519: Overcoming The Perfect Storm: Moving Beyond Basic Automation To Realize AI's Full Potential, with Amazon Web Services
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Kris Orlowski of Amazon Web Services talks about their recent survey and what it reveals about data, trust, decision-making and AI readiness in supply chain. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.12] An introduction to Kris, his background, and his role at Amazon Web Services. “A good part of my role right now, as we’re continuing to innovate, is understanding what supply chain practitioners actually want and need.” [05.17] An overview of AWS – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [06.20] An overview of Amazon Web Services’ recent industry survey,...
info_outline
518: From Automation to Intelligence: How AI Is Transforming the Modern Warehouse, with GreyOrange
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Saurabh Gupta of GreyOrange talks about how AI is transforming the modern warehouse, the role of partners, & why automation without orchestration underdelivers. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.33] Saurabh’s career journey and what he learned from being involved in software development for iPods and the very first iPhone at Apple. “The most powerful technology is one that works so seamlessly that it’s invisible to the user.” [09.39] Why Saurabh pivoted from a career in consumer robotics to supply chain and warehouse robotics. “In consumer robotics, we start...
info_outline
517: ‘Useful AI’: Your Key to Visibility Project Success, with Shippeo
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Lucien Besse of Shippeo talks about navigating supply chain chaos; data quality & continuous improvement; AI; and the keys to visibility project success. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.38] An introduction to Lucien and the journey that led him to co-found Shippeo. [07.07] The biggest sources of chaos for supply chain teams, and why they need flexibility and visibility. “Supply chain managers need to make hundreds of decisions every day, every hour, every minute – they need to navigate uncertainty every single day, and that hasn’t changed… What has really changed is...
info_outline
516: Innovation, Transformation, and Modern Supply Chains, with Blue Yonder
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Andrea Morgan-Vandome of Blue Yonder explores what true end-to-end supply chain transformation looks like amidst unprecedented complexity and disruption. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.47] An introduction to Andrea and her role, and how Blue Yonder helps their customers. “We bring the physical and digital worlds together, and that’s key in supply chain.” [06.05] Why end-to-end planning will be crucial in navigating supply chain complexity and disruption in 2026. “When people look to drive transformation, they can sometimes get mired down in the complexity. So how do...
info_outline
515: Experience Precision Supply Chain Operations, with Brecham Group
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Chris Hamley & Andy Smith of Brecham Group talk about what they do; what makes them different, Precision Supply Chain Operations; & helping you suck less. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.58] Chris’s background and the journey that led him to co-found Brecham Group. “I started out loading trucks!... And it got to a point where I got frustrated trying to broker conversations. People didn’t pay attention to details, I found myself translating – and that was the catalyst.” [06.04] Andy’s 30+ year industry career, and his role at Brecham Group. [08.26] An...
info_outline
514: Turn Strategic Planning Into Retail Profitability, with Anaplan
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Scott Jennings of Anaplan talks about retail inventory optimization, planning challenges, AI & how Anaplan enables retailers to sell more and carry less. [03.37] An introduction to Scott, his background, and experience in the industry. “Siloes are present functionally across different pieces of the business, whether it’s merchandise, supply chain or finance. But they’re also persistent inside the systems that support those different groups – and that’s where it gets tricky.” [05.53] An overview of Anaplan and what they do. [06.53] How retail planning has historically...
info_outline
513: Women In Supply Chain™, Megan Rudolph
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Megan Rudolph talks about her career journey; developing a team through hypergrowth; the challenges & opportunities for parcel in 2026; & finding inspiration. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.15] An introduction to Megan and Saddle Creek Logistics Services. [03.00] Megan’s early career dream of sports journalism, how graduating during the recession led her to take a sales job at UPS, and what she found so fascinating about logistics. “There was a great structure. I worked under multiple female leaders – some of the people that probably don’t even know how...
info_outline
511: Women In Supply Chain™, Jennie Malafarina
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Jennie Malafarina talks about her career journey; collaboration & community; building businesses; & turning marketing from a cost center into a revenue driver. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.30] An introduction to Jennie and her businesses Virago Marketing and FR8MVMT. [05.03] Why Jennie pursued a degree in communications, and how having three kids under five during her final year at university led her to a marketing career. “Communication, psychology and marketing all tied together… it’s a passion for understanding why people do what they do.” [07.55] Why...
info_outline
510: Women In Supply Chain™, Kendra Tanner
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Kendra Tanner talks about her career journey; what she's learned about leadership, making an impact on boards and conference stages; & inspiring women. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.35] An introduction to Kendra and her company, Allstates WorldCargo. [03.40] Kendra’s education and how her marriage to her high school sweetheart impacted her career path. “I wanted to get my business finance degree, but I was adamant that I was not taking one more accounting class – so I switched to marketing!” [05.47] How a family connection led Kendra to Consolidated...
info_outline
509: Women In Supply Chain™, Nermine Saad
Let's Talk Supply Chain
Nermine Saad talks about her career journey; fostering a culture of learning; moving from Egypt to Canada; mentorship; & the future of digital transformation. [03.48] What sparked Nermine’s interest in logistics, and how it led her to seek out a career that connected strategy, people, and operations. “I realized there’s an entire industry behind the movement of goods, and it involves shipping lines, airlines, ports, and so much more. The more I read, the more I was fascinated.” [05.46] The early years of Nermine’s career in Egypt and the big lessons she learned,...
info_outlineMegan Rudolph talks about her career journey; developing a team through hypergrowth; the challenges & opportunities for parcel in 2026; & finding inspiration.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[02.15] An introduction to Megan and Saddle Creek Logistics Services.
[03.00] Megan’s early career dream of sports journalism, how graduating during the recession led her to take a sales job at UPS, and what she found so fascinating about logistics.
“There was a great structure. I worked under multiple female leaders – some of the people that probably don’t even know how much they mentored me still impact me today.”
[05.31] How having the opportunity to wear many different hats helped Megan find her niche, what she learned from her time working for both UPS and DHL, and the experience that led her to discover the power of authenticity.
[10.36] A day in Megan’s life as the regional senior director of parcel operations at Saddle Creek Logistics Services.
“There was an opportunity for me to delegate more, and that was tough for me… But, as the team grew, bringing in people I could trust really got me away from 12 meetings a day, and I got a more balanced workload... My team manages up very well, and I’m thankful for that!”
[13.07] How Megan successfully grew her department through ‘hypergrowth,’ and her advice for other leaders looking to supercharge their own teams in 2026.
“One of the best things that served me was hiring a diverse group of people that balanced my skillset. I’m pretty risk averse, data-centric, I want to have all the questions solved before we even hit go. So I needed individuals that were great at solving while in action…. Don’t hire people that think like you.”
[16.00] Megan’s perspective on the parcel industry, and the big challenges and opportunities she’s thinking about for 2026.
“Cost continues to increase year over year, for us and our clients. So the only way to really drive savings is through optimization.”
[19.26] What Megan loves about the industry.
[21.01] Megan’s experience as a woman in the industry, how she learned to trust her instincts and speak up, and why she’s so passionate about starting conversations and opening up perspectives.
[26.17] What being an industry trailblazer means to Megan, and how she’s using it to empower others.
[28.05] Megan’s biggest inspirations in her life and career.
[29.56] The future for Megan.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
You can connect with Megan over on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more industry trailblazers, check out 503: Women In Supply Chain™, Andrea Morgan-VanDome, 484: Women In Supply Chain™, Saskia Van Gendt or 470: Women In Supply Chain™, Melodie Van Der Baan.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.