Supply Chain Revolution

Every tech company wants to tell you what their AI can do. Patterns help us make sense of the world and can help us overcome the impossible tasks we face each day in supply chain orchestration. From understanding gaps and influences, AI creates more intelligence in how to detect, understand, and pull parts of the patterns together that build an ecosystem. Through the lens of business transformation, a common challenge for many is knowing what levers to pull strategically, reinventing portions of their business in a digital way. The biggest issue is not tech, it's the lack of skill and culture needed to scale disruptive change. In Episode 42, Sheri Hinish welcomes Jennifer Bryne, digital empowerment evangelist and rebel who is exploring the next chapter in her career after retiring from Microsoft as the US Chief Technology Officer. Jennifer is now working with start-ups, giving back in. the tech community, and writing her first book. She has a fascinating career path starting in non-profit management and social services, then transitioning to cybersecurity sales and engineering teams. Learn from Jennifer as she shares her experience leading, developing, and executing vertical industry and go-to-market strategies, while managing global alliances and partner ecosystems. In this Episode, we explore the keys to accelerating your success in AI Digital transformation, the future of work and AI, patterns in change management that can be applied to solve supply chain/human/and business problems, and key tips that have helped Jennifer in her journey as a woman in STEM for career advancement, and positioning herself for leadership roles. To learn more about Jennifer Bryne, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-byrne-talks/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/ & https://www.supplychainqueen.com

The purpose of a supply chain is to move goods and services around the world to meet user demand. And over decades, we’ve built coupled-networks based on principles of regionalization or centralization of function, location, and cost efficiency. COVID is an example of the uncertainty supply chains face on a day-to-day basis derived from old-school thinking and design. Imagine a world where supply chains are flipped upside down, a world where we send files, not parts? A world that empowers the end consumer to produce what is needed on-demand through cloud based technology, including recycling on site in a circular transition? In Episode 41, CEO of Ivaldi (Espen Sivertsen) joins Sheri Hinish to talk about the future of digital supply chains, on-demand additive manufacturing and the business case for change, industrial sustainability, and the power of diversity in technology. Espen is part of the SAP.iO Foundry bootcamp and shares observations he’s gathered from Silicon Valley and beyond, that diversity fuels innovation. Segments Ivaldi serves include maritime, industrial, mining, energy (gas turbines and power plants), and automotive. One of Espen’s guiding quotes are “we did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” He also dives into the sustainability aspects on on-demand, additive, local manufacturing environments through digital distribution. Digital distribution is the process of sending digital part files to local manufacturers for on-demand production and distribution. Digital distribution bypasses physical distribution limitations such as sourcing disruptions, carry costs, late shipments, minimum quantities, obsolete inventory and environmental contamination by storing parts in a virtual warehouse and only manufacturing parts when and where they are needed through a distributed network of local manufacturers. As production tools such as 3D printing, robotic fabrication and other CNC systems get faster, better and cheaper, an increasing range of parts can be cost-effective to manufacture on-demand. Digital distribution is fundamentally changing supply chain dynamics as user-needs supplant centralized manufacturing limitations as the driving force in the industry. This episode is part of a new partnership highlighting innovation and diversity in supply chain start ups at SAP.iO. To learn more, visit https://sap.io/ Shout out to John Licata for making the introductions! To learn more about Ivaldi, visit https://www.ivaldi.io/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/ & https://www.supplychainqueen.com

Did you know that if you add up the cats and dogs in the United States, they’d represent the 5th largest population of protein consumption in the world? When it comes to pet supply chains and sustainability, there is typically 1 sector called "pet services and products”. This one sector, encompasses dozens of other industries that have many categories in human supply chains. For example, apparel, food, medicine, and healthy/beauty are considered dramatically different industries in the human world, but we buy good and services for our pets in all those areas and more. The environmental impact of the pet sector is huge. Did you know that 300 million pounds of packaging is sent to land fill each year? Finally, the pet industry has often overlooked and serious social sustainability challenges as well. Pet ownership has been directly linked to home ownership, but with systematic racist policies historically making home ownership out of reach for communities of color, what are the Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion implications of the industry itself? Why aren’t people aware or talking about this? In Episode 40, Sheri Hinish discusses massive opportunities in pet sustainability, in caring differently for our furry friends, with MelissaBauer from the Pet Sustainability Coalition. PSC has a super cool origin story starting with Chris Bentley. A lover of life and an environmentalist at heart, Chris Bentley has spent several decades looking for ways to minimize his environmental footprint. Based in Colorado, Chris was active in the entrepreneurial business community where he saw the Natural Foods movement adopt Organic Certification and the Outdoor Industry collaborate to build innovative sustainability tools. With over 25 years of success in the pet products industry, first with Aspen Pet and then with Only Natural Pet and “I and Love and You,” he knew there was an opportunity to drive impact in an industry he had grown to know and love. Together with fellow sustainable business leader Marty Grosjean at Only Natural Pet, Chris partnered with sustainability icon Hunter Lovins at Natural Capitalism Solutions to develop a suite of sustainability tools that could provide their respective companies the resources they needed to implement sustainable business processes. The outcome of this project was a world class toolkit built by Natural Capitalism Solutions that had far reaching potential. The new vision for these tools was to serve as a transformative catalyst that would enable the entire pet industry to engage more positively with the environment and communities where they do business. When complete, Chris, Natural Capitalism Solutions, the Outdoor Industry Association, and 25 business leaders met at Global Pet Expo 2013 where they formed a new nonprofit collaborative that would share tools and resources to encourage adoption of sustainable business practices. KD Frueh at KONG Company, Tony de Vos at Cardinal Pet Care, Jim Thomas at Petco, Spencer Williams at West Paw, Stephanie Volo at Planet Dog, and Aaron Lambstein at Worldwise joined Only Natural Pet and I and Love and You to become Founding Members of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. These 8 Founding Members continued to make large financial contributions for five consecutive years that served as the Coalition’s primary revenue and lifeblood! To get involved and learn more about Pet Sustainability Coalition, visit https://www.petsustainability.org Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/ & Sheri Hinish at https://www.supplychainqueen.com

The tire industry consumes 70% of the natural rubber. Issues like deforestation, child rights, land grabbing are at the center of WHY we need a global movement for sustainable natural rubber. Joined with physicist turned green advocate Stefano Savi, this episode explores a new collaborative platform to help the Producers, Processors & Traders, Tire makers and other rubber makers/buyers, Car makers, other downstream users and Financial Institutions, and Civil society transition, sustainably. What's interesting is many of the supply chain challenges like traceability, transparency, and moving beyond Tier 2 - 4 are being addressed by GPSNR and its members - Ford, BMW, Continental, Good Year, General Motors, and many more. One company can not transform an industry alone. In this episode we explore traceability, transparency, and stakeholder requirements to build the platform at scale - a way of working that can be applied to many supply chain segments, including cool advances in satellite mapping. We talk about the future of mobility, material science a bit, and learn about Stefano's journey, with a touching message at the end that had Sheri on the verge of tears! To learn more about Stefano, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefano-savi-2a690526/ To learn more about the recent advances from GPSNR, visit https://gpsnr.org/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/ & https://www.supplychainqueen.com

“The only way to end systemic inequality is to invest in minorities, the underrepresented, and women.” Access to education, healthcare, clean water, and economic development opportunities remain key priorities for many countries. Entire populations and children are being left behind and marginalized through climate change, disruptions, and globalization. Addressing generational poverty and transformation can take decades. How might we learn from current success stories, work that can scale to other parts of the world in sustainable development? Great ideas and innovation are everywhere, but often access to funding, relationships, and networks present hurdles particularly for young, underrepresented (often female, black, and non-binary) people. How can we access to funding so great ideas can thrive? In this episode, Taylor Hebble joins the Supply Chain Revolution to discuss two cool organizations addressing these unmet needs in sustainability, sustainable development, and innovation that transforms the world. Taylor Hebble and Sheri Hinish met at Harvard this summer in a learning cohort that trains leaders in the change leadership needed for sustainable development. Through meaningful interactions, Sheri learned about Taylor’s work at Hope for Haiti and SoGal Foundation. Taylor describes some of the initiatives at Hope for Haiti around clean water, education, and healthcare, including an inspiring story of triumph after a small school was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew. How can we truly transform the donor relationship and sustainable development? Listening to what communities need most! We discuss simple solutions and Taylor describes a few including a clean water project at scale. We also explore SoGal Foundation, founded in 2014 by Pocket Sun and Elizabeth Galbut, and its current Black and non-binary peoples cash grants program that provides immediate access to fund incredible ideas. SoGal Foundation is the largest global platform for women and diverse entrepreneurs and investors with over 40 chapters across 5 continents. Its mission is to close the diversity gap in entrepreneurship and venture capital. By bringing access, capital, and education to underprivileged entrepreneurs, SoGal Foundation has grown from a classroom side project to a global movement for women and underrepresented people to live on their own terms. It represents: a fearless, inspirational spirit + a constant, relentless execution mode + a collaborative and supportive community + young women with entrepreneurial ambitions. SoGal provides multiple series of events, including the SoGal Summit, which was the largest female entrepreneurship conference in Southern California. Super excited to bring awareness to this inspiring organization.

Why does Diversity and inclusion matter? What impact does the Black Lives Matter movement have on/in the workplace? How does one navigate discrimination and is there more awareness in corporate America around racism and breaking systemic barriers, including how to engage HBCUs and communities who have talent, but may lack access? How do we make diversity and inclusion REAL? Is it just lip service and social washing? These are questions being asked during a very real inflection point, in the midst of social and human health crises unfolding globally. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Justin Goldston, an advisor/professor/consultant/5X Tedtalk/ and evangelist for creating Diversity & Inclusion in supply chain and academia. As an African American who grew up in the south, started his supply chain journey at an HBCU, and then transitioned to manufacturing, Justin offers a unique perspective into the racism and bias that exists - still - in many supply chain organizations. After leaving industry, he explores opportunities for inclusion in consulting, and lastly the power of education for access. Justin currently teaches supply chain management at Penn State and Georgetown, organizing a TedX PSU series that gives young people the space to share on a global stage. This is a longer episode that is one of the most provocative to date, potentially uncomfortable for some, however necessary for divergence and awareness. Topics covered include: how to engage historically black colleges and universities in SCM talent management, the internal headspace needed to navigate discrimination, cultural intelligence, bias in hiring from application to boardroom, the “echo chamber” in supply chain orgs that don’t embrace D&I, how the shift to remote work has accelerated D&I, and unpacking the Black Lives Matter movement for awareness in corporate America and academia. Reach out, connect, learn more, and get started... Find Dr. Justin Goldston at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-goldston/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/ & https://www.supplychainqueen.com

Let’s face it. Despite what many technologists think, most supply chains are not run on laptops. We know the promise that advanced supply chain technology holds…agility, velocity, scale, resilience, transparency, and better customer experience. Yet, when I talk to supply chain leaders, many have shiny object fatigue. Have we failed supply chain leaders and professionals by not adding tangible value for impact? Digital transformation isn’t just a thing that you can you can buy and plug into an organization or a switch you flip. It’s complicated and doesn’t just involve technology. Digital transformation is an ongoing process of changing the way you do business. It requires foundational investments in skills, projects, infrastructure, and, often, in cleaning up IT systems. It requires mixing people, machines, and business processes, with all of the messiness that entails. Why are technology vendors failing to deliver the promise? Is it a 2 way street? What are the value levers in delivery, is there a silver bullet? Business and supply chain leaders simply want to make better decisions, how does technology enable time-to-value in 30 days? We go there… In Episode 35, Tim Judge, CEO of Agillitics and industry veteran joins the Supply Chain Revolution to talk technology, leadership, decision management, and the new blended role of supply chain/IT that is the new normal. This is a longer episode and we cover a breadth of topics: 1) what do people want in supply chain tech, 2) piloting to redefine the value delivery model, 3) standing up for the clients best interest (its tougher than you think), 4) short-term versus long-term thinking in tech investments, 5) who is qualified to be the best supply chain leader, 6) values versus virtues in the purpose economy, 7) shifting reactive thinking to proactive decision management, 8) sustainability is a priority, 9) 3 top areas to get time-to-value in 30 days, and 10) is the future of work in supply chain a blended role with IT? Reach out, connect, learn more, and get started... Find Tim at https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpjudge/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/ & https://www.supplychainqueen.com

This is the second part of a 2-part lightning talk series. We hear so much about AI and the convergence of tech in digital transformation. But do we know where humans add the most value, particularly in digital supply chain? According to Forbes, 2/3 of a company’s competitive edge comes from its customer experience. Consumers who have an emotional connection with a brand have a 306% higher lifetime value. Moreover 67% of consumers will pay more for a great experience. How do we create good UI and UX? The answer is inclusive design and the conduit is diversity. The reality is design that excludes a segment of consumers will fail to reach its full market potential. In Episode 34, Suuchi Ramesh joins the SupplyChainQueen to chat about the future of work, how diversity creates inclusive design and better customer experience. In this episode, we also discuss Suuchi’s journey as a woman in STEM, woman in technology, and an immigrant in the start-up world. She shares her story on building the right team and leading for diversity in supply chain and tech. Reach out, connect, learn more, and get started... Find Suuchi, Suuchi Inc at https://www.linkedin.com/in/suuchi-ramesh-219480111/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/suuchi/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Supply chains power the world and companies realize planning and execution is a competitive weapon in the modern, digital economy. Advanced supply chain capabilities like agility, transparency, and visibility can support efficient, effective, and sustainable approaches that connect the digital landscape into business performance that is tangible and measurable. In Episode 33, Suuchi Ramesh joins the SupplyChainQueen to chat about the Age of Digital and sustainable supply chain. In this episode, we explore digital supply chains and the importance of connectivity, communication, and predictive data analytics in world-class supply chains. The convergence of tech has provided many options, yet are we closer to sustainability at scale in digital supply chain? What is the cost of trust and compliance? How do you build digital trust? How do you best solve for problems in the flow of goods and services? How do you scale B2B enterprise software and which investments should you consider? Technology provides accelerated benefits in both digital transformation and proactively managing risk hotspots in sustainability. Yet, when we imagine the autonomous supply chain in design to distribution, do outcomes and value derived meet expectations? Suuchi explores low-hanging fruit in digital supply chain, including the importance of traceability and accountability in global supply chains. This is a 2-part lightning talk series. In part 2 (Episode 34), we explore where humans add the most value in the future of work, understanding the role of UI & UX in inclusive design, and Suuchi’s journey as a woman in STEM, woman in technology, and an immigrant in the start-up world. She shares her story on building the right team and leading for diversity in supply chain and tech. Reach out, connect, and learn more... Find Suuchi Ramesh, Suuchi Inc at https://www.linkedin.com/in/suuchi-ramesh-219480111/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/suuchi/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Two Queens talk tech! Episode 32 is PART 2 of a 2-part lightning talk series exploring Stephanie Benedetto’s journey from corporate attorney, to sustainability tech entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of the Queen of Raw solution: a B2B platform for businesses to recapture value from their wasted materials and touts an impressive list of recents awards including MIT Solve Global Challenge Winner, LVMH Innovation Award, Google Women Who Tech Fashion Group International Rising Star, and thredUP Circular Fashion Fund Recipient. Technology and the future of fashion includes assuring brand identity and ethical supply chains with provenance. How does technology like blockchain, AI, deep ML, analytics, and digital supply chains bring us closer to sustainability and circularity in fashion? This episode explores the nitty-gritty of fashion supply chains and technology, including predictions for the future of fashion. Most notably, we break down how to monetize waste streams and optimize fashion supply chains from acquisition to manufacturing, to creating a brand that meets the triple bottom line: people, planet, profit. Learn about entrepreneurship in an age of Amazon: the Queen of Raw saw an opportunity in the B2B space and created a private portal to cater to large volume buyers and sellers and launched a partnership with SAP. And for Queen of Raw, fashion and textiles is just the beginning. Looking across industries and around the world, it has found the $1 trillion thread to solve the world’s water crisis. Learn about using blockchain to rescue fashion’s dead stock: the Queen of Raw uses blockchain technology to provide transparency around wasted inventory and turn that pollution into profit by integrating with its global marketplace. Queen of Raw secures and verifies supply chain data to help companies save significant time and money. Blockchain is the new reality for wholesale and retail. Learn more about Stephanie here - http://www.queenofraw.com Industry: SaaS Software, Supply Chain, Textiles, Blockchain, Machine Learning/AI, Marketplace Launched: Q3 2018 Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

This is Part 1 of a 2 part lightning talk series. "Are you naked right now? You’re not…because you’re using fabric. It’s everywhere! It’s where it’s supposed to be, covering things like us, and where it’s not supposed to be.” This was the opening 10 seconds of Stephanie’s award-winning pitch to Ashton Kutcher, Sean “Diddy” Combs, & Gary Vaynerchuk in 60 seconds at the WeWork Creator Awards where she scored a grand prize of $360,000. Queen of Raw then closed a $1.5M priced seed round led by True Wealth Ventures with minority investor MIT Solve. You’ll hear it in this episode along with insights on how to get funding for your tech start up with a winning pitch. Episode 31 is a 2-part lightning talk series exploring Stephanie Benedetto’s journey from corporate attorney, to sustainability tech entrepreneur. Her family has been in the fashion supply chain business for over 100 years! Benedetto saw the problem first hand and together they built the Queen of Raw solution: a B2B platform for businesses to recapture value from their wasted materials rather than burning them. This episode provides: an overview of the fashion supply chain, its impact on the world we share and why textile production is the second biggest polluting industry in the world. Did you know that one tee shirt takes 700 gallons of water to produce? Bringing $120 billion worth of unused textiles back to life, the Queen of Raw has already saved over one billion gallons of water while saving businesses millions of dollars with supply chain efficiency. Why is an optimized supply chain the solution for people, for planet, and for profit? You’ll learn why sustainability and circularity are the answer in the future of fashion. We also explore Stephanie’s journey including her advice to women-owned technology start-ups! Some of Stephanie’s awards include: Grand Prize WeWork Creator Awards, Cartier Women’s Initiative, Laureate MIT Solve Global Challenge Winner, LVMH Innovation Award, NASA/NIKE/IKEA/DELL Innovator Finalist, Google Women Who Tech Fashion Group International Rising Star, thredUP Circular Fashion Fund Recipient Learn more about Stephanie here - http://www.queenofraw.com Industry: SaaS Software, Supply Chain, Textiles, Blockchain, Machine Learning/AI, Marketplace Launched: Q3 2018 Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

There is a misconception that sustainability and circular economy is philanthropy... that it's a project or an initiative. Circular thinking can be compared to Lean; it's a mindset, it's a space where you're able to connect a vision, a product to the individuals inside and outside your organization, across your supply chain. The truth is that there is a business case for change and the transition toward a circular world is a fiscal argument. For example, there are companies like Adidas, Nike, Puma, and Reebok doing cool things in footwear using plastic waste as a feedstock and creating new, innovative products with a circular/sustainable bend. In Episode 30 (part 3 of a lightning talk series), John Holm from Pyxera Global explores the business case for sustainability and circular economy including product innovation, culture, and legislation. In the US, there simply isn't enough happening in regulatory environments around single-use plastics and extending producer's responsibility. However, there are bright spots and John describes the sea-change happening when you get it right using the apparel/footwear industry. COVID is impacting everything we do, including organizations in the social impact sectors. John touches on how PPE is impacting our oceans and why we should think about micro-plastics, how supply chains can help. Lastly, we describe how you can get involved and champion the work being done. If you like this series, please subscribe and share a review. We thank John and the Pyxera Global team for all their work to make the world a better place. Reach out, connect, learn more, and get started... Find John Holm, Pxyera Global at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnholm/ & https://www.pyxeraglobal.org/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. It is a bold vision referred to as the 2030 agenda and includes 17 interconnected goals, and 169 targets. The SDGs also position the roadmap for sustainable supply chains. However, many argue that the vision lacks local context and has failed the global development community. In Episode 29, one of our most provocative episodes to date, we explore this topic with John Holm from Pxyera Global. Episode 29 answers: have we failed the global development community by positioning a broken vision, is the top of the food chain motivated to build an equitable society, how to influence success in reduce/reuse/recycle initiatives at the community level, and how do we forge tri-sector partnerships in social/public/private sectors? We unpack women's rights, and how companies like 3M and BASF have clear line of sight using ESG frameworks, making sustainability everyone's priority (not a department). Achieving the SGDs requires investments and policies that affect specific places, and there is increasing realization that overall global progress will depend in significant measure upon local leadership and action. These local leaders, the people who care deeply about community issues, who implement initiatives and who shape local development, represent a huge window of opportunity for global social change.Using their direct contact with communities, local leaders are uniquely positioned to push forward ideas, galvanize others and create immediate social impact. Mayors and local government officials are forming the frontlines of SDG implementation, translating the agenda’s lofty and sometimes abstract aspirations into progress felt by real people living in real communities. Reach out, connect, learn more, and get started... Find John Holm, Pxyera Global at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnholm/ & https://www.pyxeraglobal.org/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Helen Keller said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Building a better world is almost impossible without industry-wide collaboration, cooperation, and consensus. Circularity, like supply chain, is becoming more popular in business discussions. However, we are at an inflection point where there are no good choices in a bad system. It’s powerful because we inadvertently make decisions that are “less bad” rather than designing solutions that proactively solve wicked problems 100 years from NOW. How do we get the public, private, and social sectors to collaborate? How do make the transitions real for marginalized communities and shift the paradigm that circular economy is a siloed “project”? How do we design solutions that fit the world proactively? "It takes courage to forge a true partnership. It takes compromise. It takes respect for one another’s goals, experiences, knowledge, processes, and approaches. It takes courage, if you are a donor institution or an NGO, to accept that your private sector partner has a goal, even an obligation, to drive business value—that is, to ultimately profit from this work. And that is a valid goal, and should be embraced as part of the partnership.” (Deidre White of Pyxera Global) Episode 28 is a 3 part series of lightning talks with John Holm from Pyxera Global. In this episode he explores how public, private, and social sector organizations engage to address global challenges to solve the world’s biggest problems, including the low hanging fruit in circular transition. He also describes the circular cities model and zero waste communities (btw he LOVES waste pickers and is a huge advocate)! As cities embrace the concept of the circular economy by reducing the amount of waste and working to decouple economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, making it real and accessible for consumers becomes critical. We also discuss the lack of recycling infrastructure in the United States and how mayors can help influence circular models. How can we shift business to service contracts versus selling more products? We unpack a few examples and the benefits of using P-a-a-S (product as a service). Part 2 - Episode 29 explores "Sustainable Development & the SDGs, Have We Failed the Global Development Community with the Wrong Context, Womens Rights and Building an Equitable Society" Part 3 - Episode 30 explores "How to Frame and Lead the Business Case for Sustainability and Circular Economy, Ocean Plastics & PPE, and the Sea Change in Circular Products in Footwear & Apparel" Reach out, connect, learn more, and get started... Find John Holm, Pxyera Global at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnholm/ & https://www.pyxeraglobal.org/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

We are facing unprecedented social, economic, and environmental crises. We've lost many lives to COVID and as unemployment reaches new highs, businesses and supply chains must navigate a new, never normal world. The business as usual operating model of globalization versus localized/shorter supply chains, lowest price versus value, opportunity versus obligation has created the status quo. Is incremental improvement or doing things "less bad" actually helping or hurting business and our planet? How do we connect the dots and show leadership during crisis using circularity? In Episode 27, James George from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation discusses that COVID has accelerated conversations for circular economy. Two distinct groups are emerging: 1) those who've been disrupted and don't know where to go or where to start, and 2) the businesses who are successful are prioritizing doing things differently, innovation, doubling down on circular economy grounded in the business case for change including agility, supply assurance, and designing risk out of your supply chain. Supply chain resilience is critical and how do you ensure the right work gets done? Lastly, we debate how sustainability and circularity may not exist in the same sentence. Is optimizing for "less bad" the right pivot to navigate COVID and beyond? How do you get started? Find James George, EllenMacArthur Foundation at https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-george-20995b75/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

As competition intensifies, the need for creative thinking increases. It is no longer enough to do the same thing better. It’s no longer enough to be efficient and solve problems. There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns. (Edward de Bono) The concept of a circular economy is a hot topic in the midst of COVID, not only because of its positive social, environmental, financial impacts but also the assuring of supply, mitigation of raw material price fluctuation, reduction of waste, and innovative revenue streams. As circular design ambitions grow, current advances in technology have made it possible for companies like Lego and IKEA to lead the transition to a circular economy. Lego is answering this question: how do we use creativity and play to help children reimagine and rebuild the world? And how do we engage AFOLs (adult fans of Lego) for current design ideas? Technology alone cannot achieve CE at scale, so what role do humans and creativity play in the world achieving a true circular economy? In Episode 26, James George from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation describes the importance of purpose, leadership, courage and risk in the Circular Economy. Using concrete examples of ingenuity, technology, and the human experience, we unpack Lego’s Circular & Sustainable journey “RePlay”…inspiring bold moves through play, creativity, and powerful leadership. IKEA is solving the wicked problem of food waste using AI, process optimization, demand planning. They pilot circular disruption at the store level and iterate to scale. Want to learn more? This is the episode for you. Circular economy is an investment lever many companies are pulling to weather long term disruption and build sustainable supply chains. Human and creativity play a role in achieving innovation at scale to build a better, healthier planet and economy. How do you get started? Find James George, EllenMacArthur Foundation at https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-george-20995b75/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Global carbon dioxide emissions have increased by nearly 50 per cent since 1990, and 2019 was the warmest year on record. Climate change touches everything we do and for the 1st time, the World Economic Forum has named climate change as a leading risk facing business and our survival. Episode 25 discusses the Green Revolution and all its glorious, wicked, complexities. Climate action requires rapid changes that must take place in four key parts of society: energy generation, land use, consumer behavior, and industry. Tom Raftery, Global VP and SAP Innovation Evangelist joins Sheri Hinish, and both have a deep-rooted passion for sustainability and sustainable development. This episode touches on everything from SDG 13, to a comparison of renewable energy sources, how to build a green data center, why Google and Microsoft cloud environments are more sustainable than AWS, and the business case for transition to EVs (electric vehicles). What is the social cost of carbon? How do we trust businesses and suppliers to be sustainable in environmental stewardship? How can reporting and pricing carbon can reduce emissions and enable smarter planning in supply chains? According to conservation.org, the Price tag for climate change in the US is $ 140​ billion per year. This is what it would take to make the changes humanity needs to adapt to a warming world. It may sound like a lot, but it’s less than 0.2% of global GDP. And the cost will only increase the longer we take to act ambitiously. Supply Chains, technology, and Industry 4.0 are a conduit for climate action using environmental risk management, the cost of carbon, and understanding consumer behavior where shifts like purchaser-to-participant and “shades of green” meet the consumer in their green journey. There are natural climate pivots like the “flexitarian diet” and small behavior shifts that pay dividends. There is a fiscal argument for climate action that is unpacked in this episode, inlacing SAP’s new Climate 21 initiative. Climate change impacts natural and human systems globally through the increase globally averaged surface temperature, extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, rising sea levels and ocean acidification. These risks will ultimately impact people’s livelihoods, particularly marginalized groups such as women, children, and the elderly, as resources, food and water become more scarce. If you think about the SDGs, the lasting effects of climate change tied to SDG 13 makes it very difficult to achieve other goals. The green revolution starts with you. Learn more about how we can design a better future with zero waste, equality, and transition to carbon neutrality, and carbon negative solutions to unite people and our planet. This is a longer discussion than other episodes but worth the listen! Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Imagine a world where city and suburban agriculture takes the form of backyard, roof-top and balcony gardening, community gardening in vacant lots and parks, roadside urban fringe agriculture and livestock grazing in open space. From bio-walls, to edible landscapes, and “gardens-as-a-service,” the transition to a circular economy and sustainable world includes leveraging Urban Agriculture and regenerative farming techniques. In Episode 22 (Part 2 of the discussion), we explore the principles of regenerative agriculture in the circular transition, including the tension of going local, integrating food education in public schools, the benefits of urban agriculture and holistic design, the importance of communities in agriculture and circularity, and how you can get started in your journey rethinking food and food security. The revolution starts at the bottom. Learn more about how we can design a better future with zero waste, equality, and transition to soil-to-soil approaches to unite people and our planet. PS: This is the 2nd part of a long discussion. Part 1 is Episode 21, so if you haven’t listened to it yet it’s a good primer for this episode. It’s about 17 mins. Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

"If we are going to see real development in the world, then our best investment is women." (Desmond Tutu) The research is clear: when a women has the ability to take control of her destiny and make informed choices there are positive ripple effects on her family, her community and her country. Women drive 70-80% of all consumer purchases, so it also makes great business sense to build a solution that focuses on women. In Episode 20 we are joined with Joanna Bichsel, Microsoft software developer turned CEO of health tech start up Kasha, pioneering women’s e-commerce and consumer driven supply chain in East Africa. At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Joanna learned that women in Africa faced real challenges in buying sanitary pads and other basic health products. She thought, “Why not develop a e-commerce platform for women to buy affordable, high quality health products confidentially?” The idea for Kasha was born. This episode explores best practices in last mile delivery using mobile to deliver direct to consumer, discreetly, the consumer driven supply chain fueled by data and digital with the women in mind, using social media for market shaping, public private partnerships in working with governments to create access for people using technology, and empowering women to confidentially and affordably purchase the products they need to live their best lives. To learn more about Kasha, visit: http://www.kasha.co Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 19, we explore one of the most controversial materials in consumer packaged goods and first mile sustainability - palm oil. Palm oil is in over 50% of products on retail supermarket shelves (WWF). From Unilever, Kelloggs, PepsiCo, to other members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Sustainability and traceability are hot topics and front of mind in many CPG Supply Chains. Cameron Plese joins us from RSPO in one of our best discussions yet, to explore why palm oil is such an important topic. Provocative PoV on the impact of palm oil on the environment and economies, industry collaboration with CPG leaders like Proctor & Gamble (and their Smallholder Academy), Walmart (and Project Gigaton), Kelloggs advances in human rights, and Unilever's ongoing commitment to sustainability. Topics we cover include strategy in sourcing, policy and how to get started, technology in first mile sustainability including traceability, drones, and blockchain. If you ever wanted to learn about sustainability in sourcing, including smallholder farmer collaboration, this is a great episode. To learn more about RSPO and their North America Sustainable Palm Oil Virtual Conference on June 16-18, 2020, visit https://www.rspo.org/ Find the Supply Chain Queen and Circular Nomad at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 17, we explore many relevant and progressive topics in supply chain, manufacturing and building a world-class sustainability organization. Dr. Dirk Holbach, the CSCO and SVP of Henkel Home and Laundry Care, shares his PoV on navigating supply chain disruptions in dynamic, global markets using team diversity and a strategic force for resilience. We discuss the ever-changing requirements for supply chain talent and how to build supply chain leaders. He dives deep into talent management strategy, building internal competencies in digital transformation, and the importance of purpose, diversity, broad exposure, and responsibility to encourage employee engagement and retention. You’ll find an intriguing discussion on the “gate of responsibility” in life cycle impact analysis and how to build “pragmatic sustainability” in your organization where “we do what we say we can do", no greenwashing, no hype. Dr. Dirk explores Henkel’s journey working in the secondary plastics market, an adoption of circular economy. Lastly, he explores transitioning from technician to strategic leader offering career path insights for supply chain professionals. To learn more about Dr. Dirk Holbach, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dirk-holbach-0518891/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

For the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Episode 16 is all about digital waste! Digital waste has grown exponentially over the last decade as the storage of data, like e-mails, pictures, audio and video files have shifted to “the cloud". Guess what…the cloud is a physical place! Each day we generate more and more data and your digital footprint requires huge amounts of server space and energy. A part of any digital footprint may be described as digital waste. We explore this concept, what it is, where it happens in supply chain and technology decisions, and how you can help. Just think about all the data that you have created online that you no longer use. Almost everything we do online increases our carbon footprint. We share some fun facts about everyday scenarios that bring awareness to your digital carbon footprint and most importantly, easy tips you can use to live waste-free (or make a step in the right direction). Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Episode 15 is a provocative and timely topic for supply chain and STEM professionals around the world. As we enter conference season coupled with the transition to virtual events due to COVID19, the on-going persistence of all-male panels must stop. It’s time to cancel the MANEL! As eloquently described by Dr. Francis Collins, the diversity of bright and talented minds <in supply chain and STEM fields> has come a long way and our public engagements need to catch up. Breaking up the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) bias that is preventing women and other groups underrepresented in science from achieving their rightful place in scientific leadership must begin at the top. Creating new norms is a tough and challenging process. We hope this a helpful step to bring awareness to the MANEL and encouraging others to embrace diversity and inclusiveness at events and conferences. In this episode, you’ll hear why MANELS must STOP, why a level playing field with gender diversity is necessary, why being inclusive isn’t just about “inviting a women on a panel” or better yet “having a women moderate or interview the panel”. We describe changes in the supply chain workforce and population of recent graduates. Ageism and challenging traditional norms is a contentious task, but necessary to shift the status quo. Our hearts are in the right place during this difficult discussion. Women and members of underrepresented communities should also have an opportunity for speaking slots at high-level supply chain, STEM, and academic events and conferences. We urge you to take the panel pledge and draw the line by calling out actors who may unknowingly (or knowingly) participate in this stale and divisive tradition. To learn more about the MANEL pledge, visit: https://www.owen.org/pledge/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 14, we are joined by an EPIC REBEL who is the Head of XBOX safety and longtime Microsoft Supply Chain-er Angela Hession! The Future of Work is human and driven by experiences rooted in values and purpose. This provocative drink and learn turned interview explores talent, building teams, and the importance of diversity in the Value Economy. Listen as Angela explores many topics including why putting the customer first in everything you do is the key to building great products and supply chains to admire. In this episode, you’ll hear how to make the shift from old school to new school leadership; how getting to know a diverse group of people leads to a better understanding of yourself, and building better teams. This is particularly important as Angela describes how to acquire, inspire, and develop new graduates and a new workforce, a workforce with purpose who wants to have an impact on the world. We explore customer centricity at Microsoft and the importance of putting empathy at the center of everything you do and how to create lasting brand love. To learn more about Angela Hession and her impact, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-hession-a294ab17/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 13, we are joined by global futurist and innovation evangelist Tom Raftery…and with a twist! We are featured on HIS new “Women in Supply Chain” series, where he interviews the most high profile women in supply chain, tech, and digital. This was by far one of the most interesting conversations Deborah and Sheri have to date with broad concepts like hydroelectric, digital waste and connecting corporate sustainability to supply chain amidst COVID19 pressures. In this episode, we discuss how supply chains provide are the perfect conduit for transformation to circular and sustainable business models. We dive into connecting local communities where supply chains touch to the sustainable development goals. We talk cloud, inventory, digital supply chain, leadership, and Sheri gives a powerful message on why and how we can change the world, each of us. Tom also has a Digital Supply Chain Podcast, so be sure to check it out, subscribe and follow! To learn more about Tom Raftery and his impact, visit: https://tomraftery.com/category/digital-supply-chain/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 12, we explore thinking about supply chains outside of the box, where we can often get stuck in academic discussions. The impacts of supply chains can quickly shift to rights-based discussions. This is Part 2 of our lightning talk with Pretty Mubaiwa, PhD Public Law Candidate and UCT Regional Coordinator for the Africa Resource Center. Pretty works in disruptive supply chain to provide critical medicine, access, and care at the point of need. She specializes in international public law and women's rights. It’s time we expand our thinking around supply chain and how it’s a powerful conduit that can impact the lives of many, particularly the lives of women. How does supply chain best serve the people who need access the most…access to healthcare, medicine, sexual and reproductive health. Most of this access happens because of supply chains. In this episode, we discuss how supply chains provide access to human health as a basic right which involves translating rights from the United Nations to the individual communities who need critical supplies, stakeholder engagement in defining the future of humanitarian supply chains, and the amazing work happening at the Africa Resource Center. To learn more about Pretty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pretty-mubaiwa-b5917086/; to learn more about ARC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/africa-resource-centre/about/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 11, we explore humanitarian supply chains and international development. This is Part 1 of 2 lightning talks with Pretty Mubaiwa, PhD Public Law Candidate and UCT Regional Coordinator for the Africa Resource Center. Pretty works in disruptive supply chain to provide critical medicine, access, and care at the point of need. The mantra of this organization is African led, African inspired, and to improve lives of African people. International Development is an extremely complex environment. In many parts of the world, governments run humanitarian supply chains as a public service. Coordinating how the medicines are sourced, and working with donors and partners is often not well-coordinated. Problems start at the national level, and if the government doesn’t get it right, people lose their lives. In this episode, we discuss the donor relationship, central medical stores, working without a demand signal, impacts of cold chain on inventory management, the opportunity for network infrastructure and 3PL/last mile delivery, and how supply chain is an underdeveloped industry without education programs in place to support the people who need it the most. To learn more about Pretty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pretty-mubaiwa-b5917086/; to learn more about ARC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/africa-resource-centre/about/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Episode 7, Part 2 of our Lightening Talk with David Warrick, Global GM of Customer Logistics at Microsoft. In this episode, we explore principles of leadership styles and approaches, how to build productive supply chain teams, things to look for in acquiring and hiring top supply chain talent, why authenticity matters in your career, and how being a Rebel will help you succeed in supply chain, technology, and leading teams in the future of work. To learn more about David, please visit~> https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-warrick-2b617a3/ and check out Microsoft’s Intelligent Supply Chain~>https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/industry/manufacturing/intelligent-supply-chain?activetab=pillars%3aprimaryr4 Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Episode 6, Part 1 of our Lightening Talk with David Warrick, Global GM of Customer Logistics at Microsoft. The field of supply chain is growing and is much more than the traditional view of integrated purchasing, operations, and logistics. David unpacks how supply chains are evolving and how data and cognitive supply chains create an exciting time to be in supply chain, including Tim Cook’s rise to CEO of Apple. We are scientists, engineers, mathematicians, entrepreneurs, artists, and so much more! In this episode we discuss David’s journey in supply chain (which is actually a 2nd career), why supply chain is at a critical inflection point, the cognitive supply chain, and the importance of data, visibility, and the future of retail and demand planning. To learn more about David, please visit~> https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-warrick-2b617a3/ and check out Microsoft’s Intelligent Supply Chain~>https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/industry/manufacturing/intelligent-supply-chain?activetab=pillars%3aprimaryr4 Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 5, we have some fun discussing the importance of failure, why we need to eradicate the world of consultant speak (yes it’s a thing), AI in the future of work, the SDGs and why they matter in supply chain and technology. We dive into the paradigm of “wisdom from time and years experience” versus “wisdom from growth", including why disrupting change leads to professional development. We debate how to say finance and the Maryland dialect and why the Revolution may get “too hot for Linkedin”?!?Also, Deborah breaks down inventory management in Vegas and why Rebels must take risks to forge ahead. Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 4, we speak with Lauren Acoba live from Starbucks Headquarters. Lauren is a Senior Group Manager of Global Sourcing and Food Supply Chains implementing Starbucks recent regenerative sustainability goals. It’s not just about carbon-neutral, but restoring natural systems. In Episode 4, we discuss the shift in supply chains, how transparency and consumer trends are forcing the transition from black box to glass box. We dive into the paradigm of “old school leadership” versus "new-school styles", including two examples of new-school leaders at Starbucks. Also, Lauren describes why she considers herself a rebel and how she uses influence and change management in complex initiatives to deliver effective outcomes at scale in a large, global supply chain organization. To learn more about Lauren and Starbucks, please visit the links~> Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenacoba/. Starbucks: https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/sustainability Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 3, we speak with James George from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. We covered so much that we feature his discussion in a two-part series to learn more about the work he does, to dive deeper into circular concepts, supply chain transformation, network partnerships, and discuss transitioning toward a new global economy. A challenge can be getting inspired and getting started in circular and supply chain transformation. James is passionate about the circular transition and inspiring others in new ways of thinking about supply chain, materials, and technology. He engages opportunities across industries to help organizations connect with the right programs, platforms, and partners with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. In Episode 3, James discusses examples of circular business model successes happening right now, including Apple's transition to circular supply chains using product-as-a-service, and the future of mobility! This episode is packed with resources you can use in your own journey including where to find key collateral for your transformation in the domains of technology, innovation, digital, supply chain, material science, partnerships, culture, leadership, and being a REBEL! If you missed the part 1, visit Episode 2! It's all about new global leaders! It’s changing folks! James describes his journey, the types of leaders who are successful in transformation, and why rebels are essential in changing the world we share. To Learn more about James and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, please visit the links below: James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-george-20995b75/. EMF: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/ Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 2, we speak with James George from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in a two-part series. James is passionate about the circular transition and inspiring others in new ways of thinking about supply chain, materials, and technology. He engages opportunities across industries to help organizations connect with the right programs, platforms, and partners with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. This episode is all about new global leaders! It’s changing folks! James describes his journey, the types of leaders who are successful in transformation, and why rebels are essential in changing the world we share. Because we covered so much, we will feature his discussion in a two-part series to learn more about the work he does, to dive deeper into circular concepts, and discuss transitioning toward a new global economy. A challenge can be getting inspired and getting started in circular and supply chain transformation. In part 2 (Episode 3), James discusses examples of circular business model successes happening right now and resources you can use in your own journey. You won’t want to miss it! To Learn more about James and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, please visit the links below: James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-george-20995b75/ EMF: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/ Links to find us, connect, and explore: Website: https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/