Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

In this episode of Chain Reaction , host Michael Ostroumov sits down with Christopher Chilton , co-founder of Ram Tang Cello , to explore the fascinating intersection of entrepreneurship, logistics, and innovation in the UK beverage industry. From humble beginnings in a family-run bed and breakfast to launching a premium British take on limoncello, Christopher shares how he and his mother turned a...

In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov sits down with Jean-Philippe Fabre, a serial entrepreneur whose journey spans finance, risk management, and his lifelong dream, crafting premium Grand Cru Champagne. Jean-Philippe shares how growing up in Reims, the heart of the Champagne region, gradually inspired his mission to make elite Champagne more accessible and better understood worldwi...

In this episode of Chain Reaction , Michael Ostroumov sits down with Alan Livingston, Transport and Logistics Manager at A&M Insulation, to discuss how logistics operations are evolving in one of the UK’s most competitive and fast-changing industries. With decades of experience spanning aggregates, consumer goods, and insulation, Alan shares his journey from manual planning boards to AI-driven...

In this thought-provoking episode of Chain Reaction, host Michael Ostroumov welcomes Malcolm Pope, founder of the logistics consultancy Loguro. Malcolm shares a candid, passionate, and at times provocative look into the structural inefficiencies plaguing the logistics and supply chain industry. With a career spanning decades, from industrial chemistry to leading transformational sourcing at Heinz,...

In this episode of the Chain Reaction Podcast, host Michael Ostroumov welcomes Emma Stone , VP of Global Operations at Hurdle, to explore the evolving landscape of medical logistics and diagnostics. With nearly 20 years of experience in supply chain and operations, spanning from FTSE 100 companies to agile startups, Emma provides sharp insights into how startups can build resilience and leverage t...

In this episode of Chain Reaction, host Michael Ostroumov welcomes Natasha Jones, Head of Operations at GMG Pharmacy, to explore the intersection of healthcare, retail, and logistics. Natasha shares her journey from a pharmacy dispenser to leading operations across a growing network of ten branches. She offers a compelling look into the strategic agility required to manage pharmaceutical supply ch...

In this episode of Chain Reaction, host Michael Ostroumov sits down with Rhys Champken, Supply Chain Manager at Lounge, to explore how a trained lawyer found his calling in logistics. Rhys walks us through his unique journey from law school to managing fast-moving supply chains in a rapidly growing fashion brand. His grounded insights reveal the often-overlooked but essential role supply chain pro...

Rebuilding Procurement on Shared Intelligence In this insightful episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov speaks with Carwyn Jones, founder of Ekarnia, a pioneering platform focused on transforming the commercial supply chain relationships in the pharmaceutical industry. With decades of experience at Eli Lilly, GSK, OpenHealth, and as head of the UK’s Pharmaceutical Marketing Society, Carwyn s...

In this insightful episode of the Chain Reaction Podcast, Michael Ostroumov welcomes Stephen Holcomb , Director of Logistics at Refeyn, to explore the dynamic contrasts between logistics in multinational corporations and startup environments. With a career rooted in a passion for structure and problem-solving, Stephen shares his journey from GSK and Halion to Refeyn, shedding light on the nuances...

In this episode of the Chain Reaction Podcast, host Michael Ostroumov sits down with Matt Hunt , serial entrepreneur and founder of The Protein Ball Company . From growing up selling nuts in Romford Market to launching multiple successful FMCG brands including Oloves and The Great British Porridge Company , Matt shares an inspiring entrepreneurial journey grounded in resilience and innovation. Mat...

In this episode of Chain Reaction Podcast , host Michael Ostroumov sits down with Dan Pass , the Supply Chain and Logistics Lead at Ann Summers , to explore the operational evolution driven by customer experience. Dan shares his unconventional entry into the logistics industry, shaped by necessity and fueled by a hunger for process improvement. Over a career spanning two decades, he moved from war...

In this episode of the Chain Reaction Podcas t, host Michael Ostroumov welcomes Paul Brook s, a veteran of the supply chain and logistics sector with over 40 years of experience. Paul shares a reflective and insightful journey through the evolution of logistics - from manual stock tracking in the 1980s to the dynamic, AI-enhanced supply chains of today. His passion for the industry remains palpabl...

In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov welcomes Bram Vanschoenwinkel , Chief Product Officer at Customaite and a longtime AI practitioner, to explore the practical impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain and customs operations. Bram provides a compelling look at how AI has evolved over decades, far beyond the recent hype surrounding generative models, and how these advancem...

In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov speaks with Neil Powell , founder and Managing Director of The NX Group , a niche 3PL logistics provider based in Northamptonshire, UK. Neil shares how his business has carved out a loyal client base by focusing on secure logistics, operational integrity, and deeply personalized service. Amidst a turbulent market shaped by post-Brexit pressures...

In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov engages with Rafael Norberto, a key figure at Delivery Mates, a logistics firm redefining last-mile delivery through hyperlocal strategies. The discussion dives deep into the mechanics of delivering within tight urban geographies like London, showcasing how micro hubs and strategic route planning allow Delivery Mates to guarantee deliveries with...

In this episode of Chain Reaction , host Michael Ostroumov welcomes Rupert Morrison, a serial entrepreneur, former management consultant, and founder of OrgView and Arahi. The conversation spans Rupert’s transformation from consultancy to technology entrepreneurship and dives deep into his three acclaimed books, each tackling strategic value creation, organizational design, and workforce planning....

In this episode of Chain Reaction , host Michael Ostroumov sits down with Chris Clowes, COO of FLOX, to tackle one of the most volatile moments in global logistics. With the recent 90-day pause on US tariff hikes, logistics leaders are scrambling to make critical supply chain decisions in an already crisis-ridden environment. Chris unpacks how businesses are shifting from strategy to survival, rea...

In this episode of Chain Reaction , Michael Ostroumov speaks with Gene Boyarov, co-founder of Bioglo and director of Energian, about the supply chain challenges of delivering specialized energy products - from domestic heating fuels to off-grid solar and battery systems. Gene shares how his companies navigate complex logistics environments, from remote Scottish islands to hazardous battery handlin...

In the debut episode of Chain Reaction, host Michael Ostroumov, Founder of Flox, sits down with Justin Campbell to launch a new video podcast series focused on practical, real-world insights in the logistics and supply chain industry. Michael shares why Chain Reaction was created—to give logistics service providers and SME buyers a platform to share their challenges, solutions, and differentiators...