Ep. 7 | Navigating Disruption with Shirell James

Global supply chains facing growing disruption, geopolitical tension and evolving customer expectations is nothing new. But what’s the one thing supply chain leaders can do right now to build true, measurable supply chain resilience in the face of this unpredictability? 

That’s the question that Shirell James, Vice President of Supply Chain Advisory at Blue Yonder answers in this episode of the Supply Chain Podcast by Supply Chain Digital, with host Aaron McMillan. Over the course of the episode, she explores what supply chain resilience looks like in practice, discusses why visibility is critical when decision-making and continuity are still non-negotiable, and explains why connected data and control towers are fundamental to survival. 

From supply chain newcomer to industry advisor

Shirell’s journey into supply chain was far from planned. After joining a startup that was later acquired by One Network Enterprises, she became fascinated by the complexity of global supply networks and the challenge of connecting businesses through collaboration and technology. After Blue Yonder acquired One Network, she brought her expertise in multi-enterprise supply chain collaboration to her current leadership role, where she advises organisations across consumer goods, healthcare and life sciences.

Why visibility is the foundation of resilience

Speaking to Aaron, Shirell explains that resilience is no longer about preparing for every possible disruption. Instead, it is about having the visibility to identify risks as they occur, understand their impact and make informed decisions quickly.

Resilient organisations, she explains, can connect external events directly to their supply chains, assess the consequences and take action before disruptions escalate. By contrast, businesses that are merely surviving spend their time firefighting, reacting to problems after they have already caused damage.

The challenge of managing modern supply chain disruption

Today's supply chains are contending with an increasing number of unpredictable events. Shirell tells Aaron that this sees organisations being forced to respond to situations that have previously been impossible to predict.

She argues that while strategic planning remains important, businesses must also develop the ability to respond tactically in real time. Understanding changing lead times, transport disruptions and supplier constraints as they happen is now essential to maintaining continuity and service levels.

Data silos and control towers 

When it comes to technology, Shirell points to the need for supply chain control towers that he;p bring together data from planning systems, transportation networks, suppliers and logistics to provide greater end-to-end visibility. This approach, she explains, enables supply chain leaders to accurately and quickly assess supply chain pinch points and challenges while taking mitigating action. 

But there’s also a warning: control, understand and connect your data. Shirell tells Aaron that disconnected data is still one of the biggest barriers to supply chain resilience and can have a major impact on increased AI adoption and deployment. 

Why you shouldn’t forget trust, leadership and collaboration

Technology is critical in building resilience, but so is remembering the fundamental factor that underpins any success: people. Shirell discusses the importance of collaboration with suppliers, explaining that trust remains essential for creating mutual value. 

She argues that collaboration must move beyond transactional exchanges and become genuinely beneficial for all participants. By simplifying integration, improving data sharing and creating shared visibility, organisations can build stronger relationships that improve service, reduce costs and enhance resilience.

Shirell also provides essential advice on leadership and managing high-pressure environments, drawing on her own experiences and approach. This includes meditation, mindfulness and breathing techniques, as well as tools she has developed that help her focus and decision making. 

Her advice for leaders is simple: maintain a positive outlook, stay present and remember to enjoy the work alongside the people you work with.

The future of supply chain collaboration

Looking ahead, Shirell predicts that collaboration will become deeper and more data-driven. Rather than simply exchanging forecasts and shipment updates, organisations will increasingly share operational insights around production, quality, inventory and warehouse performance.

As supply chains become more interconnected, access to richer data will create new opportunities for AI, automation and more proactive decision-making.

Key takeaways

As disruption becomes a permanent feature of global commerce, resilience can no longer rely on reactive responses alone. Through greater visibility, stronger collaboration, connected data and faster decision-making, organisations can build supply chains capable of adapting to whatever comes next.

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Explore more from the supply chain podcast series

Catch up on Episode 6 featuring Heidi Banks, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Jabil, discussing how technology, supplier relationships and strong leadership are shaping the future of procurement and supply chain performance.