Supply Chain Now
Episode 330

Episode Summary

Today on this episode of Supply Chain Now, we welcome Dr. Bing Xu with iPoint, AIAG CR Summit Premier Sponsor, to enlighten us on chemical regulatory issues in the automotive supply.

Episode Transcript

[00:00:05] It’s time for Supply Chain Now Radio. Broadcasting live from the Supply chain capital of the country, Atlanta, Georgia. Supply Chain Now Radio spotlights the best in all things supply chain the people, the technology, the best practices and the critical issues of the day. And now here are your hosts.

 

[00:00:28] Hey, good afternoon. Scott Luton here with you own supply chain. Now welcome back to the show. On this episode, we’re kicking off our latest round of collaboration with the Automotive Industry Action Group, a leading professional association that has been working to drive down costs and complexity from the automotive siplon automotive supply chain for over 35 years. So stay tuned for practical insights and observations. It’ll certainly raise your Supply chain IQ on a quick programing note. You can find supply chain now wherever you get your podcast from Apple podcast, Spotify, YouTube, you name it. We’d love to have you subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. Well, welcome in my fearless, esteemed co-host here today. Greg White Serial Supply chain tech entrepreneur, chronic disruptor and trusted advisor Greg. How you doing?

 

[00:01:17] I’m doing well, Scott. How are you?

 

[00:01:20] We’re doing. We’re doing, doing well. You know, it’s interesting time for everyone. However, you know, here, Supply chain. Now we continue to take our role very seriously in supplying best practices across the global supply chain community. So we’re looking forward to this interview.

 

[00:01:37] Well, we can’t stop our learning because of this disruption. And I think this is a great opportunity and a great, incredible guest.

 

[00:01:47] So with that said, let’s go ahead and welcome in our featured guests here today, Mr. Being you p_h_d_, director of Business, Innovation and Market Engagement. At our point being, how are you doing? Hey, guy. How about you? We’re doing well. We’re doing well. And so glad. And I know that you’ve had a full plate here. I’m sure you and the team are really busy and really appreciate you carving some time out to speak to our audience today.

 

[00:02:14] It’s my pleasure. Let’s start.

 

[00:02:16] Ok.

 

[00:02:17] I like that. That can do spirit. All right. So for starters, for starters being let’s get a sense of who you are. So. So tell us, you know, where are you from and give us an anecdote or two about your upbringing.

 

[00:02:31] Bob Walker, right? Yeah. This is being Siew and Di came to us in 1981 from China. So now it is almost like 40 years. I got my PMG and University of Southern Cal and usually people say that’s universe of sport, a child, whatever. Yeah. And then not. I start working at the Ford Motor Company and definitely quite a few area. But my main area is for the so-called materials management. I’m basically from the starting of the material coming into a formal company and then to the end of life, you know, recycle we call cradle to cradle the whole process. I’m the program manager managing the whole material process and for twenty five years. And then last year I just retired and nice job. I could, you know, stay summer beach, whole mountain, whatever, but quite a few of our friends and basically says, hey, you being you can not just the waste, your expertise, experience until twenty five years in this area.

 

[00:03:42] So finally I came back and tried to help out. And I point is the company I work now and I point actually working in also the similar field in the material compliance.

 

[00:03:56] So being we’re gonna we’re gonna dove into our point mode in just a second cause we will. Greg and I both want to learn a lot more about what that company does. But let me ask you to two fun questions, if I could, before we we get a better sense of your your journey and your company, for starters. What’s one thing you can share about being you that that most folks may not know?

 

[00:04:21] Everybody knows I’m g.

 

[00:04:23] I like math and physics and whatever, but seldom people knows that. Actually, I’m doing lots of so-called meditation, you know, sitting there quietly and clear up my PHONCE and actually help my health and improve my immune system. Now, particularly important.

 

[00:04:45] I love that.

 

[00:04:50] Long time ago.

 

[00:04:54] You know, if we if any of us need some serenity now. To borrow a phrase from Seinfeld with whatever methodology, meditation or any others certainly have. I think I think we all could use some of that. Let’s say one of the thing that I think is really important right now, especially as we see a variety of signals and feedback where business leaders and professionals, they’re looking for proven resources for information and news and content and business insights. Is there a recent book you’ve read or is there any go to sources that you can share with us for where you get your your information from?

 

[00:05:33] I say exactly the things that you just talk about that information, information, information. Actually now reading a book and like a traditional way, probably no longer the way I’m handling things. I learn mostly from very concepts, you know, nice things and especially the the new topics in the Internet. You know, the machine learning things. And I thought of observational intelligence type of things and especially few things that actually will impact our mental or management data management type of thing. So that’s where actually I look more and look at the union about the thing and to look at the new technology and the artificial intelligence type of things. That’s kind of the things that actually I spend more most of time reading and understand, gosh, there’s so much you mentioned outie.

 

[00:06:29] It’s almost you can pick whatever of the million acronyms that are out there. There’s there’s a wave, a tidal wave of new technology innovation. And we’re gonna touch on that later in the interview. Greg, I know you’ve got a few questions around Bings professional journal.

 

[00:06:42] Well, yeah, I’d like to start with a a key professional question before I ask you the the the other questions. And that is you work for pharmaco for a long time.

 

[00:06:55] I’m interested in over that. Twenty five years, what has been your your favorite Ford vehicle?

 

[00:07:06] The favorite. The favor, what is definitely the explorer that the one actually I leased at several times and whatever. I mean, because you said that the favorite one I’m in the there are many other things I I’d like it, but Explorer’s definitely I want.

 

[00:07:22] I think that was a great invention, by the way. I mean, you know, I remember when those came out and I got one the very first year that came out, as a matter of fact. I was pretty excited about it.

 

[00:07:35] Ok. Well, let’s get let’s get a little deeper than that. So if you can just give us a little bit of a, you know, a of your journey.

 

[00:07:45] And I think because you spent most of your career so far at Ford, I’d love to hear about your undergrad and grad and p_h_d_ experiences in addition to your professional journey, just so folks can understand how that led to where you are today.

 

[00:08:04] Yep. I graduated from tenjin University in China and then came to us in University of Southern Cal finished my APICS physics and then I won two Brian Diversity and Case Western. The you know, the research that scientists and research associate type of things finally landed in Ford and still managing material things. But this time it’s not like a pure research things. But managing the whole material process from the beginning to the end. So that’s basically my.

 

[00:08:37] Twenty five years with Ford mainly focusing on managing all the material. Actually, all the materials within Ford actually came through my department in terms of approval, in terms of the very kinds of toxicology approval or mental approval. The whole process. And finally, end of life vehicle that the whole mature process handled the whole thing.

 

[00:09:00] So I got to believe working at a company like Ford Motor Company and with all of the activity and transition that Ford has gone through, buying and selling various other car companies and introducing new models and reviving others and that sort of thing, you have to have met some some people or had some experiences that were put pivotal or influential in, you know, kind of making you who you are today.

 

[00:09:29] Can you share any of that with us?

 

[00:09:32] Yeah, I think that’s things. And if you talk about the so-called I am dematic international material data systems that actually useful every supplier, all yams in the world, basically that name is always attach with my name. I was unfortunately the original number that seven of the OEM actually started this.

 

[00:09:58] I’m D-AZ nineteen 1997. I was there at the time. I went to Europe to actually work what the other six o yams and we actually united i_d_s coming in and telling us how we handle the end of life vehicle directive which is just came out. Not enacted yet, but it just came out. So they did die. A very good presentation, very persuasive and basically asking nice to each one of our OEM put some seed money. And what wouldthe E.T.s develop a central system instead of each individual OEM, develop their own systems, collecting data and use this acentral system and collecting data. So that was a time, 1997. And finally, we signed the contract with E.T.s and then we launch it year to sound in the name I. M.D.s actually start actually flowing around. And finally coming to today, it’s more than 20 years.

 

[00:11:05] Al-ridi So that’s the I’m the I was the original member and unfortunately all the original member either retired or move out, whatever. I was the only Stuckey’s seal working in this the areas and even I retired now. Steel My name is social.

 

[00:11:22] What you still have is you still haven’t escaped it.

 

[00:11:27] And I have been in the I’m Desire’s Stream committee since then, even not in Europe. But I’m kind of representing the US side.

 

[00:11:36] And also all the I’m d related to process. And later on, many of the things, you know, the the I’m the s improvement and I’m the s conference type of things. I’ve been working with that whole area for the last 20 some years.

 

[00:11:55] So I imagine there are about twenty thousand people in the automotive industry nodding their head right now, going, yeah, I know that.

 

[00:12:04] Phee I M.D.s basically registered the users more than 100000, 0 0 0 all over the world and each year, and Ford, for instance, gave you an example of Fords and the three Lu v.p.’s a sign of letter and they explained to all our suppliers and publicly put a name, the ice sheets, you know, the information sheets and saying, hey, if you have any question asking being Schue.

 

[00:12:34] So that’s some fine. And stay there for more than, you know, fifteen, 17 years. So start from the very beginning of the I am the ice until now.

 

[00:12:46] Wow.

 

[00:12:47] So I’m sure there are other kind of influential things that have happened to you over your career at Ford or even as you’ve moved you even in maybe your brief, apparently a very brief retirement.

 

[00:13:03] Anything else jump out at you as influencing your your path or worldview or anything like that?

 

[00:13:11] Yeah. Let’s talk about the that the system and twothe and also my vision when I was at Ford in charge of those the whole thing and actually conjunction with i._d.s develop. I also actually lead led the Ford team, developed the Ford Longterm Strategies in terms of how to make sure the material complied, how to actually improve this stability, you know, design and greener material selection type of things. Sorts of things is all I was the day actually leader global actually leader within formal company. And for that home, it’s your management area. So I basically developed very kinds of the systems within Ford and also the processes within Ford, that same things actually now utilized by many under our automotive company and actually outside of automotive industry. I went through lots of a conference and go to the electronic industry, aerospace industry, building material. Does she have a machine industry? You name it. I work with SIA, which is the European Automotive Association and US car here, the U.S. and US auto lines and global automaker, you name it. So basically, I have been very active in automotive sector and meeting with the whole lots of our OEM colleagues and as well as the suppliers colleagues.

 

[00:14:52] I mean, that’s quite that’s quite a career.

 

[00:14:58] That’s really that’s really impressive. So.

 

[00:15:02] So tell us a little bit about how you got. I I point maybe now. Right. And they asked.

 

[00:15:10] Yeah. Sheer Sheer how they dragged you out of retirement. I have a feeling I might have been pushed out the door by someone, you know.

 

[00:15:18] Actually, I I watch it. eight-point start from the very beginning. When we start developing in ninety seven. I point was not there when we launch it year 2000 and we were so busy I said oh yeah, we have to, you know, persuade our supplier to enter data and then we developed the system we train and teaching and a whole lot of things that we couldn’t do.

 

[00:15:44] Many things to help our suppliers, how to managing the materials, how to manage the video and 8:1 pop up and nice start from the beginning. I already pay attention to it. And they were the company actually start developing system and connecting with the and the ice and then manage the data from IMed. Yes, download it to either OEMs or to suppliers. Help them to manage because I’m the ESA just purely database how to utilize the data, how to generating very constant report. That’s basically what I point started doing that the series of the things. That’s time I already pay attention to it. And for the last almost they started almost to sound them one formally established. And when they first started, only about ten, you know, eleven people now they grow with the whole line. The US community. Now there are well over 175 employees. Now I sell them from the beginning. And that’s why when I announced my retirement in quite a few company and it came to me, I one was one of them. We know each other very well. And I point has been supporting not only the automotive company and they also helping the heavy machine industry, aerospace, defense and whatever, helping them to managing the material, managing the mature compliance, managing sustainability. That’s why their goal and my goal, their vision and my vision is almost like, you know, we match. So that’s basically what the eight-point start with. I’d point out actually our emotion and star from the few people now getting well over one hundred seventy five and they start with the mature compliance and Joe Hurley with ideas. Now they also actually branching out to do the whole sustainability. You know, the three major pillars, not only economy side and also the social side and as well as on the mental side. So that’s a perfect match because for the last twenty five years when I was at Ford, I’m basically doing the same thing. So that’s why that is the perfect match.

 

[00:18:00] And then after retirement, Nigel nine-point got there so much we could dove in to that journey. Greg and Bing, you started.

 

[00:18:10] You’ve shared some of what point does one of Greg’s favorite questions he likes asking is as he is walking down his company’s hallway and he’s thinking he isn’t paying because he’s piece posed with the challenge of the day or the month or what have you. So he’s thinking about this problem he has. And then it it becomes clear to him that he has to give our point a call. What problem? And there’s probably a variety of them.

 

[00:18:36] But what what would be one key problem that Greg would be thinking about, that our point is a is a great solution for it’s a really ipe one has their principal basically managing the data from that data collection to data analysis to the date utilization. So that’s actually what eight-point has been very good at. And for all the automotive industry, material compliance, mature data collection type of things, point is very good at that one. So that’s kind of the things that I point is helping not only, you know, Ford Motor Company. I was before whetherit and also helping, you know, GM torta, you name it, quite a few. Oh, yams and an outside of the the automotive company as well in electronic and other industry. So they’re they’re really working on the materials compliance and place that hosts the stability, you know, arena.

 

[00:19:38] Gotcha. OK. Gosh, are so much there. So, Greg, I know you’re a bit curious, as we always are. As we go broader, right?

 

[00:19:48] Yeah. So. So tell us about.

 

[00:19:54] I’m always interested to see outside of your day to day what people are seeing. So give us a couple of insights on a couple issues or topics or concerns or developments. You know that that really have your attention and interest above others today.

 

[00:20:16] Very good question. That’s been actually with me for almost like a more than 20 years. I trade myself or I call myself. It’s a having a ability of doing this so-called strategic planning. So I always think five, 10 years down the road. And what’s going to impact not only my job and also industry wise. And then you know what’s happening in the future. So that’s kind of the things. And help me to think. And especially, you know, the last several years, I always look at the data. We Davis not a problem we got. Actually, the problem is we get so much data. How can we sort out the data? How can we fully utilize the data?

 

[00:21:05] So that’s kind of the things is always in my mind. So that’s why I try very hard to understand the smart tools. Doesn’t matter. It’s a machine learning tool is how I tools. How can we sort out, you know, the millions and billions of things and the data coming to us? So that’s first thing. Second thing I see is that how we can fully utilize and not just waste of time collecting the data and doing a whole lot of useless work, but at the end of day, we just spend money doing nothing.

 

[00:21:37] So that’s actually the two things is always in my mind. Oh, the strategies I help forward to develop. Now I work in. I want to always try to think about those two things. How can we sort out the data in a smart way? How can we fully utilize to support the company? Bottom line.

 

[00:22:00] So I’m curious, have you found any answers to that question?

 

[00:22:04] Oh, absolutely. That’s that’s why we’re kind of in many area. I got lots of words and, you know, whatever and so few things is that the we we tried to develop a tools and the process to managing those data. They’re coming from everywhere. And that’s that’s one thing.

 

[00:22:28] Secondly, is that fully utilization? My way of thinking is what I always think about this so-called three steps. One is the digitalization, because everything you have to do to analyze and I mean, 20 years ago when we started developing 90 eyes and lots of things is paperwork. You know, this this is there’s no web based thing. So that’s the first thing. The second thing I see is that you have to have an integration. You integrate very kinds of piecewise things and then you have a big picture and then you have a better way to get those piecewise. Looks like. Unrelated things.

 

[00:23:04] But when you integrate them and you really support a whole lots of the you know, that the better design and the better, you know, better development and better system only type of things. So that’s the second major step. The first the the last one is we called optimization, which basically says that you got the data you collected in the electronic way and then you integrate very kind of a process and tools. And finally, you need to optimize. That’s come to the point that you got so much data and so many things, how to optimize things. And that’s that’s where that’s actually I spent all my, you know, twenty five years and tried to do those three things. And even when I come to i_p_, one is a perfect match because they also think the same way. So that’s kind of things we actually tried to help not only my previous formal company now work with, I want to support all our customers.

 

[00:24:07] Those are three critical steps because as you said before, the wealth of data that we have is often wasted because we don’t know what to do with it. And I think those are really actionable steps for people to be able to utilize and make something out of that data. Data is only valuable if you can actually improve your business.

 

[00:24:28] Hey, you speak my language now. Exactly. Exactly. You got so much data if you don’t utilize them. And then it’s nothing. You waste your time, you waste your money and you waste your storage, basically.

 

[00:24:44] Yep. Perfect.

 

[00:24:47] So I want to switch gears here being this point in this interview, because, you know, as part of this, this is a kick off podcast interview for a new series of interviews we’re doing with the Automotive Industry Action Group. And I know you all have been big supporters, I point in particular has been a big supporter of the A.G. over the years. So two questions there. First off, why have you gotten involved with AIG and why have you continue to support the organization? And I believe you or a member of your team is presenting it at an upcoming event, which we’ll talk about in a second.

 

[00:25:23] Yes. Let’s come to your first one again. AIG started almost like early 2000 because the reason is once we develop this idea, as is impact, every of our subpart and all the layers down from the first year to year and ages. That is a good company. I mean, it’s good corporation, actually, again.

 

[00:25:45] Oh, the pie together in one vision and one we had this idea has launched AIG, start getting the supplier all yem together. So that was a time. Actually, I represent Ford in AIG. Start talking to different OEM representative and place our suppliers, the members in AIG. So that’s actually early 2000. And then we started our North America IAG I M.D.s, a new summit and this is the longest one and most popular one in the world. Even though I’m the as the yel the end of life, you know, vehicle directive came out of the Europe and somehow they didn’t have like a you know, so many hit companies involved and whatever. So it happens that the many maybe many supplier here having questions. But I remember the first time when we had that I’m assuming, you know, I’m the Eissa summit is the maximum capacity is the 400. We got 460 people registered. So we have to have six people not come yet. So you can see how popular and ended until now. And every year we have this one. I have been in AIG for the advisory group. You know, I’m the advisory group chair and co-chair and many times. And so that’s why the Diane Schwab and almost the verb beginning for the ideas project within AIG on top of that. I’m the ice is just one portion. And just like what we said, we have to utilize the data to support a Culper Responsibility’s ability type of things. So that’s why I have been also involved in their Coaldrake Responsibility Committee. How about the company Mineral Things and, you know, human rights type of things? So that’s basically I involved in the in the AIG. So that’s your first part of the question. Secondly, do you want me to talk that second part or you have any on the question?

 

[00:27:58] Well, being. Let me foreshadow the second question before you share some perspective. So to our listeners, we’ve talked about this this April event for four months now, given our our partnership with the great folks over at AIG that do such a great job of disseminating insights and best practices and thought leadership, they’ve made the adjustment a few weeks back to make the twenty twenty corporate responsibility summit. That being has has touched on a couple of times here, a virtual event. So it’s gonna run April 28 through twenty nine. Twenty twenty is gonna feature a wide variety of speakers that they’re doing some great work to make it as interactive as as can be. Obviously you’ve got some limitations there with any virtual event, but the key is lining up experts and compelling speakers, much like being here and his team over our points of being. With that said, if you could share it, you know you or our points roll in the Corporate Responsibility Summit coming up.

 

[00:29:00] Good. I think let’s continue on your second part of it. Thank you for that explanation. Unfortunately, you know, this virus really cut down many things, including this conference we did actually, as I explained to you before.

 

[00:29:17] We always try to see how we can managing our how we can manage, you know, the material and the data and then the process and tools to help our customer and the bottom line and how to increase their efficiency, how to help them to select greener materials, better sustainability, you know, goals and of things to achieve that goals. So that’s actually the whole thing. And it’s always in our mind. That’s the major topic we want to share during the conference and this year the particular conference, what we want to say is that we basically want to discuss a few topics. The first one we wanted access is what’s the latest development in terms of the design for sustainability. And that’s kind of things we want to share with out with our audience especially. And I have been in this area long enough and I plan also working in this area line enough. So that’s why we got lots of the experience and especially for the recent development. What I see for the recent developments is really we want to move from our previous, you know, data collection, you know, just for the compliance and certify all the coal can be sold everywhere. But now we really want to move towards utilize those data, utilize those tools to help for the goal of design, for sustainability. For instance, and, you know, sustainability, you have a whole lot of so-called sensitivity indicator, whether global warming indicator or whether you use light lighter weight and light weighted material or you use a less toxic, toxic, you know, substance type of things. And sometimes even many other, you know, the shipping, energy use, end of life, many things that recyclability things.

 

[00:31:16] So that’s kind of the things recently that not only I point number off a company, develop tools to help the customer to how the OEM supplier, anyone wants to achieve a better sustainability goal to actually get this design for sustainability into their whole product cycle, manufacturing process type of things.

 

[00:31:43] For instance, if you have the two or three different materials, you want to compare whether this material will have the better global warming indicator or worse. And this one is the better in terms of recyclability or is worse. This one is more toxic or this one is benign. So those kind of things based on our data collection, the data use age and, you know, philosophy, we now try to help, you know, whoever wants to do more on this and the ability to get their hine’s their hands to actually managing to compare and to select those kind of alternative based on the indicators. So that really actually help to achieve their better accessibility goal. So that’s kind of the first topic that we we want Sheer actually we we develop our tools and can put it different indicators there and gave it to the engineers and gave to the designer design. Or you can pick up those the three or four different material that in your mind and put into our tools and see which one is better. That one is actually generating less CO2 and that one is more. So that’s really the trends and also the things we see that actually more our customer asking for it.

 

[00:33:05] So that’s the first major topics we you know, and if I understand it right, our point is also a sponsor of the event. So you’ll help AIG get this thought leadership. This this critical, especially at this point time and 2020. You know, if companies aren’t doing anything about sustainability and aren’t making that shift over to more of a circular economy model, they’re really behind the times. And most importantly, you know, they’re behind consumer evolving demands more, more. Greg, we just talked about this in the Linked-In last session a few weeks ago about Thomas Eyre’s about these shifting consumer sentiments, about the importance of sustainability and the circular economy model, right?

 

[00:33:51] Yeah, that’s right.

 

[00:33:52] We care more and more about the business ethics and business identity of companies in the supply chain.

 

[00:34:01] So, yeah, you both are absolutely right. Actually, we can feel that pressure from our customers as well.

 

[00:34:09] And for instance, if back to 10 years ago, people always say, hey, let’s get the data, Gates data, at least we can sell our cars.

 

[00:34:17] That said, that’s the important things. But now many people gathered data. What’s the next? How can you design your product? Actually, people like it. It’s good for our grandson, grandchildren, whatever, and more sustainable. So that’s kind of things. My second topic is related to that as well. And we we did actually talk to our customers and talk to consumers and asking them what kind of indicator there’s more common. You want to understand so that we can actually help our customers to designer to design Yean for this ability. And, you know, probably even if I say that, you probably will say, oh, OK, we’re thinking the same thing. The first one is and people always want to know the global warming. You know, you negate the carbon footprint when they use you actually gendering a whole lot of bad things that you generate less things. And so that’s kind of a common you negate or many actually, our customer wants it. The other thing is, again, is similar things that you heard, the kind of phony green chemistry they want to have a. You know, the better, safer product. Chemicals. So that’s the second one is the people asking whether this substance is more toxic or is better. So that’s another. Not, you know, very popular common things. And they want to know. And the third one is recyclability. And people always, you know, and even the we call emerging market. They also start paying attention to say we don’t want to, you know, put it on the landfill more. Let’s do some more recyclable renewable things.

 

[00:36:01] So those are the very common factors that action people start paying more attention. So that’s kind of a my second topics.

 

[00:36:10] Costs are so much there. But but really appreciate our points support. This is timely perspective that the attendees need to hear about. And in most cases, attendees are struggling to find solid, credible speakers and thought leaders to share the path forward and how to how to make how to make their journey more easier and to gain actionable insights from folks that have been there and done it. So I love y’all’s involvement and looking forward to hearing some of the feedback from the attendees.

 

[00:36:48] Good point. Actually talking about data, you know, making things easier. That’s that’s another major point I want to share with everybody is that actually we gave this design the simple tool to engineering directly before we always think about professional people. You do the whole lots of, you know, the lifecycle analysis of very complicated things. But now and we want gave it to the engineer so they can simply slags things easier. And without, you know, knowing too much about the detail things. That’s another thing, actually, I point support to the customers.

 

[00:37:24] So you’re helping them make those responsible sustainability decisions?

 

[00:37:31] Yes. Gave it to the engineering and sold the tool. It’s actually relatively simple. No need to understand the whole LLC principles and whatever. But actually, the tool development, lots of the combination in the backend.

 

[00:37:47] So, Scott, I think we’re going to need a bigger server. 400000 people have used M.D.s. I’m not sure that we can handle all that traffic. So we might have a provision for your release for the release of this thing.

 

[00:38:07] You’re absolutely right. Actually, while we develop the first LCA alternative assessment tool, it’s mainly for 10 experts.

 

[00:38:16] But now and when we talk to our customer base, they say, oh, roughly around 5000. They are the basic size. Yeah, roughly around 3000.

 

[00:38:25] You need those gave us, you know, the simple tool that our engineering can simply pick up the part, simply pick up the material and then make their own decision. So you can see that’s the the bigger impact.

 

[00:38:39] All right. So let’s make sure being that this could easily be a 7 interview, 7 installments series here. Given what you’ve accomplished in your career and now what you’re doing and the team is doing to our point, let’s make sure that folks know where they can learn more information, first off, about the AIG suit. So to our listeners, if a lot of the topics that being is spoken to, especially if you’re you know, you’re involved in some way, shape or form with the automotive industry ages. AIG is a great resource of information, this event that we’re talking about. It’s coming up here at the end of April, the twenty eighth and twenty ninth. And you can learn more about the twenty virtual corporate responsibility summit at AIG. Or you can check out our events tab at Supply Chain Now Radio to learn a lot more. OK. But but for being for folks that may want to learn more about our point, where where would you direct them?

 

[00:39:41] Oh yeah. Because I point is one of the sponsors. Right. For the ages A. We have our booths there, and sometimes I may be personally be there, and at least we have a few of our colleagues there and we may chat over there.

 

[00:39:57] And in the meantime, before the summit, folks can also go to our point eak and see dot com apoint Inc. Dot com, their well being is such a pleasure to connect with you and learn more about how you look at the world, not just of the automotive world, which you’ve gotten so much experience in, but kind of the business world and and certainly the innovation world.

 

[00:40:23] Thank you very much. Actually, it’s my pleasure to talk to both of you Scott Ausland and Greg White and really happy talk to you, really happy to share with our future audience.

 

[00:40:34] You bet. So.

 

[00:40:36] We’ve been chatting with beings, you p_h_d_. Director of business, innovation and market engagement with our point. And you know, again, come check out thought leaders like this at the air A-G Virtual Corporate Responsibility Summit being. Thanks so much. Appreciate your time. And stay safe in the weeks and months ahead. OK, Greg. We’re going to we’re going to want things, Dan, on this interview, I tell you. There’s so much there that he shared that that with property, the need to circle back in a few weeks and take a deeper dove on, huh?

 

[00:41:13] I think I need a p_h_d_ for some of it.

 

[00:41:16] But I think our colleagues in the in the automotive industry will really appreciate what we’ve shared here. It’s really valuable. Coming up to this conference and look, how many times do you get to hear from a pioneer in an industry that is as influential as the automotive industry? It’s a really special treat, a great opportunity. Great information and well-presented as well being. So thank you again for your time.

 

[00:41:49] Thank you both. And gave me the chance and to talk to our audience and talk to both of you. Thank you very much.

 

[00:41:57] So to our audience, be sure to check out the upcoming 20/20 AIG Corporate Responsibility Summit. Outstanding virtual events can offer all sorts of expertise and insights. You can learn more at AIG dot org or again, check us out at Supply Chain Now Radio dot com and the web, the events tab there. Big thanks to our guests. Today brings you with p_h_d_ with our point, of course, my colleague, esteemed colleague, Mr Greg White. Always a pleasure to our audience. Lastly, be sure to check out other upcoming events, replays for interviews, other resources at Supply Chain Now Radio RT.com. You can find us wherever you get your podcast from. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. If you can’t find what some you’re looking for on our web site, you can always hit up our CMO at Amanda at Supply Chain Now Radio dot com and we will try to serve as a resource for you. On behalf of the entire team here. Scott Luton. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. We’ll see you next time on Supply chain. Stay safe, everybody.

Featured Guests

Dr. Bing Xu graduated from the University of Southern California (PhD, 1987) in Physics. He worked at Brown University and Case Western Reserve University and then joined Ford in 1993, worked in strategic and technology planning, and materials management areas. He spearheaded the Ford Global Materials Management (GMM) program in early 1997 and was one of the original OEM members developed the then VDA/EDS system in 1998 which later became the International Material Data System and successfully launched in 2000. He led cross-functional teams and developed Ford’s Global Material Approval Process which replaced ~60 local manual processes and tools and modernized 20-year-old Ford Material and Toxicology System. At the same time, he developed the Ford Global Material Integration and Reporting system and earned US Patent (No. 7,167,836). They were all under the GMM program umbrella for which Dr. Bing Xu was the program manager until he retired from Ford 2019 May. He was the Ford’s Corporate Global Attribute Leader for Materials and Substances of Concerns, and the owner of Ford’s Restricted Substances and Management Standard (RSMS) and GMM processes/tools. He also led Ford’s team to develop long term strategies to anticipate and embrace the upcoming challenges OEMs would be facing in terms of utilizing material compliance tools to reduce costly non-compliance risks in early design phases and allow alternative selections of greener materials. He served as chair/co-chair for US Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) IMDS/REACH Advisory Group and Chemical Management/Reporting Advisory Group, and USCAR Vehicle Recyclability Program and Substance of Concerns committees. He served as a Steering Committee member representing Automotive Industry conducting alternative assessments for several substances led by US EPA. He also served as the chair of the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List (GADSL) Steering Group and a member of Automotive REACH Task Force and European ACEA work groups. He joined iPoint June 2019 as director of Business Innovation and Market Engagement.

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Greg White

Principal & Host

Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

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Demo Perez

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Demo Perez started his career in 1997 in the industry by chance when a relative asked him for help for two just weeks putting together an operation for FedEx Express at the Colon Free Zone, an area where he was never been but accepted the challenge. Worked in all roles possible from a truck driver to currier to a sales representative, helped the brand introduction, market share growth and recognition in the Colon Free Zone, at the end of 1999 had the chance to meet and have a chat with Fred Smith ( FedEx CEO), joined another company in 2018 who took over the FedEx operations as Operations and sales manager, in 2004 accepted the challenge from his company to leave the FedEx operations and business to take over the operation and business of DHL Express, his major competitor and rival so couldn’t say no, by changing completely its operation model in the Free Zone. In 2005 started his first entrepreneurial journey by quitting his job and joining two friends to start a Freight Forwarding company. After 8 months was recruited back by his company LSP with the General Manager role with the challenge of growing the company and make it fully capable warehousing 3PL. By 2009 joined CSCMP and WERC and started his journey of learning and growing his international network and high-level learning. In 2012 for the first time joined a local association ( the Panama Maritime Chamber) and worked in the country’s first Logistics Strategy plan, joined and lead other associations ending as president of the Panama Logistics Council in 2017. By finishing his professional mission at LSP with a company that was 8 times the size it was when accepted the role as GM with so many jobs generated and several young professionals coached, having great financial results, took the decision to move forward and start his own business from scratch by the end of 2019. with a friend and colleague co-founded IPL Group a company that started as a boutique 3PL and now is gearing up for the post-Covid era by moving to the big leagues.

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Mary Kate Love

VP, Marketing

Mary Kate Love is currently the VP of marketing at Supply Chain Now focused on brand strategy and audience + revenue growth. Mary Kate’s career is a testament to her versatility and innovative spirit: she has experience in start-ups, venture capital, and building innovation initiatives from the ground up: she previously helped lead the build-out of the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific and before that, MxD (Manufacturing times Digital): the Department of Defense’s digital manufacturing innovation center. Mary Kate has a passion for taking complicated ideas and turning them into reality: she was one of the first team members at MxD and the first team member at the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific.

Mary Kate dedicates her extra time to education and mentorship: she was one of the founding Board Members for Women Influence Chicago and led an initiative for a city-wide job shadow day for young women across Chicago tech companies and was previously on the Board of Directors at St. Laurence High School in Chicago, Young Irish Fellowship Board and the UN Committee for Women. Mary Kate is the founder of National Supply Chain Day and enjoys co-hosting podcasts at Supply Chain Now. Mary Kate is from the south side of Chicago, a mom of two baby boys, and an avid 16-inch softball player. She holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Joshua Miranda

Marketing Specialist

Joshua is a student from Institute of Technology and Higher Education of Monterrey Campus Guadalajara in Communication and Digital Media. His experience ranges from Plug and Play México, DearDoc, and Nissan México creating unique social media marketing campaigns and graphics design. Joshua helps to amplify the voice of supply chain here at Supply Chain Now by assisting in graphic design, content creation, asset logistics, and more.  In his free time he likes to read and write short stories as well as watch movies and television series.

Donna Krache

Director of Communications and Executive Producer

Donna Krache is a former CNN executive producer who has won several awards in journalism and communication, including three Peabodys.  She has 30 years’ experience in broadcast and digital journalism. She led the first production team at CNN to convert its show to a digital platform. She has authored many articles for CNN and other media outlets. She taught digital journalism at Georgia State University and Arizona State University. Krache holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. She is a serious sports fan who loves the Braves. She is president of the Dave Krache Foundation. Named in honor of her late husband, this non-profit pays fees for kids who want to play sports but whose parents are facing economic challenges.

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Vicki White

Controller

Vicki has a long history of rising to challenges and keeping things up and running. First, she supported her family’s multi-million dollar business as controller for 12 years, beginning at the age of 17. Then, she worked as an office manager and controller for a wholesale food broker. But her biggest feat? Serving as the chief executive officer of her household, while her entrepreneur husband travelled the world extensively. She fed, nurtured, chaperoned, and chauffeured three daughters all while running a newsletter publishing business and remaining active in her community as a Stephen’s Minister, Sunday school teacher, school volunteer, licensed realtor and POA Board president (a title she holds to this day). A force to be reckoned with in the office, you might think twice before you meet Vicki on the tennis court! When she’s not keeping the books balanced at Supply Chain Now or playing tennis matches, you can find Vicki spending time with her husband Greg, her 4 fur babies, gardening, cleaning (yes, she loves to clean!) and learning new things.

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Ben Harris

Host

Ben Harris is the Director of Supply Chain Ecosystem Expansion for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Ben comes to the Metro Atlanta Chamber after serving as Senior Manager, Market Development for Manhattan Associates. There, Ben was responsible for developing Manhattan’s sales pipeline and overall Americas supply chain marketing strategy. Ben oversaw market positioning, messaging and campaign execution to build awareness and drive new pipeline growth. Prior to joining Manhattan, Ben spent four years with the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Center of Innovation for Logistics where he played a key role in establishing the Center as a go-to industry resource for information, support, partnership building, and investment development. Additionally, he became a key SME for all logistics and supply chain-focused projects. Ben began his career at Page International, Inc. where he drove continuous improvement in complex global supply chain operations for a wide variety of businesses and Fortune 500 companies. An APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Ben holds an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration (EMBA) and bachelor’s degree in International Business (BBA) from the Terry College at the University of Georgia.

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Page Siplon

Host, The Freight Insider

Prior to joining TeamOne Logistics, Page Siplon served as the Executive Director of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, the State’s leading consulting resource for fueling logistics industry growth and global competitiveness. For over a decade, he directly assisted hundreds of companies to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities related to the movement of freight. During this time, Siplon was also appointed to concurrently serve the State of Georgia as Director of the larger Centers of Innovation Program, in which he provided executive leadership and vision for all six strategic industry-focused Centers. As a frequently requested keynote speaker, Siplon is called upon to address a range of audiences on unique aspects of technology, workforce, and logistics. This often includes topics of global and domestic logistics trends, supply chain visibility, collaboration, and strategic planning. He has also been quoted as an industry expert in publications such as Forbes, Journal of Commerce, Fortune, NPR, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, American Express, DC Velocity, Area Development Magazine, Site Selection Magazine, Inbound Logistics, Modern Material Handling, and is frequently a live special guest on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Radio Show. Siplon is an active industry participant, recognized by DC Velocity Magazine as a “2012 Logistics Rainmaker” which annually identifies the top-ten logistics professionals in the Nation; and named a “Pro to Know” by Supply & Demand Executive Magazine in 2014. Siplon was also selected by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Georgians” for 2013, 2014, and 2015. He also serves various industry leadership roles at both the State and Federal level. Governor Nathan Deal nominated Siplon to represent Georgia on a National Supply Chain Competitiveness Advisory Committee, where he was appointed to a two-year term by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and was then appointed to serve as its vice-chairman. At the State level, he was selected by then-Governor Sonny Perdue to serve as lead consultant on the Commission for New Georgia’s Freight and Logistics Task Force. In this effort, Siplon led a Private Sector Advisory Committee with invited executives from a range of private sector stakeholders including UPS, Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, Delta Airlines, Georgia Pacific, CSX, and Norfolk Southern. Siplon honorably served a combined 12 years in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force. During this time, he led the integration of encryption techniques and deployed cryptographic devices for tactically secure voice and data platforms in critical ground-to-air communication systems. This service included support for all branches of the Department of Defense, multiple federal security agencies, and aiding NASA with multiple Space Shuttle launches. Originally from New York, Siplon received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering with a focus on digital signal processing from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned an associate’s degree in advanced electronic systems from the Air Force College and completed multiple military leadership academies in both the Marines and Air Force. Siplon currently lives in Cumming, Georgia (north of Atlanta), with his wife Jan, and two children Thomas (19) and Lily (15).

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Kristi Porter

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Kristi Porter is VP of Sales and Marketing at Vector Global Logistics, a company that is changing the world through supply chain. In her role, she oversees all marketing efforts and supports the sales team in doing what they do best. In addition to this role, she is the Chief Do-Gooder at Signify, which assists nonprofits and social impact companies through copywriting and marketing strategy consulting. She has almost 20 years of professional experience, and loves every opportunity to help people do more good.

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Sofia Rivas Herrera

Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol

Sofia Rivas Herrera is a Mexican Industrial Engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey class 2019. Upon graduation, she earned a scholarship to study MIT’s Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and graduated as one of the Top 3 performers of her class in 2020. She also has a multicultural background due to her international academic experiences at Singapore Management University and Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg. Sofia self-identifies as a Supply Chain enthusiast & ambassador sharing her passion for the field in her daily life.

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Katherine Hintz

Sales and Marketing Coordinator

Katherine is a marketing professional and MBA candidate who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.

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Kim Winter

Host, Supply Chain Now

The founder of Logistics Executive Group, Kim Winter delivers 40 years of executive leadership experience spanning Executive Search & Recruitment, Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Corporate Advisory, Motivational Speaking, Trade Facilitation and across the Supply Chain, Logistics, 3PL, E-commerce, Life Science, Cold Chain, FMCG, Retail, Maritime, Defence, Aviation, Resources, and Industrial sectors. Operating from the company’s global offices, he is a regular contributor of thought leadership to industry and media, is a professional Master of Ceremonies, and is frequently invited to chair international events.

He is a Board member of over a dozen companies throughout APAC, India, and the Middle East, a New Zealand citizen, he holds formal resident status in Australia and the UAE, and is the Australia & New Zealand representative for the UAE Government-owned Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the Middle East’s largest Economic Free Zone.

A triathlete and ex-professional rugby player, Kim is a qualified (IECL Sydney) executive coach and the Founder / Chairman of the successful not for profit humanitarian organization, Oasis Africa (www. oasisafrica.org.au), which has provided freedom from poverty through education to over 8000 mainly orphaned children in East Africa’s slums. Kim holds an MBA and BA from Massey & Victoria Universities (NZ).

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Adrian Purtill

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Adrian Purtill serves as Business Development Manager at Vector Global Logistics, where he consults with importers and exporters in various industries to match their specific shipping requirements with the most effective supply chain solutions. Vector Global Logistics is an asset-free, multi-modal logistics company that provides exceptional sea freight, air freight, truck, rail, general logistic services and consulting for our clients. Our highly trained and professional team is committed to providing creative and effective solutions, always exceeding our customer’s expectations and fostering long-term relationships. With more than 20+ years of experience in both strategy consulting and logistics, Vector Global Logistics is your best choice to proactively minimize costs while having an exceptional service level.

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Kevin Brown

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Kevin Brown is the Director of Business Development for Vector Global Logistics.  He has a dedicated interest in Major Account Management, Enterprise Sales, and Corporate Leadership. He offers 25 years of exceptional experience and superior performance in the sales of Logistics, Supply Chain, and Transportation Management. Kevin is a dynamic, high-impact, sales executive and corporate leader who has consistently exceeded corporate goals. He effectively coordinates multiple resources to solution sell large complex opportunities while focusing on corporate level contacts across the enterprise. His specialties include targeting and securing key accounts by analyzing customer’s current business processes and developing solutions to meet their corporate goals. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.

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Jose Miguel Irarrazaval

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Jose Manuel Irarrazaval es parte del equipo de Vector Global Logistics Chile. José Manuel es un gerente experimentado con experiencia en finanzas corporativas, fusiones y adquisiciones, financiamiento y reestructuración, inversión directa y financiera, tanto en Chile como en el exterior. José Manuel tiene su MBA de la Universidad de Pennsylvania- The Wharton School. Conéctese con Jose Manuel en LinkedIn.

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Nick Roemer

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Nick Roemer has had a very diverse and extensive career within design and sales over the last 15 years stretching from China, Dubai, Germany, Holland, UK, and the USA. In the last 5 years, Nick has developed a hawk's eye for sustainable tech and the human-centric marketing and sales procedures that come with it. With his far-reaching and strong network within the logistics industry, Nick has been able to open new avenues and routes to market within major industries in the USA and the UAE. Nick lives by the ethos, “Give more than you take." His professional mission is to make the logistics industry leaner, cleaner and greener.

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Allison Giddens

Host, Logistics with Purpose

Allison Krache Giddens has been with Win-Tech, a veteran-owned small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 15 years, recently buying the company from her mentor and Win-Tech’s Founder, Dennis Winslow. She and her business partner, John Hudson now serve as Co-Presidents, leading the 33-year old company through the pandemic.

She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She also holds certificates in Google Analytics, event planning, and Cybersecurity Risk Management from Harvard online. Allison founded the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and currently serves as Treasurer. She serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board as its Secretary, the liveSAFE Resources Board of Directors as Resource Development Co-Chair, and on the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board as Membership Chair and is also a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is on the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Northwest Area Councils. Allison runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need.

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Billy Taylor

Host of Dial P for Procurement

Billy Taylor is a Proven Business Excellence Practitioner and Leadership Guru with over 25 years leading operations for a Fortune 500 company, Goodyear. He is also the CEO of LinkedXL (Excellence), a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm dedicated to implementing sustainable operating systems that drive sustainable results. Taylor’s achievements in the industry have made him a Next Generational Lean pacesetter with significant contributions.

An American business executive, Taylor has made a name for himself as an innovative and energetic industry professional with an indispensable passion for his craft of operational excellence. His journey started many years ago and has worked with renowned corporations such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) leading multi-site operations. With over 3 decades of service leading North America operations, he is experienced in a deeply rooted process driven approach in customer service, process integrity for sustainability.

A disciple of continuous improvement, Taylor’s love for people inspires commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. He is a dynamic speaker and hosts "The Winning Link," a popular podcast centered on business and leadership excellence with the #1 rated Supply Chain Now Network. As a leadership guru, Taylor has earned several invitations to universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to achieve and sustain effective results through cultural acceptance and employee ownership. Leveraging the wisdom of his business acumen, strong influence as a speaker and podcaster Taylor is set to release "The Winning Link" book under McGraw Hill publishing in 2022. The book is a how-to manual to help readers understand the management of business interactions while teaching them how to Deine, Align, and Execute Winning in Business.

A servant leader, Taylor, was named by The National Diversity Council as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in the country in 2021. He features among Oklahoma's Most Admired CEOs and maintains key leadership roles with the Executive Advisory Board for The Shingo Institute "The Nobel Prize of Operations" and The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME); two world-leading organizations for operational excellence, business development, and cultural learning.  He is also an Independent Director for the M-D Building Products Board, a proud American manufacturer of quality products since 1920.

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Lori Sofian

Marketing Coordinator

Lori is currently completing a degree in marketing with an emphasis in digital marketing at the University of Georgia. When she’s not supporting the marketing efforts at Supply Chain Now, you can find her at music festivals – or working toward her dream goal of a fashion career. Lori is involved in many extracurricular activities and appreciates all the learning experiences UGA has brought her.

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Chantel King

Social Media Manager

My name is Chantel King and I am the Social Media Specialist at Supply Chain Now. My job is to make sure our audience is engaged and educated on the abundant amount of information the supply chain industry has to offer.

Social Media and Communications has been my niche ever since I graduated from college at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco. No, I am not a West Coast girl. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but my travel experience goes way beyond the garden state. My true passion is in creating editorial and graphic content that influences others to be great in whatever industry they are in. I’ve done this by working with lifestyle, financial, and editorial companies by providing resources to enhance their businesses.

Another passion of mine is trying new things. Whether it’s food, an activity, or a sport. I would like to say that I am an adventurous Taurus that never shies away from a new quest or challenge.

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Trisha Cordes

Administrative Assistant

Trisha is new to the supply chain industry – but not to podcasting. She’s an experienced podcast manager and virtual assistant who also happens to have 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. It’s safe to say, she’s passionate about helping people, and she lives out that passion every day with the Supply Chain Now team, contributing to scheduling and podcast production.

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Clay Phillips

Business Development Manager

Clay is passionate about two things: supply chain and the marketing that goes into it. Recently graduated with a degree in marketing at the University of Georgia, Clay got his start as a journalism major and inaugural member of the Owl’s football team at Kennesaw State University – but quickly saw tremendous opportunity in the Terry College of Business. He’s already putting his education to great use at Supply Chain Now, assisting with everything from sales and brand strategy to media production. Clay has contributed to initiatives such as our leap into video production, the guest blog series, and boosting social media presence, and after nearly two years in Supply Chain Now’s Marketing Department, Clay now heads up partnership and sales initiatives with the help of the rest of the Supply Chain Now sales team.

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Amanda Luton

Vice President, Production

Amanda is a production and marketing veteran and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across a variety of industries and organizations including Von Maur, Anthropologie, AmericasMart Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Amanda currently manages, produces, and develops modern digital content for Supply Chain Now and their clients. Amanda has previously served as the VP of Information Systems and Webmaster on the Board of Directors for APICS Savannah, and founded and managed her own successful digital marketing firm, Magnolia Marketing Group. When she’s not leading the Supply Chain Now production team, you can find Amanda in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, or enjoying time with family.

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Constantine Limberakis

Host

Constantine Limberakis is a thought leader in the area of procurement and supply management. He has over 20 years of international experience, playing strategic roles in a wide spectrum of organizations related to analyst advisory, consulting, product marketing, product development, and market research.Throughout his career, he's been passionate about engaging global business leaders and the broader analyst and technology community with strategic content, speaking engagements, podcasts, research, webinars, and industry articles.Constantine holds a BA in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA in Finance & Marketing / Masters in Public & International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Mary Kate Soliva

Host, Veteran Voices

Mary Kate Soliva is a veteran of the US Army and cofounder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative. She is currently in the Doctor of Criminal Justice program at Saint Leo University. She is passionate about combating human trafficking and has spent the last decade conducting training for military personnel and the local community.

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Kelly Barner

Host of Dial P for Procurement

Kelly is the Owner and Managing Director of Buyers Meeting Point and MyPurchasingCenter. She has been in procurement since 2003, starting as a practitioner and then as the Associate Director of Consulting at Emptoris. She has covered procurement news, events, publications, solutions, trends, and relevant economics at Buyers Meeting Point since 2009. Kelly is also the General Manager at Art of Procurement and Business Survey Chair for the ISM-New York Report on Business. Kelly has her MBA from Babson College as well as an MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and she has co-authored three books: ‘Supply Market Intelligence for Procurement Professionals’, ‘Procurement at a Crossroads’, and ‘Finance Unleashed’.

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Enrique Alvarez

Host of Logistics with Purpose and Supply Chain Now en Español

Enrique serves as Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics and believes we all have a personal responsibility to change the world. He is hard working, relationship minded and pro-active. Enrique trusts that the key to logistics is having a good and responsible team that truly partners with the clients and does whatever is necessary to see them succeed. He is a proud sponsor of Vector’s unique results-based work environment and before venturing into logistics he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). During his time at BCG, he worked in different industries such as Telecommunications, Energy, Industrial Goods, Building Materials, and Private Banking. His main focus was always on the operations, sales, and supply chain processes, with case focus on, logistics, growth strategy, and cost reduction. Prior to joining BCG, Enrique worked for Grupo Vitro, a Mexican glass manufacturer, for five years holding different positions from sales and logistics manager to supply chain project leader in charge of five warehouses in Colombia.

He has an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a BS, in Mechanical Engineer from the Technologico de Monterrey in Mexico. Enrique’s passions are soccer and the ocean, and he also enjoys traveling, getting to know new people, and spending time with his wife and two kids, Emma and Enrique.

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Kevin L. Jackson

Host of Digital Transformers

Kevin L. Jackson is a globally recognized Thought Leader, Industry Influencer and Founder/Author of the award winning “Cloud Musings” blog.  He has also been recognized as a “Top 5G Influencer” (Onalytica 2019, Radar 2020), a “Top 50 Global Digital Transformation Thought Leader” (Thinkers 360 2019) and provides strategic consulting and integrated social media services to AT&T, Intel, Broadcom, Ericsson and other leading companies. Mr. Jackson’s commercial experience includes Vice President J.P. Morgan Chase, Worldwide Sales Executive for IBM and SAIC (Engility) Director Cloud Solutions. He has served on teams that have supported digital transformation projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US Intelligence Community.  Kevin’s formal education includes a MS Computer Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School; MA National Security & Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a BS Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Internationally recognizable firms that have sponsored articles authored by him include CiscoMicrosoft, Citrix and IBM.  Books include “Click to Transform” (Leaders Press, 2020), “Architecting Cloud Computing Solutions” (Packt, 2018), and “Practical Cloud Security: A Cross Industry View” (Taylor & Francis, 2016). He also delivers online training through Tulane UniversityO’Reilly MediaLinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight.  Mr. Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems EngineeringCarrier Onboard Delivery Logistics and carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control. While active, he also served with the National Reconnaissance Office, Operational Support Office, providing tactical support to Navy and Marine Corps forces worldwide.

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Tyler Ward

Director of Sales

Tyler Ward serves as Supply Chain Now's Director of Sales. Born and raised in Mid-Atlantic, Tyler is a proud graduate of Shippensburg University where he earned his degree in Communications. After college, he made his way to the beautiful state of Oregon, where he now lives with his wife and daughter.

With over a decade of experience in sales, Tyler has a proven track record of exceeding targets and leading high-performing teams. He credits his success to his ability to communicate effectively with customers and team members alike, as well as his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

When he's not closing deals, you can find Tyler on the links or cheering on his favorite football and basketball teams. He also enjoys spending time with his family, playing pick-up basketball, and traveling back to Ocean City, Maryland, his favorite place!

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Chris Barnes

Principal, Supply Chain Now
Host of Supply Chain is Boring

Talk about world-class: Chris is one of the few professionals in the world to hold CPIM-F, CLTD-F and CSCP-F designations from ASCM/APICS. He’s also the APICS coach – and our resident Supply Chain Doctor. When he’s not hosting programs with Supply Chain Now, he’s sharing supply chain knowledge on the APICS Coach Youtube channel or serving as a professional education instructor for the Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistic Institute’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) program and University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Center for Professional Education courses.

Chris earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Bradley University, an MBA with emphasis in Industrial Psychology from the University of West Florida, and is a Doctoral in Supply Chain Management candidate.

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Greg White

Principal & CMO, Supply Chain Now
Host of Supply Chain Now and TECHquila Sunrise

When rapid-growth technology companies, venture capital and private equity firms are looking for advisory, they call Greg – a founder, board director, advisor and catalyst of disruptive B2B technology and supply chain. An insightful visionary, Greg guides founders, investors and leadership teams in creating breakthroughs to gain market exposure and momentum – increasing overall company esteem and valuation.

Greg is a founder himself, creating Blue Ridge Solutions, a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader in cloud-native supply chain applications, and bringing to market Curo, a field service management solution. He has also held leadership roles with Servigistics (PTC) and E3 Corporation (JDA/Blue Yonder). As a principal and host at Supply Chain Now, Greg helps guide the company’s strategic direction, hosts industry leader discussions, community livestreams, and all in addition to executive producing and hosting his original YouTube channel and podcast, TEChquila Sunrise.

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Scott W. Luton

Founder, CEO, & Host

As the founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, you might say Scott is the voice of supply chain – but he’s too much of a team player to ever claim such a title. One thing’s for sure: he’s a tried and true supply chain expert. With over 15 years of experience in the end-to-end supply chain, Scott’s insights have appeared in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and CNN. He has also been named a top industry influencer by Thinkers360, ISCEA and more.

From 2009-2011, Scott was president of APICS Atlanta, and he continues to lead initiatives that support both the local business community and global industry. A United States Air Force Veteran, Scott has also regularly led efforts to give back to his fellow veteran community since his departure from active duty in 2002.

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