"If we are going to see real development in the world, then our best investment is women." (Desmond Tutu) The research is clear: when a women has the ability to take control of her destiny and make informed choices there are positive ripple effects on her family, her community and her country. Women drive 70-80% of all consumer purchases, so it also makes great business sense to build a solution that focuses on women.

In Episode 20 we are joined with Joanna Bichsel, Microsoft software developer turned CEO of health tech start up Kasha, pioneering women’s e-commerce and consumer driven supply chain in East Africa. At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Joanna learned that women in Africa faced real challenges in buying sanitary pads and other basic health products. She thought, “Why not develop a e-commerce platform for women to buy affordable, high quality health products confidentially?” The idea for Kasha was born. 

This episode explores best practices in last mile delivery using mobile to deliver direct to consumer, discreetly, the consumer driven supply chain fueled by data and digital with the women in mind, using social media for market shaping, public private partnerships in working with governments to create access for people using technology, and empowering women to confidentially and affordably purchase the products they need to live their best lives.

To learn more about Kasha, visit: http://www.kasha.co

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 19, we explore one of the most controversial materials in consumer packaged goods and first mile sustainability - palm oil. Palm oil is in over 50% of products on retail supermarket shelves (WWF). From Unilever, Kelloggs, PepsiCo, to other members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Sustainability and traceability are hot topics and front of mind in many CPG Supply Chains.

Cameron Plese joins us from RSPO in one of our best discussions yet, to explore why palm oil is such an important topic. Provocative PoV on the impact of palm oil on the environment and economies, industry collaboration with CPG leaders like Proctor & Gamble (and their Smallholder Academy), Walmart (and Project Gigaton), Kelloggs advances in human rights, and Unilever's ongoing commitment to sustainability. Topics we cover include strategy in sourcing, policy and how to get started, technology in first mile sustainability including traceability, drones, and blockchain. If you ever wanted to learn about sustainability in sourcing, including smallholder farmer collaboration, this is a great episode.

To learn more about RSPO and their North America Sustainable Palm Oil Virtual Conference on June 16-18, 2020, visit https://www.rspo.org/

Find the Supply Chain Queen and Circular Nomad at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 18, we are joined with Adebayo Adeleke who explores three truths of supply chain: 1) how emotion is an element of critical thinking, 2) hope is not a cause of action, and logistics is the oxygen that allows supply chains to function. Adebayo Adeleke has an interesting story with twists and turns in different supply chain roles that has led him all over the world. He was a soldier, supervisor, and an officer in the US Army responsible for procurement, strategic sourcing, and logistics. Post retirement, Adebayo is a sought-after consultant, speaker, leadership trainer, and podcaster who shares his passion for supply chain and making an impact in the lives of others. His podcast “UnFettered”shares insights to help global leaders reach their goals in complex transformations.

This episode explores ‘Bayo’s’ journey living in a post-truth era where we synthesize information that can make or break your success. He shares the importance of strategy in logistics, the negative and positive influences of emotions in leadership and change management, and encourages others to not shy away from difficult situations. Lastly, we discuss risk management through the lens of balancing emotion and demand for effective planning.

To learn more about Adebayo, visit: http://www.adebayoadeleke.com

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 17, we explore many relevant and progressive topics in supply chain, manufacturing and building a world-class sustainability organization. Dr. Dirk Holbach, the CSCO and SVP of Henkel Home and Laundry Care, shares his PoV on navigating supply chain disruptions in dynamic, global markets using team diversity and a strategic force for resilience. We discuss the ever-changing requirements for supply chain talent and how to build supply chain leaders. He dives deep into talent management strategy, building internal competencies in digital transformation, and the importance of purpose, diversity, broad exposure, and responsibility to encourage employee engagement and retention.

You’ll find an intriguing discussion on the “gate of responsibility” in life cycle impact analysis and how to build “pragmatic sustainability” in your organization where “we do what we say we can do", no greenwashing, no hype. Dr. Dirk explores Henkel’s journey working in the secondary plastics market, an adoption of circular economy. Lastly, he explores transitioning from technician to strategic leader offering career path insights for supply chain professionals. 

To learn more about Dr. Dirk Holbach, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dirk-holbach-0518891/

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

For the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Episode 16 is all about digital waste! Digital waste has grown exponentially over the last decade as the storage of data, like e-mails, pictures, audio and video files have shifted to “the cloud". Guess what…the cloud is a physical place! Each day we generate more and more data and your digital footprint requires huge amounts of server space and energy. A part of any digital footprint may be described as digital waste. We explore this concept, what it is, where it happens in supply chain and technology decisions, and how you can help. 

Just think about all the data that you have created online that you no longer use. Almost everything we do online increases our carbon footprint. We share some fun facts about everyday scenarios that bring awareness to your digital carbon footprint and most importantly, easy tips you can use to live waste-free (or make a step in the right direction).

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

Episode 15 is a provocative and timely topic for supply chain and STEM professionals around the world. As we enter conference season coupled with the transition to virtual events due to COVID19, the on-going persistence of all-male panels must stop. It’s time to cancel the MANEL! As eloquently described by Dr. Francis Collins, the diversity of bright and talented minds has come a long way and our public engagements need to catch up. Breaking up the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) bias that is preventing women and other groups underrepresented in science from achieving their rightful place in scientific leadership must begin at the top. Creating new norms is a tough and challenging process. We hope this a helpful step to bring awareness to the MANEL and encouraging others to embrace diversity and inclusiveness at events and conferences.

In this episode, you’ll hear why MANELS must STOP, why a level playing field with gender diversity is necessary, why being inclusive isn’t just about “inviting a women on a panel” or better yet “having a women moderate or interview the panel”. We describe changes in the supply chain workforce and population of recent graduates. Ageism and challenging traditional norms is a contentious task, but necessary to shift the status quo. Our hearts are in the right place during this difficult discussion. Women and members of underrepresented communities should also have an opportunity for speaking slots at high-level supply chain, STEM, and academic events and conferences. We urge you to take the panel pledge and draw the line by calling out actors who may unknowingly (or knowingly) participate in this stale and divisive tradition. 

To learn more about the MANEL pledge, visit: https://www.owen.org/pledge/

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 14, we are joined by an EPIC REBEL who is the Head of XBOX safety and longtime Microsoft Supply Chain-er Angela Hession! The Future of Work is human and driven by experiences rooted in values and purpose. This provocative drink and learn turned interview explores talent, building teams, and the importance of diversity in the Value Economy. Listen as Angela explores many topics including why putting the customer first in everything you do is the key to building great products and supply chains to admire. 

In this episode, you’ll hear how to make the shift from old school to new school leadership; how getting to know a diverse group of people leads to a better understanding of yourself, and building better teams. This is particularly important as Angela describes how to acquire, inspire, and develop new graduates and a new workforce, a workforce with purpose who wants to have an impact on the world. We explore customer centricity at Microsoft and the importance of putting empathy at the center of everything you do and how to create lasting brand love.

To learn more about Angela Hession and her impact, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-hession-a294ab17/

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 13, we are joined by global futurist and innovation evangelist Tom Raftery…and with a twist! We are featured on HIS new “Women in Supply Chain” series, where he interviews the most high profile women in supply chain, tech, and digital. This was by far one of the most interesting conversations Deborah and Sheri have to date with broad concepts like hydroelectric, digital waste and connecting corporate sustainability to supply chain amidst COVID19 pressures. 

In this episode, we discuss how supply chains provide are the perfect conduit for transformation to circular and sustainable business models. We dive into connecting local communities where supply chains touch to the sustainable development goals. We talk cloud, inventory, digital supply chain, leadership, and Sheri gives a powerful message on why and how we can change the world, each of us. Tom also has a Digital Supply Chain Podcast, so be sure to check it out, subscribe and follow!

To learn more about Tom Raftery and his impact, visit: https://tomraftery.com/category/digital-supply-chain/

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 12, we explore thinking about supply chains outside of the box, where we can often get stuck in academic discussions. The impacts of supply chains can quickly shift to rights-based discussions. This is Part 2 of our lightning talk with Pretty Mubaiwa, PhD Public Law Candidate and UCT Regional Coordinator for the Africa Resource Center. Pretty works in disruptive supply chain to provide critical medicine, access, and care at the point of need. She specializes in international public law and women's rights.

It’s time we expand our thinking around supply chain and how it’s a powerful conduit that can impact the lives of many, particularly the lives of women. How does supply chain best serve the people who need access the most…access to healthcare, medicine, sexual and reproductive health. Most of this access happens because of supply chains.

In this episode, we discuss how supply chains provide access to human health as a basic right which involves translating rights from the United Nations to the individual communities who need critical supplies, stakeholder engagement in defining the future of humanitarian supply chains, and the amazing work happening at the Africa Resource Center.

To learn more about Pretty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pretty-mubaiwa-b5917086/; to learn more about ARC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/africa-resource-centre/about/

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/

In Episode 11, we explore humanitarian supply chains and international development. This is Part 1 of 2 lightning talks with Pretty Mubaiwa, PhD Public Law Candidate and UCT Regional Coordinator for the Africa Resource Center. Pretty works in disruptive supply chain to provide critical medicine, access, and care at the point of need. The mantra of this organization is African led, African inspired, and to improve lives of African people.

International Development is an extremely complex environment. In many parts of the world, governments run humanitarian supply chains as a public service. Coordinating how the medicines are sourced, and working with donors and partners is often not well-coordinated. Problems start at the national level, and if the government doesn’t get it right, people lose their lives.

In this episode, we discuss the donor relationship, central medical stores, working without a demand signal, impacts of cold chain on inventory management, the opportunity for network infrastructure and 3PL/last mile delivery, and how supply chain is an underdeveloped industry without education programs in place to support the people who need it the most.

To learn more about Pretty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pretty-mubaiwa-b5917086/; to learn more about ARC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/africa-resource-centre/about/

Find us, connect, and explore at https://www.supplychainrevolution.com/