Supply Chain Point: People First Supply Chain Transformation
Welcome to this special Supply Chain Point edition of The New Warehouse Podcast. Kevin chats with Jameel Hye, a supply chain transformation leader at Mars and creator of a popular YouTube channel focused on developing supply chain talent. With over two decades of experience in the CPG industry and a passion for teaching, Jameel shares key lessons from his work at Mars, as well as insights from the Supply Chain Point event.
The conversation spans everything from AI’s proper role in logistics to the critical need for hands-on experience early in one’s career. Jameel also weighs in on change management, cross-functional integration, and how he’s helping the next generation of professionals grow through storytelling and transparency.
Why Real Supply Chain Transformation Starts with People
When it comes to transformation, Jameel doesn’t just talk about systems; he talks about people. In fact, he sees this as a glaring blind spot in supply chain change efforts.
“We only think about systems and processes. But what we don’t pay enough attention to is the people aspect of change management.”
For Jameel, the success of any tool or process hinges on how well it’s adopted. That means understanding how it impacts the user’s daily life and tailoring training to those shifts. It’s not just about change, it’s about empathy and enablement.
He also highlights the pace of technology turnover in the industry. Gone are the days of static 20-year ERP systems.
“The half-life of new technology—it’s changing pretty fast in our industry.”
While generative AI garners attention, Jameel emphasizes that AI has been a part of supply chains for a long time. What’s changing is the urgency to adapt and apply it in a meaningful way.
Seeing the Whole Picture: From Suppliers to Systems
Jameel’s work focuses not only on internal operations but also on end-to-end supply chain integration. He sees two persistent business challenges: upstream visibility and inventory optimization.
“You can have the most seamless finished goods strategy, but if there are delays in raw material procurement, none of that matters.”
Jameel believes companies must utilize modern tools to integrate upstream data into their planning systems. Without it, decisions made downstream fall apart. He also remains skeptical of one-size-fits-all AI tools, suggesting that starting with the problem, rather than the technology, is key to building resilient systems.
At Supply Chain Point, he appreciates matching vendors to specific business problems in advance. This problem-first mindset mirrors his approach:
“The best place to start is the problem.”
Helping the Next Generation Rise
Outside his day job, Jameel is building a digital legacy. His YouTube channel, with nearly 10,000 subscribers, aims to share what he learned “the hard way” over 20 years, especially for those just entering the field.
“The best way to get promoted is to make yourself redundant. And you won’t do that without a capable team.”
His biggest advice for early-career professionals?
“Get your hands dirty early on.”
Whether it’s 2 AM warehouse emergencies or factory-floor troubleshooting, Jameel believes real growth comes from direct exposure to operations. Certifications are helpful, but practical experience is the most effective way to build your career.
And while COVID was disruptive, he sees it as a turning point:
“Until that point, the supply chain was always perceived to be this back-office role. But now…supply chain is at the forefront.”
Jameel’s Key Takeaways on Supply Chain Transformation
- Emphasizes people-first supply chain transformation and tailored training for system adoption.
- Calls for stronger upstream integration and the use of predictive tools to reduce stockouts.
- Warns against chasing technology without a clear business problem.
- Advocates for operational experience early in careers to build resilience and real-world problem-solving skills.
- Sees digital content as a way to democratize supply chain knowledge and leadership insights.
Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
For more information on Supply Chain Point, click here.
To connect with Jameel on LinkedIn, click here.
For more information about supply chain transformation, check out the podcasts below.
591: Making Digital Transformation in Warehousing Work
Warehouse Density Gains: Live from ProMat with Wize Solutions
