns-boom

Patient outcomes have become one of the most consequential responsibilities in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by guest host Régine Villain, founder of REHVEAL, and supply chain leader Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA Group. With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at multinational companies such as Sanofi and Avon, Rodrigo offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by today's supply chain professionals.
Rodrigo delves into the balance between efficiency, adaptability, and human-centered leadership that is essential for success in today's complex pharmaceutical supply chain. He discusses the challenges of global supply chain resilience in the post-pandemic era, the regulatory hurdles faced, and the transformative role of AI in streamlining operations.
This episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned and emerging supply chain professionals on leadership, strategic thinking, and empowering decision-making.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:54) Meet Rodrigo Alponti, SVP Global Supply Chain at STADA
(05:48) P&G, Avon, Sanofi & key leadership lessons
(10:01) Inside STADA: 3 business segments & how supply chain serves them
(12:45) How patient safety shapes every supply chain decision
(16:05) Current state of global pharma supply chains: complexity & geopolitics
(20:57) Resilience pre vs. post pandemic: integration, agility & follow-through
(29:48) Practical AI in pharma: demand planning, supply & workforce training
(35:47) Aligning teams through continuous change: strategy to execution
(42:45) Key takeaways, empowering people & how to connect
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Rodrigo Alponti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-alponti-a9873/
Connect with Régine Villain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginehonorevillain/
Learn more about STADA: https://www.stada.com/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
WEBINAR- From Workforce Planning to Hourly Performance Management: How GEODIS Americas Turned Labor Productivity into a Growth Engine: https://bit.ly/4blRfKp
WEBINAR- Ahead of Disruption: How AI-First Design Builds Supply Chain Resilience — and Transforms the Teams Behind It: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b
WEBINAR- There's No Finish Line in Leadership: Tips to Optimize Your Strategy & Execution: https://bit.ly/4tHOWJA
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Régine Villain and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/people-performance-focused-leadership-stada-group-1577