*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
Susanne Waidzunas has spent over 25 years shaping one of the most intricate global supply chains on the planet at IKEA. From her early days managing suppliers in the Baltics to leading a sweeping digital and sustainability transformation, Susanne offers a rare look inside IKEA’s end-to-end strategy. We explore how her team is decoupling growth from material usage, investing in automation to boost resilience, and building a culture of collaborative leadership to future-proof operations. A masterclass in supply chain leadership and transformation.
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*Hosted by Fei Yu*
I sat down with Arne Flemming, Senior Vice President of Corporate Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics Services at Bosch, a €90B global powerhouse operating across mobility, industrial tech, home appliances, and more. Arne leads supply chain operations impacting 30,000+ associates and 230 plants worldwide. We discuss his nontraditional path from finance into supply chain, his philosophy of calm yet decisive leadership, and how Bosch stays agile after 140 years of history. We also delved into transformation projects, digitalization trends, and the skills future leaders will need to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven, customer-centric environment.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
Jim Tobojka is the Chief Operations Officer at TE Connectivity, a USD 16B industrial tech powerhouse whose products power everything from EVs to life-saving devices. We dived into Jim’s bold career path, from turning around plants at age 24 to scaling TE’s logistics network through a transformative initiative called Integrated Operations Network or ION. We explored how he slashed logistics costs by over 60%, built an AI strategy with real ROI, and created a playbook for operational excellence. Themes include procurement transformation, end-to-end thinking, digital enablement, and talent-driven leadership.
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*Hosted by Fei Yu*
Manuel Wildberger leads European operations at Givaudan, a global flavor and fragrance giant with 7.4B Swiss Francs in sales and customers across 150 countries. I spoke with Manuel about how he manages a 800M Swiss Francs supply chain across seven plants and five countries while balancing hyper-customization, precision, and resilience. We explore how Givaudan stays agile amid raw material shocks, geopolitical complexity, and regulatory hurdles, while integrating AI, digitalization, and sustainability into daily operations.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, we dive into one of the most consequential supply chain narratives of our time: how Apple became the single largest private contributor to China’s tech rise. Patrick McGee, a longtime Financial Times reporter and author of Apple in China, joins me to unravel the $55B-a-year investments, the Foxconn partnership that transformed Shenzhen, and why Apple today is more than just a tech company, but also a geopolitical force. We explore themes of industrial statecraft, shareholder capitalism, and how Apple’s operations shaped an entire nation’s industrial future.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
Pier Luigi Sigismondi helped build Unilever’s supply chain into a global benchmark, then pivoted to become a sought-after board member across three continents. In this episode, we explored his remarkable journey from Latin America to C-suites and boardrooms, and how a mindset rooted in humility, ambition, and adaptability shaped every chapter. We unpacked the ‘GAP’ leadership framework, his transition to non-executive life, and why empowerment, self-awareness, and authenticity are non-negotiables for sustainable leadership.
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*Hosted by Stéphanie Moles-Rota*
In this compelling episode, I interviewed Ruth Beadle, the Head of Supply Chain at Sanofi, where we talked about her transformative leadership journey across various industries and geographies. Ruth shared pivotal moments that shaped her career, the challenges of leading large-scale ERP and AI-driven initiatives, and the human impact behind pharmaceutical logistics. Listeners will gain insights into how Sanofi evolved its supply chain to support innovation, agility, and patient-centered service while navigating change at scale.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
Unilever is turning its iconic ice cream business, home to Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s, into a standalone powerhouse.
What does it really take to spin off an €8.5B global business?
Sandeep Desai, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Unilever Ice Cream, takes us inside the transformation. From leading 9,000+ employees across 38 factories and 130 warehouses, to managing the emotional and operational shift of a corporate breakup, Sandeep shares the raw realities of change at scale.
We talk leadership, legacy, and how to navigate disruption without losing your team, or your soul.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed Brian Nemeth, Managing Director at AlixPartners, where we talked about the ripple effects of tariffs on global supply chains. We dived into real-world case studies, the resurgence of the bullwhip effect, and the strategic decisions supply chain leaders must make under pressure. Brian shared his on-the-ground experience helping major companies react and adapt quickly to uncertainty, offering actionable insights on scenario planning, automation, and global sourcing diversification.
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*Hosted by Fei Yu*
In this episode, I interviewed Thomas Berden, COO of VAT Group where we discussed VAT’s strategy of staying ahead of the curve, investing in capacities and capabilities, and maintaining a flexible cost model with a 25% temporary workforce. Thomas emphasizes the importance of customer focus, technology innovation, and a decentralized quality organization. He also highlights the challenges of managing a global footprint and the need for resilience and speed in the semiconductor industry.
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*Hosted by Fei Yu*
In this episode, I interviewed Victor Shevtsov, Executive Vice President Supply Chain and a Member of the Executive Committee at The Carlsberg Group. We discussed Carlsberg's significant health and safety achievements, including zero life-changing accidents, a 10% reduction in lost time accidents, and a 15% drop in accident rates.
Victor shared Carlsberg's sustainability efforts, such as reducing energy and water consumption by 20% and CO2 emissions by 15%. He also mentioned the acquisition of Britvic to expand Carlsberg's product portfolio. He emphasized the importance of a diverse, adaptable team, and continuous learning in supply chain leadership. We also discussed Carlsberg's new brewery in China, equipped with advanced sustainability technologies, which proves their commitment to environmental responsibility and safety for their employees.
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*Hosted by Fei Yu*
In this episode, I interviewed Eduardo Bachiega, the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Nomad Foods. We discussed his journey and the company’s growth. Nomad Foods, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, has integrated brands like Birds Eye, Igloo, and Findus and has grown its revenue from €1 billion to nearly €3 billion.
Eduardo emphasizes the importance of people, innovation, and sustainability. He discussed the challenges of integrating acquisitions, balancing innovation, cost efficiency, and resilience, and the need for leadership alignment. He also highlighted the importance of attracting and retaining talent, advocating for a risk-taking mindset and continuous learning.
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What an incredible journey this season has been! 200 Episodes!
Over the past 28 episodes of 2024, we’ve had the privilege of hearing from some of the greatest minds in the supply chain and logistics industry. Together, we have discussed some of the major trends, learned from inspiring leaders, and explored practical ways to navigate this ever-changing industry and the new reality that we live in today.
As we wrap up Season 1, we just want to say thank you to all the guests for their wisdom and our listeners for their continuous support! This is just the beginning and we will be back next year for another season of new insights, bigger conversations, and even deeper dives into the world of supply chain and logistics. Stay tuned!
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*Hosted by Stéphanie Moles-Rota*
In this episode, I am joined by Karen-Marie Katholm, Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer and Member of the Executive Committee at AkzoNobel.
Karen-Marie shared with me her career journey, emphasizing some of the key inflection points that helped her become the leader she is today, including her transition from procurement to broader supply chain roles and the challenges she faced. She also shared some of the sustainability efforts within AkzoNobel, specifically on collaborating with suppliers and customers to achieve their target.
She stressed the importance of diversity, mentorship, and networking in her career progression and advised young professionals to seek new challenges and opportunities for growth and to have an end-to-end perspective.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed Vikram Agarwal, Danone's Chief Operations Officer. Vikram provided an overview of Danone's global supply chain, which spans 55 countries and 48,000 employees and integrates economic growth with social responsibility. As well as shared his career journey and the strategic role of supply chains in driving business value.
Vikram outlines Danone’s approach to balancing short-term challenges with long-term vision using the 4C framework: Customer Centricity, Cost Competitiveness, Cash Efficiency, and Carbon Reduction. He shares how these strategies have improved customer service and sustainable growth.
He also emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and building organizational capabilities. Vikram offers advice for young supply chain professionals, highlighting the need to focus on creating business value and inspiring teams.
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In this episode, I interviewed Donato Giorgio, President of Global Supply Chain for Essity, where we discussed the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and holistic leadership.
Donato shared his journey in supply chain, highlighting some of the inflection points, like starting at Procter & Gamble and the joining the SCA Group and subsequently Essity. We also discussed Essity’s supply chain transformation, diving more into the integration of procurement, manufacturing, and logistics into their global network and emphasizing the need for a service mindset and local relevance in a global context. In addition, Donato shared his views on the importance of sustainability and their goal of using renewable resources for local production to improve the accessibility and affordability of essential hygiene products.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Heidi K. Gardner, author of “Smarter Collaboration,” where we discussed the concepts in her book. We explored the topics of collaboration in teams, breaking down silos, and their importance in hiring and M&A. We also delved into the challenges that hinder collaboration, ways to address them, and how they assist their clients in this aspect. Aside from that, we also discussed the importance of trust- defining and differentiating competence trust and interpersonal trust.
In addition, Heidi shared some of the key moments in her career – including her fellowship in Germany, living in Europe, joining McKinsey, and her academic career at Harvard. She also offered insights on starting your career and discovering your unique strengths.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed the renowned business leader Shiv Shivakumar to uncover the fundamental principles and pivotal moments in his illustrious career.
Shiv has held top leadership roles at iconic companies like Aditya Birla Group, PepsiCo India, and Nokia. He shares the importance of preparation, the power of mentorship, and the value of benchmarking oneself against industry leaders. He also discusses how he navigated defining moments in his journey, from being recognized as a future CEO to building a strong organizational culture focused on transparency and coaching. Learn his perspectives on the strategic role of supply chain management and the opportunities for Indian brands to go global.
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*Hosted by Stéphanie Moles-Rota*
In this episode, I interviewed David Boulanger, the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Arla Foods. David shares insights from his 26-year career, highlighting key inflection points that shaped his journey from an unexpected entry into the food industry to leading global supply chain operations.
David discusses navigating supply chain challenges, including a "perfect storm" in the infant formula industry. He emphasizes the critical role of people in overcoming crises and maintaining engagement. As head of the supply chain at Arla, David provides an inside look at the company's efforts to redefine the dairy industry's future through sustainability, digitalization, and strategic partnerships. He advises aspiring supply chain professionals, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, belief in one's dreams, and the ability to make the impossible possible through passion, energy, and teamwork.
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*Hosted by Stéphanie Moles-Rota*
In this episode, I interviewed Arnoud Buizer, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Interfood. Arnoud talked about critical moments in his career, from wanting to be a farmer to finding his passion in supply chain management.
He shared lessons he learned working at big companies, like the importance of staying curious and not being afraid to make mistakes. Arnoud also spoke about a personal challenge: his son's cystic fibrosis diagnosis, which motivated him to start a charity that raised over 4 million euros for research.
Arnoud emphasized how supply chain professionals drive sustainability and innovation. He explained Interfood's approach to cutting emissions and stressed the impact of taking small, practical steps for a greener future.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed Tarek Amine, Bechtel's Chief Supply Chain Officer. We discussed his 25-year career, the evolution of the supply chain at the global engineering firm, and Bechtel's approach to assembling teams and stand-up infrastructure for multi-billion dollar projects in remote areas.
Tarek also shared insights into talent acquisition, cultural diversity, emerging trends, and advice for young professionals starting their careers.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed Jackie Sturm, Corporate Vice President for Global Supply Chain Operations at Intel. We discussed her career journey, which has spanned over 30 years. Jackie shared key inflection points that shaped her path, from learning from industry icons to overcoming challenges.
She discussed the need for a strategic financial perspective, diverse experiences, and digital fluency in the face of AI and data-driven decision-making. She also stressed the importance of collaboration, optimizing associated variables, and connecting the dots to the corporate strategy to build resilient supply chains.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed Frank McKay, Jabil's Chief Supply Chain and Procurement Officer. We discussed Frank's 30-year career journey in supply chain and procurement leadership, including key inflection points like gaining international experience and taking on new challenges. Frank also shared insights from his role at Jabil on topics like cost reduction strategies, developing strong supplier relationships, transforming the supply chain into a profit center, and the importance of hiring diverse talent and staying innovative to remain relevant.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
In this episode, I interviewed Donna Warton, Microsoft's CVP of Supply Chain and Sustainability. She shares insights from her career progression across finance, Motorola, and Dell and now leading the supply chain for Microsoft's Windows and Devices division.
We also discussed Microsoft's innovations in AI-powered devices, sustainability initiatives focusing on circularity and carbon reduction, practical applications of AI in supply chain management, and Microsoft's cultural approach to change and how they are structuring teams to adapt to the fast pace of innovation.
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*Hosted by Radu Palamariu*
This podcast episode features an interview with David Nothacker, co-founder and CEO of Sennder, a leading digital road freight forwarder in Europe. David shares insights into digitalizing the inefficient and fragmented trucking industry, key inflection points in his entrepreneurial journey, and overcoming challenges.
Our conversation also covers the future of trucking with autonomous and electric vehicles, sustainability initiatives, and the importance of talent attraction and retention. David also provides valuable perspectives on hiring top executives and investing time in people.
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#212: Inside IKEA’s End-to-End Supply Chain Overhaul with Susanne Waidzunas
24:34
#211: Why Calm Leadership Wins in Supply Chain with Arne Flemming of Bosch
33:41
#210: Operational Innovation at TE Connectivity with Jim Tobojka
32:15
#209: Building Resilient, Local-Global Supply Chains with Manuel Wildberger of Givaudan
36:21
#208: Apple in China with Author and Journalist Patrick McGee
39:03
#207: From CSCO to CEO, Building a Global Board Career, and the GAP framework with Pier Luigi Sigismondi
38:44
#206: Data-Driven Supply Chain Transformation with Ruth Beadle of Sanofi
30:32
#205: How Unilever’s Ice Cream Division Became the $8.5B “Magnum Company” with Sandeep Desai, CSCO
31:28
#204: Tariffs and Global Supply Chains with Brian Nemeth of AlixPartners
29:50
#203: Leading Global Operations in the Semiconductor Industry with Thomas Berden of VAT Group
27:59
#202: Prioritizing Safety, Sustainability, and Smart Transformation with Victor Shevtsov of Carlsberg Group
36:24
#201: Formula to Success - People, Innovation, and Impact with Eduardo Bachiega of Nomad Foods
22:18
#200: Building a Supply Chain Career & Season Finale
16:49
#199: Formula for a Successful Leadership
29:55
#198: Danone and the 4Cs of Supply Chain Excellence
43:38
#197: Purpose of Essity, End-to-end, and Holistic Leadership
43:51
#196: Smarter Collaboration: A New Approach to Breaking Down Barriers and Transforming Work
39:38
#195: The CEO’s view of Supply Chain, PEs and Indian brands
43:16
#194: Transforming Dairy Supply Chains and Overcoming the "Perfect Storm"
33:12
#193: Holistic Sustainability for Greener Supply Chains
23:24
#192: Bechtel and SCM in the EPC Industry
24:16
#191: From Finance to Supply Chain and case studies from Intel
33:23
#190: Cost Reduction, Supplier Relationships and Innovation
35:40
#189: Microsoft, Circular Economy, and Leadership Principles
36:33
#188: Sennder and Lessons in Building a Trucking Unicorn
34:27