Logistics Collective - The Podcast

In this podcast, we explore the world of robotics and AI with Michel Spruijt. As president of Brain Corp International, Michel is responsible for all partner support, team expansion, and the oversight of general operations in EMEA, APAC, and LATAM. His role involves driving business development across key markets, fostering collaboration with industry leaders, and pushing the boundaries of what AI-powered technology can achieve. He is particularly interested in how automation can improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and bring transformative innovations to the industries we serve. Brain Corp is a privately held company that develops AI software and autonomy platforms for robots. Their flagship product, BrainOS, is used by global partners to build, deploy, and support autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in commercial spaces. Brain Corp's AMRs are used in a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, and hospitality. Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Michel Spruijt⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-spruijt-74a0b03/ Brain Corp International - https://www.braincorp.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

In our latest episode we speak to Colby Varley - Vice President of Sales - Principal for Advanced Transportation Services Inc (ATS). We explore the history of Colby's career and spend time understanding how an asset-light transportation business works, delivering fresh produce from their home base of Salinas, California, to the rest of the USA. It was fascinating to understand the key strength of working with a medium-sized business versus the larger logistics service providers, with a key difference in the personal investment and commitment to service excellence by the team at ATS. So, from the salad bowl of America to the plates of consumers all across the USA, this is a fascinating business with a young and greatly motivated leader at the helm.  Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Colby Varley⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-varley-5ba57a69/ ⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

Welcome to our latest podcast from the Logistics Collective, we present another in the ALAS! with Keith Holdsworth of Perfection Group. In this episode, we ask, "Can our Logistics Providers survive and prosper with only achieving a single % figure EBITDA?".   We discuss the commoditisation of the logistics market, the benefits of added value services, the ability to optimise to further profit. There is expressed certainty that Logistics Providers are not making sufficient profit and we examine what we believe are the root causes and what might be some solutions that could help. There are thoughts on how Logistics Providers win business and perhaps the missed opportunity of collaboration within the businesses they have. Both of us have a huge amount of respect for the work all of our Logistics Providers do, our discussion comes from a core desire to help drive a positive difference to the industry. If the industry is to meet the challenge of sustainability in an ever more service and channel-diverse market - the industry needs to be allowed to profit to allow it to invest. Our conclusion is that the Logistics Providers need to dare to challenge existing conventions and take a fresh approach. How? Well, you'll have to listen to the podcast to find out! #alas #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: ⁠⁠Keith Holdsworth⁠⁠ – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-holdsworth/ ⁠⁠Logistics Collective – The Podcast⁠⁠ – https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

In this podcast, we interview Philip Roe, President of Logistics UK is the largest trade association representing logistics business of all modes across the UK & Ireland. In addition, Philip is a Board Director of the CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport). Prior to this, Philip had senior (to C-suite) roles in both DHL and TDG. In this episode, Philip speaks to the work that Logistics UK carries out and alerts us to the fantastic role that the logistics industry could have in supporting the growth and development of all business in the UK & Ireland. We touch on how to make the logistics industry a first choice for people considering a career and also how Logistics UK (in partnership with other logistics trade associations) is trying to influence the UK Government to take a more coordinated approach to its management of this critical business sector. The “battle for talent” is discussed with the conclusion that we need a diverse mindset to attract the world-class skills and talent we need in the industry. It’s a broad-ranging conversation including highlights of the activities of “Generation Logistics” with more than 50 industry sponsors designed to get younger people aware of the enormous potential of a career within the logistics industry. Additionally, we shoot the breeze on whether coastal shipping could be a game changer for distribution in the UK, and think about the changes needed in the information systems to drive the journey to net zero. We conclude by discussing how sustainability may offer opportunities for the logistics industry to be better regarded and more profitable. For the value that the logistics industry provides the profits are very thin. Despite this, Philip is really optimistic for the future of the logistics industry in the UK as its importance is simply becoming more broadly understood. Links:  ⁠⁠ LOGISTICS UK⁠⁠ - https://logistics.org.uk/ ⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

In this podcast, we revisit Richard Smith of the RHA, who kindly offered to be the first person interviewed on this channel nearly two and a half years ago. There is much to catch up on with regard to the developments in the industry, most concerningly around the increasing numbers of hauliers that are sadly failing financially. We look to the future, and it was great to hear that several professional trade bodies in the logistics sector are beginning to collaborate and seek to influence the UK Government. We moved on to discuss sustainability and how we might design trucks that attract more drivers into the industry, and I left Richard with a challenge! I see the work of our professional trade bodies as highly valuable; the majority I have spoken to are truly connected with their membership at all levels. Richard demonstrates that he is a passionate advocate for the industry.  Links:  ⁠Road Haulage Association⁠ - https://www.rha.uk.net ⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠Loguru Ltd

The final episode of this trilogy on Retail & Supply Chain Technology examines the possibilities of the future. It encompasses the growth of the circular economy and how the democratisation of RFID through both price reduction and Digital Product Passports could catalyse the growth of new industries. There are a few rants on "greenwashing" and "dumb Transport Management Systems", but there is also blue sky thinking on how the homes we live in could be so much more intelligent, more cost-effective and sustainable - and this is a current missed opportunity that could really help the consumer and the retail sector. We also speak of "sociopathic retail" and "sustainable provenance" and how we need to realise the trapped value in the clutter stored in our homes.    We conclude that for us to meet the challenge of the future, we need to develop "superhuman" questions to drive the huge capabilities in even current technology. The final thought is asking: "Why don't we change the focus of digitalisation to benefit the many and not the few?"   We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording the podcast. #rfid #digitalproductpassports #asreader #digitalsuspplychain #retail #retailtechnology #logisticscollective #logurultd Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Mark Tailford⁠⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tailford-7964a77/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://loguru.co.uk/

In this episode, we continue the story of Mark Tailford and his entertaining and entrepreneurial journey in innovation. We focus on the more recent past and into the present, including the radical changes he drove in the world of retail. There's a little more name-dropping (John Lewis, Matalan, Morrisons, etc.). There's a Scandinavian sojourn to Finland and some world-first development of technology that resulted in a double-figure %  increase in sales and a reduction in shrinkage within retail stores. We finish with how a car crash landed Mark with a fantastic new deal with a retailer! The third and final episode (coming in two weeks) will explore the future and the miraculous potential of RFID.  #rfid #digitalproductpassports #asreader #digitalsuspplychain #retail #retailtechnology #logisticscollective #logurultd Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Mark Tailford⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tailford-7964a77/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://loguru.co.uk/

This interview is a milestone for us in a couple of ways. Firstly, this is the first podcast that has no script guidance (we always have an outline script to understand what we are covering), so this is a bit of a freer conversation than normal. Secondly, and most importantly, we are talking to Mark Tailford, who is simply one of the architects of retail supply chain visibility and has an amazing story to tell. A huge number of names are dropped throughout these podcasts, not in any boastful way; it simply means that Mark has met so many people in retail leadership.  We have three episodes, one focusing on the past and the origins of Mark's thinking, and episode 2 covers the recent past and present day. We conclude with a more extended 3rd episode that focuses on the future, encompassing the fascinating challenge and opportunities of digital product passports - your supply chain world is about to radically change. It impacts everything.  So, let's start with Mark's origins—not quite in short trousers, but with a full head of hair and a Triumph Spitfire! #rfid #digitalproductpassports #asreader #digitalsuspplychain #retail #retailtechnology #logisticscollective #logurultd Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Mark Tailford - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tailford-7964a77/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd⁠⁠⁠ - https://loguru.co.uk/

Welcome to the second episode of our podcasts with the legend that is Jim Tompkins. In this episode, we go from the chaos of "whack-a-mole" through toilet paper (!) during the recent pandemic, climate change, and disruption of world trade but then hit the calmer seas of finding out who inspired Jim by underscoring his work and how he found out that life is just not fair. We discuss the wisdom of "one size fits one" and ask and answer the question as to whether businesses today have sufficient options to survive and thrive - Jim's perceptive view of the need for "Optionality". All of this is spiced up with Human Intelligence, AI, SETI and what we do to prevent Luddism. Jim is inspiring and very much deserving of respect, 5 decades of business excellence, thought provocation, author, and thought leader but most of all, a damned nice and interesting guy to talk to that still works to change and improve the world of supply chain. Simply, a legend in his own lifetime.  Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jim Tompkins⁠⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd⁠⁠ - https://loguru.co.uk/

Welcome to Season 3 of Logistics Collective – The Podcast. We start with a legend of supply chain. A thought-leading academic, serial entrepreneur, author (31 books published so far) and most of all thought leader in business and supply chain. Our interviewee has helped businesses globally define their future and is still defining the future of supply chain after 5 decades engaged in the industry.   Most of all, our interviewee is engaging, friendly, and very much a family man. We are so very proud to introduce Dr. James Tompkins, or perhaps more simply Jim Tompkins. Out of one conversation, we realised that a single episode was not enough! So, please find the first of two episodes talking to Jim. As with all thought leaders, Jim is clear, approachable, engaging, and humble. Learn what has driven, and continues to drive Jim. Links:⁠Jim Tompkins⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd⁠ - https://loguru.co.uk/

Welcome to the final podcast from the Logistics Collective in 2023. It has certainly been a busy year in the land of podcasting for us, with a significant increase in both output and audience. In this episode, we hear the fascinating story of an innovation award-winning entrepreneur that together with her husband set their sights on saving people's lives which has resulted in building a business that has grown to sell its Yorkshire manufactured products across global markets. So, look forward to getting to know Sarah Scaife, a self-made entrepreneur and businessperson, with a passion for safety and well-being. Sarah is a Director at NuVech Solutions who provides driver and cyclist safety systems to help identify risk and improve safety for all. Prior to her Directorship, Sarah's work honed her analytical and problem-solving skills needed in business and innovation, and as a proud autistic person, is able to champion the cause for diversity. Links: ⁠⁠⁠Sara Scaife ⁠⁠⁠⁠- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-scaife-085660171/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

Welcome to the 4th and final episode of Old Dogs, and in this episode we turn to prophecy and seek to examine the future! Why are we asking the dumbest questions of AI?  We think about the impact of this on broader society, and recommend a read of "The End of Work" by Jeremy Rifkin Why do LSP customers tender too frequently and without thought and preparation? How can LSPs demonstrate more value through giving more visibility? Why are the aging systems controlling our logistics operations so fragmented and disconnected? Why are our TMSs largely built with no regard that one day the customer will want to go to tender? We ask why are our LSPs sometimes failing to identify clients that may require a more sustainable supply chain and are willing to pay for it? We finally ask why a more sophisticated and value driving eSourcing system has not been developed than the one we developed, shaped and utilised 21 years ago....  The Logistics industry needs to be an exemplar of the future amazing possibilities of sustainable and intelligent supply chains and not a museum to innovations of the past. The challenges we face are the driving force behind the inventions to come. Radical thinking is certainly needed - and there is plenty of fun in that! So sit back with a mince pie and mulled wine...and be stimulated into some future thinking! Links: ⁠⁠Tom Wahnsiedler⁠⁠⁠ -https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwahnsiedler/ ⁠⁠Paul Martyn⁠⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmartyn/ ⁠⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

You have been really patient, thank you! (We have had a huge amount of production work to do on forthcoming content) The old dogs are back for the third episode! We move on considerably in this episode and consider the future of logistics eSourcing (and if you are in business development for an LSP you may be really interested in some of the conclusions!) So from our LSP call to action, through perpetual tenders and finally into collaboration and saving the planet, it should be an interesting episode! As ever Tom Wahnsiedler and Paul Martyn are both comprehensive in their knowledge and ability to remember what happened over 2 decades ago!  Links: ⁠Tom Wahnsiedler⁠⁠ -https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwahnsiedler/ ⁠Paul Martyn⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmartyn/ ⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

Our thanks for patiently waiting for the next episode of ALAS! Did you know that it takes 5 times as long to produce one of our podcasts as it does to record it? That we use AI-powered software to improve and balance the sound quality? That our podcasts have been listened to by thousands of people and our followers are rapidly increasing? But all of this matters little in comparison to the potentially sleep-inducing dulcet tones of Keith Holdsworth and Malcolm Pope who in this episode are hugging the planet, trying to reduce road congestion and most of all make LSPs more profitable! (Yes, you read that correctly, more profitable logistics businesses – it can and MUST be done). We also consider the long-running saga of how long will Keith’s “Yorkshire Mix” last (Malcolm suspects that paleontologists will be picking over the remains of this confectionery in a few million years’ time) and what are the most appropriate beverages and snacks to have on a podcast. #alas #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: ⁠⁠Keith Holdsworth⁠⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-holdsworth/ ⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠Loguru Ltd

Information systems are at the core of every logistics operation. Yet many of the most utilised systems have a long history (decades!) behind them. Have our day to day operations moved significantly over the last 20 years? Certainly! There is a design parallel to the development of electric cars, the sub-optimal starting point being to utilise an existing internal combustion engined car and bolt on electric motors and batteries. The key point of innovation has been to reimagine personal transport design around the new motive force, arguably, this is the only way to provide cars that will have similar utility to the smoky old petrol and diesel cars. The question we might have in our minds is: Do our logistics information systems need a radical redesign to be relevant to today's and the futures operational challenges? Our guest in this episode strongly argues yes. In this podcast, we are delighted to interview an entrepreneur and innovator who has successfully completed that ground up reimagination, with a Warehouse Management System that has ease of implementation, configuration, connectivity (including robotics) and most importantly ease of use/ease of training at its core. So take a break from your busy day and listen to Founder & Managing Director of THOMAX Technology – Thomas Jackson” Links: ⁠Thomas Jackson⁠⁠ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-jackson-9bb91311/ THOMAX - https://thomax.com/ ⁠⁠Logistics Collective - The Podcast⁠⁠ - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by ⁠⁠Loguru Ltd