Patrick Daly Interlinks Podcast

In this episode of Interlinks, I’m joined once again by two of my expert colleagues from the Global Supply Chain Think Tank in the U.S.: Lisa Anderson, President of LMA Consulting in Los Angeles, and Diane Garcia, President of Lorraine Consulting in Phoenix. Both are highly experienced consultants working at the coalface of U.S. manufacturing and supply chain strategy.Together, we explore the real-world implications of recent tariff policy shifts and trade tensions, particularly between the U.S., China, and the EU, and what they mean for businesses trying to navigate a constantly evolving global landscape.We discuss what’s happening on the ground in American manufacturing, including tactical compliance moves, major capital investment announcements, and longer-term strategic shifts—or the lack thereof.🔍 In this episode, we cover:The surge in manufacturing investment announcements in the U.S.—what’s real, what’s delayed, and what’s still uncertainHow companies are tactically responding to tariff-related compliance and supply chain realignmentThe impact of disrupted shipping flows and tariff-driven inventory surges on logistics networksSigns of a potential recession in manufacturing versus booming logistics activityThe role of labour shortages and the challenges of reshoring amid shrinking talent poolsThe growing push for automation, digitisation, and advanced technologies as countermeasuresThe importance of robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) in managing complexityThe visibility gap in global supply chains, especially around second-tier suppliersThe broader geopolitical context of trade negotiations, national security concerns, and “friendshoring”This conversation provides timely insights into how manufacturing industry is adapting to a shifting global order—and where the biggest risks and opportunities lie heading into 2026.

🎙️ Episode Title: The Evolution of Irish Road Transport – With Jarlath Sweeney of Fleet Transport📌 Episode Description:In this episode of Interlinks, I speak with Jarlath Sweeney, owner and editor of Fleet Transport Ireland, the country's leading publication group for the transport and commercial vehicle sector.Jarlath shares the remarkable story of his journey from a family haulage business in County Mayo to becoming a key figure in Irish transport media. We explore the past, present, and future of Ireland’s road transport sector—from the legacy of local hauliers to the increasing role of sustainability, intermodal logistics, and digital transformation.We also discuss:🚛 The role of the transport sector in Ireland’s export economy🔋 The transition to electric and alternative fuels like HVO🌍 EU policy impacts and the Irish response🛤️ The growing potential of rail freight and intermodal solutions👷 Labour shortages, costs, and decarbonisation challengesJarlath brings decades of experience and a unique perspective from the heart of the industry. Whether you’re in logistics, manufacturing, policymaking, or just curious about how goods move across Ireland and beyond—this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Listen now and join the conversation on Reddit at r/InterlinksPodcast📲 Follow me on TikTok: @thesupplychainadvisor🎧 Find more episodes on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms.

🎙️ Episode Title:Adapting Supply Chains in a Disrupted Global Landscape🧑‍💼 Guest:Howard Knott, Project Director at the Irish Exporters Association and columnist at Fleet Transport Magazine.📦 Episode Overview:In this episode of Interlinks, I speak with Howard Knott—veteran logistics expert and commentator—about the evolving realities of global supply chains and their significance for Ireland’s export-driven economy. With decades of experience in maritime logistics, rail freight, and industry advocacy, Howard shares a seasoned perspective on how Irish and international businesses are adapting to unprecedented global disruption.We explore the long arc of change from the 1970s—when containerization and EU integration began transforming Irish trade—through to today’s volatile environment shaped by:U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty⚓ Port congestion and capacity challenges in Europe🚄 The revival of rail freight in Ireland🚢 Post-Brexit shifts in shipping patterns via Holyhead and Rosslare🌍 Rethinking supply chain resilience in response to geopolitical shocksHoward notes:“People don’t become comfortable doing things the way they always did anymore. That’s a good thing.”and“Rail freight offers environmental and economic advantages—and it’s becoming fashionable again.”🔊 Listen now to hear how strategic adaptability is shaping the next phase of supply chain management in Ireland and beyond.🧵 Continue the conversation on Reddit: r/InterlinksPodcast🎥 Follow for insights on TikTok: @thesupplychainadvisor

🎙️ Episode Title: Leadership, Policy, and Business Impact in a Shifting U.S. Landscape🧑‍💼 Guest:Dr. Karen Wilson-Starks – President & CEO of TransLeadership, Inc., executive leadership advisor, and author of Lead Yourself First: The Senior Leader’s Guide to Engaging Your People for Greater Performance and Impact. With over 30 years' experience advising values-based and Christian executives in secular corporate settings, Dr. Wilson-Starks brings unique insight into the intersection of leadership, culture, and policy.🗣️ What We Talked About:In this thought-provoking episode of Interlinks, Dr. Karen Wilson-Starks returns to share her expert analysis on the evolving landscape of U.S. domestic policy and its implications for business leaders. We discuss:The impact of immigration policy shifts on key industries and supply chainsThe rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and corporate responseThe effects of federal downsizing on workforce stability and public servicesTrade policy turbulence, tariffs, and what it means for global supply chain planning💡 This is a must-listen for business leaders, strategists, and supply chain professionals navigating today’s complex geopolitical environment.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, and all major platforms.🗨️ Join the conversation on Reddit at r/InterlinksPodcast 🛠️ 🎥 Follow me on TikTok for more supply chain insights: @thesupplychainadvisor 🎯

In this episode of Interlinks, Patrick Daly explores the deepening strategic, economic, and cultural ties between Ireland and Portugal. Speaking from Lisbon, Patrick delves into the historical and contemporary links that bind these two Atlantic-facing nations—from shared maritime histories and religious connections to modern trade, logistics, and geopolitical cooperation.As global supply chains shift and regional resilience becomes more important, Ireland and Portugal are emerging as vital partners in the EU’s Atlantic Arc. Patrick highlights growing trade flows, new short-sea shipping routes, and collaborative opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, marine protection, and supply chain integration.With case studies from companies such as Garland Logistics and Toga Group, this episode shines a light on the evolving Ireland-Portugal axis and what it could mean for businesses, governments, and consumers alike.Tune in to learn how two small nations on Europe’s western edge are forging powerful connections for the 21st century and beyond.Join the discussion on Reddit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/InterlinksPodcast/comments/1khnlw9/discussion_strategic_connections_between_ireland/

In this episode of Interlinks, host Patrick Daly in Dublin, Ireland is joined by two expert guests from opposite sides of the globe: Art Koch, President of Arthur Koch Management Consultants in Miami, Florida, and David Ogilvie, Principal at David Ogilvie Consulting in Brisbane, Australia.Together, they explore the impact of the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff policies and the resulting uncertainty in global trade. As seasoned supply chain consultants representing Europe, America, and Australia, the panel shares valuable insights into how businesses are responding both tactically and strategically to these developments.From shifts in sourcing strategies to the reevaluation of risk and resilience, this discussion provides a global perspective on the challenges and adaptations facing today’s interconnected supply chains.

Welcome to another episode of the Interlinks Podcast. In this episode, I talk to Jake Fisher, Business Development Manager for AutoStore in the UK, and Conor Mannion, Business Development Manager for AutoStore in Ireland.AutoStore is a Norwegian technology company specializing in advanced automated storage and retrieval systems designed to significantly enhance warehouse efficiency. The company has revolutionized warehousing with cube-based storage solutions, utilizing a modular grid system where autonomous robots rapidly retrieve and deliver inventory bins to order-picking stations. This approach optimizes warehouse space and streamlines order fulfillment, transforming operations across a variety of sectors.In our conversation today, I discuss with Jake and Conor a range of critical topics, including:What exactly is an AutoStore, how it's designed, and how it works in practice.Typical applications and ideal business environments for AutoStore systems.Why companies invest significantly in automated solutions instead of traditional manual methods.The broad range of business benefits driving companies toward automated storage solutions—such as labor efficiency, quality assurance, consistency, control, and accuracy.How businesses can effectively determine whether an automated solution like AutoStore is right for their specific stock profiles, product types, and throughput requirements to ensure strong ROI.The role of human operators at pick stations today and the potential future of fully robotic picking automation.AutoStore’s strategic choice of operating through OEM partnerships with integrators rather than directly with end-users.Insights into the future of AutoStore, including ongoing enhancements, improvements, and potential new product innovations.Join the ongoing conversation about this topic and all other episodes on the Interlinks Podcast on Reddit at r/InterlinksPodcast. For more regular supply chain insights, you can follow me on TikTok @thesupplychainadvisor.Enjoy the episode!Patrick

In this episode of the Interlinks podcast, we talk to three special guests in relation to an exciting new European project that is currently underway sponsored by CEDR (the Conference of the European Directors of Roads) that is focused on developing recommendations for policies in relation to Intelligent Access to the road networks of Europe.Our guests today are:Paul Davison, Associate Director at AECOM, based in Stockport, United KingdomStefan Jacobsson, Research Manager at Consenso Engineering, based in Gothenburg, SwedenVardhman Lunkar, Transport Planning Consultant and Researcher at TRT in Milan, ItalyWe explore the concept of Intelligent Access—a forward-thinking approach aimed at aligning the capabilities of road freight vehicles with the conditions and limitations of specific road segments to ensure safer, more efficient transport across Europe.This vital work is being carried out by a specialist consortium known as ISAC (Intelligent Access Surface Community), which brings together leading experts in road transport, logistics, infrastructure, and supply chain management. The initiative is backed by five European countries: the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Ireland. The consortium is led by global engineering firm AECOM, and all of our guests are directly involved in this pioneering effort.In our conversation, we dive into what Intelligent Access really means, its potential to transform road freight and infrastructure use across Europe, and how emerging technologies like automation and digitisation are shaping the future of transport policy. We also look at the practical challenges of implementing IA schemes across borders and jurisdictions.If you're interested in the future of mobility, transport innovation, or how smart policy can reshape Europe’s road networks, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Tune in now to hear directly from the experts driving this change.

In this episode of the Interlinks podcast I talk to Keith Smith, President and CEO of Vonco Products, LLC located in Trevor Wisconsin in US. Vonco is a contract manufacturing company or CMO operating in the strategically critical medical devices sector with signicant business both inside and outside the US.Keith is an industrial engineer by profession and an entrepreneur by vocation with 25 years of industry experience with a fascinating story of learning and adaptation, some of it through pain and disappointment, to tell. He acquired Vonco in 2012 having had a life’s dream to own his own company.Prior to this and from 2005 Keith was General Manager of Carbonless Rolls and Security Papers for Appleton Papers, the largest division of that $1BN paper company.Keith also helps other aspiring entrepreneurs, through one-on-one coaching, to reconcile some of the competing challenges that the entrepreneurial life presents to people and he contrasts what he calls the Path of Force with the Path of Power which we will explore with him in our conversation today together with his insights into some of the challenges and opportunities facing exporting manufacturers in the US today.