The Supply Chain Dialogues

In the final episode of Season 4, Dr Daniel Helmig paints a vision of what supply chain leadership will look like in 2040, when net-zero targets are expected to be achieved. Moving beyond the problems identified in previous episodes, this forward-looking conversation explores the capabilities, structures, and mindsets that will separate tomorrow's winners from today's compliance-focused organisati...

After six episodes dismantling conventional wisdom about supply chain sustainability, Episode 7 delivers actionable solutions. Based on rigorous research with German discrete manufacturing companies, this episode translates counterintuitive findings into specific recommendations for academics, policymakers, and business leaders. Discover why transformation trumps measurement, why current regulator...

In this episode of Supply Chain Dialogues, Daniel Helmig and AI co-host AImee explore the organisation paradox: why larger companies with more resources struggle more with Scope 3 emissions reduction than smaller firms. Drawing from doctoral research on 248 German manufacturing companies, the discussion reveals that organisational complexity creates systematic barriers through siloed decision-maki...

In this episode of Supply Chain Dialogue, Daniel Helmig and AI co-host Amy discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on sophisticated technology for achieving net-zero scope three emissions. They explore the concept of 'digital displacement,' where companies substitute technological solutions for necessary operational changes, leading to minimal actual reductions in emissions. Real-life examples demo...

In this episode of 'Supply Chain Dialogues,' Daniel Helmig and AI co-host Amy discuss the ineffectiveness of current EU regulatory policies in achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. They reveal that positive perceptions of regulatory frameworks actually correlate with less action on emission reductions, particularly due to a focus on easier-to-control Scope 1 and 2 emissions, while neglecting more...

What if the most rational business practice is actually killing climate action? In this episode, Daniel and AI-mee reveal a shocking discovery from Daniel's doctoral research: companies that conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses are significantly LESS likely to implement climate solutions. We're not talking about climate deniers or cash-strapped startups – these are sophisticated, well-resourced...

In this episode of The Supply Chain Dialogues, Daniel Helmig explores why achieving net-zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040 is so challenging. Featuring an interview with, let's call her, Dr. Elizabeth Schmitt, a CPO of a company participating in the research Daniel did. Based on her request, the interview is fully anonymous, since she feels repercussions from her former employer could happen when talk...

In the first episode of Season Four of 'Supply Chain Dialogues,' host Daniel Helmig discusses the surprising findings from the massive doctoral research on supply chain climate action in the discrete manufacturing industry. Contrary to his initial expectations, Daniel discovered significant flaws in the conventional wisdom surrounding emissions measurement, cost-benefit analysis, and regulatory im...

Step off the corporate ladder and into what? Before we take a prolonged hiatus to finish a dissertation and a book project, join us as we discuss the real-life challenges and opportunities of post-executive life, where success is measured by well-being rather than quarterly results. From brain science to black swan events, discover why traditional retirement planning often falls short and how to d...

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 co...

We pull out all stops and reveal facts that should make us shiver: G7 nations spend $147 billion on clean energy while at least USD 200 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. Germany spent €20 billion on climate transformation in 2024, while its subsidies benefiting the fossil fuel industry included various tax reliefs and exemptions, totalling roughly 1.9% of economic output, equivalent to $70 billion...

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 procur...

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, Germa...

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 stresse...

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...

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...

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...

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 procur...

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 innovat...

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...

In this episode, we discuss the knowledge gaps in corporate leadership regarding essential sustainability concepts such as the UN Global Goals, the Brundtland Report, and Elkington's Triple Bottom Line.  The episode shows how businesses can practically engage with and apply these SDGs, using them for compliance and as a cornerstone for genuine sustainability strategies. We provide detailed DIY con...

Transportation accounts for 14-16% of GHG emissions and 8-12% of manufacturing companies' total spending. Both can be reduced substantially if the right insights are available... In this dialogue, Daniel talks with Adolph Colaco, CEO of e2log.com , about how costs and emissions can be tackled while improving customer satisfaction and companies' bottom lines. It takes a leader bold enough to say "Y...

Summary In Episode 1 of Season 3, Daniel has a very experienced guest in the studio: Felix Schmitz, the CEO of Klöckner Metals in Germany, talks about green steel and the decarbonisation of the steel industry. They discuss the importance of steel in various industries, the environmental impact of steel production, and Klöckner Metals' strategic approach to sustainability. Takeaways Steel productio...

In this episode, Daniel interviews an expert with 20 years of experience in gaming and an upcoming Master's in computer science, to explore the gaming world and its impact on the industry. They discuss the elements that make a game engaging, the most profitable sectors in the gaming industry, and the popular games and their success factors. They cover augmented and virtual reality's role in enhanc...

Henry Ford once said: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty." During his time he was what Steve Jobs was for our last decades. He had to constantly learn because nothing he started was defined.  We can go even back a bit longer and end up at Socrates: “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel”. Or, as B.B. King put it: "The beautiful thing about le...