How should consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and bulk product manufacturers adapt when tariffs shift, retailers pivot, and consumer demand becomes unpredictable?

In this episode of Supply Chain - Unfiltered, presented by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), host Melanie Stern sits down with Jesse Jones, Vice President of Operations at WSI, a national third‑party logistics (3PL) provider operating across 30 facilities in 10 U.S. states.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience—including leadership roles at Kimberly‑Clark and extensive work across CPG logistics, bulk materials, paper, chemicals, and industrial supply chains—Jesse offers a candid look at what’s really happening inside today’s logistics networks.

This conversation goes beyond theory to explore real‑world supply chain challenges facing small‑to‑mid‑sized businesses, including:

• How CPG companies are responding to tariffs, inventory volatility, and retailer demands
• Why demand forecasting and inventory visibility remain difficult—especially for growing brands
• The role of data warehouses, WMS platforms, and analytics in modern 3PL operations
• Where AI fits today in logistics—and why people still matter most
• How to build flexibility into 3PL contracts as volume, channels, and product mixes change
• What to ask during a 3PL RFP process, beyond price and capacity
• Why leadership, standard work, and continuous improvement drive warehouse performance

Jesse also breaks down what “continuous improvement” actually means inside a 3PL, moving past buzzwords like Lean and Six Sigma to practical execution on the warehouse floor.

Whether you manage consumer packaged goods distribution, evaluate third‑party logistics providers, or navigate U.S. supply chain disruptions, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Supply Chain - Unfiltered brings you real stories from global business leaders—unfiltered conversations about logistics, procurement, and operations.

Discover which companies thrive, and which struggle, when tariffs and trade barriers shift. In this “Supply Chain – Unfiltered” episode, Chandler Willison of M Science explains why supply chain flexibility is key to resilience, and how smaller firms with rigid operations are most vulnerable to policy changes. Gain practical insights into the strategic moves that help organizations adapt, optimize, and succeed in a rapidly changing global market. Tune in for expert perspectives on navigating uncertainty and positioning your business for long-term growth.

In this episode of “Supply Chain – Unfiltered,” host Melanie Stern welcomes Dr. John Mitchell, President & CEO of the Global Electronics Association, to discuss why electronics – like energy – touch every sector and every life. Mitchell shares new trade flows analysis showing that electronics now represent one in every five dollars of global merchandise trade, and explains how this trend is accelerating, especially in automotive and manufacturing. He also highlights the Association’s commitment to workforce development, offering industry-recognized credentials and training for over 150,000 professionals annually worldwide, and the first federally recognized electronics apprenticeship program, which helps companies and learners access government support for training.

In this episode of “Supply Chain – Unfiltered,” featuring Conrad Snover, CEO at ProcurAbility, dives into the impact of electrification on grid infrastructure and supply chains. Success in today’s environment hinges on building collaborative, long-term partnerships among utilities, suppliers, and contractors. Conrad discusses that integrated supply chain models, strategic contracting, and shared forecasting are now essential for strengthening resilience and fostering innovation. By working together and leveraging new technologies, industry leaders can better anticipate disruptions, manage risks, and deliver sustainable solutions for the future of utility supply chains.

Audrey Clavedon, Head of ESG Leadership and Consultancy at Sedex, joins “Supply Chain – Unfiltered” to discuss opportunities for transforming ESG compliance and the outlook for 2026. Rather than getting bogged down by reporting requirements, businesses can refocus their efforts on making a tangible impact on sustainability and building resilient supply chains.

This year has brought heightened attention to ESG compliance, and sustainability overall that are highlighting the need for practical solutions and forward-thinking strategies.

In this episode of Supply Chain – Unfiltered, Vijay Manohar Cherukuru, Director of Product at Walmart GoLocal., a division of Walmart, one of the world’s largest retail supply chains, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of delivery and logistics. VJ discusses how Walmart GoLocal is balancing automation and human expertise, scaling innovative technologies like drones and driverless trucks, and keeping customer experience at the heart of every decision.

Tune in to hear why VJ believes it’s a great time to be in supply chain.

In this episode, LightSource CEO, Spencer Penn shares how his experience working on the Model 3 program at Tesla – scaling it from a boutique car business to millions of vehicles – helped shape his vision for transforming procurement through AI.

Spencer discusses how leveraging AI and automation are redefining procurement, turning it from a tactical function into a driver of strategic level thinking. From supplier discovery to contract management, LightSource’s approach demonstrates how technology can streamline sourcing and elevate decision-making across the profession.

Tune in to hear more on his journey from automotive innovation to procurement revolution is helping organizations unlock new effectiveness and competitive advantages.

In this episode, Mat Witte, CEO of ORTEC Americas, addresses the pressing challenges supply chain operators across North America are facing. From labor shortages to rising costs, inventory issues, and reluctance to adopt automation, the landscape in transportation, warehousing, and distribution continue to evolve, and not without strain.

Mat brings decades of experience in supply chain optimization. His candid take on the “elephant in the room” is a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability that define successful supply chain teams today.