There’s something familiar in the story of waking up too early, unable to fall back asleep, and using that time to scroll endlessly or stare at the ceiling. But for Samuel Jay Cacao Pasia, those quiet hours became the foundation of something extraordinary.
At 39 years old, Pasia is a Supply Chain Planning Manager at Lagardere Travel Retail Middle East. Based in Dubai and armed with over 11 years of industry experience, he is also the proud author of The AI Supply Chain Playbook: ChatGPT Strategies for Agility, Precision, and Resilience—a guide designed to help professionals harness Generative AI in the complex world of supply chain management.
How one man merged work, study, and authorship with purpose
Balancing a full-time job with online doctorate classes is already a feat on its own. But Pasia didn’t stop there. Driven by what he described as both “frustration and hope,” he poured his energy into writing a book that could make a difference for professionals like him.
“It was a challenge that required deep commitment,” he said. “I wrote this book during the quiet hours: early mornings before work and late at night when the world slept. I’d often find myself outlining chapters at 3 AM, editing during lunch breaks, or reviewing prompts between my doctorate assignments.”
Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, he built progress out of stolen pockets of time—a choice that reflects the grit and discipline he developed through the years as an OFW, husband, father, and leader. “Writing this book was a personal milestone,” he explained. “It’s one of those ‘bucket list’ items I needed to complete—to publish something meaningful while I still can.”
This wasn’t a random creative endeavor. Pasia’s background gave him the technical and strategic insight to write a hands-on manual. Having started as a writer and teacher before transitioning into logistics and retail operations, he built a career that fused communication, education, and systems thinking. That blend became the very foundation of The AI Supply Chain Playbook.
Bringing AI closer to real-world professionals
The book offers a structured approach to integrating AI into supply chain practices—from demand forecasting and inventory optimization to supplier collaboration and ethical AI governance. With real-world case studies and prompt libraries, it shows professionals not just why AI matters, but how to apply it meaningfully.
“My inspiration came from seeing how AI tools are often hyped but underutilized in actual supply chain settings,” Pasia said. “I realized many professionals, especially in developing economies, lacked accessible guidance on how to actually use these tools in their daily workflows.”
He wanted to change that narrative.
“Filipino professionals belong in the future,” he emphasized. “We are living through the next industrial revolution, and ignoring AI means being left behind. Embracing it isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about transforming how we work.”
For Pasia, the most impactful chapters are Chapter 2 on prompt engineering and Chapter 9 on AI governance and ethics. “Chapter 2 is where the real magic begins,” he said. “It teaches readers how to ‘talk’ to AI—not in vague commands, but in clear, structured prompts that produce helpful, actionable responses.”
On the other hand, Chapter 9 reminds readers to approach AI adoption with responsibility. “In supply chains, especially in regulated industries, ethical guardrails are not optional. We need transparency, accountability, and alignment with ethical standards.”
A message to every OFW and aspiring Filipino professional
As an OFW and father based in Dubai, Pasia knows firsthand the challenges of staying relevant and competitive in a global job market. He also knows the power of self-belief—and what happens when you commit to learning, innovating, and contributing to larger conversations.
“Absolutely, there were real-life work situations that pushed me to explore AI solutions,” he shared. “So much manual work—reports, emails, data reconciliation—was eating up professionals’ time. I saw how AI could take over many of these tasks and free us to do what we do best: solve problems creatively and lead with insight.”
With his book now in the hands of readers, he hopes it inspires fellow Filipinos to embrace what’s possible. “This book is proof that a Filipino working overseas, balancing work and studies, can contribute to global conversations in AI and supply chain innovation,” he said. “Don’t underestimate your potential. With the right tools and mindset, we can lead—not just follow.”
Pasia’s book can be ordered through Amazon:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0FNRSPJS6
