In Episode 23, we explore AI and how digital transformation is a driving force in business today. But do we understand AI, and how can we shift the paradigm of black box to glass box? Recent research shows that even the most well-designed AI systems can still end up with bias, per McKinsey. This is important as we think about the future of work and autonomous everything because AI can exhibit “unfairness” by accident, ultimately embedding bias like sexism, racism, ageism and other discriminatory behaviors that WE rely on for decision making to become automated at scale.  

According to Genpact's study, AI 360: Hold, fold, or double down?, mitigating AI bias can increase opportunities to build customer relationships. Most consumers (58%) are more likely to recommend a company that can demonstrate its AI algorithms are bias-free, and more likely to purchase products or services from such businesses (56%). Gen Z (69%) and millennial (70%) respondents champion unbiased brands even. How do you build trust in the digital age? 

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series featuring Celia Fleischaker, Chief Marketing Officer at PROS, an AI-based platform that helps people and companies outperform by enabling smarter personalization in the digital economy. In this episode, we describe the AI revolution and how to prevent unethical AI, how to build trust in algorithms, and impacts in the future of work and autonomous supply chains. Part 2 of this discussion (Episode 24), will explore diversity & inclusion and dive deep into the building blocks for digital trust.

To learn more about PROS, visit https://pros.com/

To learn more about Celia, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiafleischaker/

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

Imagine a world where city and suburban agriculture takes the form of backyard, roof-top and balcony gardening, community gardening in vacant lots and parks, roadside urban fringe agriculture and livestock grazing in open space. From bio-walls, to edible landscapes, and “gardens-as-a-service,” the transition to a circular economy and sustainable world includes leveraging Urban Agriculture and regenerative farming techniques.

In Episode 22 (Part 2 of the discussion), we explore the principles of regenerative agriculture in the circular transition, including the tension of going local, integrating food education in public schools, the benefits of urban agriculture and holistic design, the importance of communities in agriculture and circularity, and how you can get started in your journey rethinking food and food security. The revolution starts at the bottom. Learn more about how we can design a better future with zero waste, equality, and transition to soil-to-soil approaches to unite people and our planet.

PS: This is the 2nd part of a long discussion. Part 1 is Episode 21, so if you haven’t listened to it yet it’s a good primer for this episode. It’s about 17 mins.

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

"More than a mere alternative strategy, regenerative agriculture represents a fundamental shift in our culture's relationship with nature." In Episode 21 ( Part 1 of 2 ), we explore the principles of regenerative agriculture in the circular transition, including integrated permaculture which provides an environmental-social-economic framework for equity, social, and environmental justice.

The future of food and cities uses space, people, and buildings to maximize value. This episode touches on the benefits of urban agriculture and decentralized food systems for food security and sovereignty...the right of people to have healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It puts the aspirations and needs of those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies rather than the demands of markets and corporations. The revolution starts at the bottom. Learn more about how we can design a better future with zero waste, equality, and transition to soil-to-soil approaches to unite people and our planet.

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

"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/