Supply Circles Podcast by Ai Group

Supply Chain Infrastructure in Australia is a big issue for ‘Supply Circles’ listeners so its good to speak with the renowned Michael Kilgariff on what is happening, and why. Michael is a senior executive in this sector with over two decades of high-level experience. He’s been the National Director Energy Infrastructure Policy & Government Affairs for Energy Networks Association; he was the Ma...

In this episode host James Scotland dives headfirst into the story of what Electric Vehicles will mean for your business. It’s a story of the sustainable supply chains of the future. A story of change, of current confusion, of coming regulations for business. It’s a story of digitalisation, of disruption, and of course, the decarbonisation of your business. Most of all, it’s a way of seeing new ‘s...

Today’s guest is not a bot… he’s a real person with a lot of knowledge of bots. And Artificial Intelligence. And Automation. And so much more. Matt explains how he discovered AI and went on to make it, and automation, his chosen career path.  He says Artificial Intelligence and its huge potential for improved efficiency is his favourite topic and this is evident in this conversation with show host...

Host James Scotland ask John Grimes for the keys to creating sustainable businesses in today’s economy. John mounts a strong argument for moving your business to electric power via solar and batteries. He explains the numbers and the opportunities for business owners – this is an episode full of exciting insights and business ‘nuggets’ James and John discuss electrification of business, of vehicle...

In this episode we address the important emerging supply chain and business sustainability issue:  The management concept of Product Stewardship... The centrepiece of all supply chains is a good product but what actually is a ‘good’ product in the modern world. It’s a complex question with many of aspects to it,  including ESG requirements, maximum value, minimal waste, through life support and en...

This is the story of the mouse that roared. Of the small manufacturing business in a suburb in Adelaide that went from one product, one major customer to a well-respected, innovative, complex supply chain with a global brand in just 25 years.  Still headquartered at the same location in South Australian the business now has operations, sales people and distribution channels throughout the world. A...

Louise McGrath has been working in international trade for decades and now represents Ai Group and Australian industry at global industry meetings around the world. In this engaging conversation James and Louise share humorous stories  and insights into the keys to effective cross-cultural communication in business, supply chains and international meetings. Louise also share her thoughts on the cu...

In this 2nd episode focusing on the SME section of supply chains, James chats with Mal Hiley, the Managing Director of Baker & Provan, a successful Western Sydney engineering and services company with an international supply line. Baker & Provan, a family owned business have specialised in the manufacture and supply of quality engineering products for over 75 years. It is now a significant...

Our guest is Lucy Finlay . James and Lucy have a wonderful chat about the tension and healthy conflict of ….innovative new products hitting the market quickly and…. the need to ensure standards are in place for these new products. Lucy is the Standards and Regulations Manager for Schneider Electric and the perfect person to ask. Think of this: We buy exciting new products almost every day: smart p...

Host James Scotland chats with the Chief Executive of Australian Industry Group, Innes Willox and learns of the organisation’s 150 years of continuous operation as the peak industry organisation supporting Australian business and industry. The conversation covers the history, the role and the importance of industry organisations,and considers the enormous changes to business and the Australian com...

In this episode, host James Scotland ask Adam Blake: ‘How do we, in Australia, build resilient and sustainable supply chains in and from Australia’. Blundstone is a 150-year, family-owned, Hobart-based, globally-successful boot and apparel manufacturer. The company sells over 3 million pairs of boots annually to multiple markets in over 70 countries. It has a well-structured brand story and comple...

James chats with two leading Australian supply chain academics and explores climate change, value chains, value-creation risk assessments, resilient business models and  several other current and emerging issues. Lots of good discussion points including  recognising investment as the answer to value risk, the urgency of recognising and identifying multiple energy sources in your business, and the...

With our podcast host James Scotland on holidays overseas our podcast today is the re-release of the audition podcast James recorded with a former Ai Group employee. Whilst there are technical difficulties, its an engaging interview. Here’s the synopsis: What exactly is the circular economy, and where is it at in Australia today? Is circular economy the answer to our current supply chain issues in...

According to global research over 53 per cent of managers were left ‘burnt out’ in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many leaders and managers have realised it’s important to take occasional extended career breaks:  to refresh, re-centre, renew. In this episode, podcast host James Scotland delves into the concept of a mid-career sabbatical. He chats with senior executive Melissa Anderson who is a...

Welcome to a very special episode. Our guest is Ann Ackerson, the global head of procurement for BAE Systems. For those who don’t know, BAE Systems is a high-tech global defence Prime Contractor. It provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. With a workforce of over 93,000 people in 40 countries the company develops, manufactures, and supp...

Sam Matandos is the thoughtful and forthright CEO of Sydney-based precision engineering company Moxon Industries. Under Sam’s guidance during challenging time, Moxon Industries has continued to expand in the rail, civil and defence supply chains. Sam and Moxon are experienced and successful suppliers to demanding structured supply chains.  Sam says the growth and the success is due to its hard-fou...

In this episode we talk Operational Excellence. Our host , James Scotland says: “What if I told you there are ways to improve your operational performance, reduce your costs, improve your quality and increase your bottom line while also improving your major buyer relationships? Impossible? Today’s guest - Tim McLean, the founder of TXM Lean Solutions- knows how. In just 20 years Tim and his partne...

In just a few short years, Nicola Lane has built an impressive reputation as a supply chain manager, leader, and advocate for sustainable supply chains.  In this episode of Supply Circles,  Host James Scotland chats with Nicola to learn of her short and impressive career to date and her views of the future. Her urban, regional, overseas and now national roles and what she learnt. The lessons for S...

In conversation with host James Scotland, Sarah provides a clear-eyed and clearly-explained  analysis of the opportunities, challenges and imperatives for Australian businesses  in accessing the roll out of the newly announced AUKUS submarine deal. Among a myriad of gold nuggets of insights in an hour-long conversation, Sarah and James discuss this week’s AUKUS deal from the perspective of busines...

Nestle has set ambitious targets for decarbonising its entire global supply chain. It’s a tough challenge – The supply chain is long  and complex and includes everything from agriculture to manufacturing to warehousing to distribution to the end-user and much more. And its not just the supply chain: Nestle itself is enormous with over 339,00 employees, 442 factories in 86 countries and a world-wid...

In this episode I chat with Tim Walmsley to find out how to use Industry trade shows to build successful sales pipelines. Tim shares insights on how to prepare for trade shows and how to convert interest into sales. Tim also shares his thoughts on the opportunities that are created by meeting like-minded businesses and making alliances that build competencies and capabilities. In a couple of weeks...

Michael Sharpe is a passionate advocate of the opportunities for Australian business in the Advanced Manufacturing sector, Defence Industry, Nuclear Industry and the emerging Space sector.  He also has positive things to say about the emerging green economy and green industry.  Listen in and be swept up in is enthusiasm and infectious positive. In the episode, Host James Scotland speaks with Micha...

Entrepreneurs, supply chains and the transition to Net Zero, with Paul Hodgson by Ai Group

In this episode Ian Rogers Director of Supply Chain Finance at Westpac Institutional Bank explains the many areas of risks in supply chains and how to use your ‘financial supply chain’ to identify and manage the risks. Ian and James also discuss a bankers view of the disruptions that may come to your business in the time ahead: inflations, natural disasters, energy crises, the transition to Net Ze...

James and Angeline discuss a wide range of issues, including the global food industry, the process of innovation, supply chain issues, females & leadership and much much more. Angeline is the Executive Director Innovation and Growth for Simplot Australia and an informed and fascinating conversationalist. In the usual relaxed and engaging conversation style of the podcast, the two discuss the f...