From Sustainability Advocate to Tech Entrepreneur: Malin Schmidt's Journey to the Top

In an enlightening episode of the Sales Talk for CEOs Podcast, Alice Heiman engages with Malin Schmidt, not just as the CEO of Kodiak Hub, a pioneer in supplier relationship management software, but as a visionary leader whose journey epitomizes the fusion of sustainability and technology in business. Schmidt's transition from a sustainability advocate to a tech entrepreneur offers invaluable lessons on the intersection of technology, procurement, and sustainable business practices, making her path a beacon for CEOs and leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of modern industries.

A Journey of Resilience and Innovation

At the heart of Schmidt's story is her unwavering commitment to sustainability, which led her to challenge the traditional cost-centric models in procurement. Her philosophy, "What we want to do is to put the right data and insights in front of the strategic buyer...including the quality of what you buy, how it has been produced, and of course, to the right price," reflects a holistic approach to business that balances economic, environmental, and social factors.

Kodiak Hub's utilization of technology to foster transparency and drive change is a testament to Schmidt's forward-thinking leadership. She emphasizes the importance of not just collecting data but using it to identify and act on opportunities for improvement, stating, "One thing is to report and to measure. But if those data points are not used to drive and identify opportunities for change...then what use is it to just report?" This approach underscores the role of technology as a catalyst for meaningful change, beyond mere efficiency gains.

Schmidt's leadership journey is also marked by resilience, particularly in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ability to lead Kodiak Hub to double its growth consecutively highlights the significance of agility and customer-centric innovation in overcoming obstacles. This resilience, coupled with a strategic focus on growth, offers a blueprint for CEOs navigating uncertain times.

Emphasizing Creativity and Innovation in Leadership

A distinctive feature of Schmidt's leadership style is her emphasis on creativity in hiring. By exploring candidates' personal journeys and thought processes, Schmidt seeks to uncover their innovative potential, ensuring that Kodiak Hub's team is not only technically adept but also capable of thinking outside the box to drive sustainable solutions and innovation. This approach to building a team underscores the critical role of creativity in fostering innovation and navigating the complexities of technology and sustainability.

Key Insights for CEOs

Schmidt's journey and leadership at Kodiak Hub offer several key takeaways for CEOs and business leaders:

• Sustainability as a Core Business Strategy: Schmidt's emphasis on sustainability highlights its importance as a competitive advantage and a pillar for long-term business success.
• The Power of Technology for Change: Leveraging technology for transparency and to drive actionable change is crucial for modern businesses aiming to stay ahead.
• Resilience Through Innovation: Schmidt's ability to guide her company through challenges underscores the importance of innovation and customer-centric approaches in ensuring business continuity and growth.
• Creativity in Leadership: Valuing creativity in the hiring process ensures a team capable of innovative thinking and problem-solving, key components for addressing today's complex business challenges.

For CEOs and business leaders looking to embrace sustainable business practices and navigate the complexities of modern supply chains, Malin Schmidt's insights provide a roadmap for leveraging technology, understanding buyer needs, and prioritizing sustainability to drive business growth and innovation. Her journey from a sustainability advocate to a leading CEO in the tech spa