The Supply Chain Dialogues

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 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.

S02E01: Why do we need a function called ”procurement” and should they have a seat at the proverbial table?

Ah, procurement – that mysterious department where spreadsheets go to multiply, and dreams of quick purchases go to die. At least, that's the stereotype, isn't it? Those people who seem to exist solely to ask "Did you get three quotes?" and "Have you filled out form 27B-6?"
Welcome to Season 2, where we're kicking things off by tackling the elephant in the conference room: what exactly does procurement do all day? Beyond wielding the mighty sword of cost-cutting and perfecting the art of saying "no" to emergency purchases, most people never see a whole world of procurement.
Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the reality of modern procurement. Spoiler alert: it's not just about squeezing suppliers until their spreadsheets squeak or finding creative ways to make your colleagues jump through procedural hoops.
Join us for an insider's look at what happens in procurement after the morning coffee kicks in. Contrary to popular belief, procurement does not start the day by thinking up new ways to complicate your work lives.
Let's debunk some myths, share some truths, and maybe even convince you that procurement people are actually... human.
 

S03E11 - Profit/Planet - Cracking the Carbon Code: Navigating GHG Emission Regulations on global, regional and local levels.

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 suppliers to net-zero

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 behavioral 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 (even for larger corporations)

As businesses face increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, understanding and addressing Scopes 1, 2, and 3 is becoming essential. Our latest podcast episode breaks down the complex journey to net-zero emissions. It provides detailed insights and strategies tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises in every scope and sub-category. A Do-it-yourself guide makes this complex topic accessible, even simple. Listeners from large corporations might find the episode revealing.

S03E07 - Planet - Avoid HIPPOs or: Evidence Based Management

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 the effectiveness of informed decision-making 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, Chief Procurement Officer at American Airlines. They discuss foundational elements of procurement, focusing on the critical role of people, reestablishing core strategies, and aligning procurement goals with business objectives. Dan emphasizes the importance of having talented individuals, integrating procurement with other business functions, leveraging technology, and managing supplier relationships effectively. He also shares insights on maintaining reliability and cost-efficiency amidst risks and disruptions. The conversation underscores the need for continuous improvement, ensuring procurement is efficient and adds value to the organization.

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 episode of the "Supply Chain Dialogue," Daniel Helmig discusses 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. Daniel outlines a 10-question framework for companies to assess their readiness and provides historical context, drawing parallels with how ISO standards revolutionized quality management. He advocates for leveraging market forces, digitalization, and strong leadership to drive the change, ensuring that net zero targets are met promptly. The episode highlights the practicality and urgency of transforming supply chains to be more environmentally sustainable.