The Chain Podcast

Agentic AI is moving fast into procurement workflows, but are organizations truly ready to hand over decision power and spending authority? In this episode, Matthew Lehman and Brittney Jones unpack the growing tension between innovation and control. From autonomous sourcing decisions to governance risks, they explore what it really means to “give AI the corporate credit card,” and why leadership, data discipline, and operating models will determine whether this shift creates value or exposes new vulnerabilities This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

In this episode of The Chain, Max Henry and supply chain expert Casey Tremblay unpack how global supply chains must evolve in response to what experts are calling a “polycrisis”—a cascade of simultaneous disruptions from pandemics to geopolitical conflicts. They explore why the old model of choosing between cost or resilience no longer works, and why the future lies in flexible, modular, and risk-integrated supply chain design. Tune in to learn how leading companies are reengineering their operations to thrive in a world where disruption is the default, not the exception. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

In this episode of The Chain, Max Henry and supply chain expert Casey Tremblay explore the concept of supply chain divergence—a powerful shift that’s transforming how companies respond to uncertainty. From building foresight and data visibility, to creating elastic, responsive operations, and accelerating innovation across teams, this conversation breaks down the three key strategies redefining supply chain success. Tune in to discover how leading organizations are turning volatility into opportunity—and why supply chain is now a core driver of competitive advantage. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

In this episode of The Chain, Max Henry sits down with international trade expert Casey Tremblay to explore a powerful new strategy for navigating global trade volatility: the tariff command center. With $1.8 trillion in goods under tariff pressure and companies losing millions in profits, CEOs are moving fast to build real-time response teams that blend operations, legal, and commercial insights. Discover how these command centers operate, the phases of setup and strategy, and real-life examples of companies that turned disruption into resilience - and even profit. This episode is a must-listen for executives seeking to stay ahead in a high-stakes trade environment. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

In this episode of The Chain, Brittney Jones and operations expert Matt Lehman unpack key insights from PwC’s 2025 Digital Trends in Operations Survey. With 91% of leaders planning major supply chain shifts due to U.S. trade policy changes, companies are racing to adapt. From the promise—and pitfalls—of AI integration to the untapped potential of digital twins and new workforce strategies, this conversation explores how forward-thinking companies are moving beyond reactive fixes toward full-scale digital transformation. Tune in to learn what it takes to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving operations landscape. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

In this episode, Max Henry and Casey Tremblay dive into the seismic shifts in global trade triggered by new tariffs that could add over $330 billion in import duties to U.S. trade. This isn't just about dodging financial bullets; companies are seizing this turbulent period as a catalyst for massive innovation and strategic realignment. Discover how businesses are leveraging advanced scenario planning, redesigning products, and forming unprecedented partnerships to not only navigate these challenges but also to thrive. We’ll explore how these adaptations are paving the way for more sustainable operations and reshaping competitive dynamics. Join us as we dissect how businesses are transforming their supply chains into more resilient, efficient, and environmentally conscious entities in response to the new tariff landscape. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

In this episode, Max Henry and co-host Casey Tremblay delve into how innovation is transforming the often overlooked world of supply chains. Discover how a single disruption can dramatically affect global markets and learn about the four key pillars that are guiding today’s supply chain innovations - surprisingly, technology isn't at the forefront. We’ll explore how successful companies are embracing strategies that prioritize vision, strategy, and collaboration over traditional approaches. Tune in to find out why the real game-changer in supply chain management is not just technology but a robust cultural shift towards more adaptive, resilient systems. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

In this new episode, Max Henry and Casey Tremblay tackle a groundbreaking study that challenges the fundamentals of supply chain management. Are traditional supply chains overlooking the human impact? Discover how innovative approaches, such as prospective theorizing and new governance structures, aim to create supply chains that prioritize workers, communities, and sustainability. This episode will leave you rethinking what “success” in global commerce truly means. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

With tariffs rising and old systems breaking down, supply chains are being rebuilt from the ground up. In this episode of The Chain, Brittney Jones and Matt Lehman unpack why the just-in-time model no longer works, what sets today’s supply chain leaders apart, and how a complete strategic reset could drive growth in turbulent times.Join the conversation and share your perspective at https://mygs.cc/chain. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

Warehouses are no longer just storage spaces—they’re becoming hubs of innovation. In this episode of The Chain, Max Henry and Casey Tremblay explore the technologies transforming the warehouse landscape, from AI-driven safety tools to RFID-powered visibility and sustainable practices. Learn why 80% of decision-makers believe innovation is making warehousing jobs more attractive and how modern warehouses are preparing for a data-driven, eco-conscious future.Continue the discussion by joining our online community at https://mygs.cc/chain. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

Only 1 in 4 logistics transformations succeed, and the biggest barrier isn’t external—it’s internal resistance. In this episode of The Chain, Brittney Jones speaks with logistics expert Matt Lehman about why transformation efforts often fail, and how companies can flip the script by listening to their teams, embracing feedback, and building adaptive, co-created strategies.Continue the discussion by joining our online community Chain.NET at https://mygs.cc/chain. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

70% of planning transformations fail to deliver expected results. Why? Because companies treat them as software rollouts rather than holistic business transformations. In this episode of The Chain, host Brittney Jones sits down with operations expert Matt Lehman to break down the three critical factors for success: aligning processes with a clear vision, prioritizing business value over legacy customization, and ensuring high-quality data integration. If your planning transformation isn’t delivering, this conversation will help you get back on track. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

Semiconductors power our world, but their production is highly concentrated in East Asia - creating significant geopolitical risks. In this episode of The Chain, host Brittney Jones speaks with global tech expert Matt Lehman to explore how nations are racing to secure semiconductor supply chains, the US-China tech rivalry, and whether new players like India can reshape the global chip industry. This conversation unpacks why semiconductors are at the heart of global power struggles. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

Join us on The Chain as we dive into the pivotal strategies for enhancing supply chain cost-efficiency in today’s volatile market. Host Matt is joined by supply chain expert Brittney to explore groundbreaking insights from a recent Boston Consulting Group study. This episode unpacks five transformative approaches, from aligning cost agendas with growth outlooks to harnessing AI for smarter operations. Whether it’s adapting to growth, increasing transparency, or fostering a cost-aware culture, discover how leading companies are reshaping their strategies to not just survive but thrive by making supply chains leaner and more responsive. Tune in to understand how your organization can leverage these strategies for significant competitive advantage. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

Dive into the dynamic world of global trade with "Global Shifts: Mastering the Tariff Maze," where we explore how businesses are navigating the complexities of new U.S. tariffs that are reshaping international shipping and supply chain strategies. This episode delves into the strategies companies are employing to adapt to over $330 billion in potential new duties, from diversifying manufacturing bases to implementing cutting-edge technology for compliance. Join us as we uncover how these sweeping changes are driving innovation, fostering sustainability, and prompting a fundamental rethink of global supply chain management. Tune in to learn how companies are turning these challenges into opportunities for growth and efficiency in the rapidly evolving landscape of global trade. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

Ocean shipping is undergoing a seismic shift—freight rates have plunged by up to 90% from pandemic highs, forcing carriers to rethink their strategies. In this episode of The Chain, Matt and shipping expert Brittney break down the factors behind this dramatic decline, from overcapacity to shifting demand. Plus, we explore how geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea are influencing global trade and what the future holds for ocean freight. Is this the new normal, or will the market rebound? Tune in to find out. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe

A shocking 40% of executives feel unprepared for 2025’s market disruptions—despite navigating COVID, supply chain crises, and AI transformations. But instead of just cutting costs, leading companies are taking a new approach: reinvesting savings into AI, talent, and operational resilience. In this episode of The Chain, Max Henry and Casey Tremblay break down the latest strategies global leaders are using to balance efficiency with growth, why cultural resistance is the biggest obstacle, and how AI is reshaping everything from customer service to business expansion. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of leadership and supply chain strategy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thechain.media/subscribe