Chain Reaction Chats: Connecting Students with Real-World Supply Chain Insights
Chain Reaction Chats: Connecting Students with Real-World Supply Chain Insights
This semester, the Center for Supply Chain Excellence introduced Chain Reaction Chats, a new conversation series to connect students with industry leaders, alumni, and professionals across the supply chain field. Through candid discussions led by CSCE Director Monique Murfield, the series gives students an inside look at career journeys, industry trends, leadership lessons, and the realities of working in today’s fast-moving supply chain environment.
Chain Reaction Chats also creates opportunities for students to learn directly from professionals who are actively shaping the industry. From leadership and logistics to mentorship and innovation, each conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, relationships, and continuous growth in supply chain careers.
The series also highlighted the experiences of alumni through a conversation with Mackenzie Blake from Hobart Genuine Parts, a 2019 SCOM graduate of the Miami University Farmer School of Business. Mackenzie reflected on her transition from college into the professional world, sharing how mentorship, career changes, and learning opportunities have shaped her growth since graduation. She also offered honest advice to students about prioritizing their time, taking advantage of opportunities in college, and being intentional about personal and professional development.
Another episode welcomed Alex Stark, Director of Marketing at Holman Logistics, while the company was on campus supporting a client case project for MGT 498 students. Alex shared the story of Holman Logistics as a family-owned company that has grown through collaboration and strong partnerships. The conversation explored how rapidly evolving technologies, including AI, are reshaping the third-party logistics space and creating new opportunities. Alex also discussed current industry conversations surrounding tariffs, nearshoring, and localization as organizations rethink global supply chain strategies. Despite these changes, he reinforced one consistent truth within logistics: relationships remain at the center of successful business partnerships.
Our most recent conversation featured Taylor McCallum from The Estée Lauder Companies, who shared insights from her leadership experience at both Estée Lauder and Procter; Gamble. Taylor discussed how supply chain professionals often step into the “leadership void,” serving as connectors between teams, solving cross-functional problems, and keeping operations moving when challenges arise. She emphasized that influence and relationship-building are essential skills in supply chain, encouraging students to network early, embrace failure as part of growth, and stay willing to adapt. One of her most memorable examples highlighted how a simple conversation ultimately led to a million-dollar transportation savings, reinforcing the power of connection and communication.
Together, these conversations demonstrate the mission behind Chain Reaction Chats: giving students real exposure to the people, challenges, and experiences that make up the supply chain industry. By bringing professionals and alumni back to campus to share their stories, the series helps students better understand the many paths available within supply chain while building meaningful connections between the classroom and the real world.
As the series continues to grow, Chain Reaction Chats is quickly becoming another valuable way the Center for Supply Chain Excellence prepares students for successful careers by creating conversation, curiosity, and connection.