Operations Leadership
The Operations Leadership with Gautam Basu podcast provides insights for today’s business leaders on creating value through operations improvement, process excellence, digital innovation, and leadership.
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Episode 40: Future of Operations: Outlook 2031
In this episode, Gautam looks into the future of operations. He digs deep into the six forces that will reshape operations in the next 5 years and why 89% of organizations are still running industrial age operating models, while 1% are lapping the field; what science tells about the new unit of work, and why … Continue reading "Episode 40: Future of Operations: Outlook 2031"
Episode 39: Behind the Numbers: Insights from M&A Due Diligence
This episode’s guest is Michael Hardy (PwC Deals Partner) based in Helsinki. In our conversation, we dive deep into the M&A due diligence process, linkages between the finance and operations in a transactions environment, deal risks, working capital, and the impact of AI on due diligence. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from … Continue reading "Episode 3
Episode: 38: Field Notes – AI ROI Reckoning: Why Most AI Deployments Still Aren’t Hitting the P/L
In this episode, we cut through the AI hype to ask the question most vendors don’t want answered: why are 80% of supply chain AI deployments still invisible on the P&L? Drawing on fresh 2026 research, we diagnose the four root causes behind the scaling failure, from the data foundation gap to the leadership skills … Continue reading "Episode: 38: Field Notes – AI ROI Reckonin
Episode 37: Manufacturing Operations Leadership in Private Equity
This episode’s guest is Wayne Marhelski, a former US Air Force veteran and operations executive with over three decades of experience transforming manufacturing businesses across defense, aerospace, and nuclear industries. Wayne shares why private equity’s value creation gap lives on the shop floor and not in the spreadsheet, why the AI pilot is the new … Continue reading "Episod
Episode 36: Field Notes – Network Redesign from Resilience to Total Value
In this episode, we analyze the strategic shift from resilience to Total Value. Leading organizations are moving beyond disruption management toward enterprise-wide value maximization. The practical vehicle is supply chain network redesign at scale. We examine the internal politics and financial barriers that stall transformation, the real economics of nearshoring, and what distinguishes leaders w
Episode 35: Field Notes – Chokepoint: Hormuz, World’s Most Dangerous 21 Miles
In this episode, Gautam unpacks the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the largest disruption to global energy supply since the 1970s oil crisis. This crisis has profound implications for chokepoint exposure, commodity dependency, and logistics network resilience, examining how single-corridor concentration risk, seasonal supply irreversibility, and the collapse of just-in-time assumptions are forci
Episode 34: Field Notes: AI Supply Chain Showdown: Pentagon vs Anthropic Saga
In this episode, we analyze the recent case of Anthropic AI solution being designated as a supply chain risk by the US Pentagon. This case has profound implications for vendor dependency, contract governance, and supply chain resilience, analysing how single-source concentration risk, asset-specific investments, and ethical red lines in procurement design. Accessibility transcripts for podcast 
Episode 33: Operating Partner Groups, Carveouts, & AI in PE Value Creation
In this episode, we have returning guest William Bundy (Partner at McKinsey & Co). We discuss how private equity firms have evolved their operating groups into structured capabilities that systematically drive value across their portfolio companies, optimal balance of specialist vs generalist operating partners, & how AI is starting to amplify operational performance across their … C
Episode 32: Supply Chain Attacks in the Digital World
This episode’s guest is Hadi Ghanbari (Assistant Professor at Aalto University’s Business School). In this interview, we discuss cyber-attacks which target supply chains, including the types of attackers, motivation, techniques, exploited vunerabilities, targeted assets, impacts of these attacks, along with real life cases. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found fr
Episode 31: Negotation as a Superpower
Our guest for this episode is Sami Miettinen (author, investment banker, & host of the Neuvottelija podcast). In this interview, Sami dives deep in the art & science of negotiation and why negotiation is a superpower especially in these current times of accelerated change & uncetrainty. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from … Continue reading "Episode 3
Episode 30: Power of Quantum Technology
This episode’s guest is Mikko Möttönen (Professor of Quantum Technology at Aalto University / VTT). During our conversation, he discusses how quantum computing differs from classical computing, specific industry applications for quantum technology, & how quantum computing can impact the future of supply chain & operations management. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can
Episode 29: Value Based Purchasing in Public Services
Our guest for this episode is Katri Kauppi (Associate Professor of Logistics at Aalto University). In this interview, we discuss the particulars of principal-agent problems and her current research on value based purchasing, and public procurement practices in healthcare services. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/ope
Episode 28: Geo-Political Impact on Global Supply Chains
This episode’s guest is Karl Buschmann (Adjunct Policy Advisor for RAND & Strategic Advisor for CSCMP). In this interview, Karl provides us with insights on how geo-politics, public policy, trade regulations impact global supply chains & reviews of the top 10 trends in SCM for 2025. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from … Continue reading "Episode 28:
Episode 27: Bridging Theory with Practice in Supply Chain Management
This episode’s guest is Linda Dunn (Professor of Practice at Georgetown University). In this interview, she talks about the lessons learned in during her long & distinguished career, importance of financial literacy for SCM professionals, and bridging theory with practice in supply chain management. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast … Cont
Episode 26: Agentic Workers and It’s Impact on Leadership & Productivity
Our guest for this episode is Tony Wood (CEO CF & Society of Leadership Fellows at Windsor Castle). In this interview, we discuss the concept of an agentic worker & how they can be deployed alongside human teams to improve leadership, productivity and performance in business organizations. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found … Continue reading "Episode 26: Age
Episode 25: The Swedish Approach to Supply Chain Management
Our guest for this episode is Dr. Stefan Holmberg (Partner at Optilon & Leader of Swedish Roundtable for the Council of Supply Chain Mgmt. Professionals). In this interview, Dr. Holmberg discusses Sweden’s unique approach to SCM based on his experience working at IKEA and advising Swedish companies operating globally. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can … Continue re
Episode 24: Process Mining: An Intersection between Data Science and Process Management
This episode’s guest is Dr. Teemu Lehto (EVP of QPR Software). He is an expert in the the area of process mining. In this interview, we dig deeper in what process mining is; its origins, blending data science & process mgmt. and case examples of how process mining, coupled with AI/ML tools can improve supply … Continue reading "Episode 24: Process Mining: An Intersection between Da
Episode 23: What Operations Leaders can Learn from Professional Boxers & Combat Sports Athletes
Our guest for this episode is Pekka Maki, who is a legendary boxing coach and trainer to multiple world & European champions. In this interview, we discuss the process, preparation, due diligence, & risks in producing world class boxers, embedding resilience in fighters, and parallels between the boxing and the business world. Accessibility transcripts for … Continue reading "Episode
Episode 22: The State of Supply Chain Management
This episode’s guest is Dr. Terry Esper (Professor of Logistics at Ohio State University & Chair of the Council for Supply Chain Management Professsionals). He is accomplished academic scholar and leader in the SCM field. In this interview, we discuss the current state of supply chain management, crowded-funded last mile logistics plaforms, e-logistics service quality, … Continue r
Episode 21: Creating Value through Operations: An Approach for Private Equity Portfolio Companies
This episode’s guest is William Bundy (Partner at McKinsey & Co). He is an acclaimed expert in operational value creation in the private equity (PE) industry. Will provides us with rich insights on how PE firms have evolved from traditional financial engineering to complementary operationally focused approaches to value creation, importance of operational DD, leveraging … Continue
Episode 20: Reverse Logistics Services in E-Commerce: A Start Up Story
This episode’s guest is Joose Toiviainen (CEO of Daze). This start up specializes in providing reverse logsitics and returns management services for e-commerce platforms. Joose details his start up journey & highlights the critical issues of reverse flows within the e-commerce logistics. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.f
Episode 19: Transformational vs Transactional Operations Leadership Styles
In this episode, Gautam dives into the distinctions between the two distinct forms of operations leadership – transformational and transactional, different contexts & situations when they can be employed, & real life case examples of each leadership style. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-lea
Episode 18: Why Operations Leaders Make Great CEOs?
In this episode, Gautam explores the trend of select outstanding individuals with operational backgrounds who manage to land the top leadership spot in business organizations and the rationale why operations leaders make great CEOs. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-leadership-with-gautam-basu-podcast
Episode 17: Operations vs Strategic Leadership: Differences in the Scope of Key Leadership Decisions
In this episode, Gautam delves into the various distinctions in scope for key decisions and risks that operations and strategic leaders are required to manage. While there are commonalities and alignment between the two leadership disciplines, there are some key differences. We do a deep into this topic on this podcast episode. Accessibility transcripts for … Continue reading "Episode 17: Op
Episode 16: Analytics Applied to Industry: Approaches & Cases
In this episode, our guest is Ramesh Sharda (Vice Dean of Research at Oklahoma State University). Leveraging his long history in data science & analytics, Dr. Sharda provides us with rich insights into his intergrative approach to analytics, industries that have been at the forefront in the adoption of analytics tools, and two interesting case … Continue reading "Episode 16: Analytics Ap
Episode 15: Bridging Strategy & Execution with Enterprise Performance Management
This episode’s guest is David Derichs, who is a senior lecturer in the Accounting dept. at Aalto University. In this interview, David discusses the importance of enterprise performance management in bridging strategy & execution, key financial & non-financial measures, as well as lagging & leading indicators. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from …
Episode 14: Adventures in Analytics
Our guest for this episode is Pekka Malo, who is Associate Professor of Management Science at Aalto University’s School of Business. During this interview, Pekka goes deep into quantitative analytical models, scalability of such models, and how to build analytics capabiltiies for business organizations. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast … Cont
Episode 13: Operational Creativity Capacity
This episode’s guest is Oana Velcu-Laitinen. She is an author and creativity expert. In this interview, Oana provides case examples of operational leaders & companies that leverage creativity in uncertain times and proposes a unqiue metric called Operational Creativity Capacity for organizations looking to maximize their productivity through creativity. Accessibility transcripts for podc
Episode 12: Current State of Airport Logistics
Our guest for this episode is Markku Kuula, who is a Professor of Logistics and head of Information Services Mgmt. department at Aalto University. In this interview, Dr. Kuula discusses some of the broad factors impacting airports, trends around the digitalization of air cargo operations, and an interesting student project focusing on material flows at … Continue reading "Episode 12: Current
Episode 11: Lessons of Sisu and Gentle Power
This episode’s guest is Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti. She pioneered the research on the Finnish construct of Sisu, which denotes determination & fortitude in the face of adversity. In this interview, Elisabet provides valuable insights on how business leaders can leverage their own Sisu in times of disruption. She recently published a book, entitled “Gentle … Continue reading "E
Episode 10: Insights on Corporate Governance
In this episode, our guest is Vikash Sinha (Assistant Professor of Management Accounting at Aalto University). During this interview, Vikash covers the principles, practices, and structures of Corporate Governance, why effective corporate governance is important in this times, and why operations professionals should care about it. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from &#
Episode 9: The Origins & Applications of Operations Research
In this episode,we welcome Juuso Liesiö (Associate Professor of Management Science at the Aalto Business School). Dr. Liesiö provides us with the origins, history, and applications of the field of Operations Research (OR). Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-leadership-with-gautam-basu-podcast
Episode 8: Dynamics of the Maritime Shipping Industry
This episode’s guest is Linda Johnstone Sorenson. Linda is an international operations leader based in Oslo, Norway. She has extensive experience in process improvement, human factors, QHSE operations in maritime shipping. During this conversation , she details the dynamics of the shipping industry and its impact on global trade, human factors related to the sector, … Continue reading
Episode 7: Evolution of Integrated Business Planning
In this episode, our guest Tanguy Caillet (SVP of O9 Solutions) goes deep into the topic of sales and operations planning (S&OP) and integrated business planning (IBP). He gives us his experience on the processes, technologies, and how these solutions have evolved over the last two decades, which has further re-enforced belief that technology is … Continue reading "Episode 7: Evolution o
Episode 6: Secure Logistics Service Operations
In this episode, Gautam Basu has a pleasure to have a discussion with Peeter Toorim who is a seasoned operations leader and business executive from Tallin, Estonia. They discuss several topics around secure logistics services, importance of physical cash, and his experience of transforming an organization from a local into a regional one. Accessibility transcripts … Continue reading "Episode
Episode 5: Leading with Creativity
In this episode, Dr. Jari Vepsäläinen (post doctoral researcher at Aalto University) offers valuable insights on how individuals, teams, and leaders leverage creativity in coming up with novel and innovative solutions to complex engineering and operational challenges. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-leade
Episode 4: The Importance of Operations in Entrepreneurship through Acquisition
In this episode, Mikko Järvinen (Partner at True North Search) describes the Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) model and the importance of operations in value creation within ETA. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-leadership-with-gautam-basu-podcast
Episode 3: Humanitarian Supply Chains and Logistics Operations
In this episode, Dr. Gyöngi Kovacs (Professor of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Hanken School of Economics) discusses the similarities and differences between humanitarian and normal business supply chains, attributes of humanitarian logistics operations, best practices in the domain, and how this might be applicable in the current Ukraine conflict. Accessibility transcripts
Episode 2: Embedding Sustainability in Supply Chains
In this episode, Dr. Katri Kauppi (Associate Professor at Aalto University) provides an overview of sustainability practices in supply chain management with practical examples, best practices, and valuable insights on the topic. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-leadership-with-gautam-basu-podcast
Episode 1: Introducing Operations Leadership
In this episode, Gautam Basu from Aalto University School of Business provides a short overview of the podcast series and provides the rationale for the need for strong operations leadership in today’s complex and dynamic business environment. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-leadership-with-gautam-basu-po
