Adebayo Adeleke is a supply chain enthusiast, businessman, social entrepreneur, retired U.S Army Officer and global thought leader all rolled into one. From Jordan to Japan, Africa to Afghanistan, he’s gathered his impressive knowledge and expertise from around the world.
Retired from the U.S Army after an impressive 20 year career, Adebayo is now Managing Partner at Pantote Solutions LLC, President and CEO of Adebayo Adeleke LLC, a Principal Partner and Senior Supply Chain Consultant for Epot Consulting Limited and a Lecturer in Supply Chain Management at the Sam Houston State University.
Today Adebayo will be talking to us about his career so far, his many inspirational achievements and his passion for driving immigration reform.
[06.47] Adebayo’s background and how he fell into supply chain by chance.
[10.22] What led Adebayo to join the army, and why he fell in love with it.
[11.38] Adebayo’s experience of war, and what he learned.
“When I came back, I was transformed – the way I saw supply chain was totally different.”
[17.45] The challenges and unpredictability of army logistics.
[22.08] The difference between army and civilian logistics – and efficient vs effective supply chains.
[26.30] The challenges Adebayo faced in his life and career as an African immigrant in the USA.
“Your identity is driven from your culture, and often you have to shed some of that to be a part of this system.”
[32.40] What drives Adebayo to be so active as an influencer for positive change.
[35.21] Adebayo’s roles in the Rising Leadership Foundation and the New American Economy – and why they’re so important.
“If we can create better leaders, we can have a better society.”
[39.59] The future for Adebayo.
“We need to start understanding the nuances and how we can improve supply chain globally by regionalizing our solutions.”
[43.51] Be true to yourself – Adebayo’s advice for anyone following in his footsteps.
Connect with Adebayo on LinkedIn to find out more.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the fourth and final show in our “Not Just Nuts and Bolts” series, in partnership with Fastenal.
Last week in Episode 3, ‘Powered by Proximity,’ I was joined by Sam Nafe, Senior VP for National Account Sales Teams at Fastenal, and Jim DeMarco, Category Manager at PGT Innovations. We talked about their successful business partnership and the topic of glocality – what it means, why it’s so important and exactly how Fastenal deliver it across the world.
Today in Episode 4, ‘Wait! Don’t Order,’ we’re talking to John Soderberg, EVP of IT at Fastenal, to talk about data and analytics: why is data so important, what kinds of data should we be focusing on and how can we use it to better our supply chains.
[01.04] John’s long-standing career at Fastenal, his current role and how Fastenal truly has a decentralized model.
[03.00] Why data is so important.
“It’s the basis for making better informed decisions.”
[04.49] The types of data that supply chain professionals should be looking at right now.
“The data we should be looking at needs to support the areas we want to improve: it needs to be measurable and we need to know where we want to take it.”
[06.44] The importance of collaboration, between both departments and businesses, in understanding and using data.
[08.57] Collecting data at a site-level, and the difficulty in keeping the consistency and discipline as you take that up to a higher level.
“If there’s not an emphasis on quality in the capture, then a lot of the plans are in vain.
[12.22] The challenges of data at an enterprise level.
[14.32] How to make data actionable.
[17.26] Why it’s so important to have a trusted partner to help you manage data and create a strategy around it.
“The value of the data is dependent on that partnership and how you work together through it.”
[18.57] What utilizing data can look like in real terms to customers, especially when it comes to managing stock.
[21.51] Why a greater understanding of data and analytics is what’s going to define the next generation of supply chain professionals.
[24.16] The future, and why Fastenal plan on getting even closer to their customers.
Head over to Fastenal’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
SIMOS provides more than just basic contingent labor: they deliver customized strategic labor solutions, with the end goal of reducing cost, increasing productivity and ensuring budget certainty - without compromising on quality standards.
Their consultative partnership philosophy means that they design solutions from inside your facility, aligning with your KPI’s and offering a level of support that means you can step back and focus on the bigger picture, leaving your workforce in safe hands.
Today, I’m joined by Harold Baro, Senior Vice President and General Manager, to talk all about SIMOS, the importance of collaboration and some of the challenges that businesses are currently facing with their workforces.
[07.39] How SIMOS was founded, and the story behind the name.
“Our Founder wanted to provide more value to his clients and give more accountability.”
[09.04] A closer look at exactly what SIMOS does.
[10.53] The trusted partnerships that SIMOS enjoys with its customers.
“We don’t treat the word partner lightly – we’re laser focused on supplying each client with the right solutions.”
[12.55] How SIMOS interacts with its customers, and tackles change management, by talking their language.
[14.08] Exactly what is contingent labor workforce and why/how companies use it.
[15.31] The misconceptions around contingent labor and why the SIMOS model is so surprising.
[17.36] The added value of prediction and analysis within the SIMOS model.
[19.09] The challenges businesses are facing right now with staffing, and how SIMOS tackles key pain points.
“Our research shows that 6 in 10 employers are having a hard time finding workers... and high turnover and high absenteeism kills productivity.”
[21.29] SIMOS’ drive through hiring scheme and how it engages with the community.
[23.19] The impact of COVID-19, how SIMOS have adapted and how they’re helping customers.
“We’ve become more important; we’re getting a lot of calls for additional people to come to work – and we put our people’s safety and health first.”
[25.52] How COVID-19 has driven the importance of collaboration home, particularly with health and safety protocols.
[27.27] The rise of tech, the partnership between tech and people, and automation in warehousing.
[31.01] A case study looking at how SIMOS revolutionized one customers’ environment and processes.
“Through our solutions, we saw quality and orders increase, complaints decrease and we were able to save them over 1 million dollars.”
[34.20] The correlation between supply chain and customer experience.
[36.52] The future for SIMOS.
Schedule your FREE engineering assessment by heading over to SIMOS’ website now.
You can also connect with Harold on LinkedIn or follow SIMOS on LinkedIn here.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the third show in our “Not Just Nuts and Bolts” series, in partnership with Fastenal.
Last week in Episode 2, ‘Bring Us Your Problems,’ I spoke to Kris Van Dalen and we took a closer look at Fastenal’s onsite solutions, their response to the COVID-19 crisis and how we can prepare our businesses and supply chains for the future.
Today in Episode 3, ‘Powered by Proximity,’ we’re talking with Sam Nafe, Senior VP for National Account Sales Teams at Fastenal, and Jim DeMarco, Category Manager at PGT Innovations. We’ll be talking about their successful partnership and the topic of glocality – what it means, why it’s so important and exactly how Fastenal deliver it across the world.
[01.09] Sam’s career at Fastenal, his current role and why the percentage of Fastenal’s customer-facing staff might surprise you.
[02.22] PGT’s history, and Jim’s current role.
[03.40] What is glocality, and what does it mean for Fastenal and its customers.
“It allows the team to be creative… to achieve the objectives of each customer.”
[05.33] Why PGT chose Fastenal as a trusted partner.
“We take partnership seriously – we like to grow together.”
[07.30] Fastenal’s lean solutions, and how they helped PGT with their onsite needs.
[10.39] The challenges PGT were seeing which led to their partnership with Fastenal.
[11.55] The benefits that PGT have seen from working with Fastenal.
[13.35] How Fastenal were able to help PGT through the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring their supply chain.
[16.29] Why it was so important to PGT that Fastenal could pivot quickly and continue to meet their needs in testing times.
“Fastenal were able to preserve our glove allocation, which was critical.”
[18.29] A closer look at how Fastenal were able to support their customers through the crisis, and continue to supply much-needed PPE.
[20.44] Jim’s take on the future of PGT and Fastenal’s partnership.
[21.34] The future of that partnership from Fastenal’s perspective.
“Ultimately, we need to listen, as Jim’s business continues to evolve.”
[23.49] From cost to response time, Jim explains why businesses should choose Fastenal.
[25.07] The future of supply chain and how Fastenal will be innovating along with it.
Head over to Fastenal’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the second episode of Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s brand-new show, Blended.
Blended is all about opening up conversations and giving the mic to all of the underrepresented voices in our industry – women, the LGBTQIA community, people of color, those with disabilities, whether they’re visible or hidden, and many more.
Today in Episode 2, ‘Story of my Life,’ we’re going to be delving into our guest’s personal stories: the experiences that made them who they are today and the impact, both positive and negative, that those experiences have had on their lives and careers.
[03.23] Introductions to our Blended panelists.
[09.35] Martin’s story; from serious ill health to harnessing his courage, finding his voice and following his own path.
“Our experiences propel us forward.” Martin
[12.18] How minorities can find themselves the butt of the joke and often find themselves joining in, in order to fit in and not rock the boat.
“I’m a black Mormon (which is rare!) so I’d get a lot of those ‘jokes;’ and if I don’t stand up and speak out, I’m doing not only myself a disservice but also anybody else that's at a disadvantage.” Lamont
[17.40] Madison’s experience as a black woman growing up in the suburbs, and the panelists reflections on language.
"Forums such as this, where we’re telling stories and educating each other around all the different flavors of humanity, are so important. And the more we do this, the more visibility we have into one another’s real life experiences - and then you can begin to adjust how we speak to one another." Madison
[19.37] Claudia’s story, the boardroom experience that opened her eyes and the groups reflections on the power of words.
“It said to me that women are not valued in financial transactions.” Claudia
[30.03] Madison’s story, how it led to her passion for humanitarianism and the panelists reflections on background, privilege and self-improvement.
[51.55] Angie’s story, facing misogyny in the workplace and the groups reflections on behaviors and encouraging change.
“As women we’re in a dichotomy: on one side we have to be assertive and confident, and on the other side we have to be very mindful that we’re being watched, in terms of our reactions.” Claudia
[70.13] The one piece of advice the panelists would share from their personal stories:
You can connect with all of our amazing panelists on LinkedIn - Madison, Claudia, Lamont, Martin and Angie - if you'd like to find out more.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
As a maverick in the freight forwarding industry, Global Gateway Logistics believes in the creative persistence of deep analysis, learned experience and exceptional customer service. No matter the obstacle, operational challenge or budgetary constraint, Global Gateway Logistics will work tirelessly to support businesses supply chain and logistical needs.
A committed and forward-thinking freight forwarder and NVOCC, Gateway Global Logistics provide insights and recommendations through data analysis and experience to create game-changing solutions for your business operations.
Today, Caitlin Murphy, Founder & Managing Director of Operations, joins me to talk about Global Gateway Logistics, her approach to business and how exactly we go about creating transparent, strategic and successful supply chains.
[08.57] Caitlin’s background and how previous job dissatisfaction led to her founding Global Gateway Logistics.
“I had confidence that I could make an impact – and that confidence, coupled with my passion, outweighed the fear.”
[12.29] Exactly what Global Gateway Logistics does and how it helps its customers.
“We are determined to simplify global logistics, and we do that through customer service and technology.”
[15.39] What makes Global Gateway Logistics different, and its focus on diversity and creative thinking.
[22.22] Combining the power of data and technology with the power of people.
“The more that we’re all interconnected through technology, and can utilize it with a boutique customer service: that’s truly the future of freight forwarding.”
[30.47] The importance of talking about business on a global scale, partnerships and the benefits of global export.
“We have a duty to promote global trade.”
[37.14] A real life example of how Global Gateway Logistics helped a key customer.
[40.01] Growth, growth, growth – the future of Global Gateway Logistics.
Head over to Global Gateway Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the second show in our “Not Just Nuts and Bolts” series, in partnership with Fastenal.
Last week in Episode 1, ‘Innovation at Work,’ I spoke to Dan, President and CEO at Fastenal to find out exactly who Fastenal are, what they do and how they’ve evolved to become a global company, with a local focus, who are much more than just nuts and bolts.
Today in Episode 2, ‘Bring Us Your Problems,’ we’re chatting with Kris Van Dalen and taking a closer look at Fastenal’s onsite solutions, their response to the COVID-19 crisis and how we can prepare our businesses and supply chains for the future.
[01.05] Kris’s career at Fastenal, and how the scope of their offering might just surprise you.
[02.47] Fastenal’s comprehensive COVID-19 response – which became far more than simply delivering PPE.
“The problem became much more than just the availability of an item.”
[07.37] How the COVID crisis has taught us why it’s so important to have trusted supply chain partners in place before a crisis happens.
“Our evolution is hinged on relationship-building, and the management of those relationships.”
[12.00] What Fastenal’s on-site model looks like and how it changes to meet customer needs.
[17.44] How Fastenal’s local presence and decentralized decision making helped to keep customers afloat during the COVID crisis.
“Their success is what drives ours.”
[23.19] A closer look at Fastenal’s ‘last mile’ system and why they do it differently.
[28.55] How we can future-proof our supply chains.
“Supplier integration, tighter partnerships – those are the key to future-proofing supply chain.”
[31.10] The future of supply chain and how Fastenal is well positioned to help facilitate it.
Head over to Fastenal’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
Loadshop is an online marketplace that connects carriers and shippers in the trucking space, eliminating the middleman, and so providing transparent, efficient and cost-effective solutions for both sides of the transaction. On a mission to create trucking with transparency, they might be a new kid on the block, but they’re utilizing the extensive industry experience of their cross-functional team to ensure they’re on the road to success.
Today, Loadshop's Business Lead, Hunter Burke, will be chatting about the Loadshop marketplace, its benefits, and the future of trucking.
[05.56] The history behind the Loadshop brand and the core problems that led to its creation.
“The idea started with seeing how much work it is to match loads and trucks in a spot market environment.”
[11.02] What Loadshop does and how it works.
[12.45] The impact of lack of transparency on the ease and efficiency of shipping.
“The lack of transparency creates so many games that the industry are sick of playing.”
[14.29] The benefits of Loadshop to both carriers and shippers.
“Because Loadshop charges a flat transparent fee, only when a match is made, it removes the risk premium that brokers add to their rates.”
[19.25] How Loadshop helps shippers to break out of their comfort zone by opening up a wider breadth of supplier choice.
[21.04] The role that platforms like Loadshop play in modern supply chain.
[23.23] The balance between new platforms like Loadshop and traditional brokers.
[25.22] The importance of transparency.
“It’s an infusion of more information that allows everyone to make better decisions!”
[29.06] A real life example of how Loadshop helps its customers.
[30.47] Loadshop’s Smart Spot system and how it can help.
[32.07] The future of trucking.
Head over to Loadshop’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
This is the first episode of our latest mini-series in partnership with Fastenal. Over the next four episodes, our “Not Just Nuts and Bolts” series is going to take a closer look at Fastenal, their global reach and the many different ways they serve the industry; their resilience and innovation in response to the COVID-19 crisis, and why they’re putting a focus on the importance of data in bettering supply chains.
Today in Episode 1, Innovation at Work, I’m talking to Dan Florness, President and CEO at Fastenal. We’ll be finding out exactly who Fastenal is, what they do and how they’ve evolved to become a global company, with a local focus, who are much more than just nuts and bolts.
[01.26] Dan’s background, his role at Fastenal and how Fastenal is both a provider and its own customer.
“Our secret ingredient is agility and problem-solving.”
[4.14] Fastenal’s history and growth.
[06.18] What Fastenal stands for.
“We go out and find great people – we’re about opportunity, freedom to operate and mutual trust.”
[08.13] Exactly what Fastenal does, and its different business areas.
[10.15] How and why Fastenal came to manage supply chains for their customers.
[14.14] How Fastenal was ahead of the game when it comes to the issue of stock.
[16.21] The benefits that come from Fastenal’s decentralized model.
“A local team knows their customer really well.”
[19.12] A closer look at Fastenal’s local approach: how it works, the ethos behind it and the benefits.
[21.49] How Fastenal responded to the COVID crisis, and its commitment to customers.
[28.30] From Government to Universities, the variety of businesses Fastenal works with.
“The ideal customer for us is someone who’s willing to look at the ideas we bring to the table, and change the way they’ve been doing things.”
[32.07] How visibility and partnerships are the future of supply chain.
Head over to Fastenal’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
From an early interest in engineering and logistics, going all the way back to education-level, Carolina has gone on to have an exciting and varied career in the industry. Now, as a logistics leader at top IT company Lenovo, she’s channelling all that incredible insight and experience into creating robust and effective logistics operations across Latin America.
Today Carolina will be talking to us about her career so far, her many inspirational achievements and her long-standing love for logistics.
[07.52] Carolina’s background, her interest in international business and culture, and the variety of experiences that have led her to where she is today.
“Those experiences were the ones that opened my eyes and allowed me to see the different roles you can perform within supply chain – that has been, and still is, the most exciting part.”
[10.54] How Carolina has followed her heart during the course of her life and career, and her passion for giving back to the community.
“My driver is ‘do everything with passion – do and learn new things!’”
[13.30] The challenges, excitement and growth that Carolina discovered whilst living in China.
[15.55] How experience, and destiny, brought Carolina to Lenovo.
[18.34] How Lenovo’s support helped Carolina to find her voice and drive her forward in her current role.
[22.07] Carolina’s passion for logistics, and why women need to take advantage of the momentum happening in diversity right now.
[25.35] How women need to advocate for themselves, to change their own bias and make the discussion around diversity and inclusion a two-way conversation.
“We’re on the first step of a marathon.”
[29.21] The challenges that Carolina has faced over the years, including being the only woman in the board room.
“We need to create the sense that we belong there – and that we’ve earned it.”
[31.57] From personal and professional growth, and her new project WEL, what the future holds for Carolina.
[35.31] Follow your passion and work hard, Carolina’s advice for women following in her footsteps.
Head over to LinkedIn to connect with Carolina and find out more.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.