'Supply Chain Has Found Its Place In The Boardrooms Of Companies', Ft. Sunit Mukherji, Shell

Summary

In a dynamic discussion, Sunit shares insights from his extensive career in supply chain management, emphasizing the transformative shift from traditional roles to strategic partnerships with sales. He reflects on his engineering journey, the importance of resilience in navigating disruptions like COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions, and the pivotal role of technology in modern supply chains. Sunit encourages aspiring professionals to embrace change and develop skills that enable adaptability, highlighting the abundant opportunities in supply chain management today. His experiences underscore that effective supply chain practices are crucial for business growth and sustainability in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Supply chain is no longer just a backend function; it now plays a critical role in driving company growth and is integrated into strategic decision-making.
• 🧠 Resilience and resourcefulness are essential traits for success in supply chain management.
• 🏫 Engineering education often leads to a clear next step of pursuing an MBA, emphasizing the importance of management skills.
• 🔄 The evolution of supply chain from planning and logistics to a more dynamic and technology-driven field has transformed its role in organizations.
• 🚀 Exposure to various roles in engineering and operations helps individuals identify their strengths and interests within the supply chain.
• 📈 Supply chain management has become more prominent in boardrooms, indicating its vital contribution to overall business strategy.
• 💻 The integration of technology, including AI and IoT, has revolutionized supply chain processes, enabling better efficiency and innovation.
• 🌍 The shift from FMCG to sectors like energy, as seen in the speaker's career, reflects the growing opportunities and challenges in different industries.
• 🔥 Effective supply chain management requires a compelling vision, well-defined KPIs, and resource allocation to minimize daily challenges and 'firefighting.'
• 🌟 The current landscape offers abundant career opportunities in supply chain management, particularly in sustainability and digital transformation.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the speaker regarding supply chain management?

The speaker emphasizes that supply chain management is no longer just a backend function; it is now integral to enabling sales and driving company growth.

What personal background influenced the speaker's choice to pursue engineering?

The speaker grew up in a small town where engineering was highly regarded. Inspired by seniors and role models, he chose to pursue engineering, particularly at BIT Mesra.

What were the common career paths after completing an engineering degree during the speaker's time?

It was common to either pursue a Master's in Science (MS) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) after completing an engineering degree.

How does the speaker describe the importance of an MBA in relation to engineering?

The speaker highlights that an MBA is crucial for understanding management practices that can lead to making significant improvements in organizations, not just incremental changes.

What insights does the speaker provide regarding the evolution of supply chain roles?

The speaker notes that the role of supply chain management has evolved from merely planning and logistics to being a strategic partner that contributes to primary sales and overall business growth.

What challenges does the speaker identify in the current supply chain environment?

The speaker points out that disruptions from events like COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions have created challenges, affecting how supply chains operate and requiring adaptability.

How has technology impacted supply chain management according to the speaker?

The speaker states that technology has transformed supply chain management by enabling advancements in areas such as digitalization, predictive maintenance, and last-mile delivery, making operations more efficient.

What motivates the speaker to shift from FMCG to the energy sector?

The speaker is driven by a desire to explore uncharted territories and challenges, as well as the opportunity to contribute to significant initiatives like achieving zero net emissions by 2050.

What does the speaker suggest as essential qualities for success in supply chain management?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, along with the ability to adapt and embrace change in the face of disruptions.

What advice does the speaker give to those considering a career in supply chain management?

The speaker advises aspiring supply chain professionals to focus on developing skills that align with sustainability and digitalization trends, as the demand for capable leaders in this field is growing.