EP 17 — Nitto Avecia’s Asmara Agha on Empowering Women in the Supply Chain Industry

In this episode of Smarter Sourcing, John speaks with Asmara Agha, Head of Strategic Sourcing at Nitto Avecia, who shares her insights on the evolving landscape of supply chain management. She discusses the critical role of resilience and adaptability in navigating challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic. 

 

Asmara emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI and predictive modeling to enhance efficiency and risk mitigation. Additionally, she highlights her commitment to empowering women in the industry and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

 

Topics discussed:

 

• The significance of resilience in supply chain management, particularly in overcoming challenges posed by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• How AI and predictive modeling can enhance efficiency and risk mitigation in supply chain operations, enabling better decision-making and planning.  
• The importance of contingency planning and having multiple strategies in place to address potential disruptions in the supply chain.  
• The role of emotional intelligence and soft skills in negotiations and relationship management within the supply chain industry.  
• Initiatives for promoting women empowerment and leadership within the supply chain sector, addressing the challenges women face in advancing their careers.  
• The impact of sustainability and green procurement practices on supply chain strategies and the importance of reducing carbon footprints.  
• Insights into the technological advancements in Japan and how they can influence supply chain practices in other regions, particularly in the U.S.  
• The necessity of training and development programs for supply chain professionals to adapt to changing technologies and market dynamics.  
• Approaches to vendor management and building strong relationships with suppliers to foster innovation and collaboration in sourcing.