In this episode, I interviewed Kent Ledgerwood, the Senior Vice President of Value Engineering at One Network. We discussed his extensive experience in the supply chain industry and his insights on the evolving role of technology in addressing the challenges facing businesses today. We also discussed the trends and disruptions shaping the supply chain landscape, from the impact of COVID-19 to the growing importance of sustainability and data management.
Kent explains how AI and machine learning are transforming the way companies approach supply chain optimization, enabling them to predict better and mitigate disruptions, improve efficiency, and drive innovation.
Throughout the conversation, Kent emphasizes the need for a holistic, collaborative approach to supply chain management, where data and technology are leveraged to create value for all stakeholders. He shares practical examples of how his team has helped clients streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance their sustainability efforts.
Listen to the full discussion here:
Connect with the Guest:
Kent is an experienced leader with a proven history of delivering end-to-end supply chain optimization across a variety of industries.
Kent has developed deep expertise in Supply Chain Strategy, Business Process Design, Operations Management, Analytical Skills, Supply Chain Optimization, Change Management, and Team Building through his roles at Accenture, IBM, Home Depot, and others.
Kent has a Master of Business Degree focused in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management from Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee.
Questions I Asked:
- Can you share some of the big milestones and what attracted you to say yes to One Network?
- What are the trends you’re seeing in supply chain?
- What are the expectations of your clients, and how do you manage them in a healthy way?
- How much are CFOs and other C-suite executives getting involved in supply chain management?
- How much focus are you seeing from clients on the topic of sustainability in supply chains?
- How can companies improve their control and management of supplier data and create a single source of truth?
- Can you share some practical examples or applications of general AI and data quality improvements that you’ve seen with your clients?
- What are some things that excite you about the future of supply chain, both from a technology and people/change management perspective?
Show notes:
- [1:39] From big companies like IBM to several startups in our network, what are the key milestones in your career? Also, what attracted you to join One Truck?
- [4:15] What are the trends you’re seeing from interacting with so many clients globally? And some of the big challenges they’re facing?
- [8:43] When clients present issues like silos, inconsistent data sources, ROI calculation challenges, and cost optimization problems, what are their expectations? How do you manage these expectations in a healthy way, considering there is no silver bullet and change management is crucial in any technical or software implementation?
- [14:35] Do you see CFOs getting more and more involved in everything connected?
- [16:48] But regarding sustainability, in a world where everything else is perfect, what do you observe from clients? What are the trends? How much emphasis or weight do you see being placed on the sustainability topic and the green space?
- [20:09] How can you better control and consolidate data from my suppliers, including tier-one and tier-two? How can you create a single source of truth for my carbon footprint and product details so you can provide accurate information to my clients and help them communicate it to end consumers? Are you facing these discussions with clients?
- [25:19] Can we discuss practical examples of AI applications, including the retailer you mentioned? I’m interested in both general AI and data quality. Have you seen clients with technological immaturity who, after your guidance, achieved significant ROI from their tech investments and change management efforts?
- [38:32] When you think about it, how much resources are wasted due to people not synchronized or collaborating using the same source of truth? It’s about looking at the same problem from the same perspective and avoiding working in silos. How much more effective could collaboration be if everyone worked together?
- [31:22] If you look ahead to the future, what excites you about the future of the supply chain, whether from a technology angle or in terms of people, change management, and executive thinking?
Quote from the Episode:
About the Host:
This was a great conversation with Kent Ledgerwood! I am your host, Andrei Palamariu, Founder of Supplify and Senior Director of APAC at Alcott Global. At Supplify, we are working on building a platform to connect the supply chain tech ecosystem. We match corporations with top tech companies to solve their supply chain and logistics challenges. If there is anything tech in the supply chain, reach out to me.
Alcott Global provides Executive Search Solutions for key positions at all pillars of the end-to-end value chain: planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, and overall supply chain operations.
In our Makers & Movers face-to-face events, we bring together value chain executives to connect, collaborate, and innovate – a forum focused on business value creation.
Yearly, we celebrate and award the Top 30 Leaders in Supply Chain for their achievements in digitizing operations, decarbonization, and sustainability, as well as in creating a diverse and equitable environment for supply chain teams to thrive and excel. Join us on September 12, 2024, to celebrate the winners of this year’s edition!
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#77: Embracing Resiliency and Eliminating Supply Chain Risks
#78: In Supply Chain Design, Fun is Not Optional, Fun is Required
#79: Boosting E-commerce Growth through Technology and Culture
