Today I’m joined by R2 Logistics, an award-winning third-party logistics provider offering industry-leading supply chain management services to shippers of all sizes.
Founded in 2007, R2 Logistics is a global provider of market-leading transportation services and logistics solutions. As a third-party logistics company, it provides access to thousands of transportation providers and has the capacity to resolve all of your shipping needs. Backed by game-changing technology and its culture for reliable service and relentless passion, R2 Logistics has built a strong reputation as an industry leader.
Today Frank Dreischarf, Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions at R2 Logistics, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; overcoming challenges in the midst of disruption; and the importance of collaboration and visibility in supply chain.
[08.28] R2 Logistics’ background and how they’ve evolved into the company they are today.
“That expedite mentality, that sense of urgency, is part of our organizational DNA.”
[11.29] A closer look at the R2 Logistics transportation management system, its features and the benefits.
[14.10] From expedited to intermodal, a look at R2 Logistics' full suite of services for shippers.
“I like to say that we’re in the ‘headache elimination’ business. Our job is to work with our strategic customers, figure out what their needs are, anticipate those needs (sometimes before they even know that they have them) and come up with solutions.”
[15.08] The importance of transparency and why R2 Logistics partner with industry-leading tech providers to offer the highest level of visibility.
[17.12] The R2 Logistics carrier offering.
[19.13] A closer look at the platform itself, and its user-friendly interface.
“Everything, from the interface to how the customer interacts with the system, is designed to make it as easy as possible.”
[21.23] The speed and ease of an R2 Logistics implementation, and the on-boarding audits that help new customers ensure they have the best prices and achieve the most value from the process.
“We're able to add a lot of value to customers that are in that mid-small size range… because companies of that size just don’t have the economic resources to hire the professionals necessary to adequately manage that transportation spend.”
[26.50] The R2 Way, and why this unique set of principles sets them apart.
[30.05] From the importance of surety of supply to a new appreciation for collaboration, Frank’s reflections on the state of the industry right now, and the key trends and learnings coming out of it.
“People are starting to realize that relationships matter, collaboration matters. Those customers or shippers out there that have forever viewed their relationships with their transportation providers as tactical, rather than strategic, are suffering right now.”
[34.30] The ideal customer for R2 Logistics.
[36.22] A case study detailing how R2 Logistics was able to help a key customer quickly integrate new acquisitions into their network and reduce transportation costs by 15%.
[38.27] The future for R2 Logistics.
Head over to R2 Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with R2 Logistics and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with Frank on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Mary McNelly: industry powerhouse and logistics and supply chain expert for leading global shoe brand, Crocs.
An experienced and talented leader, Mary’s knowledge and experience covers all aspects of logistics and supply chain. In her 13 year career with leading retailer Crocs, Mary has risen through the ranks to become the Senior Director of Global Logistics & Supply Chain Network Design.
Today Mary will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for logistics; and the role of innovation, automation and agility amidst major disruption. Plus, she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in the industry, as well as her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
This Women in Supply Chain feature was made possible by our sponsor, Emerge. As a company focused on empowering and growing meaningful supply chain relationships, Emerge is proud to sponsor Women in Supply Chain. Through its freight procurement platform, Emerge offers solutions that enhance the spot and contract procurement process, enabling shippers and carriers to make more strategic decisions.
[06.06] Mary’s background, and the journey that led her to a career in supply chain.
“For the people who are interested, but don’t really know – jump in and just start…. If you’re true to yourself you’ll find it, because there’s something for everyone in supply chain.”
[09.32] A closer look at Mary’s current role as senior director of global logistics and supply chain network design at Crocs, the challenges and the triumphs.
“Logistics in the last three years has really proven to be incredibly enabling or disabling, if you don’t think forward and have the right relationships and strategy.”
[12.34] Mary’s steady career progression throughout her 13 years with Crocs, and what she loves so much about the brand.
[14.32] Mary’s experience of disruption as a director of a global brand during a pandemic, and the different proactive ways in which Crocs responded.
“I love logistics, supply chain and problem-solving – and what’s more important, is we’re creating history in supply chain right now.”
[18.23] Mary’s innovative, strategic and agile approach to leadership, and how more businesses across the industry can better nurture that kind of mindset.
[21.03] The importance of sustainability and social responsibility, and a closer look at Crocs philanthropy division.
[24.15] Mary’s experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
“I’m so proud to be able to say that the majority of our C Suite at Crocs are all women… it’s been a real goal within Crocs to continue to elevate women.”
[29.23] Mary’s reflections on the best way to engage in mentorship.
“If you’re thinking you need to lean out and ask somebody for mentorship, think about what you’re really asking for and be really focused on that.”
[31.40] The small, consistent steps throughout her career that helped Mary to find her voice as a supply chain leader.
[35.15] What the future holds for Mary.
[36.55] Mary’s words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
“You can choose to see all of the men in the room, and get overwhelmed – or you can choose to see all of the amazing women in the room, get motivated, go and stand next to them and be a part of that. And that was a transformational moment for me.”
You can connect with Mary over on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by FarEye, a cutting-edge logistics tech company that is on a mission to make logistics across the world more efficient, predictive and organized, through the use of new technology.
FarEye’s Intelligent Delivery Management Platform is making the delivery experience better for everyone, and enabling enterprises to deliver at reduced cost with a superior customer experience. Founded in 2013, the platform leverages millions of data points to predict the shipment journey and improve the delivery experience for hundreds of businesses in over 30 countries worldwide.
Today Kushal Nahata, Co-founder and CEO at FarEye, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do, the challenges of last-mile delivery, reducing your carbon footprint while cutting costs, and why, in the e-commerce industry, experience is the new loyalty.
[06.15] Kushal’s journey from engineering to transportation; and how, and why, he came to co-found FarEye.
“Our passion was: ‘can we leverage our engineering technology knowledge to solve real world problems?’”
[08.43] An overview of FarEye – what they do, and how they help their customers.
“The space has evolved… It’s less about what you deliver – it’s become more and more important, how you deliver.”
[11.15] The four main challenges in last-mile delivery and customer expectation today, and how the FarEye team got hands-on, with drivers and dispatchers, to understand these pain points from the inside.
[15.46] An overview of FarEye’s Intelligent Delivery Orchestration, Intelligent Delivery Visibility and Intelligent Customer Experience products, and their benefits.
“Logistics, which used to be more of an operation and execution function, has now become a revenue generation function as well.”
[19.52] A closer look at the FarEye platform, and the increasingly important role of low-code development, particularly in the ever-changing world of logistics.
“With a low-code platform, you can define your own logistics and delivery process.”
[21.38] FarEye’s plug and play implementation and integration process.
“In the last two years specifically, a lot of companies are looking at speed to market. And that’s where I think implementation time becomes a big blocker, or enabler.”
[22.54] The importance of sustainability, and why it can lead to greater profitability.
[24.55] FarEye’s ethos of collaboration, and mission to make life better for everyone.
[27.19] The ideal customer for FarEye.
[28.20] A case study detailing how FarEye was able to help a key customer, a major pizza delivery service, vastly reduce delivery time and cost, as well as greatly improve its delivery NPS.
[33.22] The future for FarEye, and for the logistics industry over the coming years.
Head over to FarEye’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with FarEye and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with Kushal on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Optimal Dynamics, a cutting-edge tech company that is utilizing next-generation artificial intelligence to enable logistics companies to better plan, optimize and automate strategic, tactical and real-time operational decisions.
Optimal Dynamics was founded to bring advanced AI to the logistics industry, in order to help companies automate and optimize operations. A by-product of 40 years of world-leading research and development, Optimal Dynamics’ underlying technology has managed billions of dollars of assets for some of the largest companies in the world.
Today Daniel Powell, founder and CEO at Optimal Dynamics, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the role of education in innovation; and why fully realized AI solutions are the future of supply chain.
[06.31] Daniel’s career journey, and how, and why, he came to found Optimal Dynamics.
“I backed into where I am now, not intentionally – through realizing that being Gordon Gecko was much cooler in a movie!”
[09.06] An overview of Optimal Dynamics – what they do, and how they help their customers.
[13.35] An explanation of CORE.ai and how it sits behind the Optimal Dynamics platform.
“Core.ai is the underlying engine behind the Optimal platform; it’s the building block of 40 years of research and development, to help make decisions in uncertain environments.”
[15.17] The reality of AI within the logistics industry right now.
[20.48] A closer look at the Optimal Dyanimcs product and how it can help with day to day logistics operations.
“When we think of our plans, we think of resilient, self-healing operations.”
[23.40] Future Visibility™ and how visibility, and the insights that it brings, can help to facilitate effective optimization and collaboration.
“[If the logistics team have information earlier], they can collaborate with their teams and figure out freight that fits well for their network, not just a band aid.”
[27.35] Optimal Dynamics’ easy, phased implementation and integration process.
[29.15] The role of learning and education within Optimal Dynamics’ ethos, why it’s so important and why it sets them apart.
“Education is part of our DNA… Robust learning and impact is going to eventually drive innovation, but innovating to innovate is not who we are.”
[31.24] The ideal customer for Optimal Dynamics.
[32.24] A look at the impact and ROI that the Optimal Dynamics platform is delivering for its customers.
[34.51] The future for Optimal Dynamics.
“We’ll be spreading our application as far and wide as we can, throughout logistics and supply chain, to help every company make better decisions.”
Head over to Optimal Dynamics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Optimal Dynamics and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Overhaul, a fast-growing supply chain tech company that is on a mission to empower global supply chains with risk management for compliance, efficiency & transparency.
Founded in 2016, Overhaul is the industry’s first and only holistic, end-to-end solution that optimizes supply-chain visibility, integrity, and security for global enterprises. Its software-based approach offers high configurability and efficient time-to-value to supply chain organizations, without the heavy tech debt found with hardware-based providers. Overhaul has quickly grown to be a trusted provider for Fortune 100 companies moving freight globally across industries, such as pharmaceutical and healthcare, technology, logistics, and food and beverage.
Today Karin Stevens, General Manager at Overhaul, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; utilizing multimodal visibility in risk management; and the importance of digital supply chain transformation.
[07.01] Overhaul’s founder story: how, and why, the company began, and how it has evolved since its inception.
“Our software has been developed to provide real time visibility around what’s happening in your supply chain.”
[10.43] A broad look at Overhaul – what they do, and how they help their customers.
“For us, defining ourselves as a risk management organization is broader than just providing root visibility – it’s about providing actionable insights, and providing real time corrective response into the supply chain.”
[15.44] A closer look at risk management, why it’s so important, and how it connects to issues around compliance and insurance.
“Over the last 15 years we’ve seen about a 330% increase in verdicts ending in over 1 million dollars in litigation costs.”
[21.30] Overhaul's implementation and integration process, and the role of data.
“The ability to integrate, but then also plug the gaps, is a key theme for our implementation process.”
[27.52] The realities of digital transformation, change management and the process of identifying core business problems.
[32.15] The ideal customer for Overhaul.
[35.00] Case studies: how Overhaul helped two key customers.
“It’s not just a one size fits all experience within our software. It’s something that’s connected and configured around the customers KPIs and what they care about.”
[42.56] The future for Overhaul, and for the logistics industry.
Head over to Overhaul’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Overhaul and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Karin on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by leading supply chain writer, editor and brand manager, Marina Mayer.
An experienced B2B journalist with over 13 years in the supply chain and logistics space, Marina follows and writes about marketplace disruption, trends and technologies around warehousing, transportation, procurement, sustainability, safety, risk management, software & technology and more.
Currently, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, she has a range of responsibilities across brand, editorial direction, production, sales and industry events.
Today Marina will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for supply chain; and the trends we can expect in 2022. And she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in the industry, and her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
This Women in Supply Chain feature was made possible by our sponsor, Emerge. As a company focused on empowering and growing meaningful supply chain relationships, Emerge is proud to sponsor Women in Supply Chain. Through its freight procurement platform, Emerge offers solutions that enhance the spot and contract procurement process, enabling shippers and carriers to make more strategic decisions.
[06.08] Marina’s background, and how switching majors changed the course of her career journey.
“I switched my major, and it was the best decision I could have made… it was a blessing in disguise.”
[07.45] How Marina came to specialize in the supply chain and logistics space, and what she loves so much about it.
[10.08] How Marina took a risk with a big new role, and her reflections on Mom guilt and balancing work and family life.
“As a woman, who has a lot of tasks at home and at work, you have to (at one point) put yourself first.”
[14.08] A closer look at Marina’s role, that covers a huge range of responsibilities, from brand and marketing, to strategy and sales, and events and awards.
[15.50] What sets Marina’s publications’ awards apart, and why they’re so important in the industry.
“There are so many supply chain professionals out there, but there’s only some that are making a huge difference – and we want to make sure that we’re not only ethical, but we’re honing in on the credibility.”
[19.07] Marina’s reflections on the current supply chain crisis, keeping on top of trends and the tech we can expect to see playing a key role in the coming year.
“Robotics and automation will continue to lead the charge, and anything that makes peoples jobs easier, safer and faster.”
[22.51] How journalism has changed over the course of Marina’s career, and how the industry has adapted the way that it both distributes and consumes content.
[26.52] Where Marina gets her work ethic.
[30.03] Marina’s experience as a woman in journalism, and the male mentors that helped her along the way.
[32.52] How Marina found her voice, and her words of advice to all of the women following in her footsteps.
“I don’t want to be in situation where I regret not taking that job, or having that conversation – you just have to do it.”
[36.39] What the future holds for Marina.
You can connect with Marina over on LinkedIn.
Head over to Supply and Demand Chain Executives’ website to find out more, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn.
Head over to Food Logistics’ website to find out more, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by TransImpact, a game-changing logistics tech company that is transforming business performance through industry-leading technology, relentless customer service, and future-focused knowledge.
TransImpact is an industry leader in the development and application of end-to-end technology-based solutions that optimize shipping operations, create dramatic supply chain efficiencies and transform the business performance of customers.
Today Berkley Stafford, CEO at TransImpact, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the importance of integrating technology into logistics; and the key challenges and trends, from data to shipping, happening in the industry right now.
[06.52] An introduction to TransImpact – what they do, and how they help their customers – and a look at how and why the company was founded.
“… we can analyze, help you identify efficiencies and ultimately improve your margins – we stay away from soft costs, let’s get right into the hard costs, and what’s in your bank account!”
[09.45] A closer look at TransImpact’s parcel solutions.
“Parcel is such a dynamic industry right now, and extremely volatile.”
[14.33] TransImpact’s unbiased ‘behind the scenes’ approach.
“Our technology and expertise has nothing to do with influencing you... We don’t care if you want to use UPS or Fedex – the savings are on the table, regardless of the carrier you use.”
[16.27] Current industry challenges: what TransImpact has seen, and how their business has pivoted to support their customers.
“Now, we’re taking a different approach – we’re not only saving customers money, we’re giving them an entirely different opportunity to alleviate capacity concerns.”
[20.14] Why complexity leads to opportunity.
[22.27] Why the industry has, on the whole, been slow to embrace new technologies and digitization.
[25.48] A closer look at the integration of TransImpact solutions.
[27.45] Data and visibility: the challenges, and how TransImpact can help.
“You wouldn’t believe the left hand not knowing what the right hand knows, and how disconnected they are – and you wouldn’t believe the amount of data customers don’t actually have, because it’s dirty.”
[32.02] The ideal customer for TransImpact.
[34.29] Case studies: how TransImpact helped two key customers.
[41.49] The future for TransImpact, and for the logistics industry.
Head over to TransImpact’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TransImpact and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Berkley on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Emerge, an exciting software company that is on a mission to empower meaningful logistics relationships through transformative technologies.
The Emerge Digital Freight Marketplace provides access to benchmarked rates and thousands of trusted partners to maximize cost-savings. The platform allows you to grow your network, while leveraging your current connections for spot and contract freight.
Today George Abernathy, President at Emerge, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; bringing accountability to logistics; and why it’s so important to bring all the industry players together in order to build positive and mutually beneficial networks.
[07.01] How and why Andrew Leto came to found Emerge in 2017.
“In procurement, within transportation, there really weren’t any best practices.”
[11.03] An introduction to Emerge – what they do, and how they help their customers.
“There are Fortune 500 shippers that are still using spreadsheets to do their transportation procurement, thinking they’re in the vicinity of best practices – and they’re not!”
[14.13] A closer look at the features and benefits of the Emerge platform for shippers.
[21.23] Carrier’s limited access to freight, and why it’s important not to limit possibilities and to open up the industry.
“In this marketplace, finding the right carrier for a particular shipper and meeting their need… has never been more challenging than it is today, and that’s why Emerge has had so much rapid success.”
[27.53] The ease of integration with the Emerge platform.
“It used to be that you’d go through months and months of working… now we’ll do a demo and within a week or two, a client will be running hundreds of millions of dollars through our system.”
[31.52] The Emerge ethos, and the importance of accountability, transparency and collaboration.
“We are providing an unbiased, transparent solution, which allows for quick turn on – you can’t stand around and wait for value to happen.”
[35.50] The ideal customer for Emerge.
[38.25] A key customer case study.
[42.02] The future for Emerge.
Head over to Emerge’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Emerge and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with George on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
It’s episode 16 of Blended: I’m joined by another amazing panel of guests and we’re talking about OCD – obsessive compulsive disorder. This is a really interesting topic because it’s a name I think a lot of people recognize, but I’m not sure it’s something that as many people really understand. And that is why we do this show.
Today we’ll be diving into our guests personal experiences with OCD; the impact of the media; issues around stereotypes and assumptions; and the panel will be sharing their advice for creating more supportive and inclusive workplaces.
[0.37] Introductions to our Blended panellists.
[02.04] An explanation of what OCD is, and how it impact a person’s life.
“The OCD brain is highly analytical.” India
[07.14] The panel share their own stories and personal experiences of OCD.
“It impacted my marriage – it was taking me four or five hours to get into bed because of my rituals. It can be very confusing and disempowering for a partner.” India
[15.49] The group discuss inaccurate assumptions around OCD, both in the media and in wider society.
“OCD is incredibly serious, it’s often very dark and it’s often so abhorrent, so disgusting and revolting for the person experiencing the thoughts, that it results in these extreme and bizarre behaviours.” India
[24.28] The panel reflect on the prevalence of OCD within society, compared with the lack of understanding.
“Many people think that mental health is exaggerated, that people want attention – but mental health is just as important as physical health.” Miguel
[41.43] The group discuss OCD in the workplace, and the impact on both person and business.
“The key is in respect and understanding, without judging in a hasty way.” Miguel
[57.12] The panellists sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion.
You can connect with India and Miguel over on LinkedIn.
Head over to OCD Excellence’s website to find out more and discover how they could help. You can also connect with OCD Excellence and keep up to date with the latest over on Instagram or YouTube.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Flock Freight, a Certified B Corp that’s reinventing the supply chain by relentlessly eliminating waste and inefficiency.
Flock Freight is a sustainability-focused technology company, aiming to reinvent North America’s freight market. As the first firm in the industry to build algorithms that pool shipments at scale, deliver freight with carbon neutral shared truckload service and to earn a B Corporation certification, their goal is to eliminate freight waste and inefficiency and, ultimately, create a positive impact on our people and planet.
Today Melina Faireleigh, Senior Vice President of People at Flock Freight, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; utilizing shared truckload to meet your sustainability goals; and why it’s so important to put a focus on people.
[06.45] An introduction to Flock Freight – what they do, and how they help their customers.
“We’re taking carriers and customers and connecting them in a way that benefits both sides of the equation.”
[08.50] How Melina’s career experience prepared her for her current role at Flock Freight.
“I’ve focused my career on finding, hiring and training a really customer-centric employee population.”
[11.58] Shared truckload: what it means, how it’s different and its benefits.
[14.24] The typical customer response to shared truckload, and the importance of ongoing education.
[15.48] A closer look at the Flock platform from a carrier perspective.
“When a carrier signs onto the platform, they can access the loads that match their capacity, equipment and lane preferences… The Flock platform is the only place that carriers can self-serve book shared truckloads online.”
[17.43] Integration, and why high levels of connectivity and shared data, without huge investment in tech, is changing the game in logistics.
“The best technology is the technology that makes life easier, not more complicated!”
[20.14] Sustainability, and how Flock Freight offer a carbon neutral service.
[23.28] How Flock Freight’s commitment to sustainability translates into helping their customers to meet their own sustainability targets.
“One of the best ways for organizations to become more sustainable is to partner with companies that are also seeking to do the same.”
[25.34] Flock Freight's B Corp certification – what it means, how you get certified and why it’s so important.
“… it’s businesses that are invested in people and planet, as well as profit – altogether, not at the expense of one another.”
[28.04] The ideal customer for Flock Freight.
[32.53] A case study, showing how the Flock Freight platform helped a key customer to reduce emissions by 48% and save 1.2 million pounds of CO2 emissions.
[35.47] What the future holds for Flock Freight, and for the logistics industry as we continue to navigate COVID disruption.
Head over to Flock Freight’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Flock Freight and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Melina on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Boardwalktech, a super exciting and innovative developer of transformational enterprise information management technology solutions. Their solutions enable better visibility, collaboration, alignment, and compliance capabilities for your extended value chain so you can make more insightful and actionable decisions, faster.
Boardwalktech were the first to develop a now patented positional data management technology. And they were also the first to deliver a Digital Ledger database designed for collaborative, secure, and compliant multi-party enterprise applications — both disruptive offerings in the market.
Today Andrew Duncan, president and CEO at Boardwalktech, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; using digital to transform supply chain; combining legacy systems with new technologies; and the power of innovation.
[05.43] An introduction to Andrew, his Silicon Valley background and how he came to join Boardwalktech.
“Living in Silicon Valley my whole life, you kind of catch the bug with regard to technology and building companies!”
[06.58] All about Boardwalktech – what they do, and how they help their customers.
“The bottom line is that most companies are still using Excel to run their businesses – it’s astounding!”
[10.52] A closer look at Boardwalktech’s Digital Ledger Technology, and how it’s changing the game in supply chain.
“Having a digital ledger that has a time element to it is a critical component of anyone’s go-forward supply chain strategy.”
[13.53] Digitization, intellectual property and how Boardwalktech is extracting value from legacy systems and utilizing it, without fundamental business change.
[21.28] Unstructured data, and the power of collaboration.
“When you automate collaboration and you move the data into a single version of the truth… it helps people move to a decision point much faster.”
[25.52] The importance of on-going innovation, and the huge potential to be found in low code application platforms.
“Low code application platforms are very exciting – it really is the future, with developers in such short supply.”
[28.47] The ideal client for Boardwalktech.
[30.48] A case study, showing how the Boardwalktech platform drastically reduced response time to increase sales by 35% for a key customer.
[35.57] The future for Boardwalktech.
Head over to Boardwalktech’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Boardwalktech and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Joanna MacDonald: entrepreneur; fashion designer; communications and training specialist; and philanthropist.
After working in film administration and corporate HR, Joanna discovered a passion, and talent, for fashion design. And, after completing several short courses with London College of Fashion and the University of the Arts, London, Joanna went on to found her own luxury responsible accessory brand, Piper and Skye, where she is creative director. Joanna is also an advisor for fashion tech brand Runway Buy, and founder of non-profit organization Safe Transitions.
Today Joanna will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for sustainability; the importance of transparent supply chains; and she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in the industry, and her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
This Women in Supply Chain feature was made possible by our sponsor, Emerge. As a company focused on empowering and growing meaningful supply chain relationships, Emerge is proud to sponsor Women in Supply Chain. Through its freight procurement platform, Emerge offers solutions that enhance the spot and contract procurement process, enabling shippers and carriers to make more strategic decisions.
[06.18] Joanna’s journey, from film school to a HR career in the family business, and what she learned along the way.
[10.19] How a desire for change and a talent for creativity led Joanna to re-train and found her own luxury responsible accessory brand, Piper & Skye.
“From the success of our family business… I was lucky enough to watch how they operated… it’s a family, and I knew that’s how I wanted to run my business.”
[12.50] A closer look at Piper & Skye and what it stands for.
“I knew from day one that I wanted to keep my supply chain close to me.”
[16.00] Why socially responsible, transparent and sustainable business is so important.
“The fashion and luxury goods industries have really stepped up to pay attention and be aware of the impact that we’re having as an industry on the environment and the climate.”
[19.43] Sustainability, and how brands like Piper & Skye can innovate in the industry, champion sustainability and transparency and help to move the needle.
“You can’t tackle all 17 (ESG) goals – you have to pick a couple and really do your best to make a genuine impact.”
[25.31] Joanna’s Sigma black belt goals, her role as an advisor for Runway Buy and the rise of ecommerce.
[31.30] Joanna’s organization Safe Transitions, how she came to found it, and how businesses can get involved.
“I’m a risk-taker – I don’t think twice about taking on a new project. If I get an idea, I’ll just go for it, nothing stops me.”
[38.40] How competitive Highland dance helped Joanna find her voice.
[40.15] Joanna’s words of advice to all of the women following in her footsteps.
You can connect with Joanna over on LinkedIn.
Head over to Piper and Skye’s website to find out more, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on Instagram or Facebook.
Find out more about Safe Transitions over on their website, or connect and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Here we are, at the end of another year – and wow, what a year it has been. There is a lot to unpack, so in this end of year special, I’m joined by Eric Johnson - journalist, logistics tech expert and friend - to discuss some of the events of the year.
We talk about disruption and the major challenges within the shipping industry; we reflect on key and emerging trends; and look forward to what might be to come in 2022.
[05.47] An introduction to Eric Johnson.
[07.07] Reflections on COVID during 2021.
“It’s the uneven nature of COVID, it impacts our industry a lot – what happens in one region has a knock-on effect in another.”
“We’re even more adaptable and resilient than we ever thought.”
[16.22] The boom in ecommerce.
“We will look back on this period as a catalyst.”
[22.55] Major disruptions in shipping.
[32.22] Practicalities – what we can do and how we can be proactive about managing COVID disruption ongoing.
“The fact that the White House is so focused on this topic is unique, in and of itself.”
“Whether it’s using technology, or creating a partnership with another company, we need to figure out where we can achieve better efficiency.”
[40.29] Key milestones and achievements for Let’s Talk Supply Chain in 2021.
You connect with Eric over on LinkedIn, or catch up on his show LOGTECH Live over on the LTSC YouTube channel.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Serai, an online B2B platform with a mission to simplify global trade.
Founded by HSBC and based in Hong Kong, Serai has the strength of a global bank and the agility of a start-up. Serai’s mission is to simplify global trade: by helping companies of all sizes connect, build trust and trade; and by empowering them with tools and information to understand their supply chains and manage their risks. Serai want to create new solutions to shape the entire future of international trade, beginning with the apparel industry.
Today Lindsey Hermes, Head of Enterprise Solutions at Serai, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the importance of collaboration and visibility; and the simplified future of global trade.
[06.42] Lindsey’s career journey, and how she came to join Serai.
[08.53] All about Serai – what they do, and how they help their customers.
[09.57] The importance of collaboration, the Serai ethos, and how that leads to real diversity within the business, both in the workforce and userbase.
“The faster that leadership realizes you are your supply chain, the more collaboration and transparency become critical to doing business.”
[12.47] Serai’s huge growth over the last year, and how they’ve facilitated it.
[13.36] The key Serai offerings.
“We bring information from multiple sources together in a singular view, so businesses can make decisions faster and stay up to date on who they’re doing business with around the world.”
[17.00] A closer look at implementation, and the ease of use you can expect with the Serai platform.
“We’ve designed the solutions strategically to be simple, so it’s as easy as possible to get started.
[19.31] How regulation, and consumer demand, has changed old ways of working, and how Serai can facilitate better business through traceability and visibility.
[22.00] Why Serai focused on the apparel industry first.
[23.26] What the Serai platform can do for different sizes and types of customer.
[25.17] Lindsey’s reflections on her ideal customer for Serai.
“When you’ve publicly made statements around sustainability and environmental initiatives, the key in meeting those business objectives is transparency – and that comes down to traceability and visibility in your supply chain.
[27.11] A case study, showing how the Serai platform resulted in vast time savings for a key customer.
“Technology is the enabler that we need to do business in a more strategic way.”
[30.32] The future for Serai and the global trade industry.
Head over to Serai’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Serai and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
It’s episode 15 of Blended: I’m joined by another incredible panel of guests and we’re talking about ageism. When it comes to the spectrum of topics in the DEI world, it’s not the most talked about, so it’s important to open it up, hear what others have to say and learn something new. And that’s exactly why we do the show: diving into other people’s experiences, leaning into empathy, engaging with new points of view – it’s what opens up our minds and makes us all better employees, leaders, entrepreneurs, and people.
Today we’ll be diving into our guests personal experiences with ageism; why ageism isn’t just an issue for the old; ageism’s place within the larger context of DEI discussions; and the panel will be sharing their advice for creating more inclusive workplaces.
[0.32] Introductions to our Blended panellists.
“At my dinner table, there’s nobody smarter than the oldest teenager and nobody dumber than a boomer!” Brendan
[06.02] The guests share their own experiences with ageism, and reflect on why it continues to be an issue within the workplace and society overall.
“I’ve had people assume that I don’t understand how to use something as simple as Facebook. I’ve built systems more complex than Facebook! …There’s an assumption that, if you’re of a certain age, you don’t understand.” Leona
[32.14] The panel discuss how we can better support people as they move through their careers, and ensure that at every stage, it’s working for everyone.
“How do you develop a culture where speaking up is acceptable? We can educate ourselves and have the right motives, but to put that out into the universe requires courage. And that’s the systemic change we need to see, this overwhelming sense of courage to speak for truth.” Rebecca
[56.42] The group dig deeper into the reasons that ageism is rife throughout society, and how we can move out of a culture of divided workplaces.
“Unless you’re willing to stand up and support someone else’s action, change is very slow and you only see it many years after the damage has been done.” Lavinia
[1.06.08] The panellists consider ageism alongside other issues within the world of diversity and inclusion, and why we don’t talk about it as much as we should.
[1.15.20] The panelists sum-up their learnings from today’s discussion.
You can connect with Lisa, Lavinia, Brendan, Leona and Rebecca over on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by FourKites, a market-leading next-generation real-time transportation visibility platform for logistics and supply chain.
FourKites is the world's fastest-growing predictive supply chain platform, delivering real-time visibility and execution for Fortune 500 companies and third-party logistics firms across 70 countries. Using a proprietary algorithm to calculate shipment arrival times, FourKites enables customers to lower operating costs, improve on-time performance, and strengthen end-customer relationships. With a network of more than four million GPS/ELD devices, FourKites covers all modes including ocean, rail, parcel and over-the-road.
Today Chris Brumett, Vice President of Facility & IoT Solutions, and Courtland Halbrook, Director of Product Management at FourKites, join me to chat all about the company: what they do; their Dynamic Yard management solution; the importance of collaboration and visibility in supply chain; and why we all need to be committing to sustainability.
[06.32] An overview of FourKites, what they do and how they help their customers.
“We integrate with the complexities of the shippers' supply chain in order to help standardize and provide actionable insights to each data stream.”
[9.18] A closer look at FourKites’ Dynamic Yard Management software.
“You’d be surprised at the large organizations that still use pen and paper and clipboards, that are not leveraging the technology... We’re in a state now where you just can’t do that, you need to digitize operations.”
[12.49] Exactly how customers can benefit by using Dynamic Yard.
“By providing that level of visibility, and traceability once it’s in the facility, we can help companies better manage that expense.”
[17.13] How integration and implementation works with FourKites Dynamic Yard solution.
“Integration means two different things – operational and technical – and it’s the blending of these two that allow our customers to unlock value.”
[19.52] From collaboration to culture, what makes FourKites so special.
“It’s cliché, but it always comes down to the people… Our people live and breathe the industry.”
[21.47] Collaboration: why it’s so important, and how co-innovation with the community has helped FourKites to grow and strengthen its offering.
[25.49] FourKites commitment to sustainability, and how Dynamic Yard can help businesses to meet their own eco goals.
[28.14] Automation, the key trend for 2022 and beyond.
[30.49] The ideal customer for FourKites’ Dynamic Yard solution.
[31.59] A case study, detailing how the FourKites platform brought efficiencies to a key customer, and paid for itself within three short months.
[33.41] The future for FourKites.
Head over to FourKite’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
You can also connect with FourKites and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn or Courtland on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Anne Robinson: Chief Strategy Officer; proven leader in analytics, supply chain, and digital transformation; and the 19th president of INFORMS.
Anne is a supply chain strategy expert who, over the course of her career, has worked at major names like Cisco and Verizon. As well as currently serving as the chief strategy officer at Kinaxis, Anne is also a mentor at Creative Destruction Lab, a non-profit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies.
Today Anne will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for supply chain; the power of mentors; and she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in the industry, and her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
Apex Logistics are proud to sponsor Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Women in Supply Chain podcast and blog series. Our leadership team actively works to empower an industry as diverse as our workforce with a focus on inclusion, and we’re passionate about promoting the voices of women leaders to drive visibility around their achievements. Find out more over on the Apex Logistics website.
[06.46] Anne’s eclectic educational background, and how fate led her to mathematics, operations research and ultimately a career in supply chain.
“If I learned one thing as a child, it was the importance of transferrable skills – so whatever you learned, you could put that into the industry that was hot at the moment.”
[11.11] How Anne’s experience working for big IT brands Cisco and Verizon allowed her to explore a range of different supply chain disciplines and led to a passion for strategy.
“It’s great to have data, but you need to be able to understand the measurements. And you can only define the measurements, if you know the strategy. And that was my evolution to supply chain strategy.”
[17.06] Anne’s role as Chief Strategy Officer at Kinaxis, and her reflections on empowering supply chain professionals through combining people and technology.
“When you introduce human behavior, along with the best analytics possible, that combination allows you to react and respond to the world around you, to make the best decisions for your supply chain.”
[22.29] How becoming a member of INFORMS as a student inspired Anne, her role as president of the organization and why being a part of an industry body during the course of your career is a must.
[28.52] Anne’s role as a mentor at Creative Destruction Lab, why mentors are so important, why you should have multiple mentors throughout your career, and what makes a good mentor/mentee relationship.
“A mentor of mine, pretty early on, said: ‘It’s important for you to be a chameleon, always be relevant to the conversation.’ ”
[34.20] Anne’s experience of balancing motherhood and a successful career, and why we need to talk about it.
“A lot of people forget that you’re not in the same circumstances that you were before, so it was challenging going back to work – and we don’t talk about that enough.”
[37.35] What the future holds for Anne.
[38.52] Anne’s words of advice to all of the women following in her footsteps.
You can connect with Anne over on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I'm joined by C3 Solutions, a global leader specializing in powerful yard management and software solutions.
Today I’m joined by Shifl, a dynamic software company who are reimagining freight forwarding, by bringing you one piece of software that coordinates your entire global supply chain.
Shifl is dedicated to bringing an outdated industry into the 21st century, with its one-stop platform designed to bring efficiency, creativity and connectivity to shipping. Founded in 2019, Shifl already has offices in China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Georgia.
Today Shabsie Levy, founder and CEO at Shifl, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the importance of collaboration and visibility in supply chain; and the future of freight forwarding.
[07.13] The journey that led Shabsie to found Shifl in 2019.
“I was really into programming and software… and so, with my eyes, looking at the industry the way it was, every step of the way I was able to see an opportunity.”
[09.25] A closer look at the Shifl platform – what it does and how it helps its customers.
“We started it, from the ground up, based on our imagination of how this industry could look in a few years from now.”
[18.34] Shipping costs, the impact of rate changes during COVID disruption and how Shifl supports its customers.
[24.34] The technical and collaborative sides of integrating the Shifl platform into your systems.
“Logistics is a puzzle – there are so many parties involved and, traditionally, the industry isn’t used to having those integrations.”
[30.56] How Shifl caters to both smaller and larger customers, but why their approach is always the same.
“As much as we’re going to be automating and progressing into the digital age, in our industry, that personal touch is critical.”
[35.10] How customers can benefit from using the Shifl platform.
[39.29] The future for Shifl.
Head over to Shifl’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shifl and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Shabsie on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today’s episode is a little different to usual. Instead of putting the spotlight onto an industry brand, I’m joined by special guest Brian Glick, founder and CEO at Chain.io and good friend, to talk about a timely topic in supply chain.
We talk all about what to do when times get tough in supply chain, just like they are right now! We discuss the importance of data; the power of collaboration; and why you should be putting more focus on sustainability in your business. Plus, Brian shares his insights on getting back to basics, refocusing on process and remembering that being good at execution is a core competence that can set you apart from the competition.
[07.04] Reflections on 2021.
“We’ve all learned that there are no simple solutions to singular problems in supply chain.”
[11.00] Despite disruption, why now is the right time to get back to basics with our businesses.
“You can’t sprint a marathon, and you can only sustain the bad or broken business processes for so long before you’re just going to collapse.”
[15.12] How we can start to identify the quick wins within our businesses - key areas to simplify and optimize that will make a big difference.
“There are low hanging fruit. The thing I like about document automation, for example, is that you don’t have to get your extended supply chain to come along on the journey with you.”
[17.21] The importance of data and making the most of data partners and tools.
“You don’t have to do it all yourself anymore.”
[23.32] Sustainability in business and supply chain, and why it integrates more easily than you might think.
[28.18] The power of collaboration and connectivity; plus how, and why, Brian created a collaborative ethos at his business, Chain.io.
“Opening up and elevating your conversations to everyone who’s in your value network and exposing them to data… creates opportunity that you didn’t even think about.”
[36.48] The future for supply chain.
“We need to settle into the fact that we don’t live in the same world we lived in five years ago.”
[39.23] Final words of encouragement for how can we all not just survive, but thrive, during and after this period of disruption.
Head over to Chain.io’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Chain.io and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Caleb Nelson a leader at Sifted, a leading software platform that is using logistics intelligence to bring your business data-powered insights – so you can make smarter shipping decisions.
Sifted is the number one logistics data-science platform that empowers shippers to make smart, data-powered business decisions, and ultimately save money. Originally founded in 2005, Sifted merged with VeriShip in 2020, and the combination created a new model for managing transportation spend — one that brings together the power of self-service technology and transportation data science to help shippers navigate an increasingly complex shipping environment.
[06.25] An overview of what Sifted does, and how it helps its customers.
“It’s a very cool model, and it’s unique… shippers are looking for ways to be more nimble and make smarter decisions.”
[08.07] An explanation of Logistics Intelligence and the role it plays in the Sifted platform.
“Shippers are overwhelmed with data, but they’re stuck in Excel hell!”
[10.21] A closer look at Sifted’s core solutions, what do they do and the challenges they address for customers.
“A lot of customers focus externally when they can be making more cost-saving adjustments internally by focusing on what’s happening in the four corners of their own business – and it’s all in the data.”
[15.40] The Sifted Score – how it works, and the benefits of addressing a business’s overall shipping health.
[23.39] Why the merger between Sifted and VeriShip came about, and how it’s boosted the company’s overall offering.
“It’s the perfect marriage between personnel and technology, with a client base that absolutely needs it.”
[26.01] The current state of shipping, and how disruptions like COVID have impacted logistics digitization.shipp
“One thing that is consistent in transportation is change.”
[31.55] What the next year or so will bring for the shipping industry.
[33.27] Sifted’s ideal customer.
[34.38] Client case study: how Sifted helped a key customer make $2.5 million in cost savings across their ‘undesirable’ shipments.
[38.01] The future for Sifted.
Head over to Sifted’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Sifted and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, or you can connect with Caleb on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Today I’m joined by Logixboard, your one-stop customer engagement platform that helps your customers be more efficient and have more visibility into their processes.
Julian Alvarez, Chief Executive Officer at Logixboard, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; their passion for their customers, for industry trends and the latest tech; and the current challenges in supply chain.
[05.55] Julian's entrepreneurial journey.
[09.45] An overview of what Logixboard does and how it helps its customers.
“We are a white-labeled shipping visibility software.”
[13.29] A closer at look at Logixboard's platform, and the challenges it helps to solve for customers.
“We're really trying to provide them that track-and-trace and visibility data... How do we help tell this entire story of the lifecyle of shipment?"
[22.38] Julian and Logixboard's approach to mindset.
“Having a mindset that data is an asset is ultra critical.”
[33.23] Logixboard's ideal customer.
[35.28] A case study for Logixboard.
[39.00] The future for Logixboard.
Head over to Logixboard’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Logixboard and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Julian on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
In today’s episode of Women In Supply Chain, I’m joined by Donna Wilczek: innovator, business leader, tech strategist and inventor.
Donna is a SaaS technology executive who, over the course of her 20 year career, has worked at major names like IBM and Accenture. As well as currently serving as the senior vice president of product strategy and innovation at Coupa Software and on the board of Optimizely, a digital experience platform, Donna is also an inventor and technology innovator.
Today Donna will be talking to us about her career so far; her passion for tech; her innovative spirit and talent for invention; and she’ll be sharing her experiences as a woman in the industry, and her words of advice for all of the women following in her footsteps.
Apex Logistics are proud to sponsor Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Women in Supply Chain podcast and blog series. Our leadership team actively works to empower an industry as diverse as our workforce with a focus on inclusion, and we’re passionate about promoting the voices of women leaders to drive visibility around their achievements. Find out more over on the Apex Logistics website.
[05.35] Donna’s background and how her natural curiosity and interest in continuous improvement led her to a career in tech.
“I was able to join the field at a really interesting time of change… I loved the notion that we would be creating a new frontier and trying to figure it out.”
[07.11] How Donna’s early career and experiences at IT brands like Accenture and IBM fuelled her curiosity; and how the industry has changed.
“When I joined Coupa, the company was fully 100% cloud, and even 10 years ago, that was a very difficult conversation to have with IT organizations!”
[09.59] Donna’s role as senior vice president of Product Strategy and Innovation at Coupa.
“We think ‘how would it work, if we were able to do anything!’ And that is the most thrilling part of my role. We’re not limited by anything, other than our creativity and imagination.”
[12.07] Why diversity and inclusion is so important in the workplace.
“We have a saying at Coupa: ‘none of us is as smart as all of us!’”
[13.28] How Coupa has changed over the last 10 years, Donna’s pride and excitement in playing a part in helping them to scale and go public – and why it’s important to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
[16.40] Donna’s new role as a board member at Optimizely, a closer look at what they do and the key trends of responsive experimentation and personalization.
“Optimizely is a recognition that the customer experience is now a digital experience.”
[19.07] How Donna came to secure a board position, and her advice for other’s looking to explore a similar position.
[22.55] Donna’s talent for invention, why it’s important for her to nurture her creative side and how she supports other’s in gaining their own patents and protecting their work.
“The patents from my history show that I was able to take something, look at it differently and then do something special with it.”
[26.25] Donna’s experiences as a woman in the industry, and how she helps to echo minority voices.
[30.41] The mentors that have helped to inspire and support Donna throughout her career.
[31.26] What the future holds for Donna, and for innovation and collaboration at Coupa.
[33.13] Donna’s words of advice to all of the women following in her footsteps.
You can connect with Donna over on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.