Supply Chain Careers Podcast

n this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we talk with Lee Beard, a supply chain executive with extensive experience at companies such as Coca-Cola, Nordstrom, Nike and Dell. Lee knew he wanted to be an engineer because his dad was a manufacturing guy, but then made his way into logistics where he saw a future. He has achieved his career goal of leading large teams and organizations. To get there he knew he needed greater financial understanding, so he got an MS in Management with a focus on finance and operations. He offers his perspective of what it means to manage a truly global supply chain at a large scale. Lee says the diversity of talent in supply chain has changed dramatically for the better. He provides his concerns about supply chain professionals being able to see through the fog of many proposed new technologies and whether they have the ability to work and to scale. Lee provides his career development advice, particularly when you are trying to lead others. He also provides his thoughts about the value of being part of associations to learn and to build relationships. Lee closes with his thoughts about sustainability

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In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we speak with Rick McDonald, most recently CSCO for The Clorox Company, as part of his 32 years with the company, plus multiple previous positions over nine years at Frito-Lay. It all started with a summer job at a metal fabrication factory, growing an interest in developing his efficiency gene. Rick took on the tasks at Clorox that nobody else wanted, enabling his ability to be called on as a fixer, stepping into difficult situations where things were broken. An important lesson he discusses is how to develop teams and lead as you develop trust. Listen as Rick talks about how to approach problems, learn what matters, and develop accountability. He talks about avoiding the straight-up climb of the ladder in favor of lateral moves that can help you connect the dots. Rick tells you to find your passion, develop agility, beef up your emotional intelligence, and increase your digital fluency. He provides a detailed analysis of developing resiliency, then closes with some of the best advice he has heard and likes to provide to others.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage a recruiting firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Supply Chain Recruiters
• Operations Recruiters
• Manufacturing Recruiters
• Distribution Center & Warehouse Recruiters
• Continuous Improvement Recruiters
• S&OP Recruiters
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Recruiters
• Inventory Planning Recruiters
• Transportation & Logistics Recruiters

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we talk with Steve Simmerman, currently Vice-President of Global Alliances with Locus Robotics. Steve has extensive experience in supply chain automation and information systems. He provides how he got started in supply chain and the transitions he has made. Transitions that were inspired by carefully tracking industry trends and finding the opportunities to pursue what's next. Steve explains the value of one of those "What's Next?" as the role of robotics to make workers safer and be more productive AND be happier in their positions. He explains the role of a VP of Global Alliances and how to build business relationships nationally and internationally. Steve also points out the value of an extensive network, building partnerships, and understanding the relationships between people and technology. Steve closes with some of the best advice he has received and shares with others.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage a recruiting firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Supply Chain Recruiters
• Operations Recruiters
• Manufacturing Recruiters
• Distribution Center & Warehouse Recruiters
• Continuous Improvement Recruiters
• S&OP Recruiters
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Recruiters
• Inventory Planning Recruiters
• Transportation & Logistics Recruiters

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers Podcast, we have Katie Fowler, President of Unchained Value. Katie starts with her career path prior to starting up Unchained Value, which most recently she spent 11 years at energy services firm Schlumberger, advancing through sourcing and costing focused roles, all the way up to a VP role. Plus two years at Fluke Electronics as a Master Scheduler and a Planner/Buyer. Katie said supply chain found her starting at 15 years old. She has operations experience and enjoyed learning and practicing Kaizen, plus she likes the puzzle solving aspect of supply chains. Katie shares what led her to start Unchained Value and what they do to help companies go through transformations. She talks with us about maintaining perspective, whether the view is 40,000 feet or 4 feet when trying to understand the big picture and on the ground. She also provides her thoughts on necessary hard and soft skills, how to be a better networker, and how to drive and cope with change. Katie closes with the best advice she has received and gives to others.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage a recruiting firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Supply Chain Recruiters
• Operations Recruiters
• Manufacturing Recruiters
• Distribution Center & Warehouse Recruiters
• Continuous Improvement Recruiters
• S&OP Recruiters
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Recruiters
• Inventory Planning Recruiters
• Transportation & Logistics Recruiters

In this episode of the Supply Chain Careers podcast, we sit down with Walter Abreu, Director of Global Procurement at Del Monte, to discuss his fascinating career journey. Walter shares his experiences, starting from his early days in finance and international trade, leading to his current leadership role in global procurement. Tune in to learn about the critical hard and soft skills needed for success in procurement, including negotiation, market analysis, and effective communication. Walter also provides valuable insights on navigating challenges in the food and beverage industry, the importance of sustainability in procurement, and advice for those looking to build a career in this dynamic field. Whether you’re new to procurement or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you grow in your career.

Listen now to explore the evolving role of procurement professionals and how to secure supply chains while balancing costs and sustainability goals.

Need help hiring top talent? Engage a recruiting firm that specializes in your hiring needs:

• Supply Chain Recruiters
• Operations Recruiters
• Manufacturing Recruiters
• Distribution Center & Warehouse Recruiters
• Continuous Improvement Recruiters
• S&OP Recruiters
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Recruiters
• Inventory Planning Recruiters
• Transportation & Logistics Recruiters