2 Babes Talk Supply Chain

Lalitha Rajagopalan talks about her career journey; the experience of founding her own business; her passion for equality; & what she loves about procurement.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [07.40] Lalitha’s early years, and how she went from a degree in economics to the world of procurement and supply chain. [10.20] Lalitha’s extensive education, and her ongoing commitment to curiosity. [12.45] Lalitha’s time at Ariba and SAP; her journey of moving through various functions in product management and marketing; and the big lessons she learned along the way. [17.37] The role of sponsorship and mentorship in Lalitha’s career progression; the culture at SAP and Ariba; and how, and why, Lalitha built her own personal ‘board of directors.’ [22.03] Why Lalitha chose to co-found her own company after a lengthy corporate career, and her experience of making the leap. [24.08] An overview of ORO – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [26.22] Lalitha’s self-confessed ‘procurement geek’ statu

Evan Shelley of Truck Parking Club talks about creating tech that truckers want to use; why the industry is tough for the small guys; & transforming trucking logistics. [06.49] Evan’s background in real estate, and how his experiences led him to found Truck Parking Club. [08.49] An overview of the current trucking landscape, and the challenges the industry is facing. [12.24] How The Truck Parking Club process works for truckers. [13.30] How Truck Parking Club utilizes networking to access and secure available parking locations. [16.43] How much land an owner needs to sign up to Truck Parking Club, and start monetizing empty and available space. [18.57] The development of the Truck Parking Club app, how it works, and why it was designed entirely with drivers in mind. [21.43] The impact that Truck Parking Club is having on truckers, businesses, and the industry. [24.42] The top three reasons why truckers need local parking; and how Truck Parking Club is evolving as drivers discover fresh ways to use the sol

Amy Leachman of Delivery Solutions talks about the brand & what they do; ecommerce & the importance of omnichannel; and provider and solution diversification. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [07.58] How, and why, the ecommerce market has evolved so rapidly over the last few years; and the landscape of the industry in 2024. “COVID really shaped or accelerated the business… the need for last mile delivery, and how we think about true retail operations and technologies, has really morphed over the last four years.” [11.13] The challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing in the current climate; and the importance of keeping a close eye on cost and control. “COVID rushed everyone to say ‘I need to integrate here, there and everywhere!’ So, looking at your tech stack, you then have 9, 10 different integrations for everything post-click. How do we simplify that – the cost and the maintenance it takes to uphold all of those API integrations – as well as keep the control?” [12.31] An overview of D

Jill Standish & Laurence Brenig-Jones join Sarah Godet of RELEX to discuss collaboration; surge buying and social media; & balancing cost with service. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [05.37] An introduction to today’s guests, Jill Standish of Accenture and Laurence Brenig-Jones of RELEX, and their roles. [07.20] An overview of an upcoming RELEX report, surveying retail and CPG leaders, that details the industry’s main challenges, opportunities and investment areas; and Jill and Laurence’s reactions to the initial findings. [10.58] Sarah, Jill and Laurence reflect on the rise in surge buying and the role of social media; how companies are starting to tackle these changes; and how the rise of generative AI fits in. [28.04] The guests reflect on the power of collaboration between supply chain partners and retailers; the growing importance of joint forecasting; and the impact this collaborative transparency can have on businesses, and the industry.

Dave Cox of Polaris Transportation Group talks about embracing change; the importance of relationships; cross-border complexity; & the power of digitization.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.38] How Polaris Transportation Group was founded 30 years ago, and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. [07.38] An overview of Polaris – what they do, and how they help their customers. [08.58] The ideal client for Polaris. [10.30] A closer look at how Polaris has expanded over the years, and the mindset at the forefront of that growth. [12.51] The importance of embracing change; and the challenges and priorities Polaris are seeing across the industry right now. [16.27] Polaris’ cross border services; the complex challenges in cross-border trade; the importance of digitization and strong relationships; and how these elements come together to deliver great experiences for Polaris customers. [19.48] A closer look at Polaris’ supply chain solutions, and how Polaris is utilizing transparency and honest communication

In this episode of the #LetsTalkSupplyChain Podcast, we discuss: [07.11] The early years of Pam’s career, and what she learned along the way. [09.23] Why Pam moved to Brazil, and how she tackled the challenges of living in a new country head-on.  [14.06] How a chance encounter led Pam to produce the very first Entrepreneur Week in Brazil and launch the Latam Founders Awards, which went on to become known as the ‘Oscars for Technology in Latin America.’ [18.21] The importance of breaking down the barriers between the corporate world and disruptive start-ups, and Pam’s advice for budding entrepreneurs looking to take the next step. [22.27] Why Pam embraced a global lifestyle, moving from Rio de Janeiro to San Paulo, and ultimately to Miami to join Lab Ventures. [25.58] How Pam’s ‘Future Of’ event series was acquired and became Manifest, and a closer look at the challenge of producing the very first event during a global pandemic. [29.01] From sponsorship to speaking topics, a peek behind the scenes of producing

Karin Bursa joins Christine Barnhart to launch Supply Chain Unfiltered & talk about industry challenges, bad ERPs & the importance of interoperability. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [09.25] An introduction to Karin Bursa, her long-time friendship with Christine, and her passion for supply chain tech. “I had a practitioner background, and I saw the opportunity for technology to make every day a little bit better… I wanted to be part of helping many companies, not just one, do that – and fell in love with supply chain technology!” [13.15] From innovation and challenges to geopolitical disruption, Karin and Christine discuss the current landscape of supply chain. “It’s a great time to be in supply chain! If you want to make an impact, you’re in the right domain.” “There’s some really cool stuff happening, but we have to get out of our own way. The biggest barrier to automation, innovation, visibility – is something called spreadsheets!” [20.36] An audience poll: “who’s company is currently doing an E

The panel discusses bias - where it comes from; how we call it out; the process of learning and unlearning; the impact of titles; & the top 5 workplaces biases.

Ryan Petersen talks about his entrepreneurial journey; the changes behind the scenes at Flexport; and what we can expect from them and the industry in 2024. [06.30] Ryan’s incredible founder journey, and the ‘why’ behind building Flexport. [09.17] How Ryan sold #logistics tech as an investment opportunity, bringing interest to the industry and raising over $2 billion worth of investment for Flexport to date. [11.27] The role of the press in the ups and downs of Flexport’s history; Ryan’s approach to publicity; and his proactive approach to using marketing to bring transparency to the industry. [14.47] From #acquisitions to internal re-structuring, a closer look at the big changes that have happened behind the scenes at Flexport over the last year. [18.21] Why Flexport acquired Shopify Logistics, and how it fits into Ryan’s vision for the future – particularly when it comes to growth and data. [25.45] The reason for the recent staff layoffs at Flexport, and why Ryan isn’t interested in bad press. [27.54] Why F

Lisa Dolan talks about her 26 year tenure at ALOM; how the industry has changed and the emerging trends to look out for; and why supply chain needs a re-brand. [08.36] Lisa’s career journey, and how her spirit of adventure led her from IT to manufacturing and supply chain. [09.58] An overview of ALOM and what they do; and the forward-thinking woman in supply chain that led Lisa to becoming one of the founding employees of ALOM 26 years ago. [15.15] Lisa’s 26-year career at ALOM, the different ways she’s touched the business, and her current role.  [17.29] The many and varied ways that the industry has changed throughout Lisa’s career so far. [ 23.51] From demand planning and inventory to #AI, the trends to look out for in 2024. [28.43] The varied job roles within supply chain, and why it’s so important to spread the word that there is a place for women in the #industry. [31.17] Lisa’s advice for women looking to build a career in supply chain. [34.10] Lisa’s advice to organizations that claim to struggle when

Yifat Baror & Padhu Raman of Osa Commerce talk about AI & data; the importance of collaboration, connectivity & communication; & the challenges with visibility. [07.11] An introduction to Yifat and Padhu, their backgrounds, and the experience they bring to Osa. [08.36] An introduction to Osa Commerce, what they do, and how they help their customers. [09.10] Why so many organizations are still struggling to achieve #visibility over their supply chains. [10.21] Why supply chain organizations are allegedly spending 3.1 trillion dollars on bad data, and how Osa is tackling those challenges by creating collaborative and connected environments for their clients. [11.46] From the difference between #proprietary and third-party data to accuracy, the biggest challenges with AI right now. [13.05] The importance of #connectivity, and why so many organizations don’t understand that it’s actually their first step to success. [14.03] The current concerns around #cybersecurity and organizations having too ma

Peter Cyr of OneRail talks about the final mile, its evolution, diversifying carrier networks, & how OneRail are helping customers to achieve 100% visibility. [07.05] An introduction to Peter, his background, and the transition that led him to #logistics technology. [08.44] An overview of OneRail, what they do, and how they help their customers. [09.06] The evolution of the final mile, and the three core factors that have helped to lead the industry to where it is now. [10.28] With research showing that most supply chain teams have only 6% visibility over their supply chains, the risks inherent in a lack of #visibility, and how the final mile is helping to move the needle. [11.10] What the final mile looks like now, what customers are demanding from retailers, and how those demands are shaping operational #strategies. [13.10] The different options available to customers, and why the big and bulky category is changing the last mile game. [14.46] How organizations should be evaluating their #partnerships an

The panel discusses preference vs. bias; the differences; the impacts; and the ways that we can tackle bias in ourselves and within our communities.

John Delligatti of SDI talks about data challenges, digital transformation, understanding KPI's and why SDI created its ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics 08.10] An introduction to John, his role at SDI, and a reminder of what SDI does and how they help their customers. [10.04] Some of the main challenges in supply chain data and why, as an industry, we may be making more progress than we think. [ 15.14] An overview of SDI’s Zeus technology, how it tackles some of the industry’s key challenges to give organizations power over their supply chains, and what makes it so different from other #technologies. [25.38] Why the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook is for all supply chainers, not just data analysts. [26.44] How a site manager should use the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook to enhance their job function and utilize the insights inside. [30.04] The importance of determining and setting relevant and meaningful #KPIs, and how the ZEUS Supply Chain Analytics Guidebook can help organizations on that journey. [

Dave Shrager of GAINS debunks supply chain myths & talks about the disconnect between tech & results, continuous change & why businesses need to find their why.  [07.13] An introduction to Dave, his background, and his role at GAINS. [09.06] Why many organizations are still struggling when it comes to investing in technology, and the ongoing challenge of finding the ‘why’. [11.09] A recent report claims that 83% of executives say their supply chain tech investments haven’t delivered the expected results; the disconnect between the technology available on the market and the outcomes it delivers; and why vendors have to share the blame. [15.09] The challenges of complex testing environments for smaller businesses; the importance of changing mindsets when it comes to transformation and what it means for your business; and why every organization needs to come back to the ‘why’. [20.14] Debunking ‘truths’ that supply chain professionals hold dear – from ‘desperately seeking certainty’ and why there are

Carmit Glik talks about swapping the corporate world for start-ups; leveling the playing field for SME’s; and how motherhood makes her a better leader.  [08.37] Carmit’s career journey and how she found supply chain. [12.04] An introduction to Ship4wd, Carmit’s role as CEO, and the brand's mission to level the playing field for SMEs. [13.38] The day-to-day challenges faced by small businesses, and how Ship4wd is leveraging #technology and customer service to help solve those issues. [22.06] Why Carmit transitioned from a large corporate to a small #tech brand, the differences and similarities between the two worlds, and why she’s so passionate about helping to create access and opportunity for SMEs. [26.16] Why Carmit chose to embrace global travel as part of her career, and how it’s changed her personally and professionally. [31.22] Carmit’s passion for supply chain, why it’s such a good career choice for young people, and her advice for anyone looking to enter the industry. [34.26] The #challenges that Carm

Igor Chigrin of Win Global discusses his DroneShip Project; its impact on sustainability; global transportation challenges; & the untapped potential in trade. [06.35] An introduction to Igor, his background, and how he came to establish Win Global. [09.01] An overview of Win Global – who they are, what they do, and how they help their clients. [11.45] The ideal client for Win Global. [12.13] An introduction to the DroneShip Project, and its objectives for the industry. [15.27] How Igor pitched DroneShip, and secured #collaboration and funding from the University of Toronto and the Canadian Government, to turn his #innovative idea into reality. [18.47] From safety and AI to fuel, a closer look at how DroneShip technology will work. [22.14] An overview of the current, and historic, issues and challenges faced by the international #transportation industry. [ 25.56] The opportunities, and untapped market potential, within the international transportation industry. [27.55] How DroneShip technology will start t

Audrey Ross and Sarah Barnes-Humphrey talk about New Year disruptions; high-tech wearables; sustainable resolutions; and how trade finance can empower women.

The panel discusses doing good - personal vs corporate responsibility; the line between people and profit; & how organizations can create a positive impact.

Jeff Metersky talks about decisioning; the risks in using your gut; embracing a VUCA world; and why GAINS is putting a focus on configuration and optimization. [06.35] An introduction to Igor, his background, and how he came to establish Win Global. [09.01] An overview of Win Global – who they are, what they do, and how they help their clients. [11.45] The ideal client for Win Global.  [12.13] An introduction to the DroneShip Project, and its objectives for the industry. [15.27] How Igor pitched DroneShip, and secured #collaboration and funding from the University of Toronto and the Canadian Government, to turn his #innovative idea into reality. [18.47] From safety and AI to fuel, a closer look at how DroneShip technology will work. [22.14] An overview of the current, and historic, issues and challenges faced by the international #transportation industry. [25.56] The opportunities, and untapped market potential, within the international transportation industry. [27.55] How DroneShip technology will start to a