
Transform Talks: The Supply Chain Transformation Podcast
Just over 20 years ago I arrived in the UK with less than £1,000 to my name. I knew that the only way to succeed was to never settle for “good enough.” Through a mixture of hard work, humility and quite frankly dogged determination I managed to transform my life. Fast forward to the present day and I’m now the Co-Founder and CEO of The Future Insights Network, a fast-growing network of over 130,000 manufacturing, supply chain, and digital transformation leaders. Yes, my life is intense, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
On this podcast I will be sitting down with globally renowned thought leaders from the world of supply chain, manufacturing and business to bring you refreshingly down-to-earth conversations with the people responsible for transforming our everyday lives.
If I have learnt anything from my 25 years working in senior leadership positions is that whilst change is almost inevitable, true transformation is very much a conscious choice. My question for you therefore is, are you ready to be transformed? I’m Maria Villablanca and this is Transform Talks.
Latest episodes

Apr 22, 2024 • 15min
#207 - The human element of supply chain digital transformation with Nico Nuerbchen
On this episode of Transform Talks, I am joined by Nico Nuerbchen, the Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain Management at Olympus Corporation.
In this episode, we discuss:
The key hurdles companies face when automating their supply chains.
Why successful transformation hinges on clear communication and well-defined strategies.
How automation empowers your team to move beyond transactional tasks and focus on strategic initiatives.
And we'll discuss the exciting world of predictive maintenance and how automation unlocks valuable data insights.
…and much more.
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter.
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Apr 15, 2024 • 23min
#206 - End-to-end shipping visibility for building a resilient supply chain with Mike Deangelis
On this episode of Transform Talks, I am joined by the Head of Ocean at FourKites, Mike Deangelis.
In this episode we discuss:
How visibility solutions act as bridges, bringing in additional data sources.
How end-to-end data is crucial, including ETAs and pre-planning for each facility.
How to gain complete control and ensure on-time deliveries.
The need to move beyond port-to-port tracking.
…and much more.
Mike DeAngelis is Head of Ocean at FourKites. He drives strategy and innovation around FourKites’ ocean solutions. A proven industry leader, DeAngelis served as General Manager and Head of Product Management at Maersk, Senior VP of global carrier strategy at WiseTech Global, and was most recently Senior Director of Growth, Ocean, at project44.
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter.
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Apr 8, 2024 • 23min
#205 - Darcy MacClaren on building the risk-resilient, sustainable, self-healing Supply Chain of the future
Darcy MacClaren, a strategic global leader with extensive experience in technology transformation in supply chains, discusses the benefits of generative AI, challenges of transformational change, essential skills for future supply chain leaders, and the importance of promoting women in the industry. The podcast delves into optimizing supply chains with AI, shifting to ecosystem and self-healing processes, navigating transformation in supply chain management post-COVID-19, and focusing on sustainability and talent retention in the field.

Jan 10, 2024 • 26min
#204 - Supply Chain disruptors and trends of 2024 with Richard Howells
Richard Howells has been working in the ERP, supply chain management and manufacturing space for over 30 years. He is responsible for driving the thought leadership and awareness of SAP’s ERP, Finance and Supply Chain solutions and is an active writer, podcaster, and thought leader on the topics of supply chain, industry 4.0, digitization and sustainability. Richard has implemented ERP and supply chain management systems at Nestle, Gillette, and Colgate Palmolive.
On this week's episode of Transform Talks, Richard and Maria discuss:
The prominent disruptors and areas of focus for supply chain leaders post-covid to 2023
Predictions on the biggest problem areas and opportunities for leaders in 2024 and beyond
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter.
↓ RICHARD HOWELLS ↓
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhowells/
Get a free copy of the SAP Supply Chain Resilience report and de-risk your supply chain in 2024
https://www.sap.com/cmp/dg/risk-resilient-sustainable-supply-chain/index.html?source=social-glo-linkedin-dsc-influencer
Discover SAP's Supply Chain Management solutions
https://www.sap.com/products/scm.html?source=social-glo-linkedin-dsc-influencer
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Dec 20, 2023 • 29min
#203 - Chris Ortega on the biggest challenges and opportunities facing CFOs today
Chris Ortega is the CEO of Fresh FP&A, a leading fractional CFO and advisory services firm that provides businesses with the right tools to transform and scale their finance organisation. Chris started his career in public accounting at EY and has since gone on to accumulate more than 17 years of experience in accounting and finance.
On this week's episode Chris and Maria discuss:
The biggest challenges and opportunities facing CFOs today.
How AI is impacting Finance.
The skills and qualities that CFOs will need in order to be successful in the future.
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
↓ Chris Ortega ↓
https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Dec 13, 2023 • 33min
#202 - Jacqueline Krage Strako on how USPS is delivering for America
Jacqueline Krage Strako is Chief Commerce and Business Solutions Officer and Executive Vice President of the United States Postal Service. Jacqueline began her career in 1989 as an industrial engineer. In the 35 years since she has held multiple positions within the Postal Service including Budget and Financial Analyst, Area Finance Manager and Chief Customer and Marketing Officer. Jacqueline is currently responsible for developing shipping products and commercial solutions and leading business development for over $30 billion in shipping revenue.
On this week's episode Jacqueline and Maria discuss:
Jacqueline's role at USPS
The work that has gone into the Delivering for America transformation project
The best way to create clear career pathways for women in Supply Chain
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
↓ Jacqueline Krage Strako ↓
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-strako/
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Dec 6, 2023 • 25min
#201 - Sasha Pailet Koff on how Dell is using AI to improve efficiency in their digital Supply Chain
Sasha Pailet Koff is the Senior Vice President, Digital Supply Chain at Dell Technologies. Sasha has over two decades of experience spanning a series of leadership positions helping organisations solve complex business challenges. In fact prior to joining Dell Sasha worked for the likes of Johnson & Johnson, Rohm & Haas (now Dow), Accenture, and at The White House. Sasha is currently responsible for leading Dell's global digital supply chain function with the ultimate goal of maximising operational efficiency while reducing costs and improving the customer experience.
On this week's episode Sasha and Maria discuss:
Her time interning at The White House.
How AI will unlock a new wave of creativity.
Practical advice for women who want to pursue a career in Supply Chain.
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
↓ Sasha Pailet Koff ↓
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-pailet-koff-5429323/
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Nov 29, 2023 • 40min
#200 - The life and times of Gabriel Villablanca Sr.
Gabriel Villablanca Sr was born in the North of Chile in 1935. He began his working career as a homicide detective, following in his father's footsteps. At the age of 35 he decided to completely transform his life and join the aviation industry, where he remained until his retirement. The dictatorship in Chile made working in this industry extremely difficult and Mr. Villablanca moved his young family to the United States in the mid 1970’s to continue working in the industry at the time of fast paced innovation. During his career, Mr. Villablanca ran several charter airlines for the tourism industry before moving on to run cargo airlines transporting automotive parts from Latin America to service the American automotive industry. Mr. Villablanca retired in his mid 70’s and began another career. At this point, he had moved back to Chile and begun teaching English to young children and business executives. He is an avid Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins fan. Mr. Villablanca has three daughters, one son, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.
On this week's episode Maria sits down with her father to discuss:
The ways in which the world has transformed since 1935.
How the Chilean dictatorship impacted his life and career.
The secret to raising empowered women.
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Oct 18, 2023 • 28min
#199 - Sabine Mueller on embracing change in the workplace
Sabine Mueller is the CEO & EVP at DHL Consulting, an independent management consultancy dedicated to creating value for Deutsche Post DHL Group, its customers and external companies. Sabine has spent the past 20 years helping supply chain leaders navigate the changes created by digital transformation, the impact of emerging technologies, new work modes, and the need to operate sustainably. Sabine also works tirelessly to help female leaders succeed by promoting more diversity and inclusion in management teams.
On this week's episode Sabine and Maria discuss:
The best way to promote diversity in the workplace.
Why change needs to come from the top.
The role AI will play in implementing forward thinking ideas.
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
↓ Sabine Mueller ↓
https://www.linkedin.com/in/muellersabine13/
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/

Oct 11, 2023 • 31min
#198 - Amir Ghannad on how to become a transformative leader
Amir Ghannad is a leadership development specialist, international keynote speaker and the founder of The Ghannad Group, which offers speaking, workshop facilitation, executive coaching and consulting services, focused on guiding leaders in creating cultures that deliver breakthrough results and unprecedented fulfilment. For over 31 years, Amir led multi-functional, multinational teams in manufacturing and Supply Chain roles in a variety of business situations in the US, Asia, and Europe with companies such as Procter and Gamble and Campbell Soup Company. Amir is also the author of The Transformative Leader, a book which explores how to harness your inner leader.
On this week's episode Amir and Maria discuss:
His experience at ASCM Connect 2023
The difference between a leader and a transformative leader
How to transform culture by positively influencing your peers
Make sure to like and subscribe to Transform Talks to never miss the supply chain conversations that matter. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
↓ Amir Ghannad ↓
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaghannad/
↓ FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN ↓
Maria Villablanca (Host)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavillablanca/
Transform Talks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/transform-talks/
↓ FIND US ONLINE ↓
https://futureinsights.org/
https://futureinsights.org/transform-talks/
Get more on-demand supply chain content
https://sctvplus.com/pages/sctv-individual
Apply to be a guest on the show
https://futureinsights.org/speaker-form/
Apply be a sponsor on the show
https://futureinsights.org/sponsor-form/