AI is everywhere in supply chain, but more AI does not always mean better decisions.

In this episode, Scott W. Luton and special co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, sit down with Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst for Supply Chain at Gartner, for a forward-looking conversation on how chief supply chain officers can lead into the autonomous business era.

Lindsay shares why AI should not be treated as a standalone strategy, but as an enabler tied to a broader vision for the future. She also previews her Gartner Supply Chain Symposium keynote, centered on three priorities for leaders preparing for what comes next: autonomous-ready operations, autonomous-ready intelligence, and an autonomous-ready workforce.

They also discuss the risks of AI sprawl, the importance of stronger human-machine partnerships, and why supply chain leaders need to rethink decision-making through a “decision stack” that combines data, knowledge assets, and human judgment. From documenting tribal knowledge to preparing for “job chaos” rather than a job apocalypse, Lindsay and Mike offer practical insight for leaders navigating disruption, workforce change, and the rising role of versatile talent.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:11) Listener shoutouts and the AI workforce impact

(04:38) Meet Lindsay Azim, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner

(11:22) Lindsay’s path from sustainability to Gartner

(14:55) Storytelling for supply chain leaders

(18:41) Today’s top supply chain priorities

(22:41) Why vision must come before AI

(23:25) How leaders can avoid AI sprawl

(25:34) Leading supply chains into the autonomous era

(28:20) Building autonomous-ready operations

(31:16) Introducing autonomous-ready intelligence

(36:09) The idea behind the autonomous-ready workforce

(39:52) Why leaders should attend Gartner Symposium

(41:50) Pop culture lessons for supply chain leaders

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Lindsay Azim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-azim/
• Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/
• Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/
• Learn more about the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ conference: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/supply-chain-us
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
• Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
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• WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/three-big-thoughts-leading-supply-chain-autonomous-era-1579