In this episode, I sit down with Yoshika Hirata, Senior Director of Integrated Business Planning at Xponential Fitness, to explore a powerful yet often overlooked truth great people alone can’t fix bad processes. We unpack how strong, structured processes not only enable success but actually attract and retain top talent, while broken ones push them away. Yoshika shares how she uses OGSM (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures) to align supply chain planning, and why she believes S&OP is the pinnacle of process-driven performance. If you want to elevate your S&OP game, boost team alignment, and stop losing good talent to bad systems this is a must-listen.

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IBF On Demand sponsored by Arkieva, your one-plan S&OP software. Learn more about Arkieva's innovative approach to forecasting here: http://bit.ly/business-forecasting

This one picks up right where the last episode left off—with real talk on AI in planning and forecasting, minus the hype. I break down the buzzwords people are throwing around (agentic AI, synthetic data, etc.) in plain English—and share what these things actually mean for demand planners, supply chain pros, and S&OP leaders.

And yes… I tell a story about my Pappi’s mule that might explain why AI, at its core, is still kind of dumb and mean (and why that’s not always bad).

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by AI promises or just want to understand how it’s being used right now in our field, this is the episode for you.

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Everyone's talking about AI—but what does it really mean for demand and supply planners? In this must-watch episode, I sit down with Jess Lee, an amazing data scientist from Microsoft, to break down the most common AI buzzwords in a way anyone can understand. We dive into the real-world applications already being used in forecasting and planning—and what you need to know to stay ahead.

From generative models to predictive analytics, Jess helps separate the hype from the reality. If you're in demand planning, supply planning, or S&OP, this is your roadmap to understanding the AI that's shaping the future of our field.

 Subscribe and watch now—because understanding AI isn't optional anymore

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To sign up for regular updates and the latest research, events, articles, podcasts and more from the Institute of Business Forecasting & Training, visit www.ibf.org

In today’s global business environment, S&OP is more than just balancing supply and demand—it’s about aligning cross-regional teams, navigating cultural nuances, and creating a unified strategy across borders. In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Christopher Mael, Director of S&OP at Precor, to unpack the real challenges of implementing global S&OP. We discuss the differences between regional and multinational strategies, how culture impacts collaboration and decision-making, and the common mistakes organizations make when scaling S&OP globally. Whether you’re building a global process or want to strengthen alignment across regions, this episode delivers the insights you’ve been looking for. Click play and join the conversation.

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To sign up for regular updates and the latest research, events, articles, podcasts and more from the Institute of Business Forecasting & Training, visit www.ibf.org

Many professionals don’t plan for a career in S&OP—they find their way there by accident. In this episode, I sit down with Sergio Luiz Winter, Associate Director of Plasma Supply Chain Planning at Grifols, to discuss his unexpected journey from FP&A and controllership to becoming a successful S&OP leader. We explore the key skills needed to thrive in this role, how financial expertise translates to planning success, and what it takes to champion S&OP in today’s complex supply chain landscape. If you're looking to transition into S&OP or refine your leadership skills, this is a must-listen! 

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To sign up for regular updates and the latest research, events, articles, podcasts and more from the Institute of Business Forecasting & Training, visit www.ibf.org

Join me in this enlightening episode as I interview Viktoriia Khorolska, a leading expert from Ukraine and Germany, on the role of Collaborative Planning and Forecast Replenishment (CPFR) in today's supply chain management. We explore whether CPFR remains crucial in modern business, compare regional practices across Europe, and discuss how evolving market dynamics are reshaping collaborative strategies. Tune in for actionable insights that could redefine your approach to planning and replenishment.

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In this episode, I break down the essential KPIs in demand planning—what they are, what they aren’t, and how to calculate them correctly. I’ll explore the most commonly used metrics, debunk misconceptions, and explain why MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) is not the villain it’s made out to be. Learn how to leverage these KPIs to drive better forecasting accuracy and smarter decision-making.

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In this episode, we explore how Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) functions on a global scale, bridging the gap between regional requirements and overarching business objectives. Discover three distinct approaches to implementing S&OP worldwide, and learn which option might be best suited to your organization. Gain insights on creating a critical framework that respects local differences while driving a unified, high-level strategy across multiple geographies.

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To sign up for regular updates and the latest research, events, articles, podcasts and more from the Institute of Business Forecasting & Training, visit www.ibf.org

In this insightful interview, I sat down with Cynthia Trevino de Leon, CFO at Mexilink and a driving force behind their emerging S&OP process. We explore the crucial role of finance in S&OP/IBP, the importance of linking KPIs directly to the income statement and balance sheet, and how this financial lens can foster stronger collaboration and shared strategy across the organization. Cynthia also shares her experiences as part of Chief—an empowering community of women executives—and offers inspiration on how we can nurture the next generation of female leaders in our field. Tune in for practical guidance, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to elevate S&OP and drive meaningful business success.

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To sign up for regular updates and the latest research, events, articles, podcasts and more from the Institute of Business Forecasting & Training, visit www.ibf.org

In this special follow-up episode and the second part of our 2-part series, I sit down with Meredith Cannon, Sr. Director of S&OP at Bimbo Bakeries. Building on discussions from the recent IBF Orlando conference, we dive into the pivotal role of cross-functional collaboration in demand planning and S&OP, explore consumption-based forecasting, and discuss how leadership in our field is evolving. Tune in for Meredith’s expert insights and actionable strategies to elevate your planning processes!

Support the show

To sign up for regular updates and the latest research, events, articles, podcasts and more from the Institute of Business Forecasting & Training, visit www.ibf.org