A SEAT at THE TABLE: Conversations with Today's Top Industry Leaders

After being off the sourcing radar for almost a decade, suddenly everyone is starting to talk about Pakistan.The combination of brands looking to diversify sourcing - and the benefits of having a the entire supply chain from fiber to finished garment in country - is putting a shine on Pakistan and boosting it up the sourcing tier list.But Pakistan is more than simply another one of the countries where brands used to source until other places became more attractive.  To learn more about the massive opportunities in Pakistan, I reached out to my good friend Will Bettendorf, Director South Asia and Supply Chain Marketing, at Cotton Council International.  If anyone knows the real opportunities in a country it’s Will.   He’s spent over two decades working hands on with most of Asia biggest mills and manufacturers .  So he not only knows Pakistan, he’s able to accurately compare and contrast the county with all of the other key sourcing nations.Recently I had the opportunity to join him and his team at a CCI event in Pakistan where I was able to meet some of the industry’s leading manufacturers and buying offices learn about the strategic advantages the country offers - especially as we face a more complex sourcing environment.In this podcast Will shares his views on why Pakistan is poised to be the go-to place for sustainable apparel sourcing.USEFUL LINKS:Learn more about the US Cotton Trust Protocol: https://trustuscotton.org/Learn more about US Cotton:  https://cottonusa.orgConnect with Will Bettendorf on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-bettendorf-61455a5/Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Do people still have employment opportunities in a world increasingly focused on AI?  And if so, where? And what competitive advantage do they have?Turns out, there are still big opportunities for people in the workplace.  The key is to understand what value humans can offer that technology can’t.  And how smart companies will see the strategic advantage of balancing people with AI.To find out more about where humans have an advantage in an increasingly tech-driven world, I reached out to Ron Thurston, retail consultant and bestselling author.  In his new book, ‘Human Pride’, Ron talks about the critical role people play in the retail sector - from entry level roles to C-suites leadership.  In this podcast Ron is going to share retail-proven insights onThe importance of human connection in driving that all important customer retention.Why retailers need to identify and optimize each employee’s strengths in order to reduce staff turnover.How non-linear career paths can be strategic for growth in today’s retail landscape.Why people of all ages might want to consider the incredible opportunities in a retail career.USEFUL LINKS:Ron Thurston's book "Human Pride" on AmazonLearn more about Inside Fashion at insidefashionLive.netInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify A Case Study In Corporate Fear"A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

What if you could find a system that maximized luck and generated outsized returns? A method based on decision science that led you to make better choices - in both your business and personal life.That’s exactly what Daniel Kang did.  He learned how to use asymmetric bets to win scholarships that paid for his education, as well as to raise millions of dollars to fund his startup.  He then used this principle to land a book deal with leading business-book publisher Wiley & Sons.  Today Daniel Kang joins us here to share what he’s learned as the CEO & co-founder of a Y-Combinator backed startup Flowbo, as a venture capitalist at Softbank’s Vision Fund and how what he learned in pilot training taught him about running a business.His new book “The Super Upside Factor: Asymmetric Principles that Will 10X Your Life” is a practical playbook to maximize luck in life and career.  The book is a must read for anyone looking to apply the principles that have enabled a few companies to outperform - even in challenging environments.Daniel used asymmetric bets to elevate himself out of poverty and to become a wildly successful entrepreneur  and recognized author.  Let’s unpack what’s behind this methodology and how we can apply to in our lives.Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify A Case Study In Corporate Fear"A Case Study in Corporate Fear" deconstructs how fear transforms successful...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

2025 has gotten off to what might generously be described as an ‘uncertain start’.The one thing people want right now is clarity.  Or at least some idea of what might be the next impact on supply chains.One of the most consistent issues facing sourcing directors and supply chain managers has been logistics.After years of unprecedented disruptions, logistics could be the one blessing in an increasingly chaotic sourcing landscape.To get an insider’s view of what we might expect to see this year, I sat down with Zvi Schreiber, founder and CEO of Freightos, the leading digital booking platform for the air and ocean freight industry.In addition to founding Freigtos, Zvi  is a recognized LogTech leader.  He previously was CEO of Lightech (acquired by GE), and of Unicorn (acquired by IBM). Zvi holds a PhD in computer science and is author of Fizz, the history of physics in a novel, and of Money, Going out of Style, which explores money & economics.In this episode, Zvi will be sharing his insights on:- The impact on air cargo that a removal of the de minimus exemption might have.- What could happen to ocean rates if carriers return to the Suez Canal.USEFUL LINKS:www.freightos.comthecurrentsituation.netLooking to be a podcast guest?  Here's the link:  https://seat.fm/be-a-guest/Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Almost everyone in a senior leadership position these days feels the pressure of a business environment that has become increasingly uncertain.  At the same time, the pressure to drive both growth and profitability has never been more intense.The pain is being felt  by large-scale organizations, as well as start ups as the market becomes much less forgiving that it was even a year or two ago.Today we are joined by  Mark Josephson, a three time CEO who’s successfully built, led, raised capital for and sold companies - including Bitly, AOL Regional and Castiron - across multiple stages of growth.He currently coaches CEOs and senior leaders in the strategies and insights they need to drive growth and success while maintaining balance.In this episode Mark will be discussing:- Surviving an acquisition- The hidden challenges of running a startup- What he refers to as ‘multi-hyphenated’ careersUSEFUL LINKS:Connect with Mark Josephson:  www.markjosephson.netLearn about the Current Sitiuation in Sourcing:   thecurrentsituation.netInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Many brands are starting to wonder if China might no longer be the hot market for luxury brands that it used to be.After years of disappointing sales growth, some brands are turning their attention away from China and towards markets which they think might be the next big thing.While the China market has certainly faced challenges, the are still huge opportunities there - for brands that know how to read the market.Today we’re joined by Jacques Roizen, Managing Director, China Consulting at Digital Luxury Group.  He’s worked with leading international brands, including Pandora and Etam to help them grow their China business.  He’ll be sharing some of the big opportunities that brands are overlooking when they look at the China market.  He’ll also be talking about why so many Chinese consumers shop overseas, and the unique role of luxury retail in China.USEFUL LINKS:Inside Fashion:   https://insidefashionlive.netInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Fast fashion has always been competitive but in recent years its become a speed-driven race to the bottom.No matter how low prices are today, some new player will enter the market - with even lower prices - and more styles!In the midst of this chaos, UK supermarkets have carved out a solid business selling budget priced fashion.  Yes, fashion.  Not basics.  Not the standard socks and underwear you’d expect to find in a supermarket.Not only that, they are offering quality products made from premium ingredients, including Supima cotton.  We can help but wonder - how are they doing this?Today we are joined by Dean Clegg, a supply chain consultant, who previously was Global Sourcing Director at Sainsbury's. He’s going to share an insider’s view of how supermarkets are winning in the fashion category.  He’ll also be giving us some insights on how we can tighten up our supply chains in order to navigate what looks like another challenging year.Useful Links:The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.netInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Typically older generations complain that young people don’t work as hard as they did when they were that age.  However that narrative does seem to carry some truth these days.Suddenly it seems that Gen Z and even younger Millennials are disengaged with the working world.  From ‘Quiet Quitting’ to seemingly lacking ambition, what’s happened to the energy and enthusiasm that younger workers used to have?Today we’re joined by Damon Cassidy, a former corporate banker turned content creator with a passion for analyzing economic history and systemic forces shaping the modern world.   He’s known for providing thought-provoking insights into generational economics, labor market shifts, and media influence.  In this podcast Damon will be discussing:The real reason why younger workers seem to be disengaged - particularly with regard to work.How LinkedIn and similar jobs sites have made it almost impossible for people to get jobs.What Gen Z really wants and what missing in their lives.Inspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

In a fast paced, complex business environment decision making has become increasingly difficult.We want to make good decisions.  We’re told we need to make faster decisions.  But often we end up in ‘analysis paralysis’.Caught between analyzing endless data, including inputs from a vast range of participants, and often trying to please too many masters.   It’s no wonder fewer decisions get made.  And when they do, they are not the best.If you are looking for a way to simplify decision making and cut through some of the complexities, then this episode is for you!Today we’re joined by Dave Martin, author of Mega Thinking: A Simple, Powerful Process to Think Smarter and Make Better Leadership Decisions.   He is the founder of 280 Capital Partners and a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and has helped top executives and leaders across industries refine their decision-making process using his innovative "MegaCepts" method.Dave will be talking about his 4-step method to overcoming analysis paralysis.How to distill complex topics into their 10 most essential principles.Why sharpening thinking still is critical for effective leadership.USEFUL LINKSFind "Mega Thinking" by Dave Martin on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFMYY4LZLearn about the Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://thecurrentsituation.netInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

When people talk about PTSD we usually think of returning military veterans or survivors of catastrophic events.Yet many other people suffer from stress-related issues that are not unlike PTSD.  Terry Earthwind Nichols, is a bestselling author and father of  Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression, a methodology that helps people decrease anxiety, fear, procrastination, self sabotage and overall stressIn this podcast, he talks about how people can overcome some of the past traumas that continue to  disrupt  their daily lives - including a simple technique you can use anytime and anywhere.You’ll Learn:How to uncover hidden traumas that are causing severe stressThe life-changing benefits of resolving past traumasA simple and easy method to use any time you need to control stressUseful Links:Connect with Terry Earthwind Nichols on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/earthwindTerry Earthwind Nichols portfolio:  linktr.ee/terryearthwindnicholsLearn more about the Current Situation in Sourcing:  thecurrentsituation.netInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm