#07: Tom Schmitt former Board Member and Global CCO for DB Schenker

Tom Schmitt former Board Member – Contract Logistics and Global Chief Commercial Officer for DB Schenker

DB Schenker is one of the top 3 global 3PL companies in the world with operations in 140 countries. As the Management Board Member responsible for the $3bn+ Contract Logistics business, Tom is in charge of a global team of 22,000 logisticians with continued and accelerated profitable growth. In the first year of Tom’s leadership, DB Schenker Contract Logistics grew by 17 percent topline and saw a 20 percent growth to the bottom line. Tom has served also previously as President and CEO of Purolator in Canada, as well as had a long career in FedEx, having led as CEO the supply chain division. Also, Tom is a published author, having written the leadership book Simple Solutions: Harness the Power of Passion and Simplicity to Get Results. Which a great resource of leadership principles.

Listen to the full discussion here:

• Stream by clicking here.
• Download as an MP3 here.

 

 

Connect with the Guest:

Tom Schmitt: Linkedin 

Stay tuned as we cover:

• Top strategic directions that Schenker is trying to achieve in the next years. The top goals in the company by 2020.
• Contract Logistics. Where does Tom see the emerging markets.
• How DB Schenker customers expect them to use all the information, data, that we have to their advantage. Using big data and capacity planning.
• The importance of – People, service, profit in that sequence.
• Talking about left brain and right brain. How to access both types of thinking.
• Advice for a 23 year old finishing collage – Think of your first move and your second move as an option expanding move.

Show notes:

Part 1 – Industry Trends:

• [01:18] Top strategic directions that Schenker is trying to achieve in the next years. The top goals in the company by 2020?
• [04:41]  Technology is rapidly transforming the industry. Which technology trend do you think will have the most impact by 2020?
• [07:20] What are the challenges DB Schenker is faced when implementing and adapting and transforming?
• [09:58] Current changes that your clients are struggling with at the moment and how is DB Schenker’s currently addressing some of them?
• [12:12] Contract Logistics. Where do you see the emerging markets?
• [12:44] On building a new regional office near the largest airport in the world that is build in Dubai.
• [15:26] If you were an investor, which logistics technology-related start up would you invest in and why?

Part 2 – Talent and Recruitment:

• [17:10]  What types of skills are you actually focused on finding, developing or importing into DB Schenker?
• [17:44] Talking about the logistician of the future.
• [20:39] How our customers expect us to use all the information, data, that we have to their advantage. Using big data and capacity planning. 
• [23:40] How you select your leadership team. What type of attributes are you looking for when it comes to appointing one of the top leaders in your team?
• [24:00] The importance of – People, service, profit in that sequence. Talking about the right people who can react accordingly in difficult situations – geopolitical or natural disasters (ex: Hurricanes)
• [26:44] Culture. What would be some of the top elements and mindsets, that you’re trying to instill and enforce?

Part 3 – Personal success stories and habits:

• [28:59] Any other principles you follow in your day to day work, in your leadership work?
• [29:32] Talking about the boy scout notion of leaving a place better than you found it.
• [32:00] Habits that contributes to your success? Do you do something on a regular basis?
• [32:23] Talking about left brain and right brain. How to access both types of thinking.
• [34:05] Which book do you typically give to people?
• [35:22] Any supply chain resources, websites, reports that you use to keep yourself updated with the latest development in the industry?
• [37:03] If you could give some advice to 23-year old graduating university wanting to achieve a great career in logistics, what would it be?
• [37:18] Advice for a 23 year old finishing collage – Think of your first move and your second move as an option expanding move. 

Related Episodes:

Episode #01: Didier Chenneveau Executive Director Ernst & Young

Episode #05: Tim Wickmann former CEO of MCC Maersk

Episode #06: Bjorn Vang Jensen Global Head of Logistics at Electrolux