The Future of Supply Chain podcast is a show hosted by Richard Howells, Sin To, and Oyku Ilgar. The trio discusses hot topics, best practices, and the latest innovations to deliver a risk-resilient and sustainable supply chain. The show features interviews with experts from the world of supply chain, sustainability, AI and automation, who will address the issues of today and tomorrow.
This is an ideal podcast for supply chain, R&D, manufacturing, logistics, and operations executives to learn and share ideas and best practices with their peers.
Episode 10: The Role of Logistics in Driving Resilient and Sustainable Supply Chains with Till Dengel
Apr 26, 2023
Show notes
Logistics plays a vital role in driving resiliency and sustainability in supply chains. By optimizing transportation efficiency, providing supply chain visibility, adopting sustainable packaging and waste management practices as well as fostering collaboration and partnerships, managing reverse logistics, and leveraging innovation and technology, logistics can contribute to building more resilient and sustainable supply chains. In this podcast episode we will talk about how these practices will help companies to mitigate risks, reduce transportation-related emissions, optimize inventory management, minimize waste, promote circular economy principles, and enhance operational efficiency.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Till Dengel
Mr. Dengel is globally responsible for the strategy, the thought leadership and the go-to- market of SAP’s Digital Logistics solution portfolio. In this field he is a tenured speaker with a broad perspective on the market and latest trends.
Prior to this assignment he has served in a number of senior management positions e.g. as Chief Strategy & Business development officer for SAP’s Data Intelligence business unit, customer officer for the CIO & CPO and as a global Business Unit lead for the Travel & Transportation Industry. He started his SAP career in 2000 as a senior consultant in Supply Chain Management.
Before joining SAP, Mr. Dengel worked as a team leader for DHL.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an Executive Master’s Degree in Information Management.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Sin To
Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. In 2019, she joined SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 9: The role of Technology in the Future of Supply Chain with Dominik Metzger
Apr 19, 2023
Show notes
Technology will play a crucial role in the future of supply chain. In recent years, new technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and robotics have emerged that can help to make the supply chain more efficient, transparent, agile and sustainable to meet future challenges. And companies that invest in technology will have a competitive advantage because they can respond more quickly and flexibly to changes in the supply chain.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Dominik Metzger
Dominik Metzger is Head of the SAP Digital Supply Chain – Plan to Fulfill product engineering unit and is responsible for running a global development Line of Business (LoB). This organization provides innovative Digital Supply Chain solutions, including design, product management, engineering and customer co-innovations for all products within the LoB including the product portfolio of Planning, Manufacturing and Delivery & Logistics.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Sin To
Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. In 2019, she joined SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 8: What is a Smart Factory? With SAP's Mike Lackey
Apr 12, 2023
Show notes
Sustainability equals Profitability – this statement has rung true as Manufacturing factories and sites shift their focus into a new way of working and producing. SAP’s own, Mike Lackey, Global Vice President of Solution Management, Digital Manufacturing, joins us to dive into attracting the new generation of shop floor workers with advanced innovation, how sustainability is at the forefront of production, and what it takes to transform into a smart factory.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Mike Lackey, SAP
Mike Lackey joined SAP in 2008 through the acquisition of Visiprise and is the Global Head of Solution Management, Digital Manufacturing. With previous roles at Visiprise, NetVendor and Teradyne Manufacturing Software Group, Mr. Lackey has a unique set of knowledge that covers both manufacturing software and design collaboration along with over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing sector. Early in his career, he started as a manufacturing engineer with DCA/Attachmate, which provided him with invaluable first-hand knowledge and understanding of how SAP customers can use SAP’s Digital Manufacturing Solution Portfolio to improve their global operations.
Mr. Lackey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and an MA in Business Administration from Mercer University with dual concentrations in International Business and Marketing.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Nicole Smythe
Nicole Smythe has been with SAP for over 3 years now but has been working in the supply chain space for over 6 years through various field experiences. With a Master’s degree specializing in Global Supply Chain Management, Nicole hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, blogs, and now podcasts, focusing on topics like social media, sustainability, and market trends.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 7: Designing what the customers want with Gareth Webb and Arend Weil
Apr 05, 2023
Show notes
Product Development is typically the whole process of bringing a product from concept or idea through to market release and beyond. So product designers and engineers need to understand how various components and subsystems work together in a product to ensure that it functions properly and meets the desired specifications. This requires knowledge of not only the individual parts but also how they interact with each other and with the environment in which the product will be used
In this episode, Richard Howells and Sin To discuss with Arend Weil and Gareth Webb what is means to design a product what customers want. And how a partnership can leverage more advantages and benefits to the customer.
Gareth Webb has more than 20 years’ experience in new product development process and PLM technology. Having worked across the industry as a customer for PLM solutions in the Formula 1 world, as Services leader for PLM at a global solution integrator and now with SAP supporting its strategy in the area of PLM technology integration, he is well positioned to provide insight into the future of process level integration aimed at reducing time to market, driving efficiency and supporting more sustainable product design. At SAP Gareth is responsible for the Foreign PLM integration strategy, working closely with the SAP Teamcenter by Siemens solution portfolio, having direct responsibility for the SAP private cloud solutions.
Guest: Arend Weil
Arend Weil leads the portfolio and product engineering for SAP’s strategic partnership with SIEMENS Digital Industries. He does closely collaborate with SAP’s customers, ecosystem and SIEMENS to enable a true digital thread and drive the joint mission to success. In his previous role as SAP Portfolio Lead, he was responsible for SAP’s on-premise and private cloud service portfolio. He did drive the investments and the launch of related service offerings and innovations, such as SAP Model Company, SAP Value Assurance and SAP Advanced Deployment. He initially joined SAP in 2004 and has held a succession of regional and global roles in solution management, pre-sales and business development. Prior to SAP, he was a pre-sales manager at ORACLE. He began his career as an ERP consultant and project manager.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Sin To
Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. In 2019, she joined SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 6: Breaking Down the German Due Diligence Act with Annette Ehrnsperger and Stephanie Raabe
Mar 22, 2023
Show notes
A new Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act (known as LkSG) has been in force in Germany since January 1, 2023. In December 2022, EU countries agreed on a Europe-wide law on the supply chain. The new EU law would require companies to carefully manage social and environmental impacts throughout their supply Chain.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Annette Ehrnsperger
Annette Ehrnsperger joined SAP in 2001 and currently holds the role of Legal Dept. Sen. Manager in SAP’s Legal Organization. Responsible for leading a team of lawyers, negotiating and creating contracts with SAP’s customers and partners. In close collaboration with other areas such as GCF she takes care of regional legal harmonization tasks as well as contract and clause standardization topics. She is also a certified mediator and supports SAP’s Global Ombuds Office.
Guest: Stephanie Raabe
Stephanie Raabe is SAP’s Human Rights Officer and responsible for the company’s overall human rights agenda including monitoring compliance with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. Specializing in sustainability for almost 20 years, she has driven many important sustainability initiatives at SAP like human rights due diligence, integrated reporting, sustainable finance and environmental management. Stephanie is also a member of UN Global Compact Germany Steering Committee.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Sin To
Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. In 2019, she joined SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 5: How Innovation and Technology are Opening Doors for Women in Supply Chain with Mindy Davis and Paige Cox
Mar 08, 2023
Show notes
Happy International Women’s Day – as we celebrate women’s accomplishments, advancements, and progression in the workplace, we kicked Richard out for a girls-only episode! Our own, Mindy Davis, Vice President of Global Marketing for SAP Digital Supply Chain, and Paige Cox, Senior Vice President, Chief Product Officer and Head of SAP Business Network, joins SAP’s Sin To and Nicole Smythe to discuss supply chain’s ever-evolving digital transformation, what’s in store for the future generations of women in supply chain, and the ‘magic’ that women bring to the field everyday.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Mindy Davis, SAP
Mindy Davis is Vice President of Global Marketing for SAP Digital Supply Chain. Mindy’s global marketing organization owns the marketing strategy of SAP’s supply chain solution portfolio, which encompasses cloud software for R&D/engineering, supply chain planning, manufacturing, logistics, and service & asset management. These solutions enable enterprises to become more intelligent and sustainable by developing new business models to avoid being disrupted, gaining efficiencies to fund innovation, and transforming mission-critical systems without business risk.
Mindy joined SAP in 2004, after establishing herself as a leader in product marketing in the software industry at both Siebel Systems and PeopleSoft. In her tenure at SAP, Mindy has held various roles in marketing, partner alliances, merchandising, and business development. Mindy is passionate about building world class teams to successfully launch exceptional products, and is a strategic thought leader and subject matter expert, possessing a depth and breadth of marketing and business knowledge to provide sound, innovative strategic leadership and initiatives while ensuring the preservation of and link between product, industry, field and marketing is maintained.
Mindy earned her B.S. in Marketing at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and later an MBA in Marketing from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.
Mindy was recently featured on the front cover of CIO Look Magazine in 2022 as one of the 10 most influential leaders in supply Chain. She hosted a very well received LinkedIn Live series for Women in Supply Chain and speaks regularly at events around the world, including SAP’s flagship customer event SAP Sapphire.
Guest: Paige Cox, SAP
Paige Wei-Cox is Senior Vice President, Chief Product Officer and Head of SAP Business Network, the world’s largest and most comprehensive business network, connecting people, processes, and systems to orchestrate inter-company collaborations spanning procurement, supply chain, logistics, asset intelligence, and working capital.
As chief product and technology officer, Paige is directly responsible for setting the strategic portfolio direction and overseeing the global product engineering centers located in Germany, the U.S., China, India, Peru, and Hungary. In addition, she leads the overall SAP Business Network program reporting to the executive board, aligning all lines of business in SAP across product, industry, support, services, sales, solution marketing, pricing, and partner ecosystem. Paige also serves on the executive board of Taulia, a leading supply chain financing network acquired by SAP in 2022.
Within her 20+ SAP career, she held various executive positions in the U.S. and Germany, driving product development and technology innovation in supply chain including manufacturing, Industry 4.0, PLM, logistics, and asset management. Paige has deep expertise in building global organizations and reinventing portfolios toward strategic growth. She is passionate about working with customers, partners, analysts, and thought leaders to drive supply chain transparency, resiliency, and sustainability. In April 2022, Supply Chain Digital listed Paige among the its annual ranking of the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain, checking in at an impressive No. 22! Also in 2022, Supply & Demand Chain Executive included Paige on its prestigious annual list of “Pros to Know” in the industry and among the recipients of its “Women in Supply Chain” award. Paige holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and an executive MBA from Mannheim University. Born in Shanghai, she grew up in New York City and resides currently in Heidelberg, Germany, with her family.
Host: Sin To
Sin To has more than fifteen years of experience in the digital media industry and technology sector in the field of marketing, business development, thought leadership, and as a contributing editor. In 2019, she joined SAP’s digital supply chain team to drive thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s supply chain solutions, emerging market trends, and sustainability.
Host: Nicole Smythe
Nicole Smythe has been with SAP for over 3 years now but has been working in the supply chain space for over 6 years through various field experiences. With a Master’s degree specializing in Global Supply Chain Management, Nicole hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, blogs, and now podcasts, focusing on topics like social media, sustainability, and market trends.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 4: Trends, Technologies, and the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders with Justin Goldston, PhD
Feb 22, 2023
Show notes
As technologies continue to emerge, transform, and pave a new way of working, companies are being put to the test on how to keep up. Justin Goldston, PhD, Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University, joins SAP’s Richard Howells and Nicole Smythe to discuss the evolution of expert systems, academia and corporate’s growing relationship, and what a virtual future of work looks like.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest: Dr. Justin Goldston
Dr. Justin Goldston is a Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University. Goldston has also led and assisted in the development of Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, and Business Analytics programs and courses at Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, the University of Southern California. Goldston serves on Advisory Boards at various higher education institutions, at the International Supply Chain Education Alliance, as well as on the Sensing subcommittee at the Association of Supply Chain Management. Goldston is also the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on supply chain management, sustainability, innovative technologies, and is a five-time TEDx speaker where he discussed emerging technologies such as blockchain and Artificial Intelligence.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Nicole Smythe
Nicole Smythe has been with SAP for over 3 years now but has been working in the supply chain space for over 6 years through various field experiences. With a Master’s degree specializing in Global Supply Chain Management, Nicole hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, blogs, and now podcasts, focusing on topics like social media, sustainability, and market trends.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 3: The Supply Chain Challenges of Becoming an Overnight Sensation with Brian Halasinski & Kirk Hyust
Feb 08, 2023
Show notes
A chicken & a turkey walk into the Shark Tank, and what do they leave with? An offer from one of the top businessmen in the world. This dream became a reality for Brian Halasinski and Kirk Hyust, inventors and co-founders of the Turbo Trusser. In this episode, Richard Howells, Nicole Smythe, and the pair dive into the localized strategies of a small business, the fluctuating supply chain demand from television exposure, and the importance of building close relationships.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest 1: Brian Halasinski
Brian Halasinski is a highly experienced professional in the pharmaceutical industry, with 18 years of experience under his belt. He holds a four-year business degree from Kent State University and a Master of Business Administration from Malone University, showcasing his dedication to education and professional growth. Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive have made him a valuable asset in his field, and his commitment to success is evident.
Outside of work, Brian is a devoted family man. He has been married to his wife Brie for 14 years and they have two sons, Nathan and Hudson, ages 20 and 11. He loves spending time with friends and family, and enjoys hobbies such as inventing, barbecuing and fishing. With his strong work ethic and love for life, Brian continues to be a positive force in his community.
Guest 2: Kirk Hyust
Kirk Hyust is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of skills and interests. With 20 years of experience in construction, Kirk is a seasoned professional in home remodeling and has a keen eye for detail. But that’s not all, he is also a former chef who trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, showcasing his passion for creativity and the arts.
In addition to his construction and culinary expertise, Kirk is also an inventor with a passion for innovation. He holds 10 patents on various inventions, demonstrating his innovative spirit and problem-solving abilities.
When Kirk isn’t busy working, he loves to travel and explore new cultures. He speaks fluent Portuguese, adding to his already impressive list of accomplishments. With his diverse skill set and love for life, Kirk is a true Renaissance man and a valuable asset in any project or endeavor.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Nicole Smythe
Nicole Smythe has been with SAP for over 3 years now but has been working in the supply chain space for over 6 years through various field experiences. With a Master’s degree specializing in Global Supply Chain Management, Nicole hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, blogs, and now podcasts, focusing on topics like social media, sustainability, and market trends.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 2: Servitization: Make Services a Vital Part of Your Business with Patrick Crampton-Thomas
Jan 25, 2023
Show notes
Servitization: a tongue-twister of a word that is on track to becoming one of the hottest topics in our economy and corporate world. In this episode, Richard Howells and Nicole Smythe discuss with SAP’s Patrick Crampton-Thomas, Vice President of Digital Asset Management at SAP, what is the future of the as-a-service model? And how can companies transform their products into a differentiating factor in the market?
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest Speaker: Patrick Crampton Thomas
Patrick Crampton-Thomas is Vice President of Digital Asset Management in SAP’s Solution Management Organization. Responsible for the solution strategy and Go-to-Market of SAP’s Intelligent Asset Management and Service Management cloud and S/4 HANA suite, working closely with SAP customers in service and maintenance-intensive industries.
Patrick joined SAP in 2005, since then he has held a number of regional and global roles responsible for Supply Chain, R&D, Procurement, and Asset Management including Solution Management, Business Development, and Sales.
Host: Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, Industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Host: Nicole Smythe
Nicole Smythe has been with SAP for over 3 years now but has been working in the supply chain space for over 6 years through various field experiences. With a Master’s degree specializing in Global Supply Chain Management, Nicole hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, blogs, and now podcasts, focusing on topics like social media, sustainability, and market trends.
Please give us a like, share, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on future episodes!
Episode 1: 2023 Predictions with David Vallejo
Jan 13, 2023
Show notes
2023 is officially underway and we talk with David Vallejo, supply chain expert, on the upcoming year’s predictions, diving into industry trends, new technology, and the power of resiliency.
The New Year is already well underway and it’s time to focus on the future. Richard Howells and Nicole Smythe discuss with SAP’s David Vallejo, Vice President and Global Head for Go-To-Market for Supply Chain Planning, Manufacturing, and Logistics, the top 2023 supply chain predictions, diving into proactive risk resiliency, consumers’ focus on sustainability, predictive analytics, and the unmatched power of real-time data.
Come join us as we discuss the Future of Supply Chain.
Guest Speaker: David Vallejo
David Vallejo is globally responsible for solution management and go-to-market for SAP’s Supply Chain Planning, Manufacturing, and Logistics solutions. In his role, David is responsible for driving SAP’s product portfolio to the next level of innovation by setting strategy and direction for the future roadmap in close collaboration with SAP’s customers, Industry, and Product & Innovation teams.
Richard Howells has been working in the supply chain management and manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance, and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, industry 4.0, digitization, and sustainability.
Nicole Smythe has been with SAP for over 3 years now but has been working in the supply chain space for over 6 years through various field experiences. With a Master’s degree specializing in Global Supply Chain Management, Nicole hopes to bring a fresh, new perspective to the space with her active marketing contributions, blogs, and now podcasts, focusing on topics like social media, sustainability, and market trends.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
