Leaders in Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

Unilever is turning its iconic ice cream business, home to Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s, into a standalone powerhouse.

What does it really take to spin off an €8.5B global business?
Sandeep Desai, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Unilever Ice Cream, takes us inside the transformation. From leading 9,000+ employees across 38 factories and 130 warehouses, to managing the emotional and ope...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed Brian Nemeth, Managing Director at AlixPartners, where we talked about the ripple effects of tariffs on global supply chains. We dived into real-world case studies, the resurgence of the bullwhip effect, and the strategic decisions supply chain leaders must make under pressure. Brian shared his on-the-ground experience helping major companies react and adapt quickly...

*Hosted by Fei Yu*

In this episode, I interviewed Thomas Berden, COO of VAT Group where we discussed VAT’s strategy of staying ahead of the curve, investing in capacities and capabilities, and maintaining a flexible cost model with a 25% temporary workforce. Thomas emphasizes the importance of customer focus, technology innovation, and a decentralized quality organization. He also highlights the challenges of managing a gl...

*Hosted by Fei Yu*

In this episode, I interviewed Victor Shevtsov, Executive Vice President Supply Chain and a Member of the Executive Committee at The Carlsberg Group. We discussed Carlsberg's significant health and safety achievements, including zero life-changing accidents, a 10% reduction in lost time accidents, and a 15% drop in accident rates. 

Victor shared Carlsberg's sustainability efforts, such as reduci...

*Hosted by Fei Yu*

In this episode, I interviewed Eduardo Bachiega, the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Nomad Foods. We discussed his journey and the company’s growth. Nomad Foods, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, has integrated brands like Birds Eye, Igloo, and Findus and has grown its revenue from €1 billion to nearly €3 billion.

Eduardo emphasizes the importance of people, innovation, and sustainability. He discu...

What an incredible journey this season has been! 200 Episodes!

Over the past 28 episodes of 2024, we’ve had the privilege of hearing from some of the greatest minds in the supply chain and logistics industry. Together, we have discussed some of the major trends, learned from inspiring leaders, and explored practical ways to navigate this ever-changing industry and the new reality that we live in today.

As we wrap...

*Hosted by Stéphanie Moles-Rota*

In this episode, I am joined by Karen-Marie Katholm, Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer and Member of the Executive Committee at AkzoNobel.

Karen-Marie shared with me her career journey, emphasizing some of the key inflection points that helped her become the leader she is today, including her transition from procurement to broader supply chain roles and the challenges she faced. She also...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed Vikram Agarwal, Danone's Chief Operations Officer. Vikram provided an overview of Danone's global supply chain, which spans 55 countries and 48,000 employees and integrates economic growth with social responsibility.  As well as shared his career journey and the strategic role of supply chains in driving business value.

Vikram outlines Danone’s ap...

In this episode, I interviewed Donato Giorgio, President of Global Supply Chain for Essity, where we discussed the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and holistic leadership.

Donato shared his journey in supply chain, highlighting some of the inflection points, like starting at Procter & Gamble and the joining the SCA Group and subsequently Essity. We also discussed Essity’s supply chain transformation, div...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Heidi K. Gardner, author of “Smarter Collaboration,” where we discussed the concepts in her book. We explored the topics of collaboration in teams, breaking down silos, and their importance in hiring and M&A. We also delved into the challenges that hinder collaboration, ways to address them, and how they assist their clients in this aspect. Aside from that, ...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed the renowned business leader Shiv Shivakumar to uncover the fundamental principles and pivotal moments in his illustrious career.

Shiv has held top leadership roles at iconic companies like Aditya Birla Group, PepsiCo India, and Nokia. He shares the importance of preparation, the power of mentorship, and the value of benchmarking oneself against industry leaders. He ...

*Hosted by Stéphanie Moles-Rota*

In this episode, I interviewed David Boulanger, the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Arla Foods. David shares insights from his 26-year career, highlighting key inflection points that shaped his journey from an unexpected entry into the food industry to leading global supply chain operations.

David discusses navigating supply chain challenges, including a "perfect storm" in ...

*Hosted by Stéphanie Moles-Rota*

In this episode, I interviewed Arnoud Buizer, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Interfood. Arnoud talked about critical moments in his career, from wanting to be a farmer to finding his passion in supply chain management.

He shared lessons he learned working at big companies, like the importance of staying curious and not being afraid to make mistakes. Arnoud also spoke about a personal challeng...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed Tarek Amine, Bechtel's Chief Supply Chain Officer. We discussed his 25-year career, the evolution of the supply chain at the global engineering firm, and Bechtel's approach to assembling teams and stand-up infrastructure for multi-billion dollar projects in remote areas. 

Tarek also shared insights into talent acquisition, cultural diversity, emerging trend...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed Jackie Sturm, Corporate Vice President for Global Supply Chain Operations at Intel. We discussed her career journey, which has spanned over 30 years. Jackie shared key inflection points that shaped her path, from learning from industry icons to overcoming challenges.

She discussed the need for a strategic financial perspective, diverse experiences, and digital fluenc...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed Frank McKay, Jabil's Chief Supply Chain and Procurement Officer. We discussed Frank's 30-year career journey in supply chain and procurement leadership, including key inflection points like gaining international experience and taking on new challenges. Frank also shared insights from his role at Jabil on topics like cost reduction strategies, developing st...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

In this episode, I interviewed Donna Warton, Microsoft's CVP of Supply Chain and Sustainability. She shares insights from her career progression across finance, Motorola, and Dell and now leading the supply chain for Microsoft's Windows and Devices division.

We also discussed Microsoft's innovations in AI-powered devices, sustainability initiatives focusing on circularity and carbon...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

This podcast episode features an interview with David Nothacker, co-founder and CEO of Sennder, a leading digital road freight forwarder in Europe. David shares insights into digitalizing the inefficient and fragmented trucking industry, key inflection points in his entrepreneurial journey, and overcoming challenges.

Our conversation also covers the future of trucking with autonomous and electric ...

*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*

This episode was streamed live a couple of weeks back, where I interviewed best-selling author and behaviorist Thomas Erikson. We discussed Thomas’ journey to becoming a successful author through perseverance and self-publishing.

Thomas shares insights from his work profiling personalities using colors and how understanding different communication styles can help build diverse, high-perf...