Supply Chain Pioneers

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #automation #coordination #ai In this Supply Chain Pioneers episode, Ulf speaks with Nick Gospodinov, founder and CEO of Mandel AI, about his journey from starting to code at age 10 in Bulgaria to founding companies and building Mandel AI. Nick explains how Mandel acts as an AI supply chain coordinator by extracting key data from unstructured channels like email and Slack into systems of record, validating documents across RFQs, POs, confirmations, and invoices, and monitoring execution via agent functionality that follows SOPs and escalates issues. He shares lessons from early pivots after Y Combinator, why supply chains can fail over a single missed email, how agents can handle edge cases like tariff surcharges, and updates on Mandel’s $3.9M funding round. Nick also discusses building with Bulgarian engineering talent, scaling considerations, AI adoption challenges, and how martial arts shaped his persistence.   00:00 Podcast Intro 00:35 Meet Nick Gospodinov 01:20 Early Coding Origins 03:06 First Startup Spark 04:55 Pivot to Supply Chain 07:31 What Mandel AI Does 10:08 Funding and Market Momentum 11:17 Supply Chain Reality Check 14:44 Building from Bulgaria 19:07 AI Future and Adoption 25:09 Martial Arts Mindset 27:36 Closing and Where to Listen

#supplychain #logistics #procurement #podcast #thoughtleadership In this 50th episode of Supply Chain Pioneers, host Ulf welcomes Scott Luton of Supply Chain Now to discuss his career path from the U.S. Air Force into supply chain roles across manufacturing, distribution, consulting, and digital media. Scott shares takeaways from the Manifest conference, including the push and pull between point solutions and integrated ecosystems, more non-supply-chain technologists entering the field, the impact of geopolitics on innovation, and the importance of culture, leadership, and “fellowship over friction.” They explore key skills such as creating your own luck through networking, customer focus, accountability, and experimentation, plus Ulf’s lessons on operationalizing ideas and change management. Scott explains why he founded Supply Chain Now, his commitment to diverse voices, the meaning of National Supply Chain Day (April 29), and how technology should improve the workforce’s safety, quality of life, and balance. Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com/   00:00 Show Intro and Sponsor 00:35 Meet Scott Luton 01:36 Scott Background and Journey 02:42 Manifest Takeaways 06:33 Stumbling Into Supply Chain 09:45 Skills That Shaped Him 13:55 Olf Lessons and Change Management 18:05 Why Supply Chain Now Started 20:31 Platform Evolution 21:14 Active Listening Skills 22:48 Building Diverse Voices 27:15 National Supply Chain Day 28:42 Air Force Lessons 31:44 Future of Supply Chain Tech 35:01 Moonshine Supply Chain Story 38:19 Closing Thanks and Signoff

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #ai #diy In this episode of the Supply Chain Pioneers Nishith Rastogi, founder and CEO of Locus.sh, talks about his early start in programming, his work with AI and machine learning, and how AI has shifted from backend tools to front-end, human-facing systems.  Nishith discusses fears of AI replacing jobs, arguing that roles will change while growth continues, and explains why logistics appealed to him as a real-world, constraint-driven problem with human impact.  He outlines Locus.sh’s evolution from hyper-local last-mile routing to broader transport decision-making across surface, ocean, and air, serving CPG/FMCG, transportation, retail, and e-commerce.  He also shares how his leadership matured, Locus.sh’s partnership with IKEA’s Ingka Group, and his vision for Locus as a software factory expanding into hardware and robotics.   Locus.sh Website: Locus | End-to-End Logistics Solution for All-Mile Excellence Connect with Nishith on LinkedIn: (1) Nishith Rastogi | LinkedIn   00:00 Welcome and Sponsor 00:35 Meet Nishith Rastogi 01:42 Early Coding Origins 03:21 AI Then and Now 05:49 Will AI Replace Jobs 07:56 From Amazon to Logistics 09:15 The Human Side of Delivery 10:59 Building the Locus Platform 12:50 Who Locus Serves 14:42 Evolving as a CEO 17:01 IKEA Partnership Milestone 19:50 Future of Locus and Logistics 21:52 Final Lesson and Farewell

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #ai #technology #startup Join us in this episode of the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast with Stan Garber, co-founder and president of LevelPath. Discover Stan's exciting journey from high school entrepreneurship to revolutionizing procurement with AI-driven solutions. Learn about Stan's inspiring stories of multiple successful ventures, challenges, and the innovations behind LevelPath. Whether you're in procurement, supply chain management, or just an innovation enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of procurement. Don't miss it! Levelpath homepage: https://www.levelpath.com/ Follow Stan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stangarber/   00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast 00:35 Meet Stan Garber: Co-Founder and President of Levelpath 01:05 Stan's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 04:36 The Birth of Online Ordering with Onis 05:21 Challenges and Innovations in Online Ordering 10:14 Transition to Procurement: The Scout RFP Story 14:45 Founding Level Path: A New Era in Procurement 19:24 AI in Procurement: The Future with Level Path 21:18 AI in Sourcing and Contract Management 22:49 The Importance of Clean Data 25:07 Trust and Adoption of AI 29:32 AI's Role in Procurement Efficiency 33:56 Future Plans for Level Path 36:27 Market Trends and Predictions 38:10 The Intersection of Art and Procurement 40:32 Conclusion and Farewell

#procurement #logistics #supplychain #medicaldevice #biotech #hightech #ai #resilience Welcome to the latest episode of Supply Chain Pioneers with Kevin Nelson, Senior Operating partner and advisory board member at Bio Stream Medical Consulting. Kevin shares his 35 years of experience in procurement and supply chain, spanning high tech, biotechnology, and medical technology sectors. He discusses his accidental journey into procurement, his progression from operational roles to consulting at IBM, and his strategic insights in the med tech space. Kevin also highlights the transformative role of AI in procurement and supply chain, the importance of stakeholder relationships, and the evolving nature of leadership. Tune in to learn how embracing technology and fostering meaningful relationships can elevate the supply chain industry.   00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast 00:35 Meet Kevin Nelson: Career Overview 01:58 Falling into Procurement 03:31 Transition to Consulting 05:50 Finding Purpose in Life Sciences 07:23 Strategic Purchasing Insights 09:58 Leadership and Team Building 14:22 Embracing AI in Procurement 17:47 Future of Supply Chain Roles 20:53 Personal Insights and Conclusion

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #leadership #trust #change Welcome to the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast, in this episode Ulf talks with Jim DeVries, founder and managing partner of Enhanced International Group and Chief Strategy Officer of the Supply Chain Risk Management Consortium. Jim shares insights from his diverse career, from engineering to consulting, and discusses the importance of understanding supply chain risk management, the evolution of the field, and strategies for driving change within organizations. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the future of supply chain management, trust, and leadership. 00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast 00:35 Meet Jim DeVries: A Journey from Engineering to Consulting 01:10 Early Career Insights and Experiences 02:26 The Evolution of Supply Chain Risk Management 06:47 Sales Skills and Lean Six Sigma 11:00 Operational Excellence and Supply Chain Optimization 13:44 Joining the SCRM Consortium 17:47 Driving Supply Chain Risk Management Forward 22:38 The Reality of AI Project Failures 23:07 Discussing Risk in Business 26:59 The Future of Supply Chain Risk Management 30:05 Enabling Change in Organizations 36:05 Leadership and Personal Growth 39:02 Recommended Reading for Change Management 40:45 Conclusion and Farewell

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #ai #productivity #learning #development In this episode Jim McCullen, Chief Technology Officer of Century Supply Chain Solutions shares his journey of over 30 years in the supply chain industry, from starting in banking to becoming a CTO at Century. He dives into the intricacies of supply chain management, the challenges faced, and the technological innovations that are reshaping the landscape.   Jim discusses his book, 'Control Your Day', offering valuable Outlook management tips. Use the code "ULFTSC" to get free access to his Udemy Course to learn more about mastering Outlook: https://www.udemy.com/course/control-your-day/?srsltid=AfmBOoo8k_0tErz_WbLTX04CsEdGJWepGIJLm0WRFsNjftK_tBQkimYD   Learn also about AI applications in supply chain, the importance of clean data, and the future of logistics. Don't miss out on Jim's insights and practical advice.

#sustainability #esg #supplychain #procurement #logistics In this episode of the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast we feature Prof. Andreas, an academic and associate dean at the Copenhagen Business School, focusing on ESG and sustainability. Andreas shares his journey into sustainability, sparked by early ethical debates and significant events like Nike’s labor rights scandal and the Rana Plaza disaster. The discussion dives deep into the current EU sustainability regulations, the political influences affecting these laws, and the balance between economic interests and sustainability. Andreas also offers actionable advice for companies navigating these regulations and discusses the future of sustainability in supply chains. Tune in for insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of ESG and sustainability.   00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast 00:35 Meet Andrea: Academic and Sustainability Expert 01:57 Journey into ESG and Sustainability 06:26 Impact of EU Regulations on Sustainability 11:12 The Role of Companies in Sustainability 21:12 Future of Sustainability and Trade 25:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#supplychain #logistics #procurement #tms #wms #solutions #consulting #collaboration #talentdevelopment In this episode of Supply Chain Pioneers we feature Dominic Regan, Senior Director for Logistics Solutions at Oracle. Dominic shares his journey into the logistics industry starting from his early experiences with a family-owned transportation business to his current role at Oracle. The conversation covers the importance of understanding the root cause of logistics issues, the impact of technological advancements, and the significance of collaboration and the need for young talent in the industry. Dominic also shares anecdotes from his extensive career, including the acquisition of Glog by Oracle, and delves into the technology trends that are shaping the future of logistics. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the intricacies of supply chain management and the continuous innovation within the field. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:35 Guest Introduction: Dominic Regan from Oracle 01:41 Dominic's Journey into Logistics 05:10 The Passion for Logistics 08:53 The Oracle Acquisition of Glog 13:31 Challenges and Innovations in Logistics 29:51 Future of Logistics and Emerging Technologies 34:32 Closing Remarks and Hobbies 37:06 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #ai #continuity #risk #projectmanagement In this episode of the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast Sourcing Risk Manager at Kone, shares insights from his extensive career in project management, cost consulting, and supply chain risk management.   Aki discusses the transition from project management roles to supply chain management at Nokia Networks, and the essentials of cost management over cost control in effective company transformation. He elaborates on the importance of flexibility in complex supply chains, the significance of strong networks, and the role of analytical skills.   Furthermore, Aki emphasizes the impact of comprehensive training and education, advocating for offline, hands-on training for better engagement. The conversation highlights Kone's risk management strategies, including crisis simulations and business continuity planning, which proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Aki concludes by discussing the future focus on sub-tier supplier management and the nuanced role of photography in his professional life.   Unfortunately in this episode my video editing tool experienced some big issues. I tried to fix it as much as possible! Hope you can forgive me some of the quality issues and missing words, I really tried my best. It is a great and insightful episode.   00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:35 Guest Introduction: Aki from Kone 01:42 Early Career: Project Management and Cost Consulting 09:26 Transition to Supply Chain Management at Nokia Networks 13:08 Importance of Training and Education in Logistics 16:14 Pioneering Sourcing Risk Management at Kone 20:35 Navigating Challenges: From Cybersecurity to COVID-19 27:16 Future of Supply Chain Risk Management 28:15 Personal Insights: Photography and Attention to Detail 31:30 Conclusion and Farewell

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #podcast #ai #risk #sustainability Welcome to the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast. In this episode, host Ulf celebrates the podcast's two-year anniversary and shares the second part of the engaging Gartner sessions. Featuring Zera Zheng from Maersk and Tim Nelson from Hope for Justice, the discussions delve into topics like AI in supply chain, risk management, and efforts to combat forced labor. They talk about the key takeaways from the Gartner conference, including new AI applications for risk detection and business insights, and share updates on their innovative projects. Tune in for an insightful episode with industry leaders committed to innovation and justice in the supply chain arena. 00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast 00:35 Celebrating Two Years of Supply Chain Pioneers 01:44 Interview with Zera Zheng from Maersk 02:00 Gartner Conference Insights with Zera Zheng 03:14 New Product Launch by Maersk 07:11 Interview with Tim Nelson from Hope for Justice 08:48 Hope for Justice: Mission and Impact 14:08 Conclusion

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #risk #meteorology   In this special anniversary edition of the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast, host Ulf Venne brings on past guests to share their experiences at the Gartner conference. Nadine Kiratli-Schneider from Schaeffler Technology discusses her insights on combining people, processes, and technology for resilient supply chains. John Davis from Everstream Analytics introduces their innovative crop sourcing product. Tune in for valuable industry knowledge and a glimpse into the vibrant networking at Gartner.   00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast 00:35 Anniversary Edition Kickoff 01:47 Interview with Nadine Kiratli-Schneider from Shaeffler Technologies 02:52 Insights on Resilient Transport Supply Chains 05:25 Networking at the Gartner Conference 06:48 Interview with John Davis from Everstream Analytics 10:58 Exploring Barcelona: Tips for Gartner Attendees 13:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

#supplychain #warehouse #automation #podcast #logistics #procurement #ai #quality In this episode of the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast, host Ulf Venne is joined by Torben Schultze, Sales Director at Ranpak Automation. They discuss Torben's career journey from industrial engineering and quality management in the automotive sector to his current role in supply chain management with a focus on inter-logistics. Torben shares valuable insights on the importance of top-down quality management, the role of automation in modern warehousing, and the exciting advancements and challenges in the field. They also delve into Ranpak Automation’s innovative solutions such as automated packing machines, height-reducing machines, and the implications of new European regulations on packaging efficiency. Tune in for an enriching discussion on the future of supply chain technologies and the parallels between the fast-paced world of field hockey and supply chain dynamics. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:35 Meet Torben Schultze: Early Career and Sales Journey 02:14 Insights on Quality Management in Automotive Industry 04:09 Transition to Supply Chain Management 06:40 Ranpak Automation: Innovations and Products 10:25 Future Trends in Intralogistics and Automation 14:25 European Regulations and Their Impact 20:39 Hobby Question: Field Hockey and Supply Chain Management 22:37 Conclusion and Farewell

Welcome to a new episode of Supply Chain Pioneers! Join us as we dive deep into the world of supply chain analytics with Sunder Balakrishnan, Director of Supply Chain Analytics at LatentView. Sunder shares his journey from his roots in Mumbai, his experience across various industry verticals, and his passion for data-driven process improvements. Learn how Sunder navigated his career through roles at Infosys and PWC, his insights on the adoption of AI in supply chain management, and the exciting potential of agentic AI and digital twins. Additionally, Sunder discusses how human-centric decision-making augments AI solutions, making supply chains more resilient and efficient. Whether you're an industry expert or just curious about AI in supply chain, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Sundar's Background and Passion for Supply Chain 01:43 Early Career and Transition to Supply Chain Consulting 04:03 Process Engineering and Infosys Experience 08:08 Digital Strategy at PWC 15:12 AI and Machine Learning in Supply Chain 20:43 Current Role at LatentView 27:04 Future of AI in Supply Chain 33:40 Personal Interests and Conclusion

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #marketing #messaging #product #ai #risk #sustainability #compliance In this episode of Supply Chain Pioneers, host Ulf Venne speaks with Constantin Limberakis, founder and president of Liberis Consulting. Constantin discusses his extensive 20+ year career in the procurement and supply chain industry, starting from his days in technology implementation and consulting with Arthur Anderson. He shares insights into his passion for procurement, the evolution of supply chain management, and the importance of supplier management. Constantin also delves into his experiences in product marketing, the significance of understanding and effectively communicating a product's unique value, and the emerging technologies he's currently excited about, such as AI and quantum computing. Finally, he touches on historical events that have shaped global trade, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of supply chain management, innovative technologies, and effective market positioning. 00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast 00:39 Meet Constantin Limberakis 01:19 Constantin's Journey into Supply Chain Management 02:34 The Fascination with Procurement 05:07 The Role of Trust in Software Implementation 06:48 Career Transitions and Key Characteristics 10:23 Favorite Solutions in Supply Chain 11:57 Founding Liberis Consulting 13:41 Solving the Mousetrap Problem 14:17 The Importance of Founder's Messaging 14:29 Understanding Technology and Buzzwords 16:05 AI in Supply Chains by 2025 20:04 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Marketing 20:57 Emerging Technologies with Growth Potential 23:41 Historical Events Impacting Global Trade 25:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#supplychain #logistics #procurement #risk #resilience #sustainability #ai #leadership In this episode of Supply Chain Pioneers, hosted by Ulf Venne, we welcome Corey Rhades, CEO of Everstream Analytics. Corey shares his extensive journey in supply chain management, starting from his early days at K Line America to his current role at EverStream Analytics. The conversation traverses through Corey's experience in sales and operational logistics, his tenure at various tech companies in the supply chain space, and his insights into supply chain risk management. He also discusses the complexities and innovations in the industry, the impact of predictive analytics, and his vision for the future of supply chain risk intelligence. This engaging dialogue is a must-watch for anyone interested in the advancements and challenges within the supply chain sector. 00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers 00:38 Meet Corey Rhodes, CEO of EverStream 01:33 Corey's Journey in Supply Chain Management 04:19 Transition to Supply Chain Solutions 08:03 From Sales to Executive Management 13:27 Challenges and Successes at Inseo 18:15 Joining EverStream Analytics 26:58 Future of Supply Chain Risk Management 28:58 Closing Remarks and Podcast Outro

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #ai #risk #scrm #risk #change #transformation In this episode of Supply Chain Pioneers Greg Schlegel, founder of the Supply Chain Risk Consortium and co-author of the book 'Supply Chain Risk Management and Emerging Discipline.' talks supply chain. Greg shares his extensive experience in supply chain management and risk, detailing his journey from a practitioner to an academician. They discuss the evolution of supply chain risk management, the importance of integrating modern technologies like AI/ML, and the significance of culture in risk management. The conversation also delves into Greg's career shifts, IBM's innovative cycles, and practical steps for companies to improve their supply chain risk management within 90 days. 00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers 00:35 Meet Greg Schlegel: A Pioneer in Supply Chain Risk Management 02:44 Greg's Early Career and Motivation 04:07 Challenges in the Chemical Industry 08:28 Transition to IBM and New Skills 09:56 IBM's Go-to-Market Strategy and Alliance Building 13:48 The Evolution of Supply Chain Management 20:01 Greg's Transition to Academia 23:19 Surprising Insights from Teaching Supply Chain Risk 25:28 Developing the Supply Chain Management Assessment Tool 26:47 Founding the Supply Chain Risk Management Consortium 28:58 Consortium Growth and Activities 31:03 Challenges and Strategies in Supply Chain Risk Management 40:28 Future of Supply Chain Risk Management 43:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #risk #ai #transformation   In this episode of Supply Chain Pioneers, host Ulf welcomes guests Shehrina Kamal, David Shillingford, and Jon Bovit for the 'Family and Friends Edition'. The discussion dives into supply chain risks and innovations predicted for 2025. Topics include trade wars, severe weather, AI technology, sustainability, compliance, and the pivotal roles of supply chain and risk management. Tune in for insightful predictions and expert perspectives on transforming supply chains amidst a landscape of emerging challenges and opportunities. 00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers 00:39 Meet the Guests: Family and Friends Edition 01:32 Risks in Supply Chain 2025 08:05 The Role of AI in Supply Chains 15:05 Compliance and Sustainability in Supply Chains 24:40 Emerging Technologies in Supply Chain Management 28:17 Looking Forward to 2025 33:01 Conclusion and Farewell

#supplychain #logistics #procurement #risk #business #continuity  Welcome to the Supply Chain Pioneers Podcast. In this episode, host Ulf discusses with Zera Zheng, the Global Head of Business Resilience Consulting at Maersk. Zera shares her journey from studying business and economics to specializing in business resilience, detailing her diverse experiences across various roles. She sheds light on the importance of proactive risk management, the complexities of modern supply chain challenges, and the significance of breaking silos within organizations. Zera also talks about the evolving landscape of supply chain resilience and offers practical advice for businesses aiming to enhance their resilience strategies. Don't miss her insights on the interconnectedness of geopolitical risks, the necessity for alternative solutions, and the growing trend of leveraging external expertise for better risk management. 00:00 Introduction to Supply Chain Pioneers 00:35 Meet Zera Zheng: Global Head of Business Resilience at Maersk 01:38 Zera's Career Journey: From Business and Economics to Health and Safety 05:32 The Importance of Green Logistics 08:13 Building a Resilience Framework at Damco 13:44 The Role of Resilience in Modern Supply Chains 18:34 Mergers and New Opportunities at Maersk 22:02 Advising Clients on Risk Management 22:50 The Growing Importance of Supply Chain Resilience 29:47 Monitoring Supply Chain Risks: Insights from Zera Zheng 35:59 Art and Supply Chain Resilience: A Unique Perspective 39:38 Conclusion and Farewell

#supplychain #procurement #logistics #ai #risk #sustainability #compliance Welcome to a special holiday edition of the Supply Chain Pioneers podcast. In this episode, host Ulf Venne is joined by industry experts Dr. Nadine Kiratli-Schneider, Jon W. Hansen, and Jon Davis to reflect on the past year, share personal holiday stories, discuss the complexities and challenges in supply chain management, and offer predictions for the upcoming year. Tune in for engaging and fun discussions on the role of technology, the impact of global events, and insights into maintaining resilience in the ever-evolving world of supply chains. Don't miss the fun anecdotes, movie analogies, and favorite Christmas songs as they celebrate the holiday season. Subscribe and stay informed on the latest in supply chain innovation!