The ability of businesses to withstand disruption is under increasing scrutiny, and a new episode of the InformationWeek Podcast delves into strategies for building supply chain resilience. As global events continue to expose vulnerabilities in logistics and workflow, organizations are looking for ways to not just survive, but thrive, in the face of uncertainty. The podcast, released Tuesday, March 3, 2026, features insights from Lee Rossey, CTO of SimSpace, and Pierre DeBois, CEO of Zimana Analytics, on how companies can leverage technology – particularly artificial intelligence – to fortify their operations.
Maintaining a consistent supply chain is no longer simply a matter of efficiency; it’s turn into a critical factor in organizational survivability. The resilience of a company’s ability to deliver, even when external factors create challenges, can significantly impact its reputation with both customers and competitors. This latest installment of the InformationWeek Podcast explores the resources and methodologies teams are employing to enhance supply chain resilience, moving beyond traditional approaches to address modern threats.
Re-engineering for a Volatile World
Rossey and DeBois discussed the evolution of resilience strategies, examining what worked in the past and what’s needed now. A key focus of the conversation was determining which elements of the supply chain deserve the most attention and when automation can be effectively implemented. The panelists also emphasized the importance of transparency – ensuring business operations are aware of the plans and structures in place to address potential disruptions. Knowing a plan exists can be as valuable as the plan itself, fostering confidence among stakeholders.
The discussion wasn’t confined to theoretical frameworks. The podcast highlighted the practical application of resilience planning through a “Questionable Ideas tabletop exercise,” where the panelists tackled simulated challenges, described as involving “goblins, kobolds and gremlins.” This playful approach underscores the need to anticipate unexpected problems and develop creative solutions.
The Role of AI and Technology
The podcast specifically addresses how AI and other technological resources are being used to build more resilient supply chains. While the specifics weren’t detailed in the available information, the focus suggests a move towards proactive risk management and predictive analytics. Companies are likely exploring AI-powered tools to identify potential bottlenecks, forecast demand fluctuations, and optimize logistics in real-time. This aligns with broader industry trends toward leveraging data and automation to improve operational efficiency and responsiveness.
The conversation also touched on the importance of understanding the limitations of external factors. Supply chain resilience isn’t solely about internal improvements; it’s also about acknowledging and preparing for events outside of a company’s control. This requires a holistic approach that considers geopolitical risks, natural disasters, and other potential disruptions.
Broader Cybersecurity Concerns
The emphasis on supply chain resilience comes at a time of heightened cybersecurity concerns. A compromised supplier can quickly cascade into a major disruption for a larger organization. A related InformationWeek Podcast episode explores the challenges of managing innovation while maintaining robust security, highlighting the interconnectedness of these issues.
The podcast’s release also coincides with ongoing discussions about the impact of tariffs on various industries, including healthcare. Recent reports indicate tech leadership is questioning the potential impact of these policies on the healthcare sector, further emphasizing the need for adaptable and resilient business strategies.
The InformationWeek Podcast series continues to address critical issues facing IT leaders, offering practical insights and expert perspectives. Listeners can find this and other episodes on the InformationWeek podcast page.
As businesses navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, prioritizing supply chain resilience will be essential for long-term success. The conversation started by Rossey and DeBois provides a valuable starting point for organizations looking to strengthen their operations and prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead. The next scheduled InformationWeek Podcast will focus on AI ROI, according to the podcast listing.
What steps is your organization taking to build supply chain resilience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
