2 Babes Talk Supply Chain

Jeremy Reeves of Relish & Matt Montgomery of SAP talk about how technology can automate supplier data validation and mitigate risk; our data end games; & AI.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.15] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. [08.59] An overview of the landscape of supplier data and the challenges of validation. “Supplier management needs to be thought of as the foundation for everything. It’s the knowledge that you need to have for every single decision you’re making.” “As we look at solutions and talk about supplier data, we can’t just talk about ‘company name and address.’ We have to think: What do you need to know to make the choice to use that supplier, to make a better decision, to streamline processes? … How do you collaborate and drive efficiency so you can spend more time on the good decisions versus data collection?” [13.25] The supplier data end game – what supplier data should look like, and what it should do for their businesses, if organizations have the right solu

Thomas Bagge of DCSA & Thomas Morris of FINN Partners talk about digitalization in container shipping; drivers & barriers to change; and progress & priorities.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.45] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. “DCSA aims to help digitalize and make container shipping more effective. We’re open source and vendor neutral… and our members represent about 75% of the world’s containerized capacity.” [10.13] An overview of DCSA’s new state of the industry report: what it’s about, why they commissioned it, and what they’re aiming to achieve. “Decision makers are strongly advocating for more digital tools, more interoperability – they want to improve efficiency… So how do we convert these demands into firm commitments that will help drive digitalization forward?” [13.41] A closer look at the methodology and analytics that were used in the creation of the report. “We’re excited. Given the amount of ground we’ve covered, and the amount of research we’ve done – we th

Josephine Coombe talks about her career journey; how marketing has changed; work/life balance; & why it’s never been a more exciting time to be in supply chain.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.26] Josephine’s career journey; her transition from the arts to technology and supply chain; and why embracing ambiguity is a good thing. “I wouldn’t say my career was planned, or at least the first half was more serendipity than planning. But, around halfway through, I started being much more deliberate about where I was going as a professional. And, particularly for young women, allowing a little bit of the unexpected can take you down paths that are very positive.” [08.49] How marketing has changed over the course of Josephine’s career; why it’s vital to bring creativity and analytics together; and why data isn’t everything when it comes to marketing. “It’s been a very interesting time to see the shifts in marketing. Back then marketing was, to some extent, more of an arts discipline… And it’s changed dramati

Larry Cuddy of Lynxis talks about transforming terminal operations; consolidating solutions; & his vision for the landside logistics facilities of tomorrow.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [05.39] Larry’s career journey and unrivalled passion for supply chain. “My journey is so special because I love what I do. I have to pinch myself, because it’s really not a job for me… This journey started at five or six years old in a truck with my grandfather.” [08.53] An overview of Lynxis – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re designing a platform for the asset owner and the operator, and there are three things that are core to that: how do you move cargo; how do you do it in less space; and how do you reduce your operating costs? And the common denominator is optimizing terminals.” [12.35] The ideal client for Lynxis. [14.24] The biggest challenges currently faced by cargo terminals and landside logistics facilities, and Lynxis’ approach to tackling them. “Yes: tech is importa

Ryan Zelhofer of Assent talks about PFAS management & evolving regulations; understanding risk; working with suppliers; & compliance as a competitive advantage.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.35] An overview of Assent – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re a SaaS company, with a flair of personal touch!” [07.31] The ever-changing regulatory landscape, specifically through the lens of PFAS, and the challenges it’s presenting for businesses. “You’re seeing a flurry of activity in the U.S. alone, and each state has it’s own twist to the regulations… Companies are having to prepare for a federal reporting requirement, but they’re also having to keep a close eye on each state level.” “For a lot of people, this isn’t their full-time job. They probably have a more traditional supply chain responsibility, and someone came along with a hat and said: “Wear this too!” So selecting a good partner in that journey is very important; having regulatory experts in your back pocket

Kiran Mann talks about her career journey; her experience in the male-dominated auto industry; & why she left the corporate world to found her own business.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.20] Kiran’s early years, and how an unexpected opportunity led her to a successful career in automotive and manufacturing. “It was a temporary situation that turned into 22 years! It felt like home. At some point I forgot about fashion designing, and became a full-time professional in automotive and manufacturing!” [09.49] From viewing challenges as opportunities to setting an example for other immigrants, the things Kiran is most proud of across her career, and what she’s learned along the way. “At the time, it felt normal. We all look for where we fit in, for opportunities, we grow. But, looking back now, it gives me a different feeling. A feeling of pride, a sense of accomplishment… who am I today is what I went through and what I learned.” [16.41] Kiran’s experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry; and h

Evan Smith of Altana talks about his mission to fix globalization; the role of AI in making data actionable; & the changing face of supply chain visibility.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.59] Evan’s early fascination with global issues, and how that curiosity, combined with his unwavering work ethic, ignited a passion that has driven his career and led him to co-found Altana. “I was kind of a weird kid, focused on big global issues – I actually wrote my high school senior thesis on the impending collapse of globalization… I was really curious about how the world works.” [11.07] From geopolitical consequences to environmental and social impacts, how globalization has gone wrong; and Altana’s mission to fix it. “The side effects, and unintended consequences of globalization, have resulted in its demise.” [17.30] Exactly what a value chain is; an overview of Altana and what they do; and how Altana’s Value Chain Management System is helping them to work towards a vision of better global commerce for ever

Eric Johnson of LogTech Live talks about the new FMC detention and demurrage billing rules - the changes, challenges & what they mean for businesses.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.58] The latest from Eric – an update from Home Delivery World, two upcoming events, and how to get involved with the Blended Pledge. “Remember when everyone said ‘when the pandemic is over, everything will slow down’ – it didn’t, it never slows down!” [11.52] The big industry news of the week. “Now we’ve had Convoy and Transfix, within 6 months of each other, become defunct as brokerage brands… A lot of people are talking about whether the digital brokerage model worked on its own (as it was pitched to VC’s a decade ago).” [17.31] An introduction to Eric’s guest, Alexandra Griffon, and her company BlueCargo. “Historically truckers and drayage providers were the ones risking the per diem, detention, and demurrage costs, but this has changed. Shippers want to internalize this cost, and have control… Between 2020 and 2022,

Bill Catania of OneRail talks about inventory, visibility & shrinkage; empowering customers by normalizing data; & optimizing customer experience.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.07] An overview of OneRail, what they do, and how they help their customers. “Don’t ever think of us like a parcel shipping solution! What we’re doing is delivering in localized markets – think about turning a store into a warehouse, turning a warehouse into a localized delivery zone.” [07.52] The latest at OneRail, and some of the big challenges they’re focusing on right now. “These days, you can’t hear an earnings call from a retailer without hearing about product shrinkage – and about 65% of that is theft.” [08.38] Why inventory, visibility, and shrinkage – particularly related to theft – is a growing concern for retailers. “It was easy when it was single-channel commerce. But now there’s so many different channels, so many different shipping options – customers have demands they didn’t have before. When product start

Jon Phillips of Newage Software and Solutions & Chuck Simmons of E-Freight Solutions talk about collaboration, developing new software, & helping SME's compete.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.51] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. [08.33] How, and why, Newage was founded, and its evolution over the years. “Our view has always been that a customer is looking for a forwarder to be their solution across multiple modes and activities – so how do we enable that?” [13.27] Newage’s varied client base, and how their tools are helping small and mid-size companies to keep up in a competitive market. “Our goal is to provide those enablement solutions to the small and mid-size forwarders that have always viewed them as unachievable.” [15.14] The early days of Newage and E-Freight’s partnership; and how they decided that Newage was the right partner for them. [16.27] Newage’s wide range of products and services. [19.19] The big challenges Newage is helping customers tackle with their soluti

Ann Marie Jonkman of Blue Yonder talks about using tech to solve labor challenges; empowering teams & organizations to fulfill potential; & future supply chains. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.42] An introduction to Blue Yonder, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re your technology partner… if you want new innovation, advice on reducing your labor cost, reducing your tech stack debt… we have the chops and vision to execute with you.” [09.19] The ideal client for Blue Yonder. “Our clients are looking for innovation and differentiation; in this volatile market, they’re looking to reduce costs… and they’re looking for a partner.” [13.02] The current landscape of supply chain, and the biggest challenges faced by Blue Yonder customers. “2024 has been a slow recovery. When you look at transportation, post-pandemic, there was a lot of excess capacity… Now volume is down, we have a lot of healthy competition, and shippers were smart – they locked in rates… So people are looking to incre

Ryan Walicki & Matt Montgomery talk about supplier management - data challenges; complex tech; taking a proactive approach to risk; & the potential of AI.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [06.43] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. “I completely nerd out about supplier management and third-party risk!” [09.02] From collection and validation to ongoing maintenance, the current processes and challenges of supplier management. “You’d think it was simple… but, in reality, suppliers get asked by a lot of customers to provide data in any number of ways – portals, emails, forms – and if you’re a big supplier, it can be thousands of different ways that you’re transmitting that information, through lots of different people and functions.” “Big organizations use supplier information differently – in sourcing, contracting, supply chain, finance – and all of a sudden there’s multiple versions of this supplier that exists.” [15.26] A closer look at the DNA of a supplier profile, and the importance of ha

Evin Sisemore talks about founding a business alongside her husband; navigating its acquisition; how sales have evolved; & supporting women in supply chain.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.47] Evin’s career journey, and how she found supply chain. “I ended up taking a job and falling in love with it. We always joke, ‘Don’t ever burn any bridges in this industry’ because, once you’re in it, you’re hooked!” [09.22] Why Evin decided to found her own business, Texas Motive Solutions, in 2018; and her advice for budding entrepreneurs. “The reason we were so successful is because we had an amazing team. I would never go into anything without having the best people surrounding me.” [12.52] Evin’s experience founding a business with her husband, and how they achieved a work/life balance whilst living and working so closely together. “My husband is my biggest cheerleader, but he will also push me more than anyone else to be better.” [16.29] How Evin navigated the acquisition of Texas Motive Solutions by Concen

Dwayne Johnson talks about SCI; Section 321 & the rise of borderless e-commerce; & why a well-designed cross-border supply chain can be a competitive advantage. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.45] An introduction to SCI, what they do, and how they help their customers. “Everybody is competing for customers, so it’s important to build a model where the shipping is sustainable, but so is the cost.” [09.15] The ideal client for SCI. [11.09] The changing face of the logistics industry, and why embracing that change is so important. “We, as consumers, are driving the change. Who thought it would take a few days to get something from Asia? Supply chain is changing every day.” [14.10] A closer look at the landscape of logistics, the key challenges and opportunities, and why consumer mindsets are shifting. “Amazon has changed the way we, as consumers, think… but it’s starting to shift – and consumers are thinking ‘do I really need this straight away?’” [18.25] The rise of borderless ecommerce, and how SCI

Martin Hespeler & Graham Burford talk about warehouse management; challenges & opportunities; & how tech is helping logistics providers navigate market forces.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [08.21] Introductions to Martin and Graham, and their roles at CargoWise and AWA Logistics. [09.54] The traditional approach to warehousing and how, and why, that approach has evolved. “The traditional methods are in the rear-view mirror, and we’re moving quite quickly with technology.” “In years past, people would ask ‘how do I reduce my labor cost?’… Since the pandemic, the conversation has shifted dramatically to ‘how do I optimize?’ because labor is not readily available anymore.” [13.10] How the pandemic, and other disruptions, have driven change; and a closer look at the current logistics and warehouse management environment. “The industry has changed, but the labor force has also changed, and that’s the biggest thing we’re seeing with automation. We’re being driven by the labor.” [15.38] The biggest ch

Neil Clover talks about bridging the digital divide; design thinking; the challenges of integrating new tech; & empowering workers by simplifying solutions.    [07.09] Neil’s journey through the world of tech; his reflections on what’s changed and what he’s learned; and why we all need to focus on the art of simplicity. “There’s a lack of simplicity, a lack of elegance… and technology gives us the ability to overcomplicate things – on steroids!” [13.05] Why supply chain is still about people, despite technological advancements; and Neil’s vision for integrating technology with human potential in supply chains. “We have to think of technology as just another tool. When forklifts were introduced, they didn’t replace the people – they augmented the people… There are a lot of repetitive things that machines are built for, but people are the glue, the purpose. You can do a lot of things to a machine, but you can’t put passion into it.” [15.35] The power of design thinking, and how it’s influencing SDI’s approa

Julie Tilenius discusses her career journey; the importance of building skills by trying new things; how the industry has changed; & her biggest achievements.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [08.57] Julie’s early years; how her father’s career ignited a passion for finance; and the job that laid the foundations for her future career path. “I was so fortunate that my first job out of college was for KPMG… working there exposed me to so many industries and different business models.... That was really the stepping stone for my career.” [11.30] How a personal tragedy drove a career change for Julie, and led her to supply chain. “Here I am, a 25-year-old female, going to work for an industrial tool distributor!... But, little did I know, that was going to be the beginning of something amazing for my career.” [13.46] The many and varied roles that Julie experienced during her time at MSC and the importance of trying new things; how she was able to move through disciplines within the business; and her advic

Krenar Komoni talks about Tive; understanding the condition, as well as location, of shipments; sustainability; and why every shipment matters. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.19] Krenar’s education, his passion for start-ups, and the career journey that led him from space stations, chips, and wireless to founding Tive. “I’ve always worked for start-ups since I was a kid… I fell in love with this idea that you can build something out of nothing.” [12.13] An overview of Tive – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We make sure our customers have the least amount of shipping problems as they can!” [13.42] The ideal client for Tive. [18.08] From theft to compliance, the biggest logistics challenges currently faced by Tive customers. “Theft is huge right now in the market… just with one company, every week we’re catching two or three events.” [20.57] Visibility – what it means to Tive, and why it’s so important that we recognize its value and translate that into effective supply chai

Ryan Walicki of Relish talks about why enterprise solutions rarely cover all bases; the rise of AI; & the importance of collaboration & customer experience. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.28] The story behind the brand name Relish. “While I’m more of a mustard and ketchup guy personally (!), Relish just really stood out to us – a word that can create certain emotions.” [09.02] Ryan’s background, his love of procurement, and his journey to co-founding Relish. “I fell in love with it… I watched the perception of procurement go from ‘people who buy stuff’ to a strategic function, from analytics and sourcing all the way through invoicing and payment.” [11.53] An overview of Relish – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We’re trying to meet users where they are. A lot of users have succumbed to “I’ll just create a workaround” or “Excel can do that for me”… Enough of that!! You should expect more, you should demand more from your enterprise software.” [15.37] The ideal client

Stephen Dascoli & Vincent Lacopella talk about cross-border ecommerce - the challenges & opportunities; the importance of technology; and market growth.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.24] Introductions to Stephen and Vincent, and their roles at CargoWise and Alba Wheels Up. [09.58] The rapid rise in ecommerce, and the factors driving its international growth. “As consumers, we want convenience. You can compare prices, it’s cheap… cross-border ecommerce is going to continue to grow.” [11.54] The impressive growth rate we can expect in ecommerce, and what that growth means for the industry and the different players within it. “The pandemic saw some changes in the way ecommerce was shipped… with more growth comes more opportunities for forwarders, but also more challenges.” [15.04] From compliance and regulations to capacity, the big challenges posed by cross-border ecommerce growth and how they’re affecting the B2B supply chain. “Surging B2C commerce is going to continue to put pressure on sma