Resilient Supply Chain

Send me a messageProcurement has come a long way, from back-office cost-cutting to a central role in driving sustainability, risk management, and supply chain resilience. In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sat down with Pierre Laprée, Chief Product Officer at SpendHQ, to unpack what that transformation looks like in practice.Pierre shares sharp insights on how procurement teams can baseline and reduce scope 3 emissions, track supplier diversity, and manage supply chain risk, not with static spreadsheets, but with actionable, real-time data. We explored how supplier risk has expanded from purely financial to include cyber threats, ESG exposure, and geopolitical volatility, and how too many organisations are still flying blind.He explains how SpendHQ’s performance management platform helps procurement leaders move from annual targets to rolling forecasts, enabling faster course correction and real impact, not just reporting.We also discussed:Why ESG issues like forced labour and deforestation are no longer just reputational risks, they’re operational liabilitiesHow procurement can help suppliers get better, not just cheaperThe critical role of data quality in turning AI from buzzword to business toolIf you’re in supply chain, procurement, or sustainability and trying to make sense of today’s risk landscape, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and find out why procurement needs to think more like sales, and why data might be your most undervalued supply chain asset.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.

In this discussion with Eric Biel, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Powercast, listeners explore the groundbreaking potential of wireless power in supply chains. Eric highlights how batteryless RFID tags can eliminate e-waste while enhancing product tracking and compliance with regulations. He shares insights on how RF energy enables real-time monitoring and reduces maintenance. The conversation delves into the surprising benefits of these technologies on emissions and operational efficiency, making sustainability practical and innovative.

Send me a messageHey everyone, Tom Raftery here.Just a quick note to let you know that Sustainable Supply Chain is taking a short break this week. I’m recharging the batteries and preparing a fresh lineup of episodes packed with insights on ESG, circularity, digital transformation, and decarbonisation.I'll be back next Monday June 22nd at 7am CEST with brand new content, but in the meantime, there’s a wealth of previous episodes you can dive into. Whether you’re interested in reducing scope 3 emissions, leveraging AI for supply chain transparency, or rethinking procurement models, it’s all there in the archive.And if this podcast has been valuable to you, please consider becoming a supporter - for just €3 or $3 a month, you can help keep the show going and growing. The link to support the podcast is below.Thanks for listening, and talk to you soon!👉 Explore past episodes: https://www.sustainablesupplychainpodcast.com👉 Support the podcast: Support Sustainable Supply ChainSupport 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.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had a cracking chat with René Schrama, Chief Commercial Officer at Peak Technologies. We dug into the evolving landscape of supply chain automation and what it truly means to “leverage automation intelligently” today.René shared how supply chain leaders are moving beyond full-scale automation projects and instead focusing on targeted improvements that actually matter. We explored why finding even six seconds to save in a warehouse process can add up to real gains, and how the Kaizen approach remains a solid guiding principle for continuous improvement.We didn’t shy away from the challenges, either. René highlighted the impact of geopolitical disruptions like tariffs and shifting trade policies, and why adapting supply chain strategies has become more critical than ever.A big takeaway for me? Automation isn’t about replacing people, it’s about striking the right balance between human creativity and machine precision. We also discussed the importance of designing out waste, re-harvesting resources, and why open systems, not closed silos, are key to future-proofing operations.If you’re in supply chain, sustainability, or digital transformation, this one’s worth a listen. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or on my website at https://www.sustainablesupplychainpodcast.com/#SupplyChain #Sustainability #Automation #Kaizen #IntelligentAutomation #PodcastSupport 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.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Gary Loh, CEO of DiMuto, who brings a refreshing perspective on fixing the fractured agri-food trade. Gary’s insights shine a light on the 30% of food wasted globally and how digital tools like AI, IoT, and blockchain can help us reduce that figure.We discuss why traditional silos, where growers, packers, shippers, and retailers rarely share data, need to be broken down. Gary explains how DiMuto’s approach aligns economic incentives for everyone in the supply chain, driving transparency and reducing food waste. He also delves into how real-time data is empowering smallholder farmers, opening up access to trade financing and reducing costly claims.We also touch on the impact of US tariffs, shifting climate conditions, and FSMA 204 compliance, and why digital transformation is no longer optional. Gary’s journey from finance to agriculture shows that real change comes when you address the incentives and give farmers and buyers the tools to see the full picture.If you’re serious about building a transparent, resilient supply chain, or just curious how aligning incentives, AI and data can cut waste in our global food system, this episode is worth a listen.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.

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sat down with Jim McCullen, CTO of Century Supply Chain Solutions, to unpack how technology—particularly AI—is quietly but effectively reshaping the logistics space.Jim’s been with Century for over 30 years, which is practically unheard of in tech. We discussed what’s kept him there so long, and how he’s used that time to help major importers bring order to supply chain chaos—from managing tariff shifts and port disruptions to reducing carbon emissions through smarter origin management.We explored why North American firms lean more heavily on origin cargo management than their counterparts elsewhere, and how AI is now finally delivering real value—whether it’s helping route freight more efficiently or enabling natural language queries through supply chain chatbots. Importantly, Jim also touched on the need for trust in AI systems and how they’re rolling it out in ways that support rather than replace people.Other topics we covered: how data integration is still holding supply chains back, the balance between resilience and sustainability, and why training like a mountain bike racer actually makes sense if you’re trying to stay focused in a complex global operation.If you’re looking for practical ways to modernise supply chain operations, reduce emissions, and respond more intelligently to disruption, this one’s worth your time.Listen now and let me know what you think.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.

Send me a messageWhat if the data you already have could unlock massive sustainability and profitability gains in your supply chain?In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by Danny He, CEO of Soapbox, who makes a compelling case that the real barrier to progress isn’t a lack of technology, it’s fragmented data and disconnected workflows.We unpack how most supply chains are still operating on siloed systems that don’t communicate, forcing businesses to rely on outdated, manual processes that drive waste, overproduction, and cost. Danny shares why true end-to-end visibility requires more than dashboards or AI hype - it needs integrated, real-time data from every part of the ecosystem, including 3PLs and transport providers.We also explore how tackling overproduction, often 5-25% of inventory in many businesses, is one of the most overlooked sustainability opportunities. Less waste, lower emissions, and better cash flow. What’s not to like?If you’ve ever struggled with aged stock, lack of inventory visibility, or systems that don’t talk to each other, this episode is for you.We also touch on:✔ Why most companies are nowhere near “just-in-time” inventory, and how they could be✔ The real role of AI in supply chain (spoiler: it’s not a magic wand)✔ How better data can reduce waste before products are even madeListen now and let me know, what’s stopping your organisation from achieving true end-to-end supply chain visibility?#SupplyChain #Sustainability #DataDrivenSupplyChain #InventoryManagement #SupplyChainTechnology #AI #JustInTime #CircularEconomy #DigitalTransformation #EmissionsReduction #SupplyChainVisibilitySupport 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.

Send me a messageWhat if I told you that most of the platinum and palladium in old diesel vehicles ends up lost or landfilled, even though these are some of the world’s most critical and valuable materials?In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I sit down with Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx, to explore how his company is turning waste into opportunity. Regenx has developed a low-energy, chemical-based process to recover platinum and palladium from diesel catalytic converters, materials that traditional smelters have largely ignored.We discuss why diesel converters are harder to recycle than petrol ones, how their process avoids the high energy costs of smelting, and why circular supply chains like this are vital for reducing dependency on mining in places like South Africa and Russia.Don shares insights on scaling urban mining, the importance of building local processing capacity, and the hidden supply chain of 27 million catalytic converters scrapped globally each year, most of which are never properly recycled.If you care about circular economy strategies, critical raw material supply, or the future of sustainable manufacturing, this episode is for you.Find out more at https://regenx.tech.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.

Send me a messageUPDATE: Since recording this episode JF has informed me he's no longer working with Pendulum.AI is everywhere right now, but is it actually helping supply chain leaders make smarter, more sustainable decisions?In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I’m joined by JF Gagné, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Pendulum, who’s spent over two decades building AI systems that do more than just spit out forecasts. JF shares how generative AI can integrate data across the enterprise to drive contextual, collaborative decisions - helping businesses manage risk, cut waste, and improve sustainability outcomes.We dig into:Why traditional supply chain planning systems are too rigid for today’s volatile environmentHow AI can move from giving “perfect outputs” to helping teams reach consensus and make informed trade-offsPractical examples of using AI to reduce carbon emissions, track forced labour risk, and optimise inventoryWhat most companies get wrong when implementing AI in supply chainsWhy continuous risk assessment, not just better forecasting, is key to agility and resilienceJF also offers a blunt reality check: the world we built our supply chains in no longer exists. If we keep treating today’s disruptions as isolated events, we’re planning for a past that’s not coming back.Whether you’re piloting AI projects or just trying to get a handle on growing ESG requirements, this episode will help you think more critically about what real innovation in supply chains should look like.🎧 Listen now and learn how to build a smarter, more sustainable supply chain.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.

In this conversation with Jen Chew, Vice President at Bristlecone, she shares insights on applying AI to enhance sustainability in supply chains. Jen discusses the shift from AI experimentation to real-world applications, emphasizing the importance of data readiness and analytical skills. She debunks the myth that sustainability comes with high costs, revealing how it can actually drive efficiencies. The talk also covers generative AI’s role in sourcing strategies and the impact of evolving trade policies, providing a roadmap for future-proofing supply chains.