At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here Most supply chain leaders say they're transforming—but are they really? Or are they just rearranging the same old playbook? In this episode, Maria Villablanca joins Jan, Terry, and Jim to unpack what real transformation looks like in a world where disruption is constant and uncertainty is the new normal.They start with the hard truth: traditional supply chain leadership—focused on cost and control—isn't built for today's demands. Maria calls this a "leadership disruption," where leaders must evolve into strategists, visionaries, and change agents.So, what does real transformation look like? Maria says it starts with intent. The companies doing it right align people, tech, and processes around a unified strategy. They're not chasing tech for tech's sake. They're solving real problems, building cultures that adapt fast, and fostering real cross-functional collaboration.Then the conversation turns to COVID—a crisis, yes, but also a necessary stress test. It exposed how fragile global supply chains really are—but it also made people finally care about them. And that visibility, Maria says, opened a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine what the profession is—and what it could be. But now that the crisis has faded, there's a risk of slipping back into the shadows — unless leaders keep pushing the narrative forward.And that's where storytelling comes in. Maria argues that the industry desperately needs better PR. If we want the next generation to choose supply chains over TikTok, we need to start telling a better story.Looking ahead, Maria sees big shifts on the horizon: AI and automation will reshape how we plan, source, and deliver. Supply chains will become predictive, self-correcting, and more autonomous. Globalization will give way to regionalization. Talent shortages will persist, making leadership development and culture more critical than ever.So, what should leaders do right now? Maria's advice: learn to unlearn. Stop recycling old solutions for new problems. Ask different questions. Think differently. And most of all, lead with courage. The best supply chain leaders aren't just running operations—they're shaping the future of the business itself.Themes discussed in this episode:The opportunity to reposition the supply chain as a growth engine, not a cost centerThe importance of cross-functional collaboration to enable real transformationHow COVID exposed the fragility—and value—of global supply chainsWhy the supply chain profession needs better PR to attract top talentThe future of supply chain careers and why Gen Z is key to innovationHow storytelling, communication, and soft skills define the modern supply chain leaderThe long-term impact of tariffs and geopolitics on supply chain visibility and designWhy supply chain leaders must “learn to unlearn” to stay competitive in a fast-changing worldFeatured on this episode: Maria VillablancaTitle: Founder, Villablanca Consulting & Host of Transform Talks Podcast SeriesAbout: Maria is one of the world’s leading supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, and digital transformation experts. Her career spans over 25 years of global commercial experience, entrepreneurship and content creation. She has interviewed thousands of leaders from public and...

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