WAM

Most people don’t know what a “traceability expert” is, but they appreciate the importance of knowing how products are made – from initial creation to distribution. Linda Rigano’s guest is Grainne Lynch, who heads up Supply Chain Traceability for Accenture’s newly acquired ESP Enterprise System Partners Group. Grainne started her career writing software for a firm in the maritime logistics industry. Supported by an incredible work ethic and strong mentors, Grainne worked her way up to be one of the first female specialists in serialization and supply chain traceability in the EU. Grainne helps manufacturers to digitize their supply chains so they can track every step of a product’s life cycle – from production of raw materials – to final distribution to the consumer. Today, she is focused on the pharmaceutical industry. Grainne comes from a long line of strong role models – and farming influences where she was first introduced to traceability in food. She credits her classic “Irish” mother with giving her a master class in multi-tasking. Grainne is able to juggle being a recognized traceability expert at Accenture with her true passion – her three children and husband. She is also an athlete and in her little spare time enjoys rock climbing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robotics and automation makes you think speed, efficiency, and higher productivity. However, there is a key component that is often lacking. Take the example of a grocery story cashier being replaced by a robot — teaching the robot how to pick up a banana without squishing seems to be a futile task, but the robot lacks human intelligence and natural ability to be flexible and adjust to the new requirements. Today we welcome to the show Johanna Bellenberg, joining us all the way from Germany. Johanna is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Picavi, an award-winning service provider with 100 percent dedication of its intra-logistics and wearable expertise to Pick-by-Vision solutions. Picavi’s data glasses provide their customers with the efficient and error free flow of goods through their logistics warehouses. By wearing smart glasses, a strict visual guidance through the complete picking process enables workers to maximize their productivity and minimize errors while working hands-free. Picavi is already being used by numerous logistics experts from a variety of sectors. In today’s episode we talk all things related to their Picky-by-Vision products and solutions, accessories, functionality, ideal customers, and much more, so stay tuned as we dive into this amazing product!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea Aranguren’s message to all women is “don’t be afraid to take risks.” Early mentors taught Andrea to be willing to do what it takes to pursue your passion. Linda Rigano’s guest today co-founded CMDTY, a company whose mission is to make physical commodities as efficient as possible. Andrea and her team are transforming commodities by offering a buying and selling platform like none other. Physical commodities is a $4 trillion dollar industry known for traditional operations. For Andrea it’s exciting to see how technology can make a positive impact on a market. Growing up in a traditional Spanish family in New Jersey, Andrea always kept a laser focus on academics, athletics and of course, her family. As a trained gymnast, Andrea learned discipline from an early age and applied it to her professional life. After getting an MBA in Economics from Columbia University, Andrea went on to working in finance, commodities, technology and environmental markets. Being a woman in a male dominated industry has not always been easy, but Andrea is up for any challenge. Hear more as she talks to Linda about the challenges of juggling a family of three while building an exciting new business.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the WAM podcast, host Rosemary Coates interview Beth Pride, the founder and president of BPE Global, a woman-run and led consulting and training firm that facilitates global trade and strategy. Bringing years of valuable and hard-won experience to the table, Beth speaks about how she unexpectedly grew into loving global trade compliance. Beginning initially truck driving, and then through her time at Hewlett Packard, and then transitioning into a small software firm. she discusses the importance of diversifying your experience and learning the ins-and-outs of a business to gain a full, overall understanding of what makes a successful business. Beth discusses the importance of finding smart strategies to tackle barriers to success, the importance of hard lessons, and how to turn weaknesses into strengths. She also discusses how she's established her cutting-edge team and how she approaches the hiring process. Beth's passion for Global Trade through her work is evident, and her advice and wisdom shine through in this interesting episode. Tune in today!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are 75 million workers in the apparel industry, but according to the International Labor Organization, between 60-88% of those workers are at risk of losing their jobs because of automation in the next 10 years. In today’s episode, Linda Rigano interviews Sarah Krasley. Sarah is a fearless entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Shimmy, a women-owned and operated early-stage fashion tech company, intent on preparing the apparel industry for the future of work by developing design, data management, and workforce development applications. In this episode, Sarah shares what Shimmy is doing about apparel workers being displaced by automation through The Apparel Automation Pulse project, and she talks about Shimmy’s business model to gamify the re-skilling and up-skilling process, creating video game-based training to shorten the time needed for training and create higher engagement. Shimmy is focused on providing workers with the digital literacy they need to operate automated equipment in the future, and aims to build transferrable skills to create more job security for women in manufacturing. Tune in today!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the WAM podcast, host Linda Rigano interviews Jan Weiss, who is an expert in commercial credit and collections, across a number of industries. She is also an independent producer, having worked on shows for the Jewish Broadcasting Service. In this episode, Jan shares with us her professional journey, as well as some expert advice for businesses to help them view their credit and collections as a hidden profit center. She also has some tips for staying connected with customers during COVID-19, working with your IT department, as well as some other resources for credit and collections professionals. Jan recommends that we follow those who lead by doing and not by saying, and the best advice she has received is, ‘Don’t be afraid to take risks!’ Tune in today to this inspiring episode!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the WAM Podcast, host Frances Brunelle interviews Kim Alford, who is the production manager of KAM Tool & Die of B-Square Precision Group located in Zebulon, North Carolina. Having been a part of this prestigious company since it's founding in 1995, Kim brings extensive, time-tested expertise in production planning, human resources, and accounting to the manufacturing space. Kim offers valuable insight into not only the production side of manufacturing but also the financial side of it. She also explains the process of being with the company from the time it started as a small company within a garage and only 2 machines, to becoming one of the biggest names in manufacturing and how to maintain integrity and quality through every stage of growth.

Kim also discusses how KAM Tool & Die was acquired by B-Square Precision Group, and how investing in your employees and charting a path forward with the owners and employees can lead to improvements and long-term growth. She also discusses how vital it is to train people properly and keep good employees feeling fulfilled in their roles so that they can contribute their best talents to be apart of the company's vision and take pride in their work. Kim also discusses the pillars of KAM Tool & Die, and how those values shape the culture and success of the company. Learn about the incredible inner workings of KAM Tool & Die and the insightful advice that Kim Alford has to share with the listeners of the WAM Podcast!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From growing up in a small Pennsylvania coal mining town, to a volunteer post in Africa – and a successful career in the logistics industry, our guest, Mollie Bailey Haney, has experienced things most people don’t get to see in a lifetime. After completing her degree in liberal arts, Mollie wasn’t ready for a 9-5 job. She heard about some friends’ experiences with the Peace Corps and decided to sign up as an “Integrated Agricultural Volunteer” in Africa. For two years, Mollie worked side-by-side with local farmers in and around Zaire to help them build sustainable ecosystems. Upon her return, Mollie started work at DXL where she learned the shipping business. She later moved to C.H. Robinson and spent 12 years in a variety of senior roles until she was recruited to Transplace, a leading provider of transportation management services, and logistics technology. In this episode, host Linda Rigano talks to Mollie about growing up during devastating economic times for coal miners, how having three brothers prepared her for a male-dominated work environment and how giving back by doing service for villagers in the Central African Republic taught her invaluable life lessons. Mollie shares her experience moving up the ladder in the transportation and logistics industry and how working at Transplace has been an incredibly challenging and enjoyable experience. Mollie also talks about the most important lessons she’s learned along the way, and how you can learn just as much from a bad manager as a good one. Hear Mollie's incredible story for yourself!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From growing up in a small Pennsylvania coal mining town, to a volunteer post in Africa – and a successful career in the logistics industry, our guest, Mollie Bailey Haney, has experienced things most people don’t get to see in a lifetime. After completing her degree in liberal arts, Mollie wasn’t ready for a 9-5 job. She heard about some friends’ experiences with the Peace Corps and decided to sign up as an “Integrated Agricultural Volunteer” in Africa. For two years, Mollie worked side-by-side with local farmers in and around Zaire to help them build sustainable ecosystems. Upon her return, Mollie started work at DXL where she learned the shipping business. She later moved to C.H. Robinson and spent 12 years in a variety of senior roles until she was recruited to Transplace, a leading provider of transportation management services, and logistics technology. In this episode, host Linda Rigano talks to Mollie about growing up during devastating economic times for coal miners, how having three brothers prepared her for a male-dominated work environment and how giving back by doing service for villagers in the Central African Republic taught her invaluable life lessons. Mollie shares her experience moving up the ladder in the transportation and logistics industry and how working at Transplace has been an incredibly challenging and enjoyable experience. Mollie also talks about the most important lessons she’s learned along the way, and how you can learn just as much from a bad manager as a good one. Hear Mollie's incredible story for yourself!

In today’s episode, Frances Brunelle speaks with Jessica Ginsberg, Director of Business Development at LFM Capital. LFM is a private equity investment group focused on niche manufacturing and industrial service businesses. Jessica is responsible for LFM’s business development activities, including overseeing the firm's direct sourcing and outreach to intermediaries. She brings over 11 years of private equity, banking, and investment management experience to the fund, having served in a variety of roles that include business development, transaction diligence, credit analysis, and investor communications. In this episode, Jessica talks about why LFM Capital is different from other firms, including the way in which they approach private equity. We discuss LFM’s business development, investment, and acquisition strategies, and Jessica highlights the importance of valuing the culture and legacy of a business. Jessica outlines some of the companies in LFM’s portfolio and explains how LFM has facilitated growth and an increase in revenue. For more on LFMCapital and private equity, tune in today!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices