

Resilient Supply Chain
Tom Raftery
The Resilient Supply Chain Podcast is where global leaders explore how to make supply chains stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.Hosted by Tom Raftery, technology evangelist, sustainability thought-leader, and former SAP Global VP, the show features C-suite executives, founders, and innovators from some of the world’s most influential companies. Together, we examine how organisations are building supply chains that can withstand shocks, adapt to change, and compete in a decarbonising economy.New episodes drop every Monday at 7 a.m. CET, packed with real insight, not PR fluff.From resilience and risk mitigation to AI-driven visibility, circular design, and ESG transformation, the podcast unpacks the data, systems, and strategies shaping global operations.You’ll hear from the people doing the work on:business continuity and crisis responseScope 3 emissions and supply chain sustainabilitydigital twins and predictive resilienceethical sourcing and due diligence compliancenearshoring, automation, and future-ready logisticsBecause a supply chain can’t be sustainable unless it’s resilient, and it can’t be resilient unless it’s sustainable.Resilient Supply Chain+ subscribers also get access to bonus episodes, including highlight reels, extra analysis, trend briefings, and other subscriber-only insights.If you’re a supply chain executive, sustainability strategist, or technology leader, this show gives you an edge.Subscribe now and join the global conversation redefining how the world moves, makes, and measures everything.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2023 • 34min
Drag, Drop, Done! Supply Chain Automation Made Easy
Send me a messageIn this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I had a fascinating chat with Alex Yaseen, founder and CEO of Parabola. Alex and his team are doing incredible work, empowering non-technical folks to automate complex, manual data processes within the supply chain sector.We delved into how Parabola allows operators to essentially 'drag and drop' tasks, making it super accessible and user-friendly, and even tackle tricky stuff like parsing handwriting from PDFs using AI - mind-blowing!Alex shared some compelling success stories too. From major freight forwarders like Flexport to 100-year old family businesses like NFI, Parabola is enabling these organizations to dramatically increase efficiency, minimize errors, and promote creative innovation.Importantly, we touched on the fear many operators have about automation taking their jobs. But as Alex rightly pointed out, using Parabola isn't about job loss; it's about evolving roles, improving job quality, and opening up possibilities for advancement.Parabola is indeed transforming the world of data in supply chains and it's been an absolute pleasure having Alex on the show. Tune in for some great insights and remember, the future of supply chains is digital and it's happening now!Don't forget to check out the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/mk_AvPWCpeAEnjoy the episode!Leadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jul 21, 2023 • 26min
From Paper to Cloud: How Tech is Revolutionising Supply Chains with Jason Hehman
Send me a messageIn today's episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast my guest is Jason Hehman, who is the vertical lead for Industrial Innovation and IoT at TXI.Jason shared with us some fascinating stories of how digital transformation is reshaping industries. Our discussion began with the story of Dixon, an organization over a hundred years old, which transitioned from individual environmental monitoring systems to a comprehensive cloud-based solution.Then, Jason walked us through a project with Motor City Systems where a mobile messaging app was developed to alleviate the paperwork load for truck drivers, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and reducing turnover rates.One of the key takeaways from our conversation is Jason's approach to change management. He outlines the significance of aligning stakeholders, defining the purpose of innovation, and integrating teams. These insights are invaluable for anyone navigating their digital transformation journey.Jason also highlights how new technologies such as generative AI are influencing how organizations approach their innovation strategies. It's all about being on a journey, not being caught up in the hype of the latest technology.To wrap up, Jason and I exchange some final thoughts on the future of digital innovation. This is an episode filled with practical insights that you won't want to miss. So tune in, listen, learn and let's continue our journey on the digital supply chain together! And don't forget you can catch the video version of this episode at https://youtu.be/c5tUGzlYxDMUntil next time, stay innovative, folks!Leadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jul 17, 2023 • 30min
Supply Chain Resilience: Key Insights from Rob Haddock
Send me a messageHey everyone, Tom Raftery here with another enriching episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast! I had a fascinating chat with Rob Haddock, a seasoned supply chain professional, about navigating disruptions and creating resilient systems. We delved into the idea of a 'shipper of choice' initiative, discussing how treating drivers with respect and keeping them moving can dramatically improve efficiency in logistics operations.Rob also shared some candid insights on finding the right tech solutions for supply chain efficiency in a market teeming with options. We also took a detour into the exciting realm of electric transportation. While it’s clear we have some way to go before we see a majority of Class 8 trucks going electric, the industry is undoubtedly moving in the right direction.Lastly, Rob left us with an important thought on the expansive definition of 'logistics'. It's not just about moving goods from A to B, but also the strategies and tools that can justify investment and translate into real-world value for customers.Don't miss this insightful episode (also available in video format on YouTube)! As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s reshape the future of supply chains together!Leadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jul 14, 2023 • 26min
Breaking Barriers: How Small Businesses Can Navigate the Logistics Industry
Send me a messageIn this exciting episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I had the pleasure to chat with Eric Vasquez, owner and founder of Veterans Logistics Group. Eric, a logistics professional with a wealth of experience, candidly discussed the journey of his small business in the complex world of supply chain and logistics.He shares how his company, starting from scratch, navigated the industry to become a successful player, doubling its revenue year over year for four years. We dived deep into their venture into the government space, their first client being FEMA, the hurdles of dealing with red tape, and how being a small business is sometimes an advantage.Eric's insights into the necessity of perseverance, tackling customer acquisition costs, the importance of diversity in sourcing suppliers, and the reality of digital transformation for small businesses are incredibly valuable.If you're a small business trying to carve out a space in the supply chain industry, or just interested in the real-life experiences of those on the frontline of logistics, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to get Eric's unique take on the sector, future goals, and his advice for fellow small businesses. Don't miss this journey from nothing to a multimillion-dollar business!Don't forget to check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/Q9idTlrRjNcLeadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jul 10, 2023 • 29min
Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Talk on Reshoring and Automation with Anna Wells
Send me a messageHey folks, Tom Raftery here, with another enlightening episode of the Digital Supply Chain Podcast. This time, I had the pleasure of chatting with Anna Wells, an Executive Editor with Industrial Media, a powerhouse in the industrial sector providing content to various audiences along the supply chain.In our conversation, Anna offers a captivating glimpse into the ongoing evolution of industrial supply chains, especially post-pandemic. We discussed the significant shift from just-in-time to just-in-case inventory management, as the pandemic has exposed the fallibility of supply chains and highlighted the need for safety stock. Yet, Anna emphasizes, this doesn't mean hoarding every single item, but strategically targeting what's most critical to operations.Anna also touched on the ongoing trend of reshoring and nearshoring. As companies seek greater control and visibility over their supply chains, we see a surge of interest in bringing operations closer to home. As part of this, we dive into the impact of automation, AI, and other technology investments, which are now more than ever becoming central to operations in industries beyond just automotive.We also navigated the exciting waters of digitalization in manufacturing. From AI's increasing role in forecasting to manufacturers exploring e-commerce for B2B operations, we cover the shift in business models. We even explore some novel tech applications, like warehouse inventory management through sensors and cameras - turning the whole warehouse into a vending machine!It was a fascinating conversation that you won't want to miss. So tune in, whether you're a supply chain professional, a manufacturing enthusiast, or just eager to learn more about the future of industrial supply chains.For more, Anna mentionedLeadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jul 7, 2023 • 32min
The Intersection of Supply Chains, 3D Printing, and Sustainability - A Chat With Len Pannett
Send me a messageIn the latest episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Len Pannett, a seasoned supply chain transformation consultant.Len gave us the inside scoop on additive manufacturing (3D printing) and how it's revolutionizing supply chains around the world. He gave us some fascinating insights, sharing real-world examples from the aerospace, EV, and technology sectors. Get ready to explore how this technology is not just about reducing costs, but also about increasing resilience and enhancing sustainability.But that's not all we talked about. Len offered his perspective on the digital transformation journey of supply chains and how businesses, large and small, are navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities of digitization. Are we moving fast enough? Are we moving in the right direction? Tune in to get Len's take on these big questions.We also touched on the importance of having a broader overview of supply chain processes. You’ll hear Len's thoughts on how being too specialized could potentially limit our understanding of available solutions and inhibit innovation.The best part? We wrapped up our conversation discussing a topic close to my heart – sustainability. Len shared his optimistic view on how sustainability is becoming a core component of supply chain management. Hear how this shift is not just beneficial for the planet, but also for your bottom line.Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking episode that's sure to fuel your passion for supply chain transformation and sustainability. Can't wait for you to listen in!And you can find Len's book Supercharged how 3D Printing Will Drive Your Supply Chain in all bookstores, and on AmazonAnd the videoLeadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jul 3, 2023 • 37min
From Customization Woes to System Simplicity: Insights from CEO Nick Foy
Send me a message🎧 Welcome to another exciting episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast! In today's episode I'm chatting to Nick Foy, Founder, CEO, and Chief Evangelist of Silverdale Technology. Get ready to dive into the world of Odoo ERP and discover how it can revolutionize your business operations.In this episode, Nick shares how Odoo can transform your business by consolidating all your data and processes into one unified system. From managing contacts to tracking sales, inventory, and more, Odoo offers a seamless progression that adapts to your company's evolving needs.Nick also emphasizes the importance of starting your ERP journey early. Whether you're a small company or a rapidly growing enterprise, implementing Odoo can bring significant benefits. By centralizing your data and workflows, you gain a holistic view of your customers, projects, and finances. Imagine answering client calls with instant access to their entire history, from meetings to invoices, without switching between multiple systems.But what about customization? Nick cautions against excessive customization, as it can lead to future complications and high support costs. Instead, he highlights the value of leveraging standard processes and extensions to maintain flexibility and simplify system upgrades. Nick shares an inspiring success story of how Silverdale reduced a client's custom code by a whopping 74%, significantly lowering their support costs and increasing system efficiency.We also discuss the future of ERP systems and the integration of ChatGPT. Nick reveals how Silverdale is utilizing AI-powered chatbots to enhance customer support, streamline coding, and drive predictability and scalability. By tapping into the vast knowledge base accumulated from thousands oLeadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jun 30, 2023 • 32min
The Future of Supply Chains: Luca Gelsomino Explores the Power of Integration
Send me a messageIn today's episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast I had the pleasure of diving deep into the intricate relationship between supply chain and finance with the highly knowledgeable Prof Luca Gelsomino.In this episode, we explore the intriguing trend of "deep tier financing" that pushes beyond immediate suppliers. Luca, with his wealth of experience and insights, really highlights the need for integrated thinking, a concept which is already changing the landscape of supply chain management as we know it. If you've ever been curious about the financial implications on your supply chain, this conversation is sure to shed some much-needed light.We also touch on the undeniable necessity for us to acknowledge the massive transformations our industries are about to undergo. From energy regeneration to circular economy, the transitions ahead are going to be pivotal. Luca shares his compelling thoughts on how supply chain and finance integration could play a crucial role in managing these shifts.But that's not all! Luca generously gives us a glimpse into his fascinating research at the Supply Chain Finance Community and the innovative projects they are currently undertaking. It's a conversation brimming with forward-thinking ideas and insights you don't want to miss.Remember, it's not just about understanding your supply chain—it's about understanding how every piece of the puzzle fits together, finance included. So, tune in to this episode and let's deep dive into the future of supply chains together.And don't forget the video version of this episode is on YouTube here.Leadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jun 26, 2023 • 2min
Short break episode
Send me a messageHi folks, I'm travelling today to the ASCM Connect event in Brussels so no real episode for you today, but with 328 excellent episodes in the back catalog, and some more fantastic ones on the way, I think you'll get by!!!Have a great week, and talk to you again on Friday where I'll be talking to Luca Gelsomino.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

Jun 23, 2023 • 32min
Revolutionising Supply Chains with AI, and Large Language Models like ChatGPT
Send me a messageHey everyone, it's Tom Raftery here and boy do I have a treat for you with this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast. I got a chance to sit down with Gregor Stühler, Founder and CEO of Scoutbee, an innovative company that's making waves in the world of supply chain with the application of AI and large language models.We took a deep dive into the concept of large language models like GPT-4, their capabilities, and their relevance in today's business world. Gregor did an excellent job of breaking it down and showing us how these language models can help revolutionize decision-making processes within the supply chain sector.We also covered a critical and timely topic – sustainability. We discussed how AI models can contribute to the realization of ESG and sustainability goals when the data is properly integrated.The future of these large language models also came up. While Gregor doesn't see a radically different version coming anytime soon, he did share insights into how companies are developing technologies to augment these models and overcome their limitations.We concluded with a call to action from Gregor encouraging businesses not to hold back and start integrating AI now. There's plenty of power in beginning with a small data set and growing from there.As always, I'm curious to hear what you think! Feel free to reach out to Gregor on scoutbee's website and be sure to check out their recent white paper on AI and large language models for even more insights. The links are right in the show notes.Stay tuned for more fascinating discussions about the world of Leadership Lessons From The Great BooksUnderstanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet)...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers:Alicia FaragKieran OgnevGary LynchAnd remember you too can become a Resilient Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to bonus episodes of topical, timely supply chain resilience analysis.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.


