In this episode of Smarter Sourcing, John speaks with Asmara Agha, Head of Strategic Sourcing at Nitto Avecia, who shares her insights on the evolving landscape of supply chain management. She discusses the critical role of resilience and adaptability in navigating challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

Asmara emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI and predictive modeling to enhance efficiency and risk mitigation. Additionally, she highlights her commitment to empowering women in the industry and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Topics discussed:

• The significance of resilience in supply chain management, particularly in overcoming challenges posed by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• How AI and predictive modeling can enhance efficiency and risk mitigation in supply chain operations, enabling better decision-making and planning.
• The importance of contingency planning and having multiple strategies in place to address potential disruptions in the supply chain.
• The role of emotional intelligence and soft skills in negotiations and relationship management within the supply chain industry.
• Initiatives for promoting women empowerment and leadership within the supply chain sector, addressing the challenges women face in advancing their careers.
• The impact of sustainability and green procurement practices on supply chain strategies and the importance of reducing carbon footprints.
• Insights into the technological advancements in Japan and how they can influence supply chain practices in other regions, particularly in the U.S.
• The necessity of training and development programs for supply chain professionals to adapt to changing technologies and market dynamics.
• Approaches to vendor management and building strong relationships with suppliers to foster innovation and collaboration in sourcing.

Guest Quote: 

“We all have this mindset to resolute conflicts. But how adaptive we are to technological trends. So this forward thinking approach, make them thinking outside the box, be creative, become a solution provider. All these things will come when you have soft skills, when you have forward thinking, when you have good emotional intelligence. So I wanted to have a program that could incorporate all these things. Which could develop their soft skills, also will work on their, the skills that can help them become more empowered.”

Get in touch with Asmara Agha:  

LinkedIn

Website

Get in touch with your host, John Pavia: 

LinkedIn

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