Info

Let's Talk Supply Chain

Let's Talk Supply Chain is not your average supply chain podcast. We feature not just the top of the industry, but also diverse voices from within the community, new innovations and the disrupters making waves in the industry. Don’t listen to the same ol' same ol', be sparked by new ideas and fresh perspectives only on Let's Talk Supply Chain.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Let's Talk Supply Chain
2024
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
July
June
May
April


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: August, 2020
Aug 31, 2020

Tax – for many of us, it can be a word that strikes fear into the heart of our businesses! Global tax is a complex area of expertise, that often isn’t linked as closely as it should be to operations and decision-making.

Enter Global Tax Focus. Their goal is to help you see the global landscape of an enterprise by focusing on the intersection of operations and tax. They partner with an international team of deep technical business and tax specialists, bringing the latest in global thought leadership, to help you to identify where business and tax efficiencies can be achieved, by focusing on cross-border transactions, business structure, and reducing both tax and operating costs.

Today I’m joined by Jim Dawson of Global Tax Focus to talk more about the implications of tax on many different areas of business, why being pro-active with tax is so beneficial, and why tax and supply chain professionals need to collaborate to ensure their voices are heard.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[9.22] Jim’s background in international tax, and the tax implications on supply chain.

[11.20] How Jim helps owner-managed or family-owned middle market companies to understand and manage their tax implications, now and in the future.

“If you start making decisions to move assets, people and risk around the world, those aren’t decisions to be entered into lightly.”

[16.02] How recent tax changes disrupted the market, and the impact of that on nearshore and offshore investment, income and processes.

[24.15] Jim’s top 5 pieces of advice for the supply chain community on exactly how taxes should feature within their strategies.

“For most companies, taxes represent 20% of the cost reported on an income statement – so it’s very important that, in order to reduce that amount, supply chain professionals work collaboratively with the accounting/tax department.”    

[29.18] The benefits of free trade zones.

[31.58] A real-life example of how Jim is helping a client navigate current challenges and market changes.

[35.55] Jim’s thoughts on the idea that tax advantage is a business solution rather than a supply chain solution.

“Tax should never way the dog’s tail – it should be what’s best for the company from an operation perspective, and then overlay tax on top of it.”

[38.17] An overview of transfer pricing.

[43.09] The future for Global Tax Focus

Head over to Global Tax Focus’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too, or connect with Jim Dawson on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Aug 27, 2020

I’m so sad to say that this is the final episode in our ‘You Won’t Believe What We’ve Seen’ mini-series, in partnership with SQA services. But over the course of these four episodes we’ve had a blast! We’ve chatted to some inspirational people, learned a lot and heard some amazing stories – we really can't believe what they’ve seen! I hope you’ve enjoyed the series just as much as I have and don’t forget, you can still catch up on any episodes you might’ve missed HERE.

In last week’s episode ‘High Stakes’, we were joined by father and son team Jim and Mike McKay to tackle the ever-changing landscape of technology. We talked about the latest technological advances in the industry and really did a deep dive into the importance of quality, right from the outset, and how it’s achieved through honesty, communication, collaboration and partnership.

And today, last but definitely not least, we’re headed to the multi-billion-dollar world of beauty. Mike McKay is joining us one last time alongside the incredible Ashley Goldberg, Executive Director of Quality and Operational Excellence at Merz North America. We’re taking a closer look at the changing face of the beauty industry, the rise of social media and the impact of influencers, and why quality is more important than ever.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[01.03] Introducing Mike McKay.
[02.19] Introducing Ashley Goldberg.
[03.46] SQA’s key beauty industry partnerships, from Estee Lauder to Colgate-Palmolive.
[04.18] An introduction to Merz.
[05.32] How SQA’s early partnership with Colgate-Palmolive helped the business take off.

“I went from zero sales to several hundred thousand, by employing two or three hundred people in three different cities and shipping over 38,000 tubes of toothpaste!” (MMK)

[11.40] The importance of relationship-building in every stage – from raw materials to manufacturing to supply chain – to ensure quality, particularly in the start-up space.
[15.26] The relationship between Merz and SQA, and the importance of teamwork.

“They’re going to come in as an honest partner… to support it, augment it, and ultimately make sure you have the ability to build a robust supply chain.” (AG)

[19.36] Why it’s essential to ensure quality at source.

“Ensuring that your entire supply chain and all of your partners have the same values and integrity you have for your product is so important, because ultimately your customer is what matters.” (AG)

[23.14] Why cost-cutting strategies aren’t always the best approach, particularly for quality.

“Is the risk really worth it? What’s the cost of customer dissatisfaction?” (MMK)

[26.25] How consumer behavior is driving supply chain optimization.
[29.30] How social media, communication speed and influencer impact can have a very positive, or negative, effect on your brand – making quality even more important.
[31.29] SQA’s ‘Quality Is’ campaign and how it helps customers to ensure quality is an accessible and better understood topic.
[35.08] Why designing quality into the supply chain from the beginning is going to be vital to the future of the beauty industry.

You can connect with Mike on LinkedIn, or head over to SQA’s website now to find out more, meet the team and discover how they could help you too.
You can also connect with Ashley on LinkedIn or find out all about the different facets to Merz on their website.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Aug 24, 2020

Development of the Omnae Platform began fairly recently, in 2016, with a small team and a big vision. Harnessing over 30 years of deep industry experience, Omnae’s mission was to build a network and service that was bigger than just manufacturing; to create a technology that was both industry and country agnostic, with the goal of connecting every facet of global production.

Omnae’s founders saw the potential – and necessity – for a global supply web, and knew they had the know-how to build it. And it’s safe to say Omnae has gone from strength to strength, proving that their mission, and unique approach, is spot on.

Today I’m joined by CEO Dan Lionello to talk more about the global supply web, the need for improved transparency, resilience and communication in supply chain and how Omnae’s platform has the potential to transform supply chain for everyone.

Aug 20, 2020

We’re back with Episode 3 of our ‘You Won’t Believe What We’ve Seen’ mini-series, in partnership with SQA services, and I’m sure you’re enjoying it just as much as I am.

In last week’s episode ‘Saving Lives’, we were joined by SQA founder and President Mike McKay, as well as the President & CEO of Civica Rx Martin VanTrieste, to talk about supply chain and the importance of quality in the life sciences industry. We explored the dark world of counterfeit drugs and shadow factories, the impact of COVID-19, drug shortages and ultimately the importance of supply chain in saving lives. Don't forget to check it out if you missed it!

Today, we’re taking on the complex world of technology and Mike McKay is joined by his Father, Chairman of SQA, Jim McKay.

They’re going to be exploring some of the latest technological advances in the industry and explaining how quality is so closely linked to honesty, communication, collaboration and partnership. And how, if you don’t have a focus on quality from the beginning, the impact on today’s technology-driven and dependent society is potentially devastating.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[01.03] Introducing Mike McKay.
[02.08] Introducing Jim McKay.

“The more things change, the more they remain the same – and that applies to what we’re doing at SQA.” (JMK)

[03.46] SQA’s key partnerships in the technology industry, from Apple to Google.
[04.41] Finding the right experts and building customized teams to meet customer challenges.
[05.56] How SQA bring their expertise to help their customers save time and money on vital audits and inspections.

“Our product is our people.” (MMK)

[10.20] The origins of Intertek, which lead Jim to partner with Mike and found SQA.
[13.50] Mike’s background, his perspective on working with his Dad and pivoting the Intertek approach to find a new path for SQA.
[16.49] The challenge of the ‘hard sell’ and encouraging customer investment in up-front strategies for quality.
[20.27] Why SQA are constantly striving for quality, and how they work in partnership with their customers to continue to deliver it.

“It’s a relentless task!” (JMK)

[24.54] How a focus on quality from the outset, alongside choosing the right partners, can reduce future defects and recalls.

“We got out to one service supplier where the address didn’t even exist!”

[27.46] The rise of cyber audits and the importance of quality in security and data.
[30.56] The importance of partnerships in an ever changing technological world.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Mike and Jim on LinkedIn, or head over to SQA’s website now to find out more, meet the team and discover how they could help you too.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Aug 17, 2020

 

Founder and CEO of Tive, Krenar Komoni, has what can only be described as an impressive career, with more than 10 years spent in the wireless industry gaining expertise in chip design and business development. He worked with BitWave Semiconductor, where he developed the world’s first 2G+3G+LTE radio in a single chip, Eta Devices – an MIT-based start-up developing the world’s most efficient cellular base stations – and consulted for Fortune 500 companies launching new wireless products.

But it was a simple conversation with his father in law, who was complaining of the challenges of supply chain, that sparked Krenar’s entrepreneurial spirit, helped him identify a vital niche, and go on to establish Tive. Designed to help companies take the surprises out of their supply chains through true end-to-end visibility, their innovative solutions are taking the market by storm.

Today, we’re talking about the importance of understanding how the modern supply chain works and providing rounded solutions, accuracy and data, sustainability and how Tive are changing the face of supply chain visibility.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[06.37] How Tive was founded, and the story behind the name.
[09.30] What Tive and its product trackers do for manufacturers and logistics suppliers.
[11.15] An overview of the Tive product offering, including multi-use and single-use trackers.

“We are the first in the industry to release the first single-use tracker that doesn’t contain lithium batteries.”

[12.53] The benefit of using trackers at pallet level.
[15.26] How Tive helps to bring visibility to supply chain.

“Visibility has become a must-have, and one way to achieve it is by getting data from the assets that are moving the goods.”

[19.38] The interplay between hardware, software and service in supporting visibility.
[22.11] Tive’s top 3 trackers, what they do and why they’re so special.
[26.25] The future of 5G.
[27.50] From security to perishable goods, some real-life examples of how Tive has supported customers and saved them time and money.

“They were able to use the data, reports and analytics that we provided to reduce the number of shipment rejections by 90%.”

[31.15] Tive’s ideal customer.
[32.27] Krenar’s best advice for other supply chain start-ups and entrepreneurs.

“Every start-up has ups and downs, but the key is to really believe in your goal.”

[35.08] What the future holds for Tive.

Head over to Tive’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Aug 13, 2020

I hope you’re enjoying our fascinating ‘You Won’t Believe What We’ve Seen’ mini-series, in partnership with SQA services.

In last week’s episode ‘Mission Control’ (insert link), we talked to SQA founder and President Mike McKay, and industry professional and advisor to SQA Jeff Luckey, and delved into the incredible world of aircraft and aerospace.

And we have an equally amazing podcast for you today, with episode 2 ‘Saving Lives,’ as we dive into the life sciences. Mike McKay joins us once again, alongside President & CEO of Civica Rx Martin Van Trieste, one of Modern Healthcare’s ‘100 Most Influential People in Healthcare’ and the #2 leader on The Medicine Maker’s ‘Power List of Industry Influencers.’

They’re going to be exploring the dark world of counterfeit drugs and shadow factories, sharing their passions and experiences after many years at the top of their industry, and reinforcing that all-important topic of Quality. You don’t want to miss it!

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[00.58] Introducing Mike McKay.
[02.18] Introducing Martin Van Trieste.
[04.28] SQA’s key partnerships in the life sciences industry, from Pfizer to Johnson and Johnson.
[05.01] Martin’s long-standing relationship with SQA, and why he came to rely on their services.

“Over 20 years, I’ve become enamored with their business model. But more importantly, I grew to respect Mike and his team so much – I trust them – and that’s something that takes a long time to build.” (MVT)

[07.15] The importance of working as an extension of a customer’s team, being flexible, efficient and meeting customized needs.
[10.21] How saving time and money through using a team of specialists like SQA, means customers are freed up to work on the important things – saving lives.
[12.02] Why working with SQA is not simple out-sourcing: it’s all about information sharing, communication, honesty and collaboration.

“It’s a very interactive process.” (MVT)

[14.27] Shadow factories, their impact on the industry, and on saving lives.
[16.52] Show factories, and Mike’s eye-opening industry experiences.

“Our auditor walked over to a drum, lifted up the top and saw the laminate still inside – no product had been made there!” (MMK)

[19.12] Supply and demand during COVID-19.
[23.15] SQA’s passion and pride to be doing their part in developing vaccines and saving lives.
[26.06] Why there are drug shortages, ‘Just in Time’ vs ‘Just in Case’ and how/why Martin’s company Civica Rx are moving towards shorter, more robust supply chains.

“Not all industries are the same: you can’t apply every solution to the same problem in a different industry.” (MVT)

[31.45] Why quality is so important, both on a business and a personal level.
[33.41] How SQA’s ‘Quality Is’ campaign helps to keep quality at the top of everybody’s agenda, both internally and with customers too.
[35.53] Why without quality, you don’t have safety – and you can’t save lives.

You can connect with Mike on LinkedIn, or head over to SQA’s website now to find out more, meet the team and discover how they could help you too.

You can also connect with Martin on LinkedIn or find out more about Civica Rx's pioneering work on their website.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Aug 10, 2020

Back in 2001, Optessa Founder Srinivas (Vasu) Netrakanti identified an important but poorly served niche: to provide high quality planning and scheduling solutions that truly addressed industry needs. And as a management graduate and highly successful serial entrepreneur, he had the knowledge, experience and courage to deliver it.

Vasu partnered with Founder and CEO Ashok Erramilli, who brought his own incredible skills – including an Electrical Engineering Ph.D. from Yale, years of experience as a consultant to engineering and networking corporations, and from his role as Research Manager at Bellcore (now Telcordia) – to the mix.

The ambitious and highly skilled duo built Optessa with the vision of helping complex manufacturers optimize their production plans and schedules, utilizing intelligent solutions. Their Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software creates complete, optimal, even quality solutions, and their software can model any manufacturing requirement, with speedy deployment.

In today’s episode Ashok discusses current industry challenges in light of COVID-19, the importance of evaluating supply chains by criteria other than simply cost, achieving balance and stability in supply chain and the power of data-driven analytics.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[06.30] The story behind Optessa, and how they continue to deliver and evolve.
[10.50] How Optessa uses data optimization to allow customers to match supply with demand and stay efficient.

“We help manufacturers answer these three basic questions: what do I make, where do I make it and when do I make it?”

[13.15] How COVID-19 has hung a question mark over the industry, the challenge of trying to be prepared for everything, and how the crisis has highlighted a need for more robust supply chains.
[16.20] From risk to stability, flexibility to responsiveness, the need to evaluate supply chains by criteria other than simply cost.
[19.05] How the current crisis highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities companies didn’t even know they had, and the importance of readily available good data, to allow companies to use predictive analytics to be proactive rather than reactive.

“You can have the most efficient supply chain, but when you have a disruption like this one, that could be the end of your business.”

[21.01] The art of trade-offs – how you can use optimization to reconcile contradictory elements and achieve the best balance for your business.

“Given your comfort level, your priorities – it will tell you the best trade-off.”

[23.57] The story behind the name Optessa.
[25.11] What effect the USMCA might have on manufacturing.
[28.02] Customer case study: how Optessa reduced the number of change points from 1200 to 300 for one client, saving them enough money to pay for a whole new software suite, by interpreting, anticipating and so minimizing change.

“In the real world, as soon as you make a plan – things change!”

[33.20] Optessa’s ideal client, and the questions they need to ask themselves before getting in touch.
[36.45] Why if a company has two out of three V’s – volume, variety and value – Optessa can help.
[37.54] What the future holds for Optessa.

Head over to Optessa’s website now to find out more, meet the team and discover how they could help you too.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Aug 7, 2020

I’m incredibly excited to bring you a brand new 4-part series, in partnership with SQA Services. SQA Services has over 25 years’ experience and is now widely recognized as a flexible global resource and a proven solution provider for today’s complex supply environments. I’ve gotten to know them over the past few months and their industry knowledge, passion – and amazing stories – demanded their own platform.

Inspired by their experiences and anecdotes, I’m proud to introduce the aptly named ‘You Won’t Believe What We’ve Seen’ mini-series. Over the next 4 episodes, we’ll be bringing you stories that showcase the importance of quality in supply chain and the fascinating places it’s taken SQA.

So, grab a coffee and find a quiet spot to enjoy Episode 1, ‘Mission Control.’ Featuring SQA founder and President Mike McKay, and industry professional and advisor to SQA Jeff Luckey, this episode takes us into the incredible world of aircraft and aerospace.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[01.26] Introducing Mike McKay.
[02.46] Introducing Jeff Luckey.

“I know a thing or two, because I’ve seen a thing or two!” (JL)

[04.28] SQA’s key industry partnerships, from Boeing to NASA.
[08.29] Jeff’s relationship with SQA, their introduction to Boeing and the importance of quality.

“Unless quality is actually built in at the beginning… you’re likely to have quality issues at the end of the chain.” (JL)

[12.14] The responsibility, pride and pressure that goes hand in hand with being a part of supply chain for space missions.
[15.34] The sheer scale of Aeronautic production, which really puts the importance of quality into perspective.
[18.53] How Mike’s son, who is a pilot, brings a personal angle to quality and safety.
[21.04] How getting to know customers, as well as inspiring and trusting your staff, combines to build a great team.

“I’m like the owner of a sports team: you hire your head coach and then let them go to work!” (MMK)

[23.44] Jeff’s Boeing projection figures and the future of aircraft.
[28.57] How SQA will adapt and support the automation of the future.

“The only constant is change.” (MMK)

[31.28] SQA’s ‘Quality Is’ campaign.
[35.52] Our expectation for excellence, and how that demands quality.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Mike on LinkedIn, or head over to SQA’s website to find out more, meet the team and discover how they could help you too.

Check out our other podcasts HERE

Aug 3, 2020

This week's episode of Women in Supply Chain Series features Martha Lumatete.  Inspired by both her grandmother, who began her own construction supply business, and her father, an accomplished lawyer in Kenya, Martha Lumatete always had her sights set on success. In today’s episode, she discusses her incredible journey so far, from those initial aspirations to the woman she is today.

After graduating law school, she took a role at Pepsi working in data and analysis and became fascinated with the supply chain process – how a product works its way through manufacture and distribution, and the consumer behavior behind it. Driven by her natural curiosity, bravery and thirst for knowledge, Martha worked in a number of different industries and areas, gathering new skills and experiences along the way.

Currently working for Southwest Airlines in software acquisition, Martha brings her own unique blend of integrity, passion and positivity to the table, reminding us that good business is not just about making good deals, it’s all about nurturing great relationships.

In this episode we discuss:

[06.20] Martha’s background and her journey to success
[14.28] Her current role and responsibilities for Southwest Airlines

“They lead with love, but they have a warrior spirit”

[18.58] The importance of building strong partnerships

“If there’s no partnership, you’re going to have a company that is struggling”

[22.25] Martha’s inspiration and the quote she lives by. “Be generous and expert; trustworthy and clear; open-minded and adaptable; persistent and present.”
[25.25] Personal courage and risk-taking, and how that links to the importance of agility in business: continuing to learn, grow, support others and grasp opportunity

“The one thing that’s constant is change”

Resources and links mentioned:

Head over to LinkedIn to connect with Martha and continue to follow her inspirational journey.

Check out our other podcasts HERE

1