Chris Hamley of Brecham Group talks about people - 'accidental' supply chain careers; leadership; balancing teams & tech; and creating futureproof careers.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[03.17] An introduction to Chris and the Brecham Group.
[04.10] The current pace of change across the industry, and whether it's actually ready for widespread AI adoption.
"The speed of change, and the amount knowledge you have to consume and gain, is amazing."
[06.34] 'Accidental' supply chain careers – how Chris sees people entering the industry, and why there are so many 'accidental' supply chainers.
"They took a job because they needed the income… People didn't start out wanting to do this, but they discovered they were good at it and stayed!"
[09.32] What career progression typically looks like for 'accidental' supply chainers, the pros and cons of learning on the job, and why resilience is key.
"There's a component of self-awareness: 'what do I need to do to get to the next level?' Because there's not really a playbook for moving from one job to another or getting a promotion."
[15.29] What this means for career growth up to leadership level, and the big leadership training gaps.
"I had to learn to be a good leader… I was watching people, mimicking, recognizing what I needed to be good at. I created an environment to close the gaps, know my strengths and avoid my weaknesses."
[18.42] Why the AI revolution has created a problematic knowledge gap for leadership.
[20.49] Whether technology is replacing fundamental understanding, and the impact of bringing people and new tech together.
[22.27] Balancing tribal knowledge and learned 'hands-on' skills alongside the integration of AI and new technology.
"You don't have to know the details of a process to be an effective leader. But you do have to understand the levers you can pull to change the outcome."
[24.47] From employee turnover to productivity loss, the risks inherent in this period of fluctuation in the industry.
"We rely too heavily on the data side and not enough on the people side."
[28.10] How a different approach to leadership, one that isn't entirely executive-focused, could drive results and fill gaps.
[34.56] How businesses can also lean on partners to help fill those gaps.
"We solve the same three or four problems everywhere we go. So the value of leaning on a partner is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel… How do you find people that have cracked the code.. and leverage it?"
[40.58] Chris's advice for companies looking to navigate this workplace complexity.
[44.07] How the workforce will continue to change in the future.
"Our thought processes around how and what we do have to evolve."
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
Head over to Brecham Group's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Brecham and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Brecham Group, check out 537: How To Ask Better Questions and Drive Project Success, with Brecham Group, 515: Experience Precision Supply Chain Operations, with Brecham Group or their live show Performance Paradox.
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