Executive Edge Podcast

On this episode of Executive Edge, Greg Anderson interviews John Hellriegel, a supply chain veteran and Rutgers professor, about decades of hands-on experience in demand planning, inventory optimization, and distribution. John shares stories from Pepperidge Farm, Diageo (including solving Red Stripe’s bottling and logistics issues), Honeywell and Estée Lauder, explains multi-echelon inventory thinking, and discusses the role of AI and teaching fundamentals to the next generation.

In this enlightening episode of Executive Edge, host Simon engages in a captivating conversation with Beth Fisher-Yoshida, a renowned Columbia University professor and UN advisor. Together, they delve into the complexities of communication, conflict, and power dynamics in the modern workplace. Beth shares her valuable insights on the evolving appreciation of communication skills in corporate and governmental institutions, highlighting the critical nature of effective intercultural interactions. The discussion explores the sensitivity towards workplace diversity and the importance of power, resources, and access in negotiating successfully. Reflecting on how the pandemic has shifted perspectives on work environments and performance management, Beth provides a thought-provoking analysis of the current landscape. From navigating political systems to pursuing lifelong learning, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical strategies for enhancing productivity and value in today's ever-changing workplace.

Join Simon on this episode of Executive Edge as he engages in a profound conversation with Cece Morken, a distinguished Fortune 500 board director and former CEO of Headspace. Cece shares insightful perspectives on the critical yet underrated executive skill of mindfulness in leadership. Discover what it truly takes to serve on top boards and the strategic importance of being present in leadership roles. Cece delves into her seasoned experiences, offering guidance on navigating boardroom dynamics and the essential balance between inquiry and advocacy. An eye-opening discussion for aspiring leaders and established executives alike, highlighting the transformational impact of mindfulness on governance, strategy, and personal growth.

In this episode of Executive Edge, host Simon Rycraft welcomes Nada Alnajafi, an esteemed attorney and founder of Contract Nerds, to explore the intricacies of contract redlining. Nada shares her expertise on how the right redlining etiquette can streamline contract negotiations and enhance clarity and collaboration among parties. Listeners will gain insights into Nada's journey of building a thriving global community dedicated to smarter contracting practices and learn about the 10 foundational steps outlined in her best-selling book, Contract Redlining Etiquette. The discussion covers the evolution of redlining practices, the impact of AI on legal processes, and the importance of creating a cohesive strategy for successful contract negotiations. Join the conversation to discover how lawyers and professionals across various industries can adopt collaborative approaches in contract management to expedite deal closures and maintain strong business relationships.

In this episode of Executive Edge, host Greg Anderson delves deep into the evolving landscape of procurement technology alongside industry legend Pierre Mitchell, Chief Research Officer at Spend Matters. Pierre shares his extensive experience in the procurement field and provides insights on how AI is revolutionizing the sector. Listeners will explore the myths and realities of AI's role in procurement, particularly the misconception that AI will simply replace traditional SaaS applications and human roles. Instead, Pierre argues for a future where AI enhances SaaS capabilities and human efforts, offering a competitive edge to those who adeptly integrate AI into their practices. The discussion highlights the importance of mastering data management and decision-making processes to unlock the true potential of AI. Pierre also examines current AI applications such as contract management and spend analytics, and stresses the significance of aligning IT and procurement teams to effectively leverage AI technology. Whether you're a CPO evaluating AI strategies for 2025 or simply curious about the intersection of AI and procurement, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the leading voices in procurement technology.

In this episode of Executive Edge, host Simon Rycraft talks with Kevin Petrie, former Chief Procurement Officer at Nestlé and a seasoned expert in supply chain management. Kevin shares insights from his global career, starting as a coffee trader and rising to lead procurement and supply chain operations at one of the world’s largest CPG companies. He discusses navigating tariffs, managing risk in complex supply chains, and turning challenges into growth opportunities. Tune in to learn how strategic thinking and strong leadership can drive success in today’s unpredictable global market.

In this episode of Executive Edge, host Greg Anderson talks with Jim O'Rourke, a seasoned leader in operations and supply chain management with a unique background in military service. Jim shares his extensive experience transitioning from a U.S. Army Airborne Engineer to key roles at major companies like Procter & Gamble, offering insights into leading teams, managing supplier relationships, and fostering company culture. With a focus on the CPG industry, Jim discusses strategies for overcoming crises, innovating through supplier partnerships, and setting up for success in new roles. Tune in to discover the lessons learned from 25 years of navigating the complexities of supply chain operations.

Welcome to this episode of Experts Uncut, where Simon sits down with Jon Sonnenschein, a multi-time CEO with a rich background in product management and Private Equity. Jon shares his journey from starting in product management to becoming a pivotal figure in various successful business ventures, providing valuable insights into managing $300 million P&Ls without direct authority and rallying teams to drive business growth. Jon dives into the importance of understanding stakeholders, influencing them to achieve business goals, and the critical role that product management can play in preparing you for leadership roles. He reflects on his time as a CEO and then as an Operating partner at Bregal Sagemount, where he helped companies like truckstop.com expand into new areas with strategic foresight and product development. The discussion touches on the evolutionary journey that businesses take as they grow, emphasizing the need to break down organizational silos and have a data-driven understanding of business fundamentals. Jon explains how his approach to leadership involves empathy, focus, and leveraging the latest technology trends to innovate and improve business processes. Join us as Jon shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of product management, private equity, and AI, offering advice for leaders at every stage of their career.

In this episode of Experts Uncut, host Simon welcomes Tiger Tyagarajan, the former CEO of Genpact, to discuss the engineering, leadership, AI and fitness. Tiger shares his journey from being a sales leader at Unilever to leading Genpact through its transformation and public listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Listen in as Tiger elaborates on the importance of long-term relationships, trust, and team building in driving change and success. He also touches upon his passion for fitness and the role it plays in maintaining both mental and physical agility. The conversation explores the rapid advancements in AI technology and its implications for the business services industry, offering insights into how companies must adapt to stay ahead. With personal anecdotes and expert perspectives, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, innovation, and the fast-evolving topic of AI.

In this episode, Simon sits down with Natasha Gurevich, the former Chief Procurement Officer at Nike and a seasoned expert in procurement leadership. Natasha shares her extensive experience, starting from her unexpected journey into procurement at The Gap, to leading global procurement at renowned companies like McKesson, Salesforce, and PayPal. Natasha discusses the importance of understanding global factors, building strong supplier relationships, and the strategic role of category management in procurement. She emphasizes the need for procurement professionals to be knowledgeable and adaptable, highlighting how to navigate the complexities of the procurement landscape effectively. With insights on everything from the impact of geopolitical events on supply chains to the nuances of stakeholder management, Natasha provides a deep dive into what it takes to succeed in procurement today. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced professional, this episode offers valuable perspectives on driving procurement excellence.