Today I’m joined by Supply Chain Media, an organisation that believes sharing information and time-sharing resources in the supply chain can avoid wasting time, effort, energy, material and money.
Supply Chain Media is a trendwatcher for supply chain professionals, connecting insights, people and ideas across Europe and beyond. Through journalism, original research and expert thought leadership, they turn the latest developments into practical perspectives that matter to the European supply chain community.
Today, Martijn Lofvers, CEO and Chief Trendwatcher, joins me to talk all about Supply Chain Media: what they do, why storytelling is woven into everything they create, how to cut through the noise in an attention economy, and how the changing role of supply chain media is influencing the way businesses grow and operate.
Guest bio:
Martijn Lofvers is a supply chain entrepreneur, thought leader and trendwatcher, and the founder, owner and CEO of Supply Chain Media. With a background in industrial engineering, Martijn founded Supply Chain Media in 2010 to bring greater insight, connection and clarity to the increasingly complex world of supply chain. The company has since grown into an international media and knowledge platform, spanning publications, research, events, executive communities and advisory activities.
Martijn is passionate about storytelling and visualisation as tools for making complex supply chain issues accessible and engaging. His work includes the SCM IT Subway Map, which visually maps the supply chain technology landscape. Through his work as Chief Trendwatcher, publisher and community builder, Martijn has developed a unique perspective on the challenges facing supply chain leaders and the changing ways organisations communicate, build influence and share knowledge.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[03.09] Martijn’s career journey, and the experiences that ultimately led to the founding of Supply Chain Media.
“The world of technology and supply chain was becoming more intertwined.”
[06.30] What was missing from the supply chain conversation when Martijn established Supply Chain Media, why that disconnect still exists, and why businesses need to look outwards as well as inwards to understand their markets and drive success.
“There’s still a business gap between strategy and supply chain.”
[10.56] From content to community: the full breadth of the Supply Chain Media brand and the audience it serves.
[13.50] How Supply Chain Media occupies a unique position at the intersection of media, research, events, consulting and executive communities – and the magic that happens when those worlds come together.
“You can get a 360 view on strategic, tactical and operational levels.”
[16.59] Martijn’s obsession with storytelling and visualisation: why they matter so much, why they are often missing from supply chain communication, and what a great story can communicate about the complexity of supply chain that slides and data simply can’t.
[21.55] The gap between what supply chain leaders say is important and what is actually keeping them awake at night.
“Leaders are uncertain… how do they know if their employees are ready for transformation?”
[25.50] How the changing media and content landscape is reshaping the way businesses build trust, influence and relationships.
[29.19] With more supply chain content than ever before, how organisations can cut through the noise and earn attention.
“Less is more. The biggest restriction for all of us is time… you have to stick out, with great stories and news. The old ways of bombarding people don’t work any more, you have to build trust.”
[33.39] What Martijn has learned about what senior executives actually want from one another – and from organisations like Supply Chain Media – through building a community of supply chain leaders rather than simply an audience.
“The supply chain function has the most relationships internally with other business functions, and to suppliers, service providers, and customers. It’s the best environment to do strategic thinking.”
[39.37] Martijn’s advice for supply chain leaders who have something important to say, but are struggling to get anyone to pay attention.
“Why do you think nobody is listening? Do you have the right audience, the right channel, is your message distinctive?”
[42.43] What supply chain leaders will need from media and knowledge platforms in the future that they don’t need today – and the role Supply Chain Media can play in that future.
“What’s a hype, and what’s a trend?”
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
Head over to Supply Chain Media’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Supply Chain Media and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Martijn on LinkedIn.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
