Let's Talk Supply Chain

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Welcome back Lets Talk listeners!

What if I told you something BIG was coming to the supply chain community, something that would bring together real people talking about real supply chain topics?

Today, I am revealing one of the secret projects I have been working on for my YouTube channel called "The SC, Supply Chain TV". It is a cross between "The View" and "Sportscenter" where we will debate the hot topics in supply chain today.

In this episode, you will get to know Audrey Ross and Leah Goold-Haws my co-hosts for the show and then we will be joined by a different guest each episode. We are setting the stage for the first episode due out the end of April and giving you a sneak peak into what to expect from the show! They may also just give us their half crazy, counter-intuitive prediction for what the next 5 years in the industry will look like!

Questions I Ask:

• Leah, why don’t you tell us who you are, what you do and why you want to debate the hot topics with me on The Trade Squad? [0:30]
• Audrey, why don’t you give us an overview of The Trade Squad and who you are and what you do?[1:29]
• Why don’t you tell us about your journey? [2:44]
• What did your path look like, Leah? [5:25]
• Why do you think it’s so important to have a show like The Trade Squad? [10:00]
• What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in supply chain today that we should be covering? [14:33]
• What about supply chain professionals. How can we support the community with a show like this? [18:45]
• What is your crazy-intuitive, half-mad prediction for the next five years in the industry? [24:05]

• A little bit about Leah and Audrey. [0:45]
• How Audrey got into supply chain and why it’s a passion. [2:56]
• How Leah got to where she is. [5:39]
• Supply chain is a critical element when it comes to fulfilling foreign customer engagement. [7:45]
• Identifying trends in global trade. [9:10]
• Looking at the skills people need when stepping into the supply chain field. [17:30]

Today I’m joined by Pando, a global logistics software brand and the world's first open-market freight management platform, which brings together an economic network of delivery stakeholders.

Pando is a market leader in supply chain technology, building the world’s fastest, and highest ROI driven networked‐Transport Management System. Pando is the TMS of choice for Fortune 500 manufacturers, retailers, and logistics companies globally, with a presence across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North America. Pando’s network‐powered SaaS platform for supply chain execution helps enterprises digitalize, automate, and scale their logistics operations across all modes and legs of movement.

Today Nitin Jayakrishnan, co-founder and CEO at Pando, joins me to chat all about the company: what they do; the key challenges in global logistics; the power of collaborative optimization; and why businesses need to look beyond cost saving, towards improved accuracy, responsiveness and predictability

[06.57] Nitin’s founder story, and the journey that led him to establish Pando.

“We set out to build a marketplace for domestic freight – Uber for freight!... Along the way something interesting started happening: our customers... started asking us if we could expand our tech into other freight and warehousing providers.”

[11.20] An overview of Pando – what they do, and how they help their customers.

“Most management solutions were built before the year 2000... The tech that sustains global supply chains is completely archaic!”

[15.57] A look at some of the key challenges Pando’s customers are facing right now, and Pando’s approach to solving them.

"These are brands that we love and live with... these brands ultimately serve you and me, so the mission for Pando, of course is to solve supply chain issues and logistics inefficiencies, but really is to serve the brand we love to help those brands serve us better!”

[23.21] The importance of good data, and Pando’s game-changing control tower capabilities.

"You don’t put the control tower at the top, you put it at the bottom – it’s the foundational layer of data that feeds into these systems... the input is controlled, so you’re not only able to solve the data problem, but you’re able to predict and prevent the challenges."

[27.00] A closer look at Pando’s TMS solution, and how it can revolutionize dispatch planning and decision-making.

[30.25] Integration, and how Pando work with their network of partners.

“Companies are now realizing that what was once called back end operations is now coming front and center of their global strategies.”

[36.22] Sustainability, how Pando facilitates a reduction in carbon footprint for their customers, and why clients increasingly expect their suppliers to be an active part of helping them achieve their own ESG goals.

[40.25] The onboarding process with Pando, and their mission to deliver fast and effective integration.

“With Pando, the time to value is 90 days – and that’s a gamechanger. It’s a gold standard when it comes to enterprise technology.”

[43.43] The ideal client for Pando.

[45.21] Two key case studies, illustrating how Pando helped one customer reduce supply chain costs and achieve end-to-end visibility, and another solve shipping efficiency issues in order to realize an additional $2.5 million in revenue.

[48.39] The future for Pando.

Head over to Pando’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Pando and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Nitin on LinkedIn.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

It’s episode 29 of Blended: I’m joined by a new panel of incredible guests and, today, we’re talking about fostering an inclusive workplace.

Creating an inclusive workplace doesn’t just benefit your employees, it can pay off in dividends for your business. Companies with a strong culture of inclusion—one that encourages innovation and collaboration among staff—are increasingly seen as more attractive to potential employees, clients, and investors. From revising hiring practices to restructuring internal policies, embracing diversity can be an invaluable asset to any organization.

Today, we’ll discuss how you can foster a positive atmosphere at work where everyone feels accepted and respected no matter their gender identity or cultural background.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[00.58] Introductions to our Blended panelists.

• Desiree Booker – Founder/CEO of ColorVizion Lab
• Jonathan Townsley – Senior Business Partner at Sterling
• Brian Glick – Founder/CEO of Chain.io

[04.10] The group shares their definitions of what being an inclusive workplace means, and which groups we may be talking about.

“It means figuring out how we can create a level playing field so that everyone has an opportunity to thrive in their respective roles.” Desiree

• Understanding the individual needs of these groups
• Understanding the challenges and inequities they face
• Creating safe spaces in the workplace
• Giving individuals the platforms they need to be successful
• Intentionality
• Listening & understanding the challenges people face
• Figuring out how individuals would like to be supported

[11.26] The panel discusses the challenges of creating an inclusive workplace.

“To get it into our DNA you have to get past that tokenism, right? Its the intentionality.” Anonmyous

• Mistakes are going to be made
• Getting all levels of leadership on board
• Accountability
• DEI leader burnout
• Lack of resources and support
• Fear around language
• How we change communication
• Treating people as individuals
• Setting boundaries

“Your actions need to speak louder than just the words.” Sarah

[25.30] The group discusses the role that bias plays in inclusive workplaces, how to get over it, how to make it a part of communication, and how to normalize it.

“We have to build up in our cultures and our workplaces that you shouldn't be afraid to make that mistake. Be mindful of it, but don't be afraid.” Johnathan

• Being open to receiving feedback without bias
• To not be afraid of making a mistake
• Letting actions speak louder than words
• Embracing change
• Self-reflection
• Approaching teams without bias
• Becoming more vocal about sharing points of view
• HR's role in removing bias in the workplace
• Solutions to getting over the bias
• Bridging skills and talent gaps
• Hiring based on values alignment
• Industry expectations
• Individual Responsibility
• Being Vulnerable

“We're all human beings so bias is going to creep up at some point, you just have to be able to recognize it and check it.” Desiree

[1.06] The panel sums up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

“Be who you are, love it, be fabulous. Be the world you want to live in and the rest will usually take care of itself.” Brian

Encouraging an inclusive work environment is essential for an organization’s success, as it can help foster communication between teams, promote respect among different cultures and perspectives and lead to better emotional well-being for employees. We hope this article has helped to demystify the term “inclusive workplace” and offered practical steps for cultivating one. Everyone has a role to play in fostering inclusivity at work; from tackling our own biases to helping create an open dialogue about diversity, we can all work together to make sure everyone feels safe and accepted. If you found this post informative and would like to stay connected with us, please follow us on social media where we offer regular tips and tricks related to creating an inclusive workplace. Together we can take steps toward creating a workplace culture where everyone feels respected and valued.

You can connect with Desiree, Johnathan, and Brian over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more from our guests, check out:

• Episode 280 of our women in supply chain series, featuring Margo Wald...

Kameel Gaines talks about her career journey; her business Rig on Wheels; driver recruitment; & the importance of elevating African American women in trucking.

[07.37] Kameel’s career journey, and how she found her way from educational sales to trucking recruitment.

“Trucking chose me!”

[10.38] Why Kameel founded her own business, Rig on Wheels, and why she always had an entrepreneurial mindset.

“I came from an entrepreneurial family, so I wasn’t afraid of it.

[13.42] A closer look at Rig on Wheels; what makes it different; and Kameel’s reputation for innovation and taking a driver-centric approach to business.

“We are very much an advocate of the professional driver. Innovation is very important because evolution is coming, it’s here! We want to make sure that our drivers are ready.”

“Recruitment is changing, and social media is the new CB radio! We need to meet drivers where they are.”

[16.54] Rig on Wheels’ upcoming 15-year anniversary, and Kameel’s laidback approach to the celebrations.

“I’m just excited that my team is excited!”

[18.10] Why Kameel launched the first-of-its-kind Rig on Wheels podcast; her passion for ongoing learning; and why she’s always looking to improve.

“I started educating myself, and looking at other peoples shows. And, instead of looking at them as a spectator, I was looking to learn... How can we do this better? We’re not looking for perfection, but we are looking for excellence.”

[21.46] Kameel’s perspective on the rise of supply chain media, and the innate inclusivity in helping professionals from all walks of life to engage, learn, and communicate in new ways.

“There are a lot of voices, and there’s a voice for everyone – that’s what’s great. Everybody identifies with someone.”

[26.29] Kameel’s previous role as co-chairwoman of the African American Women’s Trucking Association, and the importance of elevating the representation and success of African American women in trucking.

“Representation matters. You can’t be what you don’t see.”

[29.31] The role of mentors in Kameel’s career journey, and how she maintained those relationships over time.

[34.33] Kameel’s advice for the young women looking to follow in her footsteps.

“Open up your eyes to new possibilities, get out of your comfort zone – the world is your back yard.”

[36.47] The one (unexpected) career achievement that Kameel is most proud of.

[37.47] The future for Rig on Wheels.

You can connect with Kameel over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in trucking, check out 347: Women In Supply ChainTM, Seretha Willingham, 275: Women In Supply ChainTM, Amani Radman, or 205: Time To Make A Move, with Knichel Logistics.