The Chain Podcast · ASCM (The Association for Supply Chain Management)

The reBound Podcast: Let’s Say Goodbye to 2023

·29 min·2 clips

Houthi rebels are disrupting shipping in the Red Sea, forcing supply chains to rethink global logistics overnight.

This episode is a year-end review of 2023's major supply chain themes, hosted by industry leaders Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management, and Bob Treblecock, Editorial Director of Supply Chain Management Review. They reflect on the evolution of their podcast, "The Rebound," which began during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The hosts note that public awareness of supply chain issues has never been higher, even if deep understanding remains limited. A key topic is the immediate impact of Houthi rebel attacks on Red Sea shipping, which Bob Treblecock cites as a current example of supply chain disruption and rising costs. They discuss how such events highlight the growing influence of geopolitics on supply chain management, a relatively new lens for the field. The conversation references Yossi Sheffi's view that global logistics remains essential, while Arun Kochar's perspective suggests companies are rethinking "global" to mean manufacturing nearer to customers. This shift is part of a broader "China plus one" strategy and a move towards more localized, sustainable footprints. The hosts agree these changes demand new skills from supply chain managers, moving beyond cost minimization to leadership, collaboration, and cross-cultural coordination. A major focus is the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, which Bob describes as sparking labor unrest, government consternation, and corporate upheaval. Abe Eshkenazi observes that while the short-term impact of technologies like AI is often overestimated, their long-term transformative potential is underestimated. He notes AI uniquely targets knowledge work and content creation, unlike past technologies that primarily affected blue-collar efficiency. Bob Treblecock shares an anecdote about a Walmart RFID executive and comedian Bill Maher both hyperbolically claiming their respective technologies would cure cancer and end world hunger. The hosts suggest the heightened alarm around AI may stem from its direct threat to white-collar professionals who dominate the public conversation. Reflecting on industry conferences, Abe notes a new sense of camaraderie and recognition for supply chain professionals, who now commonly have a seat at the C-suite table. Bob highlights a presentation from a candy company on SKU rationalization during ingredient shortages, which was highly praised despite a top CPG planner noting his firm had done it for a decade. This illustrates a significant gap between leading-edge and mainstream supply chain practices. The hosts identify digital transformation—encompassing big data, AI, and smart logistics—as a dominant trend driven by the need for visibility, transparency, and traceability exposed during the pandemic. Abe states that knowing all supply chain partners now reveals uncomfortable truths about labor or sustainability practices, eliminating the excuse of ignorance. Risk management and resilience form another critical theme, with Bob citing Johnson & Johnson's establishment of global, FEMA-like crisis management teams. Abe emphasizes that modern resilience includes not just withstanding shocks but also organizational agility to seize market opportunities during disruptions. The episode concludes with concerns about corporate pullbacks on diversity and sustainability initiatives amid a slowing economy and political hostility. Abe warns of "greenwashing" and stresses that investment in workforce development must match the rhetoric and funding dedicated to digital transformation. The tone is conversational and educational, featuring two experienced hosts exchanging insights and anecdotes from their professional networks. The style is reflective and forward-looking, blending analysis of current events with broader industry trends. This episode would deeply appeal to supply chain professionals, managers, and students seeking a strategic overview of the field's current challenges and future direction. Listeners interested in the practical intersection of geopolitics, technology, and business strategy would find it valuable. Those seeking highly technical operational details or breaking news updates might find the discussion too broad or high-level.

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