[00:00:05] It’s time for Supply Chain Now Radio. Broadcasting live from the Supply chain capital of the country, Atlanta, Georgia. Supply Chain Now Radio spotlights the best in all things supply chain the people, the technology, the best practices and the critical issues of the day.

 

[00:00:25] And now here are your hosts.

 

[00:00:29] Hey, good afternoon. Scott Luton here with you live on Supply chain. Now, welcome back to the show. We are not broadcasting from Atlanta G-A today. We’re here in Scottsdale, Arizona. Beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona at the Dimka annual conference. If that acronym is new to you, diverse manufacturing SUPPLY CHAIN alliance, that should be on your radar. D.M. SICAD Dot U.S. I had a great time covered in covering the event. Speaking to the thought leaders here, the keynote presenters, their participants. And this is gonna be a special episode as well. Stay tuned for that before we get started. Let’s a couple quick programing note. First off, you can find us wherever you podcast from. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. And then secondly, we’ve got to give thanks to our sponsor, Brian, that allows us to be out here covering the event Verusen VR USC in various inc.com. They are using the power of A.R. Asia to drive data harmonisation around the world with a big focus on materials. So check them out at verusen dot com. OK, here with me today again in Scottsdale, Arizona, we’ve got two students from Morgan State University, Geno Smith, a senior Jinno. How you doing? I’m great. How are you doing? Fantastic. And with her, we have Deirdre, Doug Lynn, also a senior at Morgan State. So this is our second episode featuring students from Morgan State University here at Dembski Dan Solla conference. And I’ll tell ya, you’ll have garnered a lot of attention. Yes, I know. I think that we were in one session together earlier. And the feedback we’ve gotten from a variety of folks we’ve interviewed and folks we’ve we’ve had lunch with and had sidebar conversations with your turn some heads the way how engaged you are, the perspective you Sheer the questions of asked. And it’s really neat to have. Pick your brain right here and supply chain now. So, Genoa, let’s start with you. OK. Tell us about yourself and give us you know, tell us about where you’re from and give us some, you know, something that some folks might not know about you.

 

[00:02:35] Okay. I am from Baltimore, Maryland. OK. I am from the Pikesville mailing area like Connie Pikesville.

 

[00:02:44] Is that a tournament? Roughly tournament sites 20 minutes outside of the city. Okay. What direction? Roughly. Okay.

 

[00:02:54] So tournament minutes outside of Baltimore. And tell us about, you know, what’s something about you that some folks might on that?

 

[00:03:01] I studied engineering for?

 

[00:03:04] Six years? Six years? Yes.

 

[00:03:07] What? A certain degree or.

 

[00:03:11] Well, I went to a high school that had a program for it. And that’s actually how I chose my high school. And I studied everything from principals, engine eight engineer design to a aerospace engineer. OK. Just engineering capstone. And then I went to college for engineering. And I was a civil engineer. Very soon then I changed to Industrial and now Supply chain major.

 

[00:03:36] So. OK. So with a strong engineering background, which is going to be quite an asset as you get out industry. So really neat. All right. Let’s switch gears, Deirdre. Where are you from and give us something maybe some folks don’t know about you.

 

[00:03:51] So I think that both those questions can be tied into one. OK. I actually moved a lot. So I think it’s kind of hard to say where I’m from, but between Arizona, between Maryland and between Chicago, so.

 

[00:04:04] Ok. That was all around me.

 

[00:04:07] And to get East Coast, there you get Midwest and then you’ve got Arizona out here, which is just incredible. And you are a real Cubs fan.

 

[00:04:16] Yes. Yes. Was it before the World Series back then? It was like a hundred years, right? Yes. OK.

 

[00:04:23] All right. Very cool. All right. So what I want to find out from both of y’all is why Morgan State University? Why why did you choose a joke? General, let’s start with you.

 

[00:04:32] So actually, when I was looking at colleges, I didn’t want to go to Morgan. I didn’t want to be in Baltimore. I wanted to branch out and go to a school that was far away. But that is it and work out. I mean, I was really interested in engineering. I, too, chose all my schools off of engineering. And so me and my mom visited Moorgate, actually, when he came back in the auditorium. She was like, so you’re going to war? I was like, okay, OK. Because before that, she was like, we’re gonna go to the conference, mom, but we’re gonna go to the open house.

 

[00:05:06] But, you know, it’s just a backup plan. But they said something to her that she was like.

 

[00:05:12] So. Yeah. And was like, OK. She was convinced she was sold. She’s paying for it.

 

[00:05:18] That’s important. Yeah, it’s really important. Deirdre, how about you?

 

[00:05:23] Someone on the opposite end of that spectrum. More so. They just gave me a lot of opportunity. I pay for it myself. So they were willing to work with me? They’re willing. Because being part of moving around. Sure. But I just I got a lot of scholarships, a lot of grants. So I felt there in investing in me. I should definitely take advantage of it.

 

[00:05:42] So outstanding. Yes. OK. So let’s talk about the field of Supply chain. So clearly that’s that’s a topic front center here at Dimka. And all for students that are part of that Morgan State University delegation, all are majoring in Supply chain, some with double majors, which has been pretty impressive. Geno, what about the world’s supply chain really appeals to you.

 

[00:06:07] So with engineering, it was kind of, you know, you build the process and then what happens after that is, you know, none of accusation because I saw Supply chain, but I was interested in what happens after that. Like, what if it doesn’t work or what if the customer doesn’t like it or what if it doesn’t get there on time? I just don’t like that. But I never knew. I don’t know what Supply chain Weiss and people from Apex actually came to talk to my engineering class and we’re like, whoa, is there anyone in here that doesn’t really know what they want to do? And I didn’t know what I wanted to do. And I was still trying. I was an engineer, but I was noticing that that wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore. And I was like, I I mean, I found that out when I was a junior. So I was like, I have to I’m running out of time. I have to find out what I want to do. So I just tried to buy chain and I love it. So I never went back.

 

[00:06:54] So so Apex came out on top.

 

[00:06:57] Yes. They came and talked to my engineering class, which is kind of a neat experience.

 

[00:07:02] And clearly, it had a bigger impact. I did, because that’s what is that what led you? Is that what started your kind of diligence on Supply chain?

 

[00:07:09] Because I was I was just not happy anymore. And I was like, well, I don’t know what to do. I don’t because I owe you a thing I was interested in. Aim was medicine. And I don’t wanna start completely over and just want something that I had taken any classes toward. So I was just anyway thinking and I was like, well, I heard something about Supply chain, let me talk to them. And they are really welcoming and just very supportive, which helped a lot, especially in a situation. I was in school four years later.

 

[00:07:35] You’re about to graduate and supply chain management degree. Yes. Incredible. All right. So, Deirdre, let’s talk about what was supply chain for you.

 

[00:07:44] So given just my work experience, I’ve worked in about five different industries and what I’ve done already. I took time off for school. Okay, or from school. But I’ve used it to my advantage kind of having that experience before you graduate. But at 22, so I’m more interested in me. And Supply chain was. What I’ve noticed with each industry I worked in its catering to what people want and what’s supply chain. Everybody needs something, whether it’s purchasing anything, you’re buying, investing. But at the end of the day, there’s always a supply chain involved. So I just wanted to reach a lot of people but still have something new and exciting going on with my career.

 

[00:08:22] Outstanding. And you’re also a senior. Right now you’re graduating in May 21. Yes, it’s noa’s, graduating in May 21.

 

[00:08:32] And Deirdre, December 18, 2012.

 

[00:08:37] And so Deirdre’s saying that on the last episode, Latoyia, right. Is also graduate in December and knew that and had it sworn in memory. Okay. So now are both you all members of the apic Student chapter?

 

[00:08:52] Yes, I’m actually the marketing specialist. I’m on the executive board. Okay.

 

[00:08:55] Very nice.

 

[00:08:57] And so while marketing, let’s talk about this. Is that just where you wanted Daryl?

 

[00:09:03] I had just gotten to the major and with you actually came to me. He was like she was just really supportive in my chain. Matthiesen president, I didn’t really know anyone. So that you it was like, yeah, I’m gonna help you, like in everything. She’s been very supportive through all of my like, processes that I’ve done. And so she was like, it would look great on your resumé and maybe really show leadership now. Okay, well, what are the positions? Then I saw a marketing specialist and I’m really good at making fires and just getting the right out there. And I noticed that a lot of students don’t know about Supply chain at our school. It’s very it’s very small, major. So I was like, I didn’t know about it. And if there’s someone else out there that can benefit from the major, then they should know about it. Suzanne the bag. That was the best position for me.

 

[00:09:49] So let’s come back to that. They touched on something I think is really important. So let’s come back to that just a second on the awareness side. So, Deirdre, are you also involved in the chapter?

 

[00:09:58] Not this year for next of next semester. But I just which the supply chain last year. So I’m really the rookie in this group. Okay.

 

[00:10:06] And what was your major prior spotting?

 

[00:10:09] I was in business administration there. So it’s like Supply chain is the baby of it in a way. But I like this a lot more.

 

[00:10:15] Yes. Go in, child. Yeah.

 

[00:10:19] Rs I want to get Charles take on something. Jinno you were talking about kind of awareness, but you were kind of alluding to just the Morgan State University student body thinking more broadly and thinking about, you know, folks in your own generation and and folks behind your right generation behind you. Is Supply chain do you think there’s a general lack of awareness for Supply chain careers?

 

[00:10:46] I do. I definitely do, simply because I didn’t know anything about it. And I mean, work kind of hand-in-hand with Supply chain managers. And I had never even heard about the major, let alone the job. And my mom even like doesn’t like know that much about it. And like, she’ll talk to her coworkers like she will be like, oh, what’s your major like a supply chain? I get asked all the time, what is that? And it’s like you use it every day. Literally anything that’s in your hand right now came from Supply chain manage me. It’s real. I feel like it definitely needs more wryness and the gate is gonna open up a lot of jobs. And honestly, I don’t think we’re gonna have enough people. I think a lot of people need to know they’re not going to switch MHRA. Least look into it.

 

[00:11:25] Yeah. Be aware. Right. Yes. Deirdre, what about you? Awareness. From what I’ve noticed, just talking with people. I feel like it’s a certain age group that’s not as aware.

 

[00:11:37] I know it kind of blew up more in the early 90s. So I noticed a lot of younger people know what it is. A lot of people in engineering know what it is. But anyone that hasn’t touched in those areas kind of have to give a little backstory there behind little.

 

[00:11:53] We’re getting the SB.

 

[00:11:56] All right. So, you know, one question that we didn’t talk about kind of in the pre-show, warm up that one chance to weigh in on that, that Latvia and your colleagues, Latvia, Latvia and Aaron, had a lot of good things to say. So clearly are probably already interviewing. You’re kind of already surveying the market where you want to be in the jobs and companies and stuff. What are one or two things that you’re looking for in in your first job out of college to generally start with you?

 

[00:12:24] I think I’m looking to learn as much as I possibly can, and I’m also looking to be welcome. I’m looking for people to welcome not only me but my ideas and just to be able to hear me and my generation out, because we have a lot of innovation ideas and we can really help.

 

[00:12:45] So to our two big things there. No one is professional development yet, right? You want. You don’t want to whatever you whatever role and whatever skill sets you have from day one, you want that look a lot different in day three hundred years. And then maybe what you’re more passionate about is the ability to be what? But including your ideas and and be able to make an impact. Ultimately, is it?

 

[00:13:09] Yes, definitely. I feel like we have a lot to offer and feel like my generation definitely are go getters and we are determined to help and make changes that we see fit. And some while some of our changes seem far fetched, some of them are actually needed like a grab chain breaks.

 

[00:13:29] We have the work that word in eyes is required and a supply chain conversation that’s gonna happen. So. That’s right. Yes. Director, same question. What do you know? So as you’re evaluating job market and talking with hiring managers and what not, what are what’s a couple of things you’re really looking for?

 

[00:13:45] So I definitely look for something that has opportunities for growth or to kind of just have like some sort of rotational period being that Supply chain has so many different branches. It would be nice just to kind of get a feel for each one before I really lock in and try to progress through that. I’m so definitely something I would like a good rotational program, a little flexibility. Definitely opportunities to advance.

 

[00:14:09] So being able to be well-rounded in the organization is a lot to you and flexibility. Fisher Really important. Okay, so let’s talk about I’m going to flip here. We’re going we’re we’re gonna go in the Dembski first, but I want to kind of flip it in and we have you weigh in on the global end to end supply chain industry. Right? So what is one topic? And Journolist, let’s start with you. Was one topic or development or innovation that you are tracking more than others right now?

 

[00:14:43] Mm hmm.

 

[00:14:44] And it can be it can be innovation. It can be a leadership observation that can be workforce related technology.

 

[00:14:52] I think I’m really interested in what’s going to happen if the coronavirus doesn’t do exactly what people think. Well, people are scared of doing. I guess I’m hearing people like saying how we’re gonna prevent it from happening. But I haven’t heard many people say what’s going to actually happen to their supply chain if goods can’t come from certain parts of countries. And it’s like, well, everybody’s scared of that happening. So what’s the plan if it does happen? And cause, you know, we’re entering in the job world and basically we’ll meet a year and a half. Right. Dedra, next week.

 

[00:15:29] So it’s Michael Rentz and December 18th. Yeah.

 

[00:15:32] What’s going to what’s going to take place that’s going to happen? What would we need to expect right now? Definitely flexibility. And how are we going to adapt to it?

 

[00:15:41] Because you want a plan? Yes. We’re supply chain. Yes, we want to plan. It’s inherent in our DNA going so blindly. That’s right.

 

[00:15:48] Just know that there is a plan. And how can we fit into that plan?

 

[00:15:52] We’ll put Deirdre. What are you what’s on your radar?

 

[00:15:56] I’ve honestly been closely following Amazon just because of the giant they are. Right. But the most interesting thing to me is they are these FedEx and U.P.S. a lot. And they’re now looking in to have their own like freight or plane service to deliver. So I just think that’s really awesome. They’ve progressed so quickly in a lot of companies or try to play catch up. So I know that’s on their supply chain their right moves, though.

 

[00:16:23] So are you all curious about so clearly Amazon is the dominant player, right? And however, mainly in the states because you got Alibaba and some others that have more of a global share. Right. But are you curious? Well, I find myself thinking a lot about and and kind of tracking. Is is the ABC anyone but Amazon? Right. Because it despite all the cool things and and the business dominance and the innovation and all the good things right beneath and inspiring to watch, like you’re alluding to, it’s creating pockets of opportunity. And it seems like more and more companies are trying to figure out how to do things. Do business, make business happen without Amazon. Right. Things kind of fascinating because if you do business with Amazon, they’ve got all leverage, right? They’ve got the marketplace. They’ve got the channels. They’ve got you name it. So we’ll see. You know, they have been dominant here in the states for so long. I’d be curious to see what what that gives rise to the next few years. So this stuff that you got to I mean, they are the that the dominant business case study, right?

 

[00:17:39] That’s right. But then it comes that point. It’s like, well, I really need that by tomorrow evening. That’s right.

 

[00:17:47] It’s like I think other companies are trying to become key players as well because they are definitely Beaky playing. Right. Like, how can we incorporate some of the things that they do and, you know, try to make growth that from there ourselves.

 

[00:18:01] Yeah. The other thing I’m contractually. It is the brick and mortar, you know, because we’ve all heard that phrase retail apocalypse for months and months and months. However, a lot of folks, whether it’s on our show or their sidebar conversations we’re having. They still love the in-person shopping experience. Sometimes we need, well, more, more. We need that product, a sap to ours next day, what have you. But, you know, there’s still a large contingent of consumers like especially collect clothes buying or other things you want to kind of touch and feel and and kind of had that traditional buying experience. And it’s interesting to see how these e-commerce players are giving their cake and eat it, too, too, by taking advantage of both sides or some unique partnerships we’ve seen. You know, I think Toys R US partnered, which is is almost a you know, they don’t have any brick and mortar. Okay. But they stood up a Web site last holiday season and folks could order on Toys R US or peruse toys, but they had a partnership with Target and so Targo to same transaction and it could pick up the toys at the Target store. And so a lot of creative applications here.

 

[00:19:15] Yes. I feel like there’s definitely things in my closet that I wouldn’t have bought if I could have touched it and actually tried it on. I feel like I would’ve went with a different option as a great. Also, I don’t want to go through the hassle of having to ship it back to the Internet. So there are definitely downsides to it.

 

[00:19:31] Agreed. Yes. And we’re speaking returns. Have your in reverse Logistics. Not sure how much you colleges really spend on that here, but your buys were turnings to unlike you. You know, you’re you’re a sustainable Khosro.

 

[00:19:47] We save a lot more money.

 

[00:19:51] Well, but returns is becoming a bigger and bigger challenge. Right? There’s so many Birgit, especially when you think of brands that they’re real careful about what returns go back on the shelf because they don’t want brands to be compromised. So y’all, as you get out and are leading supply chains. Yeah, we’ll be dealing more and more with with returns were based Logistics right.

 

[00:20:11] Yeah. Yeah.

 

[00:20:12] Devel did a little fantastic with a yo yo yo yo so far ahead of where folks. Homogenisation. Yeah. Janet Proud Gen Xers you know returns e-commerce and reverse Logistics those bought parts of those curriculums. So Daro imagine that we’re learning from the best that we need those to learn.

 

[00:20:36] I think we take our school experience, but in like they just like basic retail jobs we have we find ways to incorporate supply chain into that and just find ways to put. We’re learning a school into our everyday lives and finding that everything is supply chain love it. Like from a design standpoint, it is proactive about it. And I am sure you could design a shoe warehouse. And not only am I a cashier, but we work with shipment’s and happen to actually ship like gaṇa. I pick the shoes and ship them to the customer and ask to get to that customer on time. If it’s not there at the price that they paid for, it’s a problem and a big problem.

 

[00:21:14] Yes. They want to talk to you about. That’s right.

 

[00:21:18] And so you also have some some practical experience already. Some real world experience. And same thing for you, Deirdre. What what sector? Any any of that.

 

[00:21:28] So I’ve, uh, I’ve done retail, health insurance, banking, hospitality and food and.

 

[00:21:34] Wow. Well-rounded. Yeah. Okay. Ready to go? Yeah.

 

[00:21:38] Okay. So let’s shift gears as we start to wrap up this interview. Let’s talk about Dembski and the diverse manufacturing supply chain alliance. This is the as we Sheer as we were coming out of here, supplier development conference, annual conference.

 

[00:21:54] Why are you all here? What brings you here? Same question I asked Latoyia and Aaron. And we’ll start with you, Deirdre.

 

[00:21:59] Okay. So we were fortunate enough to be selected from our school. Um, our chairman for Information Systems and Services Department selected as he is affiliated with David Thurston’s.

 

[00:22:14] But we were just given that opportunity just to kind of get that real world to hear from professionals that we can read a textbook, we can look at PowerPoints, but we’re not going to hear actual experiences or solutions they’ve had. So it’s been really great for us. Yeah.

 

[00:22:29] Really? See? And I’m sure they they touch on on pulling the will real world case study and incorporate that. In fact, I found educational institutions are doing that more more really effectively, but getting out and talking practitioners and leaders. It’s been a made a big impact. Definitely, definitely. Definitely. Anything that add a.

 

[00:22:51] Genoa sorry if I have a villa, had 16 cups of coffee. Clearly, I need one more.

 

[00:22:57] You’re fine. I.

 

[00:23:02] I’m just really happy to be here. We spoke with David Veridian in our class and he actually came to talk to us and he was he just like slightly touched on Dan Solla at the conference and we were like, oh, wait, I want to go.

 

[00:23:15] And he was like, OK, yeah, great. Yeah, you’re coming. We were like, yeah, right. And then we got email from our chairman, you know, it’s like, yeah. So you’ve been selected responder’s e-mail. He said, I taxability. I was like this for you. Like you get the email. She was like Gaffer’s Barina. And I was like, OK. I mean, yeah, great. And like, eat it up.

 

[00:23:38] It’s like a week ago it didn’t seem real. But we’re here and here you are. Yes. And it’s it’s honestly it’s very rewarding to just see that my parents are not wasting money by not only am I gonna be successful, but the things that I’m learning right now, they’re being applied and just being able to sit next to people that are having important conversations. It’s very rewarding.

 

[00:23:59] And your and your participating. Yes.

 

[00:24:01] And offering your your own input is more deafening and knotting. Powerful. Yeah.

 

[00:24:07] Awesome. All right. Well, it’s been very rewarding to have both of these last couple episodes. Appreciate what you are doing again. Most students don’t take advantage of these opportunities. You know, when you are out here and also you’re not being wallflowers, you know, you’re just like you’re saying you’re engaging in questions.

 

[00:24:25] Yeah, just really nerve wracking. But they really like my question. That’s good.

 

[00:24:32] Good enough. Well, all right. So any anything as you’re flying back. But you all fly out. Not flying back out to the Baltimore area. Well, you’re you’re live in the Baltimore area, right?

 

[00:24:46] Yes, I live near Morgan. OK. Off campus housing and.

 

[00:24:51] Okay. And Deirdre.

 

[00:24:52] I live outside of D.C.. OK. And the unfavored DMV.

 

[00:24:58] So well as our flashback. One last question. What’s one key take away that that stands out from from, you know, the other experiences and other, you know, different different experience you had here? Was that one key takeaway?

 

[00:25:14] I think everything that we have learned has been very informative. Like just to even see like charts that we have in class. Things I explained to us in class on professionals PowerPoints, like it just means that what we are learning class is actually going to help us and we’re actually being paired. It’s like very rewarding and informative just to know that our time is not being wasted because a lot of people well, not a lot people, but some people don’t even feel that they need college. And just to know that we are going to college and going to come out with knowledge that we’re actually going to be able to use is.

 

[00:25:48] It’s great.

 

[00:25:48] Leslie, I bet Deirdre, my biggest takeaway will takeaways were risks and resilience. And I think that applies to everything. What I’ve noticed with Supply chain, it’s more of just a plan. If things go accordingly. But, you know, in a perfect world that sounds nice. But realistically, there’s going to be things that come up, things that are really prepared for us. So just preparing for as much as possible, trying to calculate it with the risk, having resilience to be able to bounce back. I think that’s applicable to anything.

 

[00:26:19] So I agree that that’s a great comment to kind of wrap things up on a great point. Well, I hate in the conversation, but I know everybody’s a getaway day and we get flights and and other things going on. So big things. János Smith, senior and Deirdre. Doug Flynn, senior, both at Morgan State University, both future supply chain practitioners right around the corner. Thanks for your time. Thanks for having us. All right. OK, so that wraps up this episode. Two quick comments to our audience. First off, stay tuned for more programing and coverage here in Scottsdale with temps because conference. And also, you can learn more about Dembski at DMM, SCA, DOT U.S.. And also, we’ve got in-person and virtual events with partners around the world coming up at Supply Chain Now Radio dot com. Check out the events and the webinars tab in particular if t Reuters events. The Automotive Industry Action Group Resilience 360. Hey, you see we did there and many more include mutex. And if you can’t find something, you can add a our CMO at Amanda at Supply Chain Now Radio dot com and we’ll serve as a resource for you. Big thanks to our guests. Big thanks to our hosts, of course. Big thanks to our sponsor. And thanks to you, our audience for tuning in. Be sure to check out our sponsor Verusen dot com V.R. USC in WSJ.com, where they’re leading the global fight for data harmonization on behalf of the entire team here. Scott Luton. Wish you a wonderful week ahead and we’ll see you next time on Supply chain now. Thanks everybody.