🎙 Luke van der Waals: Mastering Supply Chain Resiliency

My guest today is Luke van der Waals. Luke manages the North American offshore supply chain for SLB, a multinational oil field services company. Previously, he led digital transformation across SLB's global planning and supply chain operations.

His focus has been on using technology to drive real-world impact, streamlining operations, embedding sustainability, and rethinking how data and automation can be used to build more resilient, efficient systems.

In his spare time, Luke produces the innovative AI on... Podcast, where he interviews AI-generated experts to explore complex questions across technology, business, and society.

He shares insights from both his career and the creative process behind the show, reflecting on what each has taught him about the surprising capabilities and limitations of AI.

I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation.

- Sam

🎙 PODCAST EPISODE #7

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✍ MY TAKEAWAYS

How can supply chain resilience be enhanced in a volatile global environment?

• Adaptation to rapid changes, such as evolving trade barriers, is crucial for supply chain resilience. Focus on managing constrained optimization problems effectively to navigate these complexities.

• Emphasize enhancing resiliency management to maintain seamless operations despite disruptions like logistics challenges or geopolitical shifts.

• Cultivate strong relationships and communication channels to anticipate and address unforeseen logistic issues quickly and efficiently.

What are the core elements of solving operational challenges in supply chains?

• Successful problem-solving often involves aligning teams around clear standards and expectations. Addressing mismatches between talent and outcomes can significantly improve performance.

• Prioritize motivating and setting a clear vision for team members to collaboratively meet customer expectations and organizational goals.

• Encourage a problem-solving mindset geared towards adapting to constraints and viewing challenges as opportunities for innovation.

How can leaders effectively manage the integration of technology and people?

• View change management as a scientific process that requires creating a compelling narrative for tech adoption. This includes building a vision of a better future aligned with technological advancements.

• Ensure multi-level buy-in across the organization to facilitate smooth transitions and foster acceptance of new technologies.

• Combine storytelling techniques with strategic change management processes to engage and encourage team members in tech transitions.

Why might AI-driven supply chain tools fall short of expectations?

• The effectiveness of AI in supply chains often depends on identifying realistic and valuable use cases that avoid becoming mere pilots without substantial outcomes.

• Recognize that while AI offers transformative potential, pragmatic evaluation of its applicability and impact is essential to avoid overhype and underdelivery.

• Maintain a focus on scalable AI applications, leveraging large language models and multi-agent systems to achieve genuine supply chain improvements.

What role does data play in successful AI deployment?

• Invest in a flexible and modular tech stack to accommodate rapid technological evolution and effectively integrate AI capabilities.

• Ensure enterprise data is accessible and understandable for AI applications, focusing on data quality and contextual comprehensibility.

• Balance the need for clean data with maintaining trustability and accuracy in AI-driven decisions to ensure reliability and user confidence.

What skills should leaders cultivate for AI-driven supply chains?

• Leaders should manage hybrid teams of humans and AI, leveraging data-driven decision-making while retaining the human touch in relationship management and strategic thinking.

• Prioritize the development of relationship management and supply chain strategic skills, such as supply relationship management and network design.

• Prepare for a shift in workforce focus from transactional tasks to strategic and relationship-oriented roles.

How can individuals prepare for an AI-centric professional landscape?

• Cultivate proficiency in using AI tools as partners to enhance effectiveness and problem-solving in both personal and work contexts.

• Embrace self-directed learning to integrate AI into daily workflows, improving efficiency and adaptability to remain competitive.

• Recognize the necessity of ongoing education in AI tools and approaches to maintain relevance and leverage AI advancements for career growth.

Who are the significant stakeholders in the evolving AI-driven economy?

• Anticipate that big tech companies will likely continue to shape AI advancements due to their substantial investments and resources.

• Understand that jobs heavily dependent on text and rules, such as software development and certain creative roles, may experience automation-driven changes.

• Acknowledge the dual nature of AI's impact: enhancing accessibility to skills and technologies while necessitating personal adaptability to change.

👋 THAT’S ALL, FOLKS

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