Insightful chat with Raymon Krishnan

Insightful chat with Raymon Krishnan - Exclusive Interview!

Welcome to our platform! Here, we're all about sharing insights, experiences, and expertise from various industries, and today we're excited to present an interview with none other than Raymon Krishnan, the President of The Logistics and Supply Chain Management Society. Let's dive right in!

Hey Raymon, thanks for joining us! We feel honored for your support, and we're stoked to learn more from you.

absolutely delighted to be here, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts on all things logistics and supply chain management with your audience.

Let's start with a bit about your background and experience. What key moments in your career have shaped you as a leader in this field?

I've been in this industry for close to three decades now, with a diverse range of experiences under my belt. My journey began in the third-party logistics (3PL) sector, working for one of the largest freight forwarders in the world during the '90s. Since then, I've had the chance to work for various swiss confectionary manufacturers, global IT distributors, and even started and successfully sold my own logistics consulting business.

More recently, I've held leadership positions in Fortune 500 chemical companies and global 3PLs, and I've spent time advocating for business and supply chain policy globally. Throughout my career, I've been actively involved with the Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society, and I'm currently serving as its President.

What are some of your most significant accomplishments in this field?

Starting and selling a supply chain consulting business was a major milestone. In addition, I led a multi-billion supply chain commercial organization in its successful sale and managed a distribution network across multiple geographies. We achieved remarkable efficiency, shipping chemicals on average every 50 seconds across the Asia Pacific region safely and cost-effectively.

As you've witnessed the logistics and supply chain landscape evolve over the years, what changes have surprised you the most?

The rise of connectivity and increased visibility is undoubtedly the most remarkable change I've experienced. Today, we're often overwhelmed by data rather than merely having access to it. It's no longer solely about having information but rather making it relevant, useful, and actionable to optimize overall supply chain performance.

What valuable lessons have you learned that others can learn from during their own careers?

Many businesses have a tendency to forget that, at their core, they are built on relationships. While technology is invaluable as an enabler, it cannot replace the importance of people and their experiences. Our goal should be to leverage our academic foundations, theoretical knowledge, and real-world experience to design, implement, manage, and optimize high-performing supply chains.

What challenges that impact the world do you find particularly important to address?

At the forefront of my concerns are US-China trade tensions, Brexit, natural disasters, the coronavirus, and everything in between that may impact supply chains. It's crucial for supply chain professionals to stay current and adaptable to remain relevant in these evolving times.

Industry 4.0, the ongoing digital transformation, presents another significant challenge. We must embrace the opportunities it offers while facing the changes head-on. Lastly, we must always prioritize environmental, social, and governance considerations in our supply chains.

What role do business, supply chain, and change leadership play in addressing these challenges?

The role of these key players is pivotal but has regrettably been diminishing in some organizations. Change leaders should not only provide strategic direction but also drive implementation and influence outcomes. Unfortunately, I've observed an increasing trend of supply chain roles becoming more analytical and implementation-focused, with limited strategic input.

So, what's keeping you busy these days?

My primary focus is on our magazine, LogiSYM, and its sister brand CargoNOW. After the first quarter, I am on the lookout for new challenges and opportunities in business and supply chain.

I've briefly dabbled in the advocacy and lobbying space, but I aspire to be closer to actual business and making an impact.

What advice would you provide to aspiring business or supply chain professionals?

Supply chain and logistics may not be the most glamorous fields, but they play a vital role in any business. Throughout my career, I've traveled extensively, and I believe I've been fortunate indeed. To anyone considering a career in supply chain, I'd say it's a challenging but rewarding path that can offer you a global perspective.

How can people connect with you if they want to learn more or collaborate?

You can reach out to me via email at [email protected] or give me a call at +65 9816 2740.

Raymon Krishnan's diverse career experiences span various sectors, including third-party logistics and global IT distribution, as well as his own logistics consulting business.Effective leadership in the supply chain industry requires collaborative efforts, combining academic foundations, practical experience, and strategic involvement to drive successful high-performing supply chains.*Raymon Krishnan champions the role of business and supply chain professionals in addressing the challenges of our times, such as US-China trade tensions, natural disasters, and the digital transformation of Industry 4.0, while prioritizing environmental, social, and governance concerns.