Lunch and Learn Speaker Series Fall 2020 Speaker:

Alan Amling, Ph.D.
CEO, Thrive and Advance, LLC; Distinguished Fellow, University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute; Former VP, UPS

Abstract:
Ecommerce trends accelerated three to five years during the Covid-19 pandemic, challenging both companies and service providers in the supply chain.  This discussion will cover the critical supply chain impacts of this Ecommerce Waterfall from recent interviews conducted by the University of Tennessee on the Future of Transportation.  Key issues and opportunities faced by supply chain leaders and the solutions they’re turning to – both now and in the future will be reviewed, including new distribution and delivery models, digitalizing the supply chain, truck size/technology/power choices, and warehouse robotics.   The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the implications of the “on-demand consumer” on manufacturing.

Bio:
Alan Amling is a TED speaker and thought leader on harnessing digital disruption for success. Alan helped drive innovation over a 27-year career with UPS and is currently a Fellow at The University of Tennessee, CEO of advisory firm Thrive and Advance LLC, and on the Executive Advisory Board for the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute. He researches, invests, advises, and speaks on innovation in manufacturing and logistics and how firms can recognize and thrive in disruption. 

At Tennessee, Alan teaches a strategy course in the Master of Supply Chain program. His research focuses on Industry 4.0 technology applications and the eCommerce-driven transformation of the supply chain. He is a contributor to the Wall Street Journal, and his first book, Organizational Velocity, is scheduled for publication in 2021. 
 

Alan’s latest role at UPS was VP Corporate Strategy, where he helped revitalize UPS innovation and venture capital programs for the digital economy. He moved into this role after serving as VP of Marketing for UPS Global Logistics & Distribution. 

Alan holds a Ph.D. in Management from Kennesaw State University, an MBA from Indiana University, and a BA in business and psychology from Lewis & Clark College.