Podcast
Leaders in Tech and Ecommerce
Hosted by Alcott Global · EN
We interview some of the best entrepreneurs, experts and executives in the tech and eCommerce space. We want to share their perspective on the current trends, their stories about success and failure and how they attract and recruit talent. Our aim is to keep it real and simple - share the relevant lessons and have an open conversation. Follow-ups on our website for more details: https://www.alcottglobal.com/
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#97: AI-Powered Early Warning Signals for Supply Chain Risk with Harald Nitschinger of Prewave
Mar 1300:20:17Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*Harald Nitschinger, Co-Founder and CEO of Prewave, joins me to unpack how companies can stay one step ahead of supply chain risks in an era defined by volatility, geopolitical tension, and constant disruption. In this episode, we explore how Prewave uses AI to detect early warning signals across global data sources, helping enterprises monitor supplier risk across multiple tiers and move from reactive firefighting to proactive resilience. Harald shares how the company evolved from academic research into a platform serving hundreds of organizations, analyzing millions of data points across hundreds of languages to surface signals ranging from labor unrest to regulatory shifts and geopolitical shocks. We dive into the real challenge facing supply chain leaders today—balancing cost optimization with resilience—and why concepts like “revenue at risk” are becoming critical in making smarter sourcing decisions. Harald also explains how scenario planning helps companies prepare for multiple potential futures, why visibility beyond Tier-1 suppliers is essential, and how AI-driven workflows will increasingly automate risk monitoring and mitigation processes. From the role of data strategy in enabling agentic AI to the competitive advantage of being prepared when disruptions hit, this conversation explores what it takes to build supply chains that can adapt, respond, and ultimately outperform in uncertain conditions.
Transcribe →
#96: Physical AI for the Modern Dock with Andrew Meyer of Pickle Robot
Dec 2200:33:28Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*Andrew Meyer has led Pickle Robot in shaping a new category of physical AI, deployable, human-like robotic systems built for the toughest workflows at the dock door. In this episode, he breaks down how Pickle’s robots are transforming the brutal, variable world of unloading and loading trailers across import, distribution, and parcel operations. We explore how years of research, from MIT labs to Honda’s ASIMO program, inform Pickle’s product philosophy, and why solving the “demo to product” gap matters more than ever as automation moves out of pilot mode and into enterprise deployment. Andrew reveals how learning-based robotics expand real-world capability, why the dock door is the ideal beachhead, and how customers can go from curiosity to robots driving throughput in as little as four weeks. From redesigning human roles to delivering measurable KPIs without reconfiguring buildings, we examine what it takes to scale physical AI with reliability, cybersecurity guarantees, and a fleet flywheel that gets smarter with every deployment. This is a deep dive into the future of robotics in logistics that is built on data, systems thinking, and operational reality.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7X: https://bit.ly/3J4Wt35Linkedin: https://bit.ly/4hbidqoFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#95: Building the Digital Backbone of Global Trade with Heidi Benko of Infor
Nov 1700:26:13Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*Heidi has helped Infor become a leading provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions across industries like fashion, retail, electronics, manufacturing, and logistics. In this episode, she discussed how Infor Nexus connects over 94,000 companies across global trade ecosystems, bridging physical and financial supply chains. We dive into multi-tier traceability, the power of sustainable financing, and why agentic AI is poised to reshape operational execution. From navigating tariff complexity to launching digital product passports, we explore what it takes to future-proof supply chains with data, clarity, and scale.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7X: https://bit.ly/3J4Wt35Linkedin: https://bit.ly/4hbidqoFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#94: AI-Driven Automation with Akash Gupta of GrayOrange
Oct 2300:28:54Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*I’m joined by Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of GreyOrange, a company revolutionizing warehouse operations with AI and robotics. From powering 150,000 daily shipments at peak to reducing fulfillment costs by 30–40%, GreyOrange’s technology is reshaping global supply chains. We explore how their orchestration platform “GreyMatter” and path-optimizing engine “DeepNav” help top retailers automate at scale, and how decision-making automation is just as crucial as physical robots. We also unpack trends in labor, warehouse design, and the “solver mindset” that fuels GreyOrange’s innovation.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7X: https://bit.ly/3J4Wt35Linkedin: https://bit.ly/4hbidqoFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#93: Decision Intelligence and AI with Frederic Laluyaux of Aera Technology
Aug 1400:39:16Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*What if machines, not people, were making your company’s most critical supply chain decisions? In this episode, I interviewed Frederic Laluyaux, President and CEO of Aera Technology, to unpack how decision intelligence is reshaping enterprise operations. Frederic shares why he left SAP and Anaplan to pioneer agentic AI long before ChatGPT, and how Aera now powers everything from inventory optimization to life-saving clinical supply chain moves. We explored real-world ROI from $60M in inventory savings to accelerated tariff-response automations, and dived into the architecture of self-driving enterprises. It’s a bold, forward-thinking conversation about system design, AI limitations, and a vision of work transformed.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WeulzXLinkedin: http://bit.ly/2w9YSQXFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#92: Leveraging Cloud-Enabled Collaboration for Smarter Traceability with Jim Bureau of Loftware
Jul 200:31:15Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*I speak with Jim Bureau, Chief Executive Officer of Loftware, who’s tackling a massive but overlooked challenge in global logistics: product identification compliance and traceability. With 14,000 customers worldwide, Loftware bridges physical goods and digital data, turning fragmented supplier communications into instant, cloud-based collaboration. From combating $160B in annual counterfeiting losses to helping manufacturers save millions on relabeling, Jim reveals how cloud-native platforms, automation, and AI are rewriting supply chain standards.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WeulzXLinkedin: http://bit.ly/2w9YSQXFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#91: The Power of Process Intelligence in Supply Chain with Manuel Haug of Celonis
May 3000:30:01Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*In this episode, I interviewed Manuel Haug, Field CTO at Celonis, where we explored the cutting-edge developments in AI and process mining. Manuel shared his decade-long journey at Celonis, revealing how the company builds dynamic, intelligent systems that enhance operational efficiency. The conversation delved into the role of AI agents, real-time decision-making, and collaborative networks in transforming supply chain management and enterprise operations.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WeulzXLinkedin: http://bit.ly/2w9YSQXFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#90: AI and Supply Chain Risk Management with Brandon Daniels of Exiger
Apr 24, 202500:39:57Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*In this episode, I interviewed Brandon Daniels, CEO of Exiger, about risk management in supply chains. Brandon shares his extensive experience in tech and risk management, highlighting his role in transforming Exiger's innovation process and managing compliance post-financial crisis. Exiger's technology focuses on supply chain visibility, leveraging AI and proprietary data to map and manage risks. Brandon also discussed three key trends: trade warfare impacts, interconnected supply chains, and value chain competition. Success stories include saving $500 million in fraud prevention during COVID-19 and enabling cost savings through direct and embedded spend programs. Future plans involve simplifying risk management and improving supplier collaboration.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WeulzXLinkedin: http://bit.ly/2w9YSQXFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#89: Future-Proofing Service Supply Chains with Chad Hawkinson of Baxter Planning
Apr 7, 202500:30:36Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*Together with Chad Hawkinson, Chief Innovation Officer at Baxter Planning, we discussed the current trends and innovations in the service supply chain space. Chad shared how Baxter Planning helps companies optimize spare parts management, reducing inventory by 25% and saving customers over $500 million in 2024. We also discussed their focus on AI and machine learning for forecasting and digital twin simulations to improve resiliency. Some of their notable successes include a 20% improvement in first-time fix rates for Beckman Coulter. Chad also shared some of their upcoming products, including real-time visibility tools, AI-driven ETAs, and a module for budget-constrained planning. He also emphasized the importance of specialized solutions for service parts management.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WeulzXLinkedin: http://bit.ly/2w9YSQXFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →
#88: How Location Intelligence Transforms Supply Chains with Jason Jameson of HERE Technologies
Apr 1, 202500:34:28Tap to summarize*Hosted by Andrei Palamariu*In this episode, I was joined by Jason Jameson, Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies, where we discussed the company’s role in enhancing supply chain efficiency through mapping technology. Jason shared HERE’s solutions, which include AI-powered predictive analytics and dynamic routing, to help optimize traffic flow, reduce delivery times, and manage fleets. Jason also highlighted partnerships with companies like Hapag-Lloyd and Siemens Healthineers, showcasing how HERE’s technology improves supply chain visibility and operational efficiency. He emphasized the importance of sustainability, noting that HERE’s solutions reduce carbon emissions and support the transition to electric vehicles. He also stressed the need for real-time data, seamless integration, and continuous innovation to future-proof supply chains.Discover more details here.Follow us on:Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Wba8v7Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WeulzXLinkedin: http://bit.ly/2w9YSQXFacebook: http://bit.ly/2HtryLd
Transcribe →