What's in the Box?: Recent Episodes
Sam Greenhalgh
Freight and supply chain isn’t considered sexy by most. But, Sam has a different view. There isn’t anything quite as satisfying than a well-oiled supply chain coming together. There is, however, a lot of fluff that surrounds the industry. This podcast looks to break through that fluff. Bringing interesting topics and trends to light with a fresh perspective. Welcome to the what’s in the box? with Sam Greenhalgh
Is it really traditional vs digital?
Well, this week, I had the pleasure of exploring the topic with Jon Bass, the Head of Business Development EMEA for Logixboard. Jon is a real talent who has been part of the evolution and transition from traditional to digital and provides some great insights into that journey.
This episode dives into some great topics:
- Embracing change
- The evolution of freight forwarding
- The new generation of talent in logistics
- How the final mile is driving the first mile forward
What's happening in retail this year?
Well, I was lucky enough to sit with Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics, One of LinkedIn's top voices for thought leadership in retail, and recently recognised as a leading retail influencer in 2023. Richard is passionate about retail economics and consumer psychology and provides us with an outlook for retail in 2023.
This episode dives into some great topics:
- Economic Headwinds
- Changing trends in consumer spending
- The importance of the Supply chain & Sustainability
- Areas to focus on to survive and thrive in 2023
Do you want your CFO or CEO to invest in the supply chain?
Then, don't talk about the supply chain.
In this episode, we discuss how to connect the supply chain through financial metrics and why that's so important to drive digital change. We also dive into the supply chain as a competitive advantage and the use of the supply chain triangle (Service, Cost & Cash).
I am pleased to join Bram Desmet, CEO of Solventure, founder of the strategy-driven supply chain institute and 2x Author. Bram is passionate about supply chain and is on a mission to help companies create sustainable change and value through S&OP.
This episode dives into some great topics:
- Driving Sustainable change and value through S&OP
- The Supply Chain Triangle
- Connecting the supply chain through financial metrics
See the links to Bram's books below:
1) The strategy-driven supply chain
2) Supply chain strategy and financial metrics
In this episode, we're discussing the changing landscape for emerging talent in the supply chain, including how the events of the last few years have elevated our profession and the need for businesses to adapt.
I am pleased to join Bethany Windsor, working with NOVUS Trust, part of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) across seven leading UK Universities. Having completed a master's in supply chain management Bethany is on a mission to inspire the next generation of supply chain talent.
This episode has some great insights into:
- Inspiring emerging talent in the supply chain
- The breadth & depth of our industry
- The changing requirements of supply chain roles
In this episode, we're discussing the development of the young forwarder network and how employers can leverage the BIFA apprentice program to attract talent. We also dive into top tips and tricks heading into apprenticeship week and leveraging LinkedIn to improve your hiring potential.
I am pleased to join Carl Hobbis, an executive director at the British International Freight Association (BIFA). He has over 30 years of experience in Freight Forwarding and has been a catalyst to drive change and build a community for young professionals to thrive.
This episode bubbles up some great insights into:
- Developing & Attracting talent
- Changing the stigma around freight forwarding
- Top tips and tricks for employers and apprentices
In this episode, we're talking about innovative solutions in the supply chain right now. Discussing how handover points are so challenging in creating orchestration in a multi-enterprise supply chain. As well as discussing the first mile vs last mile investment.
I am pleased to join John Urban, a supply chain and SaaS leader who has been a true pioneer in our industry. Founding GT Nexus in the late '90s to working with disruptive technology providers to drive our industry forward.
This episode bubbles up some great insights into:
- How to shrink the supply chain cycle from make to deliver
- Importance of solving multi-enterprise supply chain collaboration
- Creating agility through digitisation
In this episode, we're talking about the supply chain journey from working within Volvo, a multinational manufacturing company, to Kuehne + Nagel and Zencargo. In addition, we explore the challenges and rewards of completing an MBA while managing a busy business and personal life. Aswell as discussing how to align supply chain KPI's with the business goals.
I am joined by Ian Powell, a critical thinker and solution architect in the supply chain world. Ian has worked in large multinationals to scale up disruptors with one vision in mind. Making supply chains a competitive advantage. Ian has 21 years of experience and has an MBA from Cranfield.
We dive into:
- The changes in the supply chain over the past 21 years
- Completing an MBA while managing personal and professional life
- Supply chain KPI's and how to ensure they're not conflicting
In this episode, we're talking about investments in supply chain and logistics technology, how it's accelerated in recent years and the opportunities that the new challenges and changes in behaviour creates for technology providers.
I am joined by Benjamin Gordon, 4x Entrepreneur, investor, advisor and a real pioneer in supply chain and logistics technology. Ben is an incredible leader and provides some great insights throughout the episode.
We dive into:
- Exciting technology trends & what makes an exciting investment
- The key characteristic of great leaders and how to identify them
- Merge & Acquisition and future developments in logistics tech
In this episode, we're talking about leveraging data to gain end to end visibility, focusing on Customs and how technology can solve the documentation crisis with regards to Brexit. We also discuss how the high street will have to adapt quickly to the new consumer behaviour to compete with e-commerce. Lastly, we discuss nearshoring and emerging markets in south-east Asia.
I am pleased to join Graham Illingworth, a supply chain and logistics professional with over 30 years of experience in our industry, joined me. Graham Initially started in the industry as an officer In the Merchant Navy, who then migrated into a mix of Operational and Business Development roles with a global remit. Over the last 15 years, he has held senior management and Vice President level positions within the top 10 Global 4PL organizations.
In the episode, we are going to dive into:
- Customs, Data & Brexit
- How the high street needs to learn fast to compete with E-Comm
- Nearshoring strategies and emerging markets in south-east Asia
Two links on CustomsPlus:
https://www.customsplus.co.uk/automated-customs-declarationshttps://biteable.com/watch/2927999/2aead477d7500368a21c4905ca5622be
In this episode, we're talking about adapting to the changes forced by COVID on both a personal and professional level. Discussing Specsavers pivot to B2C to ensure they could service their customers and its impacts on the supply chain.
I am joined by John Carlisle, the Head of European Logistics Operations at Specsavers. John is an incredible leader and provides some great insights into managing the changes focusing on the human element.
In the episode, we are going to dive into:
- The human impact of COVID both personally and professionally
- How the perception of the supply chain has changed since the Pandemic
- Switching to direct to consumer model while in lockdown
In this episode, we're talking about demand forecasting and inventory optimisation. Focusing on how to develop an agile demand forecast that aligns with the business and supply chain strategy.
I am joined by Nicolas Vandeput, a consultant, author, teacher and supply chain leader on all things demand and inventory optimisation. Nicolas provides fantastic examples of different forecasting models, some drawbacks of incentivising KPI's, and the benefits of forecast value-added analysis.
In this episode, we dive deeper into:
- How to develop a demand forecasting strategy
- How you can create agility in the demand plan
- Best ways to optimise inventory when predictability is low
Check out Nicolas books:
Data Science for Supply Chain Forecasting
Inventory Optimization: Models and Simulation
In this episode, we're talking about the "Glass Pipeline", or as more popularly known, the control tower and the role it plays in getting end to end visibility. We discuss the concept, what it means for businesses and the journey to get there.
I am pleased to join David Barnard, a supply chain consultant, practitioner and lecturer at the University of Georgia. Having +20 years of experience working within the supply chain with businesses worldwide, he brings tons of insights into the topic on top of every supply chain professional mind.
We dive deeper into:
- What is the glass pipeline?
- How it can help manage macro-level changes such as COVID
- How to own your entire supply chain
- The future jobs and opportunities in our industry
In this episode, we're talking about the cost to serve and the importance of understanding the different types of customers. We discuss moving from a static cost to serve model to a more dynamic approach, including what-if scenario planning.
The episode is packed with great examples, and we explore taking the cost to serve to the next level, including understanding the environmental impact of different service models.
I am pleased to join Rob O’Byrne, the founder of the Logistics Bureau, host of the youtube channel "Supply chain secrets", and a leader in the supply chain space.
We dive deeper into:
- Understanding cost to serve and your different types of customers
- How cost to serve model links to the business strategy
- Understanding customer behaviours and expectations
- Creating more dynamic models to deal with macro-level changes
Supply Chain Secrets - Cost to Serve
In this episode, we're talking about the foundations of a data strategy and the importance to capture data at it's most granular. Discussing cross-functional collaboration with data, how to align the data objectives with the business goals and avoiding data constipation.
I am pleased to join Anders Dalgaard, a business outcomes partner for Teradata, who works with businesses worldwide to bridge the gap between data and their vision and goals.
This episode provides some great insights into:
- What a good data strategy looks like, and the Importance of cross-functional collaboration.
- The role data plays in managing the ripple effect that happens in the supply chain
- The biggest gaps in the promise of a data strategy vs what actually delivered
In this episode, we're talking about the retail supply chain and how it's changed over the last 10 years. Discussing the evolution of omnichannel and rapidly changing consumer trends. Including the impacts of COVID and the supply chain solutions to adapt to the new normal.
I am pleased to join James Fry, the head of solution design at Zencargo, who has worked with Europes biggest and fastest-growing retailers over the last 10 years.
This episode provides some great insights into:
- The evolution of the retail supply chain
- Typical areas of opportunity discovered in most solution design work
- The supply chain as a competitive advantage
In this episode, we're talking about the circular economy and how to transition from a linear one. Discussing the guiding principles and the approach to understanding your supply chain and its impact. There are some practical examples of the fashion sector, including some of the brands leading the way.
I am pleased to join Catherine Weetman, a published author, podcast host and a leader in the supply chain and sustainability arena.
This episode provides some great insights into:
- What is the Circular Economy?
- A three-tiered approach to a more circular supply chain
- Potential revenue streams from aftermarket or resale channels
Get a 20% discount on Catherine book if you buy from Kogan Page – use code CIRCL20 at the checkout. Worldwide shipping, free to US and UK.
A Circular Economy Handbook: How to Build a More Resilient, Competitive and Sustainable Business
In this episode, we're talking about the adoption of new technologies in the shipping industry. How leveraging data to create insights is turning early adopters into trusted advisors. As well as diving into great topics, including diversity and how to be a leader without having an executive title.
I am pleased to join Jocelyn Hansen, a supply chain and SaaS leader who has been a pioneer in our industry for 20 years growing businesses such as Intra, Xeneta and Windward.
This episode bubbles up some great insights into:
- The evolution of technology in the shipping industry from fax to AI
- You don't need to be an executive to be a leader. Use your superpowers to inspire your peers, teams and business.
- Diversity within the shipping industry and how we can do more to accelerate change
In this episode, we're talking about digital transformation and what it actually means for businesses. Diving into the pillars to set up for success. Including how data and people are crucial to making a step change.
I am pleased to join Frederic Gomer, the Managing Partner of B2G consulting based in Singapore and top tier supply chain expert.
This episode explores:
- The pillars of digital transformation.
- Transformation is not always about hard benefits.
- Tactics on how to sell a digital change
Including great insights throughout into people, data and change management within the supply chain.
In this episode, we're talking about the mindset shift in terminal operations to become consumer-centric and how port predictability will impact supply chain decision making. As well as discussing how supply chain technology is evolving, retail supply chain and business change.
I am pleased to join Kim Keusel, the VP & General Manager of the Americas at Navis and a supply chain leader.
This episode dives into:
- The terminal shift to focus on e-commerce and the end consumer
- The evolution of supply chain technology and gaining predictive insights
- Navigating business transformations/change
Including great insights throughout into leadership, technology and sustainability within the supply chain.
In this episode, we're talking about strategic vs transactional relationships and their role within the supply chain. Discussing when and how to use executive peering to develop multi-layered relationships and making sure you understand the why questions.
I am pleased to join Mark Parsons, non-executive director at TOWER cold chain solutions and a supply chain and commercial leader.
This episode dives into:
- Understanding a strategic vs transactional relationship
- How to use executive peering within a customers organisation
- Developing relationships to gain a "customer for life"
Including great insights throughout into the supply chain, how personal incentives impact a customer relationship, and how to use leading indicators understand account health.
In this episode, we're talking about the new trade deal with the EU and what that means for shippers. Discussing incoterms, supplier relationships and opportunities to explore other global markets for both sourcing from and selling to.
I am pleased to join Richard Bartlett, the Director of Export Unlocked and trade advisor to many UK and US leading businesses.
This episode explores the:
- Impact of the new trade agreement between the UK and the EU
- The potential positive impacts of Brexit on global trade for the UK
- How supplier relationships, culture and bureaucracy impact businesses
Including great insights into the trade imbalance and how that impacts distribution costs, as well as digitisation within the supply chain and Customs space.
In this episode, we're talking about the evolution of procurement and its role within the supply chain. Discussing colour profiling and building high performance and diverse teams and diving into the challenges of mental health and how you have to adapt to this in the virtual world as a leader.
I am pleased to join Alex Jennings, the Chief Procurement Officer at DS Smith and a procurement and business leader.
This episode dives deep into:
- Managing internal and external relationship through 2020.
- Understanding your teams colour profiles to build a diverse and high-performance team.
- Navigating business transformations/change.
Including great insights throughout into leadership, technology and sustainability within the supply chain.
In this episode, we're talking about supply chain technology trends over the last decade, discussing change management and implementation and getting some great advice for growing and developing personally and professionally.
I am pleased to join Shawna Baker, a supply chain sales SaaS leader and the first of many inspiring women leaders to be a guest on the show.
This episode bubbles up some great insights into how:
- Supply chains have an obligation to consumers.
- Not leveraging supply chain technology could be your biggest risk in 2021
- The technology change to enable outcomes as a service should drive quicker ROI and accelerate digitisation within the supply chain.
On this episode, we are discussing supply chain talent, gaining insight into the key characteristics of great leaders and the skills to invest in if you're looking to grow. I am delighted to be joined by an exceptional guest Radu Palamariu.
Radu is the:
- Managing Director of Alcott Global
- Voted one of the top 10 influencers on LinkedIn for the supply chain sector
- The host of the "Leaders in Supply chain" podcast
And was recently named one of the 16 TOP Voices on LinkedIn in Singapore- which is some achievement considering the prime minister was on that list.
This is definitely an episode to grab your pen and paper as there is some great insight on:
- The key characteristics of great leaders
- Career advice on how to progress into leadership
- Insight on leveraging LinkedIn to build your personal brand
Setting up and managing a supply chain is challenging in normal times. But establishing a supply chain in a matter of weeks amidst a global pandemic is a herculean task.
In this episode, I am joined by Nav Kumar director of P1F limited and one of the founders of the maskfornhsheros charity who successfully did just that. We're talking about the challenges of international trade and the learnings from this amazing journey.
Nav highlights:
- How having high integrity people working towards a common goal is a recipe for success in life & business.
- The importance of "Guānxì" and its role in international trade
- That people and business can achieve more than they think in lockdown and now is not a time to be idle.
In this episode, we're talking about sustainability and how making small incremental changes to your supply chain operations can make a big impact.
I have the privilege to be joined by James Brueton founder and CEO of Envirobuild and a Trustee of Rainforest Trust UK.
EnviroBuild is the UK's leading supplier of high-quality, sustainable building products supplying both B2B & B2C markets. James gives us an insight into the challenges and complexities of measuring the environmental impact of a product and how variables such as how much soap is used can have a large influence.
This is definitely an episode to listen in as there is some great insight on:
- Measuring, optimising and offsetting your supply chain impact
- The influence of sustainability for revenue growth
- Breaking sustainability into digestible chunks to make it less overwhelming
In this episode, we're talking about five key trends that have been accelerated in the supply chain due to COVID and the potential impacts for businesses navigating these changes.
I am joined by Mick Jones, who is a true leader in the industry, having managed and executed operations around the world for companies including; DHL, Lenovo, DS Smith and Zencargo.
Some highlights worth noting that Mick:
- Has a degree in civil engineering & MBA In supply chain.
- Set up and ran DHL International supply chain which was their first end-to-end solution
- Was the VP of Global Logistics Operations & Supply chain strategy for Lenovo in Bejing, North America and Europe for 9 years
- Provides strategic support to business such as GT Nexus & Zencargo
There are some great insights into the history of the supply chain, the journey the industry has been on and, the current trends that have been accelerated. Here are the five topics discussed:
- Digitalisation
- Globalisation
- Sustainability
- E-Commerce
- The role of work
In this episode, we're talking about carrier trends, market updates on the far east westbound and trans-Pacific trade routes, including recommendations on navigating the current challenges of the crazy climate we’re in.
I have the privilege to be joined by Lars Jensen founder of SeaIntelligence Consulting.
Lars has:
- Successfully launched an independent global market intelligence company focusing on container shipping.
- Was in charge for 6 years of market intelligence for Maersk Line, creating and improving research and forecasting capabilities for container markets, as well as developing a global market intelligence across 17 countries.
- The author of multiple books including Liner Shipping 2025: How to Survive and Thrive
And is a bit of a shipping celebrity.
This is definitely an episode to grab your pen and paper as there is some great insight on:
- Setting up your supply chain for agility, not predictability.
- Building for resilience
- Navigating procurement strategies in a seller's market
After reading "Moneyball", it got me thinking about how teams gain a competitive advantage through data. Following the book, I read some great articles which led me to look at Liverpool's title-winning season.
Their use of data science to make decisions was incredible and highlighted tons of synergies between the world of sport and supply chain.
This led me to create the 1st episode of "What's in the Box?". The aim? to use the subject of sport as a catalyst to discuss data in the supply chain.
Anadi Taylor, CEO of ISportsAnalysis, joined me to discuss the framework they use with professional athletes and sports team to execute a realtime analytics framework.
In this episode, we talk about how to:
- Create the foundation of a data strategy
- Breakthrough the noise, and answer the questions you need answering.
- Drive adoption of analytics and accelerate yours or your team's learnings