The Dynamo Show: a Dynamo Ventures Podcast

In this episode, Madelyn O’Farrell sits down with Bala Ramamurthy, CEO and Co-Founder of Critical Loop, to explore how his journey from NASA and SpaceX led him to tackle one of today’s most urgent problems: industrial access to reliable, scalable power. They discuss why the electricity grid is an underutilized, aging asset facing soaring demand from reindustrialization, data centers, and EV fleets, and how bottlenecks like multi-year wait times for utility upgrades can cripple factories and logistics operators. Bala explains Critical Loop’s solution: modular, relocatable microgrids that combine battery energy storage, generation, and autonomous controls to dramat...

In this episode, Madelyn O’Farrell speaks with Santosh Sankar about the broken skilled trades pipeline and its impact on America’s push to reindustrialize. Santosh traces the problem back to the 1983 “A Nation at Risk” report and subsequent policy shifts that de-emphasized vocational education, fueled stigma around trades, and dismantled employer-school partnerships. He highlights looming shortages in critical industrial roles such as welders, pipefitters, millwrights, industrial electricians, and CNC machinists, noting that most current hiring is just replacing retirees and that training timelines make quick fixes impossible. The conversation explores why these industrial trades are hard to automate, the cult...

In this episode, Friddy Hoegener, co-founder of SCOPE Recruiting, shares how his background in supply chain led him to build a niche recruiting firm that only hires recruiters with real supply chain experience. He explains why generic job descriptions fail, how defining an ideal candidate profile and using a structured scorecard creates more objective and faster hiring, and why specific, outcome-based examples in interviews matter. Friddy discusses the industry’s shift from pure cost savings to risk mitigation and vendor relationships, the growing importance of cross-functional, people-oriented skills over narrow niche expertise, and the strategic value of embedding procurement ea...

In this episode, Madelyn O’Farrell chats with Jay Allardyce, Chief Product Officer at Octave (part of Hexagon), about how integrated data, design, and operations can transform industrial supply chains. Jay traces his path through HP, GE, Uptake, Google Cloud, and private equity–backed software to Octave, where he oversees tools that span the lifecycle of major infrastructure from design and build to operate and protect, including public safety and 911 systems. Using Octave’s partnership with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 team, he explains F1 as a “traveling city” and a live example of an integrated, feedback-rich supply cha...

In this episode, Madelyn O’Farrell sits down with Ryan Soskin, Co-Founder and CEO of GoodShip, to explore how the company is transforming freight orchestration and procurement for large shippers. Ryan shares his journey through Coyote, Convoy, and Stord, and how those experiences shaped Goodship’s focus on disciplined capital deployment, high hiring standards, and truly shipper-centric tools. They dive into why shipper decision-making is much messier than simple rate-based bids, how GoodShip connects procurement and day-to-day network orchestration, and the role of Laney, their new AI transportation analyst, in turning complex transportation data into fast, actionable insights. The conv...

In this episode, Madelyn O’Farrell speaks with Didi Caldwell, President and CEO of Global Location Strategies, about why site selection is a core supply chain decision rather than just a real estate choice. They cover common mistakes companies make, such as overvaluing incentives and underestimating labor market realities, and break down the key cost drivers of energy, labor, and logistics alongside risk and quality. Didi explains how shocks like COVID-19, tariffs, geopolitical conflict, and export controls have pushed manufacturers to prioritize resilience, multimodal logistics, and more rigorous environmental and utility due diligence. The conversation also explores sector-specific trends in...

In this episode, Madelyn O’Farrell sits down with Juan Aparicio, Co-Founder and CEO of Reshape Automation, to explore how AI agents are transforming industrial companies and what it really takes to deploy them successfully. Juan shares his journey from Siemens to Silicon Valley startups and ultimately founding Reshape to tackle the gap between massive automation potential and low actual robot adoption in U.S. manufacturing. They dive into the realities of robotics-as-a-service, why so many automation projects end up in the “robot graveyard,” and the critical role of process expertise and vendor partnerships. The conversation also covers the hype a...

In this episode, founder Phoebe Tan shares how her background at Amazon and Singapore Airlines led her to build Taelor, a “Netflix for outfits” circular fashion platform focused on busy professional men. She explains Taelor’s two-sided model, where subscribers rent curated outfits and partner brands monetize inventory and gain rich feedback to improve product design. The discussion dives into how circular systems transform traditional supply chains, the AI and data challenges of working with 100+ brands and non-standard sizing, and how reverse logistics and operations are built for scale from day one. Phoebe also highlights the power of unbiased custom...

In this episode, Cargado founder Matt Silver joins Madelyn O’Farrell to unpack the future of cross-border freight between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. He shares his journey from Coyote Logistics and Forager to launching Corgado, a marketplace and pricing tool built specifically for freight brokers. They dive into why WhatsApp and spreadsheets break down collaboration across the 8–12 parties in a typical cross-border shipment, how better-structured data and workflow tools can replace today’s manual copy-paste work, and where AI fits in as more than just a band-aid on legacy TMS systems. Matt also explains why Mexico has become...

In this episode, Santosh Sankar hosts his final installment of The Future of Supply Chain and passes the torch to new host Madelyn O’Farrell as the show rebrands to The Dynamo Show. They discuss Dynamo’s broader focus on the industrial economy beyond traditional logistics, including manufacturing, grid infrastructure, data centers, robotics, and the concept of “new industrialists” driving an industrial renaissance. Madelyn shares her vision for the podcast as a go-to resource for anyone who cares about how the physical world is built, moved, and powered, while committing to maintaining high-caliber, diverse guests and a consistent, conversational format...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Izzy Rosenzweig, Founder and CEO of Portless, a logistics and fulfillment company that enables U.S. e-commerce brands to ship products directly from factories in China to American customers in just 5–9 days, eliminating the need for U.S.-based warehousing. Izzy shares a revolutionary approach to supply chain logistics, transforming e-commerce fulfillment by reducing inventory time from months to days. He helps brands optimize cash flow, minimize tariffs, and improve delivery efficiency by l...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Graham Scott, Vice President of Procurement at Jabil, a global manufacturing solutions provider that designs, produces, and delivers a wide range of electronic products and supply chain services for industries including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Santosh and Graham explore the evolving landscape of supply chains, focusing on electronics manufacturing and semiconductors. Key topics include the complexities of managing a large supplier base, the balance between supplier diversification and consolidation, and th...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Ian Fletcher and Marc Fasteau, Co-Authors of “Industrial Policy for the United States: Winning the Competition for Good Jobs and High-Value Industries." In this conversation, Marc and Ian emphasize the need for a strategic approach to support key industries, highlighting the importance of government-sponsored research, trade protection, and a competitively valued currency. The conversation also covers the role of tariffs, workforce development, and the necessity of a unified economic strategy. The group advo...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Alex Barroux, Co-Founder and CEO at Bonx, a company that offers a customizable, no-code ERP system designed to streamline operations for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses. Santosh and Alex discuss Bonx’s innovative ERP solutions as Alex highlights the challenges companies face with traditional ERP systems and explains how Bonx's low-code platform offers rapid implementation and user autonomy. The conversation covers market dynamics, customer success stories, and Bonx’s expansion beyond France. Alex s...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Gary Ong, Founder & CEO at Celadyne Technologies Inc., a company specializing in developing advanced materials and technologies that enhance the durability and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers, aiming to decarbonize heavy-duty industries like transportation and manufacturing. Santosh and Gary explore hydrogen's transformative potential in supply chains and energy sectors as Gary shares his journey from battery technology to hydrogen, highlighting its advantages in industrial applications, transportation, and energy storage. The pa...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Andrei Danescu, CEO and Co-Founder of Dexory, a company specializing in AI-powered autonomous robots and a real-time data platform to optimize warehouse operations by providing continuous, accurate insights without disrupting workflows. In this conversation, Andrei and Santosh discuss the transformative role of robotics in supply chain management, focusing on optimizing warehouse operations. Andrei shares his background and the challenges in the supply chain industry, such as visibility and data consistency issues. He ex...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Renan Devillieres, Founder and CEO at OSS Ventures, a venture capital firm and startup studio that specializes in creating and investing in industrial tech companies to enhance operational productivity, product quality, worker conditions, and address climate challenges. In this conversation, Renan shares his journey from economist to industrial sector expert, emphasizing the importance of automation, reshoring, and sustainability in modern manufacturing. He discusses OSS Ventures' unique venture builder model, which supports startups in...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Earnest Sweat, GP at Stresswood Ventures. In this conversation, Santosh and Earnest explore the evolving landscape of supply chain investment, emphasizing the importance of resilience among founders and investors. Earnest shares insights from his venture capital journey, the role of technology, and the significance of storytelling in investing. They also discuss challenges like labor shortages and opportunities in reverse logistics and labor optimization while also highlighting the need for conviction in non-AI in...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Matthew Perkins, the Founder & CEO of Macro Oceans, a company that transforms 100% traceable kelp into potent marine bioactives and innovative materials. The discussion centers on Macro Oceans' innovative transformation of kelp into low-carbon biomaterials as sustainable alternatives to petrochemical products. Matthew shares insights into kelp farming in Alaska, the benefits of kelp in beauty and skincare products, and the company's commitment to sustainability and transparency. The episode highlights the intersection of technology, su...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Kevin O'Marah, Chief Research Officer at zero100, a company that brings leaders together to power growth, resilience and sustainability through digital supply chain transformation. Santosh and Kevin explore how demand, amplified by social media platforms like TikTok, now drives supply chain operations. Kevin emphasizes the need for agility and real-time demand sensing in supply chains to adapt to rapid consumer behavior changes, the need for supply chains to balance demand and sustainability to...

Highlights from their conversation include:

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: http...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Kathy Fulton, Executive Director at American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), an organization that helps non-profits find the logistics equipment, expertise, and services they need. In this conversation, Santosh and Kathy delve into disaster recovery logistics, emphasizing the crucial role of supply chains in responding to natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. Kathy explains ALAN's mission to enhance disaster relief by leveraging commercial logistics practices. She shares her journey into disaster logistics, the ph...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Zach Fredericks, Principal at Primary Venture Partners, an early-stage VC firm that focuses on B2B SaaS, fintech, health, devtools, built world, and supply chain. In this conversation, Santosh and Zach discuss Zach’s unexpected entry into supply chain and venture capital, detailing his experiences at Loadsmart and BlackRock. The discussion highlights the pandemic's impact on supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptable solutions. Zach underscores the importance of decision inte...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Alex Yaseen, Founder and CEO of Parabola, the spreadsheet alternative where you combine the data running throughout your company and create automated processes. In this conversation, Santosh and Alex discuss the limitations of traditional spreadsheets in data management and how Parabola offers a collaborative, user-friendly platform for non-technical users. Alex explains how Parabola automates repetitive tasks, integrates various data sources, and enhances collaboration, thereby addressing common issues like data silos and version co...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. In this episode, Santosh is joined by Adam Lang, Director of Customer Advisory Services at Netradyne, a company working to improve road and driver safety through the development of revolutionary technology. In this conversation, Santosh and Adam discuss fleet safety and how Netradyne is using AI-driven camera solutions, which enhances safety in the trucking industry. Adam shares his journey from human services to transportation, emphasizing the importance of ongoing driver training and the benefits of technology for coaching and ex...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Matthew Putman, Co-Founder and CEO of Nanotronics, a company providing customized solutions for automated optical inspection, process control, and security. During the conversation, Santosh and Matthew explore the current state and future of semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S., emphasizing the challenges and opportunities. Matthew shares his unique journey from a background in theater and music to leading innovations in semiconductor manufacturing. Key topics include the implications of the CHIPS Act, the co...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski, Co-Founder at FreightCaviar and ShipperCRM. Paul shares his unexpected entry into the freight brokerage industry, his journey through various roles, and the creation of his successful ventures. The discussion highlights the importance of content marketing, particularly using memes and other industry-specific tools to engage the logistics audience. Paul emphasizes consistency in content creation, balancing quality and quantity, and measuring success through engagement metrics. The episode offers valuable insights into building a...

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Wayne Usie, EVP of Market Development at Blue Yonder. Wayene shares his journey into supply chain software and discusses how Blue Yonder leverages AI, automation, and data to power next-generation supply chains. The conversation also covers the importance of domain-specific solutions, the development of AI-powered agents for warehouse and logistics management, the evolving workforce, and innovations in returns management. Key takeaways include the growing impact of AI on operational efficiency, the vital role of trust and transparency, the industry's shift toward more autonomous, data-driven supply chains, and so much more. 

H...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Chris Jamroz, CEO of Roadrunner Freight. In this conversation, Santosh and Chris explore the transformative impact of technology and innovative business models in the less-than-truckload (LTL) freight sector. Chris shares his journey from investment banking to logistics, detailing Roadrunner's significant turnaround. The discussion covers the complexities of the LTL market, the importance of disciplined pricing, and the role of technology in modernizing the industry. Chris emphasizes the need for automation and digitization to...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Chris Kuntz, Vice President of Strategic Operations at Augmentir. Chris introduces Augmentir's AI-powered connected worker platform, which helps companies onboard workers faster, digitize workflows, and improve safety, quality, and productivity. The conversation also explores the importance of augmenting human workers with technology, the need to rethink hiring and training strategies, and the role of AI in enhancing manufacturing operations. Chris and Santosh also discuss the critical intersection of technology and workforce development in...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Carla DeSantis, Operations Transformation Partner at PwC. Carla shares insights on the future of supply chain management, emphasizing the role of technology and business model innovation. Key topics include the challenges of technology investments, AI integration, workforce upskilling, and climate considerations. Carla also highlights findings from PwC's digital trends survey, noting issues like the lack of expected returns on tech investments and the importance of clear objectives. The episode underscores the need fo...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Lisa Smith, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Prewave, a platform using predictive risk intelligence to cover the critical elements of enterprises. Sanotsh and Lisa explore supply chain risk intelligence and how Prewave helps enterprises manage risks using AI. Lisa shares her journey from earning a PhD in computer science to co-founding Prewave. Key topics include the importance of transparency, compliance, and sustainability in supply chains, the role of technology in automating risk an...

During this episode, Graham Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Importal, joins Santosh to discuss how AI is transforming customs brokerage and trade compliance. The conversation explores the integration of technology in managing complex regulations, the impact of ongoing trade wars and tariff changes, lessons from real brands like Bad Birdie, and how businesses can adapt to policy volatility and government shutdowns. Key takeaways include the necessity for importers to proactively manage trade compliance, leverage AI-driven solutions for greater accuracy and efficiency, the critical role of trust in global supply chains, and so much more. 

Highlights from their c...

Highlights from their conversation include:

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that...

During this episode, Dr. Andrea Limbago, SVP of Applied AI at Interos, joins Santosh to discuss the evolving landscape of supply chain risk management. The conversation explores the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and geopolitics, highlighting recent high-profile supply chain disruptions and the growing complexity of global risks. Key topics include the importance of multi-source redundancy over single-source suppliers, the need to detect current risks while building predictive capabilities for the future, and the value of continuous verification of suppliers. Listeners will gain practical insights on how organizations can build resilience, leverage technology, and foster collaboration to better prepare for...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, guest host Madelyn O'Farrell is joined by Robert Gaffney, Corporate Sr. Director, Supply Chain Planning and Optimization, Coca-Cola Bottling United. During the episode, Madelyn and Robert discuss the company's operations, emphasizing the role of technology and innovation in the supply chain. Key topics include the use of AI and automation to streamline processes, the daily workflow of Coca-Cola Bottling, and the potential for AI to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The episode also highlights the importance of...

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Pedro Neto, a supply chain data scientist at HP. Pedro discusses the real-world impact of generative AI on supply chain management. The conversation also explores practical opportunities for AI adoption, common challenges like model drift and data security, and the importance of starting with small, high-impact use cases. Pedro emphasizes the need for robust model evaluation, strong data governance, and empowering teams with accessible AI tools. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to approach AI implementation, avoid common pitfalls, foster a culture of innovation within their organizations, and so much more.<...

During this episode, Santosh is joined by supply chain expert and Professor of Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yossi Sheffi. Santosh and Yossi discuss the evolving landscape of global supply chains amid trade wars, policy uncertainty, and rapid technological change. Key topics include the challenges of unpredictability for supply chain leaders, the importance of resilience as a hedge against uncertainty, and the growing influence of AI and digital transformation on the workforce. Yossi also addresses the limitations of current sustainability efforts, advocating for nuclear power as a scalable solution, and emphasizes the need for cultural...

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Devin Bhushan, Founder and CEO of Squint. Devin shares how his company is revolutionizing manufacturing by using AI to capture and scale the tribal knowledge of frontline workers. The discussion covers the challenges of labor shortages, the importance of empowering operators, and the need to digitize best practices for efficiency and quality. Devin also explains how Squint’s multimodal platform leverages video, voice, and data to create a centralized knowledge base, and emphasizes the critical role of trustworthy AI in mission-critical environments. Key takeaways include the value of combining human creativity with te...

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, guest host Madelyn O'Farrell is joined by TJ England, Chief Legal Officer at C.R. England, a pioneer in the transportation services industry providing asset-based Dedicated, Truckload, and Intermodal solutions to solve a wide variety of customer needs. During the conversation, TJ and Madelyn explore the intersection of technology and business model innovation in the trucking industry. TJ provides a historical overview of C.R. England, a family-owned trucking company founded in 1920, and shares his personal jo...