The Supply Chain Dialogues - Podcast
S03E13: Urban Mining's Secret Weapon: The Man Who Tamed Diesel Cats - Interview Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx Tech
In this episode of Supply Chain Dialogues, host Daniel Helmig explores an innovative urban mining solution to a pressing environmental challenge with Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx Tech. The company has developed a groundbreaking process for recycling precious metals from diesel catalytic converters – a material that traditional smelters typically avoid. Using a unique hydrometallurgical approach rather than conventional smelting, Regenx Tech achieves high metal recovery rates while producing virtually zero emissions compared to the 1,500kg of CO2 generated per ton through traditional methods. Located strategically in Tennessee, the company is positioned to revolutionize the circular economy of precious metals, particularly platinum and palladium, addressing critical supply chain shortages while significantly reducing the environmental impact of recycling these valuable materials. Perfect for anyone interested in sustainable innovation, automotive manufacturing, or the future of precious metal recycling.
S03E12 - Planet - The Great Climate Spending Paradox: When Actions don't match words
While politicians talk climate action, they're pouring billions into fossil fuel subsidies - we follow the money trail in our latest episode. Join us for a data-driven revelation of the great climate spending contradiction and what it means for your business future:
S03E11 - Profit/Planet - Cracking the Carbon Code: One System to Rule Them All
In this episode of the Supply Chain Dialogues, host Daniel Helmig and AI co-host AImee work through the details of global, regional, and local greenhouse gas regulations. They stress the importance of understanding the Greenhouse Gas Protocol's Scope 1, 2, and 3 requirements as a foundation for compliance with more specific rules such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, and France's Climate and Resilience Law. The episode offers practical advice on data collection, risk management, and compliance strategies, emphasising the benefits of finding the right consolidated approach to meet diverse regulatory demands. Daniel and AImee discuss companies' challenges due to overlapping regulations and provide actionable tips for navigating this complex legal environment.
S03E10 - Planet - Scope 3 - Emission Impossible: Getting your suppliers to work on GHG Emission Reduction
This podcast episode focuses on how companies can encourage their suppliers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The hosts emphasize the importance of setting science-based targets, incorporating sustainability into supplier selection, providing training and resources, ensuring transparency and accountability, leveraging technology and innovation, and collaborating on solutions. The episode stresses that sustainability is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for businesses, as it can lead to cost savings, enhanced reputation, and stronger investor appeal.
S03E09 - Planet - Bias Busters: Unpacking Psychology to Power GHG Reductions
Have you ever wondered why so many of us acknowledge the reality and impact of climate change on future generations yet struggle to take sufficient action?
In this episode of "The Supply Chain Dialogues," Daniel Helmig and AI co-host AImee explore how human psychology affects our response to climate change. They discuss cognitive biases like the immediacy bias and the Dunning-Kruger effect and how these can impede effective climate action. Drawing on insights from the late Daniel Kahneman and other experts, the episode uses behavioural science to foster sustainable habits and policies. They highlight real-world examples of how businesses and governments can use social norms and incentives to promote environmentally friendly practices. Please tune in to learn how psychology can help us better tackle climate challenges.
S03E08 - Planet - Net-Zero Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Small to Medium Enterprises
In this extended episode of "Supply Chain Dialogues," Daniel Helmig and AI co-host AImee go all out and offer a detailed guide for small to medium-sized companies on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3. They provide a thorough overview of each scope, explaining their roles in a company’s carbon footprint and sharing strategies, tactics and tips for reducing emissions. The podcast gives practical steps for transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and leveraging technological innovations. Additionally, Daniel and AImee emphasise the importance of collaboration and engaging suppliers and stakeholders in sustainability initiatives. They are not afraid to point out who the boss is in this kind of conversation. Listeners are encouraged to tackle emissions methodically and adopt a systemic approach, positioning their companies toward net-zero GHG emissions while potentially cutting costs.
S03E07 - Planet - Avoid HIPPOs or: Evidence-Based Management
In this episode, host Daniel Helmig and AI co-host AImee emphasise the urgent need for transformative changes within organisations and governments to adapt to escalating climate-related challenges. They discuss the role of evidence-based management in fostering resilient and sustainable supply chains by integrating insights from academia. The episode explores the impact of technology, consumer behaviour, academic research, and governmental roles, highlighting strategies and real-world examples and demonstrating informed decision-making's effectiveness in addressing current and future supply chain risks.
S03E06 - Profit - Back to Basics- with Dan Bartel, CPO American Airlines
In the latest episode of Supply Chain Dialogues, host Daniel Helmig meets with Dan Bartel, American Airlines' Chief Procurement Officer. They discuss foundational elements of procurement, focusing on the critical role of people, reestablishing core strategies, and aligning procurement goals with business objectives.
S03E05 - Planet - Feeding the Future: From Seeds to Sustainability
The Supply Chain Dialogues this time are about the critical importance of sustainable agriculture, addressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers, who take care of 30% of our world’s food supply.
Daniel Helmig and Dr Yuan Zhou, Head of Agricultural Policy and China Program of the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, discuss the significance of climate-smart practices, key innovations in agricultural technology, projects promoting sustainability, and the role of education and policy interventions. Dr Zhou explains the need for comprehensive climate policies, financial incentives, and emerging trends and technologies to transform global agricultural practices for a more sustainable future.
S03E04 - Planet - Net Zero in 1'000 Days? Absolutely!
In this "Supply Chain Dialogue" episode, we recycle the first-ever recording we did - one of our favourites. We discuss the ambitious goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions within 1,000 days. The podcast explores the current challenges and opportunities in reducing emissions across the supply chain, emphasizing that actionable plans and systematic approaches can make the goal achievable. We outline a 10-question framework for companies to assess their readiness and provide historical context, drawing parallels with how ISO standards revolutionized quality management. Daniel advocates leveraging market forces, digitalization, and strong leadership to drive the change, ensuring that net zero targets are promptly met. The episode highlights the practicality and urgency of transforming supply chains to be more environmentally sustainable.
S03E03 - Planet - The UN Sustainable Global Goals: A Do-It-Yourself Guide for implementation
In this episode, we discuss the knowledge gaps in corporate leadership regarding essential sustainability concepts such as the UN Global Goals, the Brundtland Report, and Elkington's Triple Bottom Line.
The episode shows how businesses can practically engage with and apply these SDGs, using them for compliance and as a cornerstone for genuine sustainability strategies. We provide detailed DIY connections between each SDG and business function, offering examples and actionable insights for companies to integrate these goals into their operations.
Listeners are encouraged to move beyond superficial sustainability efforts by understanding the foundations of these practices and strategically applying them to create meaningful, impactful change.
S03E02 - Profit & Planet - Duckling Becomes Swan: Transforming Transportation to Reduce Cost & GHG Emissions: Interview with e2log CEO A. Colaco
Transportation accounts for 14-16% of GHG emissions and 8-12% of manufacturing companies' total spending. Both can be reduced substantially if the right insights are available...
In this dialogue, Daniel talks with Adolph Colaco, CEO of e2log.com, about how costs and emissions can be tackled while improving customer satisfaction and companies' bottom lines.
It takes a leader bold enough to say "Yes" to real transformation, turning the perceived ugly duckling of transportation and logistics into a swan. You just have to love it…
Enjoy!
S03E01 - NetZero - Green Steel: Interview with Felix Schmitz, the CEO of Klöckner Metals in Germany
Summary
In this conversation, Daniel interviews Felix Schmitz, the CEO of Klöckner Metals in Germany, about green steel and the decarbonisation of the steel industry. They discuss the importance of steel in various industries, the environmental impact of steel production, and Klöckner Metals' strategic approach to sustainability. Felix shares his background, role at Klöckner Metals, and personal interests and affiliations. They also delve into the role of a steel and metal distributor, their value-added services, and the significance of technology in the steel industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the carbon footprint of steel, the journey towards green steel, and the potential for decarbonisation technologies to transform the industry. In this conversation, Felix Schmitz, CEO of Klöckner Metals in Germany, discusses the potential of green steel and the demand for decarbonised products. He emphasises the importance of educating customers about the benefits of green steel and dispels the misconception that it is more expensive. Schmitz highlights the need for steel purchasers to understand the business model and the potential cost savings of green steel. He also discusses the role of CEOs in driving decarbonisation and the importance of setting CO2 targets. The conversation concludes with a discussion on government subsidies for green steel and the need for common standards in the industry.
Enjoy!
S02E17 - Profit - Bridging the knowledge gap on Gaming or: Why gaming is the new and improved entertainment industry?
Final episode of Season 2!
We've been receiving good feedback from our listeners about our recent episode on excellent functional books as part of our focus on lifelong learning, and we're thrilled that so many of you enjoyed our recommendation of "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabriel Zevin. This book, named the number-one book of the year by Amazon and the New York Times, offers a unique perspective on the gaming industry that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for its magnitude.
Based on the overall interest, we decided to bring you an in-depth interview with an expert in gaming and computer science who has over 20 years of ‘industry’ experience. Our guest will give you a fresh perspective on the gaming industry as a Gen Z member, a gamer, and a soon-to-be Master of Computer Science.
Whether you would like to absorb some facts for the next dinner conversation or calibrate your opinions on this massive industry with what we offer, this episode is for you.
As we wrap up Season 2, we're excited to announce that our focus in Season 3 will be on supply chain re-design to reduce GHG emissions and address other sustainability topics.
But first, let's end Season 2 with a bang! Join us for this final episode and discover the exciting world of gaming and its industry.
Enjoy
S02E16 - People - Sharpen the Saw II or: Seven brilliant functional page-turners and one book on dysfunctional teams
Henry Ford once stated: "Anyone who ceases to learn becomes old, whether at twenty or eighty."
During his era, he played a role similar to what Steve Jobs did in recent decades. He had to continuously acquire new knowledge because nothing he embarked upon was predetermined - learning was the only constant he could rely on.
One can even trace this concept further back, as exemplified by Socrates: “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
Or, in the words of the brilliant B.B. King: "The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you."
In this segment, we have curated seven outstanding functional books encompassing IT, operations, quality, and procurement, alongside one book discussing dysfunctional teams.
Enjoy!
S02E15 - People - Sharpen the Saw or: Ten (minus one) perennial leadership books
In the world of books, movies, and plays, certain gems have the power to shift our perspectives and deeply resonate with us. As for books, over the years, I've come across a number of works that have stopped me in my tracks, causing me and countless others to re-evaluate our choices and actions. I've been an avid reader of business books, often devouring 2-3 per month during my global travels. I've made it a point to share the most impactful ones with my direct reports, hoping to encourage a different perspective. Let me share the books I felt most helpful as a global executive. In the first instalment of two, I talk through my leadership and cultural awareness favourites.
S02E14 - Planet - Ten Net-Zero Questions for Your Suppliers
Many people, believing in the success of scope 1 and 2 focus and the involvement of companies only by the power of legislation and regulation, will point out: Let our external partners do their homework as we do ours, and then, voila, we will get naturally to a net zero in scope 3.
If you belong to this group and still are interested in having your children live on a planet at least partially resembling the living conditions we have today, plus raising living conditions for our fellow brothers and sisters in Asia, India, and Africa (the other 50 plus % of the world population), this episode is for you. We put together a few questions you can pose to your largest suppliers to get a feel for where they are and whether you need to get involved with some tough love. Just test-run the questions. You will most likely have a rude awakening. Then we look at the alternative to get the job done: Trusting two major forces of the human condition: competition and greed.
Enjoy!
S02E13 - Profit - Supply Chains in M&As: the invisible gorilla
In drawing upon the iconic social science study conducted at Harvard, known as the Invisible Gorilla Experiment, we can relate it to the context of Mergers & Acquisitions and supply chains.
Just as participants in the experiment would throw high-speed balls at each other, members of the management board and their M&A team and banks engage in a fast-paced exchange of ideas and actions. Throughout this process, the supply chain, which we refer to as the metaphorical gorilla in our scenario, remains ever-present yet unnoticed and unheard in the background.
Failing to acknowledge or scrutinize the influence of this "ape" during the due diligence phase can only be viewed as a grave oversight, bordering on negligence. The supply chain can exert positive or negative implications on any manufacturing firm's overall success.
In this episode, Daniel and AImee show how to make the gorilla visible.
Enjoy!
S02E12 - Planet - Talking supply chain, technology, procurement relevance, sustainability incl. potable water with former Group CEO of CIPS - Meeting Malcolm Harrison
CPO, Nestle, Group CEO of CIPS and CEO of British Crown Commercial Services are just some of the positions my guest held over his career.
Malcolm Harrison is one of the most distinctive procurement and supply chain leaders in Europe.
He's probably one of the most well-known and well-connected people I know in our field. Having been in charge of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Chain, CIPS, gives him a much wider view of many different industries than the average CXO in the supply chain.
He has a passion for driving competence and knowledge into the supply chain profession. As well as helping companies to manage sustainability challenges besides cost quality and supply chain resilience, bringing his FMCG background to the table to solve the issues.
Enjoy!
S02E11 - Planet - Net-zero - here we come: The ’all-inclusive’ solution for GHG emission management: measuring, reporting, reducing
Do you have a good handle on your GHG emissions in your supply chain? Do you get all the data from your suppliers you need? Can you do Product Carbon footprint reporting? Do you know, where your low-hanging fruits are to reduce your carbon footprint in your supply chain?
If you are like many practitioners and leaders in the supply chain or operations areas, you struggle to get your suppliers to provide you meaningful GHG emission reporting and reduction plans for net zero. You will have an even tougher time using the data to draw actionable conclusions.
Thankfully in this episode, we have a dialogue with Prof Dr Christian Heinrich, co-founder of carbmee® and Professor of Digital Transformation to talk about ways to alleviate your struggle to become a GHG emission net zero, even in record time.
Enjoy!