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

Jane Singer

Top international business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and authors share their experience, insights and outlook on how to drive business growth, build better companies, new fast growing technologies and where the next big opportunities are. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

New HR Tech that's Reducing Documentation and Processing Problems
6d ago
New HR Tech that's Reducing Documentation and Processing Problems
It seems we live an age of documentation.   There are increasing levels of regulations around everything - and the supporting documentation around those regulations keeps getting more complex.  Paper work that used to be handled by one or two people now requires a department with a hierarchy of staff - just to understand the regulations - let alone do all of the necessary documentation.This is becoming a serious challenge for HR departments in a world where company staffing can include not only full time and part time employees, but also contractors, free lancers, service providers and many other terms of engagement that each requires specialized contracts and payment management.And that’s led to the development of innovative HR tech that promises to automate this burdensome but necessary process.Today we’re joined by Timmothy Partasevitch, Co-Founder and CMO of Juggl, an HR tech company that specializes helping companies manage global teams - from contracts and payroll, to benefits, document management and on boarding. In this podcast, Timmothy will be talking about How HR tech is helping companies maintain better relationships with their global team members.Why digitizing the entire HR process is critical for saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.How HR tech is now scalable, putting it reach of small and medium size businesses, as well as enterprises.Another critical part of running a successful global business is understanding what’s happening in your international supply chain.The last thing anyone wants is to be blindsided by an issue they didn’t see coming.  Or miss an opportunity to drive cost savings or reduce lead times.When global sourcing directors want a sharp view of their Asian supply chains they turn to the Current Situation in Sourcing.  It’s a 6-page quarterly snapshot that highlights essential shifts, alerts, and opportunities along with actual feedback about how other sourcing executives are reacting to the market.  USEFUL LINKS:Connect with Timmothy Partasevitch on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-partasevitch/Learn more about Juggl hr tech:  https://juggl.coLearn about The Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://insidefashionlive.net/the-current-situation-in-sourcingVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
Why Organizations Now Need Generalists
Mar 25 2024
Why Organizations Now Need Generalists
After decades of being counseled to become specialists - to find our niche - to be known as an expert in a specific field - it seems now the pendulum might be shifting in the opposite direction.Are we at the cusp of a new era that favors generalists? And if so, why the change? And just as importantly, we do we need to do to get ahead of the curve?Today we are joined by Ed Fidoe, founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School, which offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on tackling complex global issues.He believes that the future of work demands leaders who can navigate a complex, interconnected world, where traditional leadership is often blind to its own limitations due to over-reliance on specialised knowledge.In this episode Ed will explore why leaders need to embrace interdisciplinary thinking to anticipate and adapt to the next big shifts.He’ll be discussing:- Why organizations now need generalists, particularly in leadership roles.- Balancing the benefits of breadth of knowledge with the advantages of depth of knowledge.- The new role of libraries in supporting less siloed education.USEFUL LINKS:Connect with Ed Fidoe on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fidoe/London Interdisciplinary School website:  https://www.lis.ac.uk/Asianet Consultants website:  https://asianetconsultants.comPodcast Course:  https://seat.fm/podcastcourseVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
The Current Outlook for Cotton Prices
Mar 16 2024
The Current Outlook for Cotton Prices
One of the biggest supply chain concerns right now is materials costs.While most stakeholders would like to see costs go down, everyone would at least like some clarity on what prices might be like - especially for cotton, which plays a key role in the apparel supply chain.While nobody has that proverbial crystal ball that can see the future, there are people who have the kind of first hand market knowledge that helps them to make more accurate predictions.Today we are joined by Dr. O.A. Cleveland,   professor emeritus, Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University in the United States.Dr. Cleveland has over 50 years of experience in commodities as an analyst, professor and advisor and consultant to some of the world’s biggest cotton organizations.His achievements are far too many to list here.  However, if you are looking to get a sharp view of what’s happening with cotton prices - and more importantly - what pricing could look like going forward, there’s no better person to ask than Dr. Cleveland.In this podcast he will be giving a realistic look at:- The outlook for world cotton consumption - Where we can expect current cotton to trend- Trends for 2025 cotton pricesUSEFUL LINKS:Dr. O.A. Cleveland:  https://www.cottongrower.com/author/dr-o-a-cleveland/Asianet Consultants:  https://asianetconsultants.comHow to become a Podcast Guest (course): https://seat.fm/podcastcourseVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
The Next Big Thing in Sustainable Housing
Mar 4 2024
The Next Big Thing in Sustainable Housing
After decades of wanting bigger and more, people have been starting to recognize the benefits of downsizing.It’s not just about buying less stuff or finally clearing out the closets, garage or basement.  Over the past decade there has been a clear and growing trend towards to choosing smaller houses - much smaller.The most recent iteration of this development has been the growing popularity of Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs as they are called.  It’s a new take on a historic way that people created housing for family members who wanted to live together - but not under the same roof.It’s a perfect solution that lets people tackle a range of issues including the high cost of purchasing a new home and the isolation of living alone.But what exactly is an ADU, you might ask?  We’re going to be talking about that in today’s podcast.Today we are joined by Sheri Koones, a leading authority on the smaller home movement and the author of 12 books covering all aspects of this topic.In her newest book, “ADUs : The Perfect Housing Solution” she provides a comprehensive view of how turn these small dwellings into luxury home environments.In this podcast Sheri will be discussing:- Why the rising popularity of ADUs is a sign of bigger trend towards a desire for more community.-  How people are turning smaller houses into fabulous, luxury homes.-  How new small homes are being purpose built to support each occupant’s lifestyle. USEFUL LINKS:"ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution":   https://www.amazon.com/ADUs-Perfect-Solution-Sheri-Koones/dp/1423665252Learn How to Land Guest Spots on Podcasts (course):  seat.fm/podcastcourseVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
The Retail Leaders Roadmap: Practical Steps to Power Up Your Career
Feb 26 2024
The Retail Leaders Roadmap: Practical Steps to Power Up Your Career
I just sat down with Brian Librach to discuss his new book "The Retail Leaders Roadmap" and the conversation was powerful!A lot to unpack!Some of the key insights you're going to get from Brian include:1. The five practices of building character, and their significance in career development.2. Strategies for career advancement within a retail environment, including the importance of aligning with leadership and seeking feedback from mentors.3. The crucial role of prioritization in organizational success and how training employees on prioritization can enhance decision quality and profitability.4. The potential impact of AI on freeing up time from mundane tasks and its implications for career development.5. Insights into Brian Librach's new book, "The Retail Leaders Roadmap," and his approach to reinvigorating stagnant career paths in the retail industry.This is definitely a must-listen to episode for anyone who works in retail - and is looking to advance their careers.USEFUL LINKS:Connect with Brian Librachwww.linkedin.com/in/brian-librach-the-retailwellwisherhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OGDx1u7EgisWtiitBuvUwhttps://www.facebook.com/brian.librach/Order "The Retail Leaders Roadmap" bookwww.retailleadersroadmap.comLearn more about Asianet Consultants:https://asianetconsultants.comLearn more about How You Can Be a Podcast Guesthttps://seat.fm/podcastcourse Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
Why More Int'l Companies are Partnering with Malaysia
Jan 28 2024
Why More Int'l Companies are Partnering with Malaysia
A growing number of companies are looking for new supply chain opportunities.  In some cases, they are looking for new capabilities.  Others are targeting risk reduction.  And of course, there’s the ongoing demand for better prices.One of the fastest developing links in the global supply chain is Southeast Asia.  The region originally was just another source of cheap labor and in some cases raw materials.  That’s changed as more nations are moving up the value chain.  Yet often we’re not aware of these changes since typically they happen gradually, over time.Today we are joined by Yazrin Syakhairi Mahlan, Consulate General of Malaysia in Hong Kong.At the forefront of the development in Southeast Asia is Malaysia, a nation whose 33 million well educated, highly skilled and innovative people are quietly making big contributions to the global supply chain - particularly in electronics, engineering and finance - as well as other sectors.The country’s infrastructure investment is playing a vital role in supporting its people and businesses in competing on a the world stage.Today, Yazrin will be discussing:- Malaysia’s unique role in the regional and global supply chain.- Key opportunities for international businesses to collaborate with Malaysian companies.- How Malaysia is positioning itself for the future.USEFULL LINKS:Asianet Consultants:  https://asianetconsultants.comMATRADE’s Official Website: www.matrade.gov.myMATRADE Hong Kong’s Email: hongkong@matrade.gov.myMATRADE Hong Kong’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matradehkNIMP 2023: www.nimp2030.gov.myVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
How a Forward Thinking Manufacturer is Reshaping Apparel Manufacturing
Jan 22 2024
How a Forward Thinking Manufacturer is Reshaping Apparel Manufacturing
Managing an apparel supply chain has never been easy - but in recent years its got far more complicated.  The combination of greater uncertainty- and increased demands to be faster, better - and more transparent - has made it almost impossible to rely on old models.   While everyone sees the situation from a different perspective - just about everyone agrees things are not likely to go back to what is wistfully referred to as ‘normal’.That has left a lot of global sourcing directors and suppliers wondering exactly how to repositions themselves to be the winners in what has clearly become a different ball game.Today we are joined by Ranju Mahtani,  Executive Chairman of EPIC Group, a world class apparel manufacturer, with facilities in Bangladesh, Jordan, India and other nations.   Ranju is one of my industry heroes.  He has been a pioneer in bringing automation into his factories - long before others were even talking about it.  He has also been at the forefront of CSR, finding innovative ways to elevate his workforce and help them achieve more and live better lives.In this podcast, Ranju discusses:- Supply chain opportunities for brands - that they might be overlooking.- What’s going to change in manufacturing (for real) in the next 3-5 years.- Why India is becoming an apparel sourcing hot spot. - The growing importance for manufacturers to develop strong middle management leaders.USEFUL LINKS:EPIC Group's website: www.epicgroup.globalConnect with Ranju on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranjan-mahtani-347a9211/Asianet Consultants:  https://asianetconsultants.comThe Current Situation in Sourcing:  thecurrentsituation.netVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
How To Successfully Source in India
Jan 14 2024
How To Successfully Source in India
Suddenly everyone is talking about India.  And if you are working in India - or thinking of doing so - then this is episode is for you!After years of being in the shadows of China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and other key sourcing nations, India is finally taking center stage.India has always had the right stuff - a huge population, domestic cotton, a strong textile sector for yarns and fabrics and of course a legacy in apparel manufacturing.  However, the nation hasn’t been able to pull all that together at a level that would get not just attention, but commitments from top international brands.That is, until now.Today we are joined by Dr. Stephen Patton, South Asia Director for Liverpool Department Store, Mexico’s top department store.Stephen spent seven and a half years establishing his company’s massively successful China office - and leading that office through the pandemic.  In mid 2022, he moved to India to start building a comprehensive sourcing office for Liverpool there.  One of Stephen’s zone’s of genius is his ability to see beyond the obvious.  To understand market opportunities that many others overlook.  And to have the strength to patiently pursue goals.  Even at only a year and half in, Stephen has already achieved impressive growth in setting up an India-based sourcing operation that is developing competitive new products for Liverpool.  In this episode, Stephen will be discussing:- What he’s learned about how to effectively work in India.- The timelines and benchmarks that you need to understand when sourcing in India.- Sourcing opportunities in India that you won’t find anywhere else.USEFUL LINKS:Asianet Consultants:  https://asianetconsultants.comConnect with Dr. Stephen Patton:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/spatton1/Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
How Every Child Can Be an A+ Student
Jan 7 2024
How Every Child Can Be an A+ Student
One of the most frustrating  things a parent can face is watching their child struggle in school.Yet many children hit speed bumps during their early school years.  For some children it’s trying to master math. For others it could be tackling spelling and grammar - or reading.  What seems like something that should be easy to achieve ends up being a source of daily angst for both the students - and their families.  For most parents and teachers the advice is to push the child to try harder … to spend more time on homework … or to start paying attention in class.But if there was a different approach?  One that not only was more effective in helping your child to learn - but that they also enjoyed.  Something that made learning fun and helped build a strong bond between parents and their school age children?Today we are joined by Dawn Strachan, the founder of the massively successful Clara James Tutoring Method and author of ‘Square Pegs, Round Holes’ a book that offers innovative ways to help primary school children master even the most challenging subjects.This podcast is part of our new author series, where I am bringing you some of the most interesting ideas and insights from leading authors and to make sure you never miss a great book.In this podcast Dawn will be discussing- What parents and teachers might be overlooking when they have a child who is struggling in school.- Easy ways to gamify learning that take your child from ‘I can’t’ to ‘Yes, I can!’- Why often its not the student its the teaching method that is the problem.Dawn’s insights could make this your year child’s best school year ever!USEFUL LINKS:The Clara James Approach website:  The Clara James Approach"Square Pegs, Round Holes" book:   Square Pegs & Round Holes: Supporting Every Child's Education : Strachan, Dawn: Amazon.co.uk: Books"Getting to Grips with Angles" book:  Getting to grips with angles: Amazon.co.ukThe Revision Planner:   https://www.amazon.ca/Your-exams-just-around-corner/dp/B0CQ8CZPMMAsianet Consultants website:  https://asianetconsultants.comVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
The Critical New Role of Supplier Relationships in Highly Efficient Supply Chains
Dec 17 2023
The Critical New Role of Supplier Relationships in Highly Efficient Supply Chains
Supply chain management has become both an art and a science, with executives tasked with building more  resiliency, while also increasing flexibility, reducing lead times, and jumping through hoops to comply with increasingly complex regulations - which, adding to the confusion, are different in different markets.No wonder one most people talk about improving supply chains - but very few actually do.  Realistically, it’s difficult enough to simply manage existing systems, without having to try and introduce new ones.Today we’re joined by Dean Clegg, a supply chain consultant who previously was the Global Sourcing Director at Sainsbury, where he lead a complex supply chain through both the pandemic and the transition to Brexit.  Prior to that, Dean led the successful integration of Argos stores into Sainsbury’s. In this episode Dean will be discussing:- How to become more efficient and reduce lead times- Determining the right technology to optimize your supply chain- The game-changing importance of building seamless supplier relationships.- Rethinking how we reduce waste to achieve greater sustainabilityUSEFUL LINKS:Connect with Dean Clegg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-clegg-9508b9169/Asianet Consultants:  https://asianetconsultants.comThe Current Situation in Sourcing:  https://insidefashionlive.net/current-situation-in-sourcing/Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
The Hidden Job Market for Senior Execs
Dec 10 2023
The Hidden Job Market for Senior Execs
The years of companies staffing up as they sprinted towards what they believed was going to be the next unicorn - or at the very least years of strong growth - have suddenly reversed course.One by one, banks, consulting firms, retailers - even the tech sector - started announcing cutbacks.  With tens of thousands of jobs being axed.That’s led to massive layoffs during the past two years with a sharp focus on downsizing headquarters and R&D departments - in other words mid career workers in white collar jobs.So what can you when you find yourself on the ‘other side of the desk’?  Where do you start when you haven’t looked for a job since you left school? And what opportunities are there for older people in an age that seems to be fixated on youth?In this episode we’re joined by Richard Triggs, CEO of Arete Executive, a recruitment specialist that focuses on senior executive or non-executive board positions.  He also the author of “Uncover The Hidden Job Market: How to Find and Win Your Next Senior Executive Role”.Richard will be discussing what he refers to as the ‘hidden job market’ and how executives can find their next position.He believes that even late career executives can find new positions in today’s market - if they understand where and how to look for them.USEFUL LINKSSponsorsAsianet Consultants: https://asianetconsultants.comThe Current Situation in Sourcing:https://insidefashionlive.net/current-situation-in-sourcing/Connect with Richard Triggswww.areteexecutive.com.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs/https://www.areteexecutive.com.au/free-book/https://open.spotify.com/show/2AGsypgCDg0UYN98Z0v2xW?si=c7c0f3552b9c4e9bVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm
Making Institution-Caliber Alternative Investments Accessible to Individual Investors
Nov 19 2023
Making Institution-Caliber Alternative Investments Accessible to Individual Investors
For nearly two decades most investors’ attention was focused on the stock market.  Then suddenly central banks began raising interest rates and investors began to rethink their strategies.That’s given rise to growing interest in a range of alternative investment vehicles, including CEFs, internal funds, ETFs, UITs, and commodity pools.However, until now most of these investment vehicles have only been available to institutional investors.   I’m Jane Singer and welcome back to A Seat at The Table where we sit down with industry leaders and innovators to gain valuable insights that will help us grow our businesses.Today we’re joined by Kimberly Flynn, managing director and partner at XA Investments.  Having previously served as the Senior Vice President and Head of Product Development for Nuveen Investments' Global Structured Products Group, Kim's leadership and dedication played a pivotal role in developing over 40 closed-end funds and raising approximately $13 billion in capital.Kim will discussing:The democratization of alternative investments that is allowing individual investors access to institutional-caliber strategies.What she sees as the top emerging alternative asset classes.What investors need to consider in an investment environment where there’s high interest rates and inflation.How alternative investments can work with an ESG strategy.Useful Links:Asianet Consultants:  https://asianetconsultants.comKimberly Flynn:  kflynn@XAInvestments.comXA Investments:   www.xainvestments.comVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm