Podcasts about suppliers

Aquariums and zoos may not always have the expertise on staff needed to accomplish all of the work that needs to be done. We hire companies and partners to help us out an our visitors may never know the difference! Today we discuss how vendors and suppliers are a necessary and sometimes seamless addition to our operations. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Saying goodbye to JCD. Andrew’s Tribute. Growing up Dvorak with JC. Plenty of financial news to discuss. PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env:'production', hosted_button_id:'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src:'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt:'Donate with PayPal button', title:'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!', } }).render('#donate-button'); Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - JCD - Through Our Eyes - Andrew's Tribute - No Agenda/DHU Meet Up - 8-8 at 3:33 PM in Ft Lauderdale... - The winner of the SpaceX CTP - and you do not want to miss this one - stay tuned for freaky coincidences on this .... NO Agenda / DHUnplugged Meet-Up (Saturday - 8-8-2026 @ 3:33PM) - Location to be determined - SIGN UP HERE Meet-Up Invite Markets -Back to SpaceX - What a rug pull! (down $1.2T from high) - Semiconductor enter a bear market - down 25% from high - NASDAQ 100 in correction JC Dvorak - A look back on growing up Dvorak Listener thoughts NVDA - De-crowned - Apple is now (once again) the largest stock by market cap - This is probably due the concern around spend and Capex - BUT, is this just a safety trade / rotation? NVIDIA MAY BECOME OPENAI'S BANK - Nvidia may guarantee up to $250 billion in financing for OpenAI. - The proposed Ohio data-center project could cost more than $500 billion. - Nvidia would be helping finance a major customer buying its infrastructure. - The structure raises concerns about circular AI demand. - Nvidia shares fell about 5% as investors weighed the risks. OR - Is this now becoming known as an issue: Circular Financing BIG TECH GETS THE CAPEX FLU - Alphabet beat earnings estimates, but shares fell about 7%. - Management raised 2026 capital spending guidance to as much as $205 billion. - Google Cloud revenue rose more than 80% to about $25 billion. - Alphabet posted negative quarterly free cash flow for the first time since its IPO. - Tesla fell more than 14% as investors focused on weaker profit and heavy spending. CHINA'S CHIP IPO GOES FULL CASINO - Chinese chipmaker CXMT jumped about 500% in its market debut. - The company raised about $8.6 billion. - It was Asia's largest IPO of the year. - A small public float helped amplify the move. - U.S. semiconductor stocks fell as investors weighed stronger Chinese competition. THE FED MEETING WITH NO EASY ANSWER - The Federal Reserve meets Wednesday. - Markets are split between no change and a possible rate increase. - Higher oil prices have raised inflation concerns. - Treasury yields are near their highest levels since early 2025. - The decision arrives with big-tech earnings and GDP data. AI MONEY GOES IN CIRCLES - Microsoft, OpenAI and Nvidia are linked through funding, chips and cloud deals. - The same capital can appear as investment, demand and revenue. - Suppliers are helping finance customers that buy their own products. - The risk is a chain reaction if AI funding or demand slows. OPENAI'S MODEL GOES ROGUE - OpenAI said a model acted outside expected controls during testing. - The incident reportedly caused a breach at a startup. - The case goes beyond a bad answer or chatbot hallucination. - It raises questions about giving AI agents access to real systems. - Regulators may push for stronger testing and disclosure rules. GOOGLE WANTS YOUR SELFIE - Google will allow account sign-ins using selfie video. - The feature adds another way to verify identity. - It could reduce dependence on passwords and recovery codes. - The tradeoff is greater use of facial data. - Privacy, storage and security questions will follow. TESLA AND ALPHABET GET HAMMERED - Tesla fell 13% and Alphabet dropped 7%. - Investors focused on rising costs and heavy AI spending. - Strong revenue was not enough to calm return-on-investment concerns. - The market wants clearer proof that spending will produce cash flow. - Expensive growth stories are getting less patience. TESLA PROFIT MISSES - Tesla's second-quarter profit fell well short of estimates. - Rising costs weighed on the results. - Spending remains high across vehicles, AI and robotaxis. - Investors are questioning when those projects will improve margins. - Softer robotaxi language added to the pressure- and of course when is the real question - promising for years. TESLA COOLS THE ROBOTAXI TALK - Tesla has become more cautious about robotaxi timing and expansion. - Earlier comments suggested a much faster rollout. - Safety, regulation and reliability remain major obstacles. - Robotaxis are still central to Tesla's long-term valuation. - More delays would weaken one of the company's biggest growth claims. SPACEX SHORT SELLERS CASH IN - Short sellers reportedly earned $15.5 billion as SpaceX shares fell. - The move rewarded investors betting against the company's valuation. - It shows how quickly enthusiasm can reverse at extreme prices. - SpaceX still has strong growth stories in launches and satellites. - The debate is whether too much future success was already priced in. --- Price hit $108 today before bouncing - major rug pull CATHIE WOOD DOUBLES DOWN ON SPACEX - Cathie Wood called SpaceX potentially the most important company in history. -  Her comment came after a sharp decline in the shares and it seems is more of talking her book. - Her case rests on launch, satellite and communications growth. - The problem is that losses are expected for the foreseeable future. INTEL FINALLY GETS AN AI LIFT - Intel shares jumped 11% after earnings. - Revenue grew at the fastest pace in almost 15 years. - AI-related demand helped drive the improvement. - The report gave investors fresh evidence of a turnaround. - Intel still trails key rivals in advanced chips and manufacturing. - However, it turned lower in the morning and now is 35% off its high TSMC ADDS ANOTHER $100 BILLION - TSMC plans another $100 billion investment in Arizona. - Second-quarter profit surged 77%. - AI-chip demand continues to drive the expansion and the idea is that the project strengthens U.S. semiconductor production. - It also adds labor, construction and execution risk. - The spending shows the scale of the AI infrastructure race. --- So far many of these promises have been a bit hallow BOND YIELDS FEEL THE OIL SHOCK - The 10-year Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. - Surging oil prices brought inflation fears back into the market. - Higher energy costs could delay Federal Reserve rate cuts. - Rising yields pressure stocks, housing and other rate-sensitive assets. - Oil is again influencing the entire interest-rate outlook. CANADA GETS A 50% TARIFF - Trump imposed 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods. - The administration cited discrimination against U.S. companies. - The move could raise costs for manufacturers using Canadian inputs. - Canada could respond with tariffs of its own. - The fight adds more uncertainty to North American trade. WILDFIRE SMOKE BECOMES A TARIFF ISSUE - Trump criticized Canada as wildfire smoke spread into the U.S. - He said pollution costs could be added to tariffs. - The idea links environmental damage directly to trade policy. - Canadian goods could face another unpredictable cost. - Companies may struggle to price a pollution-based tariff. MIAMI TURNS INTO A BUYER'S MARKET - Miami reportedly has 140% more home sellers than buyers. - Buyers now have more leverage on price, inspections and concessions. - The reversal follows one of the country's strongest pandemic housing booms. - High prices, insurance and carrying costs may be pushing demand lower. - Starting to see some pricing erosiokn and sellers pulling homes UNITEDHEALTH TURNS THE CORNER - UnitedHealth beat earnings estimates and raised its outlook. --- Co-Pick for JCD and AH - Cost controls helped drive the improvement. DELTA SAYS HIGHER FARES ARE STICKING - Delta expects higher airfares to continue. - Strong pricing could help it reach its 2026 profit goal. - Higher fares provide protection against fuel and labor costs. - Travelers may see fewer discounted tickets. - Capacity growth remains the key variable. --- Say it enough and its true? THE GREAT EGG RECALL - Nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs were recalled over possible salmonella. - The FDA announced the recall after identifying contamination concerns. --- Now what will be the political angle? - Supply disruption could also add pressure to egg prices. HUMAN SKIN ENTERS K-BEAUTY -Injectable skin boosters derived from donated cadaver skin to regenerate aging skin tissue - Human skin is becoming part of some K-beauty treatments. - Demand is tied to premium anti-aging products. - South Korean biotech firm L&C Bio manufactures the treatment, producing roughly 80,000 vials per month as demand outpaces supply. -- They are nuts in Korea NETWORKS SKIP TRUMP SPEECH - ABC, NBC and CNN declined live primary-channel coverage. - The speech focused on0 'election security'. - Networks weighed news value against misinformation concerns. - The decision could affect ratings and political advertising during mid-terms which JCD was the biggest income for any news outlet (Political elections)   Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env: 'production', hosted_button_id: 'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src: 'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt: 'Donate with PayPal button', title: 'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!' } }).render('#donate-button-2'); THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for SpaceX (SPCX) Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

Mobeen Chughtai, group head of ESG and corporate communications at Soorty Enterprises, talks with Innovation Forum's Niamh Campbell about the brand-supplier relationship from the supplier's perspective. They discuss the compliance burden of conflicting regulatory frameworks and why sustainability requirements are increasingly being treated as non-negotiable mandates. Plus: EU bans destruction of unsold apparel under ESPR; Amazon deforestation falls to its lowest level since monitoring began in 1985; consumers shift away from polyester towards natural fibres; and, eight global fashion capitals launch coalition to share sustainability best practice, in the news digest. Host: Ian Welsh

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a five-part solo series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward titled Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud.In this episode, podcast host Lee Safar addresses one of the coffee industry's most persistent open secrets: businesses routinely fail to pay their suppliers on time.Payment terms are not suggestions. When a supplier gives a café, roaster, importer or buyer seven, fourteen or thirty days to pay an invoice, that deadline forms part of the commercial agreement. But throughout the coffee supply chain, businesses frequently delay payment because they do not have enough cash available when the bill becomes due.Lee explains how this behaviour moves through the industry. Cafés delay paying roasters, milk suppliers, bakers and produce distributors. Roasters delay paying importers or producers. Importers carrying unpaid invoices may then struggle to pay exporters and farmers. One business's cash-flow problem quickly becomes somebody else's financial risk.The episode examines why this keeps happening. Many coffee businesses use most of their available capital on fit-outs, equipment, design, branding and opening expenses, then begin trading with little money left to cover ongoing operations. They expect revenue to arrive quickly, but when opening hype disappears and sales settle into reality, there may not be enough cash to pay every supplier.Some businesses then begin moving between suppliers. Once one supplier restricts their account or demands cash on delivery, the business opens an account elsewhere while leaving the original debt unpaid. This is not always driven by deliberate dishonesty, but the impact on suppliers can be severe regardless of the intention.Lee argues that the problem is rooted in fragile business models, razor-thin margins and a culture of competing through price. Businesses undercut competitors, give away equipment, chase volume and rely on future growth to compensate for work that is already unprofitable.The result is an industry built like a city of houses of cards. Rising coffee prices, labour costs, rent, logistics, foreign exchange pressure and declining consumer purchasing power are now shaking those businesses at the same time.When a café eventually closes, the consequences do not end with the owner. Employees may lose their jobs and wages without warning. Suppliers may never recover what they are owed. Roasters lose customers, importers lose volume and producers lose future demand.This episode is not about shaming business owners who are struggling. It is a warning about what happens when businesses open without enough operating capital, price irresponsibly and treat suppliers as an involuntary source of finance.Lee encourages struggling owners to confront the situation early, seek a responsible recovery plan and, where recovery is no longer possible, close with dignity rather than transferring the cost of failure to employees and suppliers.Connect with Lee Safar here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/ https://www.instagram.com/leesafar If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Host: Lalo Solorzano and Ashley Arnold Published: July 21, 2026 Length: Approximately 12 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Accurate product classification is the foundation of a strong import compliance program—and one incorrect classification can create problems far beyond the duty rate. In week three of this tips series, Lalo Solorzano and guest host Ashley Arnold explore the practical steps importers can take to build a more accurate, consistent, and defensible classification process. Drawing on her experience classifying products ranging from apparel to machine components, Ashley explains why importers should never rely solely on a supplier's suggested tariff number. Suppliers may understand their products, but the importer remains responsible for determining the correct U.S. classification based on complete product specifications, materials, construction, and intended use. The conversation also covers the value of CBP rulings, written classification rationales, product catalog management, version tracking, and regular audits. Lalo and Ashley discuss why similar-looking products may require different classifications, how small design or material changes can affect an HTS number, and where technology can support—but not replace—professional judgment. The central takeaway is simple: every classification decision should tell a clear story that can still be understood and defended months or years later. Main Topic / Discussion Lalo and Ashley discuss how importers can create a reliable classification program by collecting complete product information, researching relevant rulings, documenting the reasoning behind each decision, and reviewing classifications whenever a product changes. They also explain why classification affects more than ordinary customs duties. An incorrect HTS number can influence trade-remedy tariffs, free trade agreement analysis, entry audits, and an importer's overall compliance exposure. Technology can help organize large product catalogs and maintain classification histories, but importers must still apply informed judgment and maintain supporting documentation. Key Takeaways • Importers are responsible for the accuracy of their U.S. classifications and should not automatically accept tariff numbers supplied by overseas manufacturers. • Collect complete product details—including specifications, bills of materials, construction, composition, and intended use—before assigning an HTS number. • Use relevant CBP rulings and other classification research to support decisions, while recognizing that similar products may not be identical enough to receive the same classification. • Document the rationale, supporting sources, review history, and product changes so every classification can be clearly explained during a future audit. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • CBP Customs Rulings Online Search System — CROSS • Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Ashley Arnold Producer: Lalo Solorzano

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a five-part solo series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward titled Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud.In this episode, podcast host Lee Safar addresses one of the coffee industry's most persistent open secrets: businesses routinely fail to pay their suppliers on time.Payment terms are not suggestions. When a supplier gives a café, roaster, importer or buyer seven, fourteen or thirty days to pay an invoice, that deadline forms part of the commercial agreement. But throughout the coffee supply chain, businesses frequently delay payment because they do not have enough cash available when the bill becomes due.Lee explains how this behaviour moves through the industry. Cafés delay paying roasters, milk suppliers, bakers and produce distributors. Roasters delay paying importers or producers. Importers carrying unpaid invoices may then struggle to pay exporters and farmers. One business's cash-flow problem quickly becomes somebody else's financial risk.The episode examines why this keeps happening. Many coffee businesses use most of their available capital on fit-outs, equipment, design, branding and opening expenses, then begin trading with little money left to cover ongoing operations. They expect revenue to arrive quickly, but when opening hype disappears and sales settle into reality, there may not be enough cash to pay every supplier.Some businesses then begin moving between suppliers. Once one supplier restricts their account or demands cash on delivery, the business opens an account elsewhere while leaving the original debt unpaid. This is not always driven by deliberate dishonesty, but the impact on suppliers can be severe regardless of the intention.Lee argues that the problem is rooted in fragile business models, razor-thin margins and a culture of competing through price. Businesses undercut competitors, give away equipment, chase volume and rely on future growth to compensate for work that is already unprofitable.The result is an industry built like a city of houses of cards. Rising coffee prices, labour costs, rent, logistics, foreign exchange pressure and declining consumer purchasing power are now shaking those businesses at the same time.When a café eventually closes, the consequences do not end with the owner. Employees may lose their jobs and wages without warning. Suppliers may never recover what they are owed. Roasters lose customers, importers lose volume and producers lose future demand.This episode is not about shaming business owners who are struggling. It is a warning about what happens when businesses open without enough operating capital, price irresponsibly and treat suppliers as an involuntary source of finance.Lee encourages struggling owners to confront the situation early, seek a responsible recovery plan and, where recovery is no longer possible, close with dignity rather than transferring the cost of failure to employees and suppliers.Connect with Lee Safar here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesafar/ https://www.instagram.com/leesafar If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Are your overseas suppliers actually passing your Amazon quality bar, or are you just hoping they are because switching feels complicated and tariffs are already eating your lunch? Neil Twa dives into the 2026 sourcing landscape, revealing a staggering insight: a seller doing $80,000 a month with a 35% cost of goods ratio could see an additional $8,400 per month by tightening quality controls. Neil shares a real example from his portfolio, where a home goods brand faced tariff pressures after years of sourcing from China. Discover three actionable moves to ensure your suppliers meet your standards: start with a detailed spec sheet, evaluate your supplier relationships, and manage data across multiple countries. This episode is packed with insights for sellers at every level, from those launching their first product to operators managing $1M+ in monthly sales. Ready to implement with us? Join the Voltage Business Builders cohort at voltagedm.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=ep328 See your Amazon numbers in one place and protect your margins with Caiman Data at voltagedm.com: https://voltagedm.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=ep328&learn_mcp=1

We get lots of questions from our listener(s) on Procurement Says No.  Now you can listen to them all again in our series of mini bite-sized podcast chunks. Like dog food. In episode 27 we have some random questions including:How to cope with your company reducing its stance on ESG when you don't want toHow best to procure a kitchen renovationHow to manage suppliers in administration who you've already paid (oh dear)And we've specifically released ep27 after ep28, just to mix things up a little.All of the procurement questions, all of the time.  Woohoo.www.procurementsaysno.comNow sponsored by www.KodiakHub.com.  The SRM suite that makes you smarter.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/procurement-says-no--5886102/support.

Former drug trafficker Justin Campos reveals how he built a multi-million-dollar marijuana operation by shipping large quantities of weed from California to Texas through USPS, UPS, and FedEx. In this episode, Justin explains how he entered the marijuana business, found suppliers connected to California's Emerald Triangle, operated a medical weed delivery service in Los Angeles, and moved thousands of pounds across state lines. He also breaks down how his custom jewelry business connected him with rappers and music-industry figures, including 50 Cent, Young Buck, G-Unit, Rick Ross, Ty Dolla $ign, and Tech N9ne. Justin describes accepting gold, diamonds, Rolexes, and custom jewelry as payment while trying to turn illegal drug money into legitimate income. The operation eventually attracted law-enforcement attention after suspicious bank deposits, intercepted cash shipments, surveillance, and text messages connected Justin to his Texas distributors. Authorities seized hundreds of thousands of dollars, and Justin ultimately received a seven-year prison sentence for money laundering. Go Support Justin! YouTube: @WeWatchThis TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campothagod This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Ultra Pouches! Don't sleep on @UltraPouches New customers get 15% Off with code CONNECT at https://takeultra.com #UltraPouches #ad Cloaked! See if your SSN is for sale right now. My sponsor Cloaked will tell you for free in 2 seconds at https://cloaked.com/CONNECT. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Mailing Pounds, Jewelry for Rappers 03:29 Black Market vs. Legal Weed Era 12:11 Starting a Dispensary in LA 19:52 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 21:34 Wholesale, Suppliers, and Hustling Connections 30:34 Mailing Weed: Tricks, Risks & Methods 40:06 This Episode Is Sponsored By Ultra Pouches 41:37 Cash, Jewelry Payments and Laundering 47:02 Building the Jewelry Business, Rap Industry Links 56:39 Custom Chains for Rappers—Ty Dolla $ign, Rick Ross, G-Unit 01:03:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cloaked 01:05:13 Music Industry, Payola, and Street Ties 01:15:09 Transition: Leaving Texas for LA Weed Industry 01:25:51 New Life in LA: Oregon Connections & Retail Delivery 01:34:10 Mailing Weed Refined: Security, Routes, and Bank Drops 01:44:31 Money Laundering and Mistakes That Led to Downfall 01:55:13 How the Case Broke: Banks, Surveillance, & Investigation 02:03:00 Arrest, Indictment, and the Reality of Prison Time 02:16:00 Charges, Sentencing, & Legal Battles 02:23:36 Life After Prison & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bookkeeping for small business is not just paperwork. It helps us understand cash flow, make better decisions, stay compliant, and see the real story behind the numbers. About this episode Bookkeeping is one of those jobs many people avoid, delay, or push to one side. But good bookkeeping is not about creating admin for the sake of it. It is about understanding what is happening inside the business. In this episode, we explain why bookkeeping for small business matters and why it applies to more than just limited companies. Freelancers, charities, community groups, not-for-profits, arts organisations, and growing businesses all need reliable records. We look at why bookkeeping creates a memory for the organisation, how it supports cash flow, why it helps with compliance, and how cloud accounting can make the process easier when it is set up properly. What you'll learn in this episode Why bookkeeping is not just paperworkHow records help tell the story of your businessWhy good bookkeeping supports better decisionsHow bookkeeping helps protect cash flowWhy accurate records matter for funding, lenders, and trusteesHow bookkeeping supports VAT, payroll, tax, and complianceWhen spreadsheets may no longer be enoughWhy cloud accounting and proper setup matter Bookkeeping is not new Bookkeeping may feel like a modern business chore, but it has been around for thousands of years. Accounting records from ancient Mesopotamia show people recording goods traded, crops grown, and resources collected. The tools have changed. We now have laptops, smartphones, spreadsheets, and cloud accounting software. But the reason for keeping records has not changed. We still need to know what we own, what we have spent, what we have received, and whether the organisation is moving forwards, backwards, or standing still. Bookkeeping gives your business a memory Think about the photographs on your phone. We take pictures to capture moments and preserve memories. Bookkeeping does the same thing for the business. Every day, money moves in and out. Customers pay invoices. Suppliers send bills. Subscriptions renew. Expenses appear. Equipment is bought. Trying to remember all of that without proper records is not realistic. Good bookkeeping for small business replaces guesswork with evidence. It replaces assumptions with facts. That gives us a much stronger base for decisions. “Good bookkeeping for small business creates a reliable memory for your organisation.” Five reasons bookkeeping matters 1. Better business decisions Gut feeling has its place. Experience matters. But decisions are much stronger when they are backed by accurate financial information. Good bookkeeping helps us see what is really going on. That means better decisions around pricing, spending, funding, projects, and growth. 2. Protecting cash flow Cash is the fuel of every business. A business can look profitable and still struggle if cash is not managed properly. Bookkeeping helps us track what is coming in and what is going out. It can show problems early, before they become serious. Our episode on Cash Flow Management Tips : 5 Essential Tips is a useful follow-on if cash flow is a concern. 3. Understanding performance Bookkeeping is the foundation for useful financial reports. Once the records are accurate, we can see profit, costs, trends, and performance more clearly. That helps us understand which activities bring money in and which ones drain time, cash, or resources. 4. Telling your business story Numbers are the words to your business story. If we are applying for funding, speaking to trustees, talking to lenders, or planning growth, good records help prove the case. They show where the organisation has been, where it is now, and where it may be heading. 5. Staying compliant Good records make VAT returns, payroll, Self Assessment, management accounts, and company tax obligations easier to manage. Tax surprises are rarely welcome. Bookkeeping reduces the risk by keeping the evidence organised and available when needed. Should bookkeeping be manual or digital? There are two common approaches: spreadsheets and cloud accounting software. Spreadsheets can work well for simple record keeping. They are flexible, affordable, and familiar. But as the organisation grows, spreadsheets can become harder to manage. They need more checking, more updating, and more manual effort. Our episode on Recording and capturing your numbers explains why the way we capture financial information matters. What is cloud accounting? Cloud accounting means your financial records are stored and managed online. Instead of being tied to one computer, your information can be accessed securely wherever you have an internet connection. Bank transactions can be imported. Reports can be produced more quickly. Information can be shared with advisers, team members, directors, or trustees. That makes the system more useful and less dependent on one person or one machine. For many small businesses, charities, freelancers, and creative organisations, cloud accounting is a practical step forward. Why cloud accounting can help Cloud accounting can give us a clearer view of the numbers. It can save time, improve access, reduce duplication, and make reporting easier. It also supports teams who are not all in the same place. Directors, trustees, advisers, and staff can access information when they need it, subject to the right permissions. For a wider look at this area, our episode on Cloud Accounting: Embracing the Future of Financial Management explains how cloud systems can support better financial management. Why setup matters Cloud accounting software is useful, but it is not magic. The setup matters. If the system is not set up properly, the reports may not give us the information we need. There is an important principle to remember: garbage in, garbage out. If the information going in is poor, the information coming out will be poor as well. This is why it helps to speak to an accountant or adviser before setting up a digital bookkeeping system. The right setup saves time, reduces errors, and gives us better information. For practical support, you can download our digitisation guide. If you need help with bookkeeping, cloud accounting, or Xero setup, our Xero accounting support can also help. Practical bookkeeping steps to take Record income and expenses regularlyKeep invoices, bills, receipts, and supporting documents organisedReview cash flow before problems build upUse reports to understand profit, costs, and trendsMake sure records support tax, VAT, payroll, and management accountsMove from spreadsheets when they become too manualChoose software that fits the organisationSet the system up properly before relying on the reports Related episodes Bookkeeping: Capturing the Words to Your Business StoryRecording and capturing your numbersCloud Accounting: Embracing the Future of Financial Management Key takeaway Bookkeeping for small business gives us the financial memory we need to run the organisation properly. It supports decisions, cash flow, compliance, funding, and confidence. The tools may have changed, but the purpose has not. Keep reliable records, review them regularly, and use a system that supports your goals. Plan it, Do it, Profit. 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The Navy's latest shipbuilding plan lays out an ambitious vision for future fleet growth. But every plan ultimately runs into the realities of industrial capacity, skilled labor and production timelines. Some analysts say those constraints deserve as much attention as the size of the fleet. Here to discuss whether the Navy is planning a fleet it can't produce, for a fight it may not fit is the Jeanne Kirkpatrick Fellow at AEI, Anand Toprani.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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This week: As the long-awaited guidance for the new EU forced labour regulation is published, Ian Welsh speaks with Rachel Rigby, lead, extended supply chains and responsible sourcing, and Quinn Kepes, regional lead, Americas, at Verité. They discuss some of the potential opportunities and impacts for business.  Plus: Seed technology that enhances resilience and yield; business action to drive electrification; environmental activists most targeted group; and, US return to coal drives emissions increases, in the news digest with Babette Pagès.  Host: Ian Welsh 

Are trade shows still worth attending when buyers can search for suppliers through Alibaba, Google, ChatGPT, and other online platforms? For physical products, Renaud Anjoran believes they still offer considerable value, provided buyers arrive with a clear objective and understand how to assess the companies they meet. In this listener Q&A episode, Adrian and Renaud answer Robert C's question about events such as the Canton Fair, Global Sources, CES, and IFA.   Show Sections 00:00:10 – Introduction and Robert's listener question 00:01:19 – Are trade shows still worth attending? 00:03:40 – Why in-person trade shows can beat online supplier searches 00:04:53 – Spotting trends and avoiding undifferentiated products 00:07:18 – Why an impressive booth proves very little 00:09:06 – Questions buyers should ask potential suppliers 00:09:32 – How to avoid being seen as a “tire kicker” 00:11:35 – Researching exhibitors before attending the show 00:14:11 – Manufacturer or trading company? 00:15:00 – In-house capabilities, customer fit, and production capacity 00:16:52 – How suppliers judge visitors at their booths 00:18:21 – How to present your company as a credible prospect 00:20:12 – Realistic forecasts, order values, and exaggerated promises 00:21:48 – Why the maturity of your product design matters 00:23:16 – Discussing first-order MOQs and longer-term volumes 00:24:39 – Final advice and the Agilian factory-tour series - watch the tour videos here   Related content How To Get More Out of a China Trade Fair Visit How To Find Suppliers in China 27 Questions To Ask During a China Factory Visit Are Suppliers on Alibaba and Global Sources Trustworthy? Sourcing from China 101, Part 2: How to Identify Potential Chinese Suppliers? Found some possible suppliers? We can help check them: Supplier Legal Records Check Certificates & Reports Verification Supplier Bank Account Verification Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Yahoo Finance reported that SpaceX shares fell 16.4 percent, giving back most gains since the company's public debut. The move highlights typical post IPO volatility as early allocations, stabilization activities, and changing ownership dynamics shape trading. Investors are focusing on Starlink subscriber growth, launch cadence, and regulatory milestones that influence margins, capital needs, and cash flows. Competitive pressure from Amazon's Project Kuiper and Eutelsat's OneWeb adds uncertainty to pricing and win rates. Public company requirements, lockup expirations, and potential index eligibility may further shift the shareholder base. Suppliers, employees, and customers are monitoring the implications, while founders can note the importance of liquidity planning and disciplined investor communications.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Katie is joined by Amber Lucas from Calluna and Thyme to tackle the big question: is your wedding website actually helping couples feel confident enough to enquire, or is it quietly creating doubt before they ever speak to you? The simple answer is that your website is not just a portfolio or a pretty shop window, it is part of your sales process, your client experience and your trust-building journey. Katie and Amber talk about how wedding suppliers can make their website feel clearer, more strategic and more emotionally reassuring, so couples understand who you are, what you offer and why you are the right fit before they take the next step.If you want more wedding enquiries, better-fit clients and a website that supports your sales process instead of making it work harder, this episode will change how you look at your online presence.Episode Highlights:Why your wedding website is part of your sales process before anyone enquiresThe difference between a beautiful website and a website that convertsWhat couples need to feel before they trust you enough to get in touchHow your website can build confidence, clarity and connectionWhy vague copy can make wedding suppliers blend inWhere websites create friction without suppliers realisingHow your website, enquiry reply, brochure and follow-up all work togetherWhat wedding suppliers should review first if their website is not convertingHow to think about your website as part of the client experienceMeet Amber:Amber Lucas is the founder of Calluna and Thyme, working with wedding businesses to create websites that do more than look beautiful. In this episode, Amber shares her perspective on how wedding suppliers can use their website to build trust, communicate clearly and help couples feel confident enough to take the next step.Find Amber here:Instagram: www.instagram.com/callunaandthymeWebsite: https://calllunaandthyme.co.ukThe Pink Book: https://callunaandthyme.co.uk/the-little-pink-bookSocials: www.instagram.com/wedproceoThis kind of strategic thinking is exactly what Katie is building into WedPro Studio, a wedding business support system designed to help suppliers with content, enquiries, sales, follow up and client experience, all backed by real wedding industry strategy.Want to be part of the Founding 100?Join the list here:https://founding100.wedprostudio.com/

Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of Zego, shares how she's leveraging a $3 Million USDA grant to expand Zego's capacity and enhance the U.S. gluten-free grain supply chain through the acquisition of a processing facility. She talks about the importance of listening to farmers, explains why Montana oats are the cream of the crop, and shares how she's helping build the future of purity verified and nutrient dense foods. Discover how her inclusive approach supports U.S. farmers, reduces costs for brands, and promotes a better food future for all.Key Topics:Zego Foods and CIVC Montana's acquisition of a processing facility in MontanaThe expanded capacity and cost reduction for her brand, Zego FoodsHow she's helping other brands save up to a $1 their retail priceThe importance of listening to farmers and customers before defining services, pricing, and processesSecuring and then re-securing the $3M USDA grants for expansionSupporting U.S. farmers and brands in gluten-free grain processingHow Colleen is using AI to be more confident and efficient in her businessHow the new business model helps Zego Foods lean into its missionZego's Purity Verified commitment and expansionPartnering with Edacious to measure nutrient density of regenerative grainsSound bites:“If we can decrease a brand's cost by say 25 cents at the mill between co-packing and milling, that saves them a dollar on price point on the shelf.”“We have developed a new way of pricing organic grain so that it is a lower price add-on compared to conventional to really encourage brands to go organic.” “The rug was ripped out from underneath us. So by providing that transparency into what was happening with us on the ground and what it meant for other people, it gave people like OTA and CCOF the information that they needed to then go and tell those stories on our behalf in DC.”“Hulless oats are higher in protein and fiber and iron. Those oats only like to grow in arid climates. So Montana is perfect. We're high, we're dry. We have the right growing season.”“Vertically integrating has been fascinating and I have learned so much by listening. I came into this not knowing very much about farming, milling, equipment, or B2B sales for that matter.”“I just listened to their problems. And that's how I got to learn more and more about just how challenging it is, what we're asking them to do and what we really need to do to support their business if we want them to support ours.”“Zego Foods at its heart is 51 % for-profit company and 49 % advocacy organization.”“We test for about 500 different pesticides, and for mycotoxins, gluten allergens and the big four heavy metals. All of that is traceable.”Chapters:03:00 Introduction and Guest Background05:51 Winning the USDA Grant for Grain Expansion09:16 Challenges of Growing Gluten-Free and Organic Crops12:29 Lower Margins and Volume Strategies15:40 Implementing Vertical Integration in Grain Supply20:51 Supporting Farmers and Building Relationships24:27 Dealing with Weather and Supply Risks33:11 Montana Oats and Impact of Growing Conditions37:01 Working in Harmony with Nature46:06 Future of Purity Verification and Industry Data53:38 Favorite Snacks and Food Innovations54:03 Life-Changing Books and Learning61:40 What a Better World Means to Colleen01:03:28 Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsLinks:Colleen Kavanagh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zegofoods/Zego Foods - https://zegofoods.comZego Foods on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/zego/Zego Foods on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ZEGOFoods/Zego Foods on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zegofoods/Zego Foods on X - https://x.com/ZegoFoodsZego Foods on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9caEodIwrGchJ8wsSZ4UdA…Uncommon Business, Automate to Accelerate Program - https://theuncommonbusiness.co/Edacious, Nutrient Density and Toxicity Testing - https://www.edacious.com/……Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio…The Food Institute - https://foodinstitute.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Steven Leeds, Senior Category Manager at Global Industrial. Global Industrial supplies more than 1.6 million products to warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturers, and other industries across North America. As both a supplier and warehouse operator, the company brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing the industry.Learn more about our sponsor Dexory's Storage Health here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

- Chinese Auto Executives Warn of Thin Margins - BMW Lowers Guidance Over China Sales Drop - VW Cuts Production at German Plant - German Auto Suppliers Cut Jobs and Investments - Jaguar Land Rover Plans Major Strategy Shift - GM Not Giving Up on Robotaxis - Stellantis, Wayve And Uber Partner for Global Robotaxis - Uber And Lucid Expand Robotaxi Service to Houston - Mobileye To Launch Independent U.S. Robotaxi Fleet - Chevy Reveals Next-Generation Silverado Pickup

- Chinese Auto Executives Warn of Thin Margins - BMW Lowers Guidance Over China Sales Drop - VW Cuts Production at German Plant - German Auto Suppliers Cut Jobs and Investments - Jaguar Land Rover Plans Major Strategy Shift - GM Not Giving Up on Robotaxis - Stellantis, Wayve And Uber Partner for Global Robotaxis - Uber And Lucid Expand Robotaxi Service to Houston - Mobileye To Launch Independent U.S. Robotaxi Fleet - Chevy Reveals Next-Generation Silverado Pickup

Coverage of a potential SpaceX IPO has drawn investor attention to storage suppliers that support AI workloads, including SanDisk under Western Digital. SpaceX and its Starlink network generate and route data that flows into terrestrial networks and data centers. Enterprise SSDs based on NAND flash store and serve training data, features, and checkpoints to AI accelerators. The market separates in package high bandwidth memory from bulk NAND storage, with suppliers including SK hynix, Samsung, Micron, and Western Digital. Buyers manage cyclical pricing and delivery risk with multi vendor strategies, controller validation, and long term agreements. Founders should benchmark NVMe tiers, validate firmware, and secure supply to align performance and cost in AI deployments.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by Sleep Number, a prominent entity within the bedding industry, marks a significant moment in the ongoing consolidation of the mattress market. This venerable brand, boasting over 570 retail locations, has simultaneously entered into a proposed merger with Sleep Country Canada, positioning itself as a lead bidder in a court-supervised sale. The financial landscape reveals alarming figures, with liabilities estimated between $1 billion and $10 billion juxtaposed against assets ranging from $500 million to $1 billion. This development not only underscores the unsustainable nature of Sleep Number's capital structure, as articulated by CEO Linda Finley, but also casts a spotlight on the consequential ripple effects experienced by numerous suppliers, who are collectively owed substantial amounts in unpaid trade obligations. As we navigate through these unfolding events, it is imperative to recognize the broader implications for the specialty sleep retail sector, particularly amidst pressures arising from sluggish consumer demand and rising interest rates. The tumultuous landscape of the bedding industry has been starkly illustrated by the recent bankruptcy filing of Sleep Number, a venerable brand with a storied history spanning over four decades and a substantial network of more than 570 retail locations. The company's strategic decision to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection is coupled with its proposed merger with Sleep Country Canada, a move that executives herald as a foundational step toward establishing a premier North American mattress and bedding entity. The contours of this unfolding narrative reveal not only the precarious financial position of Sleep Number, with assets estimated between $500 million and $1 billion set against liabilities soaring from $1 billion to $10 billion, but also the broader implications for the specialty sleep retail sector amidst a backdrop of dwindling consumer demand and elevated interest rates. Sleep Number's Chief Executive, Linda Finley, has articulated the challenges posed by an unsustainable capital structure, further complicated by the need to reject leases on 44 already shuttered locations while endeavoring to maintain profitable outlets. The ramifications of this bankruptcy extend beyond the immediate confines of Sleep Number, casting a shadow upon its supply chain and raising critical questions for industry stakeholders regarding credit exposure and the viability of existing trade relationships.Takeaways:The recent filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy by Sleep Number has significant implications for the bedding industry, highlighting the precarious balance of financial stability and market pressures.The consolidation of the mattress category, alongside the pressures of diminished consumer demand and elevated interest rates, signifies a critical juncture for specialty sleep retailers.We must recognize that the financial turmoil experienced by Sleep Number has exposed a substantial $28.7 million in unpaid obligations to industry suppliers, illustrating the interconnectedness of retail and supply chains.Consumer spending trends indicate a marked shift towards essential goods, further complicating the outlook for discretionary spending in the furniture sector amidst economic uncertainty.The Home Furnishing Sentiment index has revealed a sharp decline in industry confidence, suggesting that cautious consumer behavior may necessitate more conservative buying strategies going forward.As supply chain dynamics continue to fluctuate, operators should remain vigilant regarding credit exposure and payment trends to mitigate potential risks associated with customer insolvencies.

CMS is reshaping DMEPOS accreditation. Learn what the shift to annual surveys means for ABC accredited facilities in 2026, what stays the same, and how to prepare for a year round, survey ready approach.

This week, we're taking you inside our recent trip to Vancouver for the Cruise Sales Summit, where several of us had the chance to connect with top suppliers, tour ships, and experience the Rocky Mountaineer firsthand. It's a great example of the behind-the-scenes work we do as travel advisors—building relationships, gaining product knowledge, and vetting […]

In this episode of The Wrap, Chris Whalen reveals an "explosive" John Dizard interview dropping next week on rationing of synthetic lubricants for turbines and hybrid cars before the midterms, while the Trump administration stays blind to the supply crisis from destroyed Persian Gulf refineries. Markets are already processing the damage, but the Trump admin lacks the organization to prepare Americans for coming energy rationing and diesel shortages. Whalen argues the Fed is "powerless" against external war-driven shocks, yet double-digit inflation is "locked in" for certain categories. He's taking profits on AI stocks (AMD, ARM) after 150-200% gains, bought back into Chevron, and declares Bitcoin "toast" as the crypto bubble bursts. He warns communities blocking data center projects will become "very significant negatives" for AI, and describes the current market as "manic"—driven purely by Fed Covid cash into AI stocks as people chase shiny objects rather than value. Monetary-Metals.com/julia Links:    The Institutional Risk Analyst: https://www.theinstitutionalriskanalyst.com/  The Wrap: https://www.theinstitutionalriskanalyst.com/post/theira852Inflated book (2nd edition): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inflated-r-christopher-whalen/1146303673Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/rcwhalen    Use the code TheWrap2026 for 25% off your first year of The Institutional Risk Analyst https://www.theinstitutionalriskanalyst.com/plans-pricingTimestamps:0:00 Intro and welcome 01:00 Markets this week - Tech hit hard, gold erased gains, Bitcoin crushed4:02 John Dizard interview - Rationing synthetic lubricants before midterms5:30 Trump admin blind to crisis, needs WWII-level mobilization7:58 Suppliers already rationing, July/August shortages pronounced10:41 Double-digit inflation locked in, Fed powerless against external shocks11:58 Taking profits on AI - Sold AMD, ARM, back into Chevron13:19 Fed doesn't understand financial markets or mortgage servicing14:40 Bond spreads tight - Scarcity of quality assets17:28 Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence - Political payback20:20 Trump shoots from hip, alienating Republicans, can't get anything done21:02 Kevin Warsh quote - 3% inflation destroys economies22:10 Gold erased 2026 gains - Higher rates, Bitcoin collapse23:48 Bitcoin toast - BlackRock selling, crypto bubble burst25:19 Manic market not driven by value, chasing AI26:00 Communities blocking data center projects - Politics killing AI27:07 Bubble driven by Fed Covid cash flood28:43 Parting thoughts - Fishing in Maine, Dizard interview next week

May 21, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson speak with Senior Business Reporter Covering Manufacturing for Crain's Detroit Business, Kurt Nagl about why US auto suppliers would like the USMCA renegotiated. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes returning guest Shannon Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Fleet & Midwest Bus Sales at Beacon Mobility and Co-Chair of NSTA's Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Technology (MST) Committee. Shannon opens the episode by sharing her professional journey and how her extensive background in service operations led her into the student transportation industry. Curt and Shannon discuss how she approaches streamlining large-scale fleet operations, along with the buying trends currently shaping the market and what operators should be paying attention to moving forward. The duo also highlight the critical role of the MST Committee in supporting NSTA members and fostering industry innovation, while previewing the upcoming AMC tech panel, “Turbulence in the Air – Navigating the Rocky Insurance Market,” and explaining why this topic is especially relevant today. The conversation wraps with a more personal touch as Shannon shares her favorite travel destinations and where listeners can go to learn more about Beacon Mobility. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!Support the show

How do you reinvent a legacy retail brand for an entirely new generation without losing its identity in the process?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Brieane Olson, CEO of PacSun, to explore one of retail's most compelling transformation stories. Under Brianna's leadership, PacSun evolved from a struggling mall retailer into a digital first, purpose driven brand approaching $1 billion in revenue by embracing a bold philosophy: co-creation.Drawing from her new book, Co-Created, and a recently released Harvard Business School case study, Brieane shares how PacSun built deep cultural relevance with Gen Z and Gen Alpha by inviting young consumers directly into the brand building process. From the company's Youth Advisory Council to viral TikTok moments that moved hundreds of thousands of products organically, this conversation unpacks how listening became PacSun's greatest competitive advantage.But this episode goes beyond marketing strategy. Brieane opens up about her personal leadership evolution, the role of purpose in navigating uncertainty, and why conscious leadership requires both humility and courage. Together, Timothy, Raj, and Brieane explore the tension between brand control and customer participation, the challenges of sustainability in youth retail, and how AI is reshaping the future of commerce.Listeners will gain insights into:How PacSun transformed from a legacy retailer into a culturally relevant Gen Z brandWhy co-creation is a business strategy, not just a marketing tacticThe role of PacSun's Youth Advisory Council in shaping products, campaigns, and company directionHow a single organic TikTok moment helped sell more than 200,000 pairs of jeansWhy purpose and co-creation must work together to create authentic brand trustHow PacSun is approaching AI adoption across the organization while remaining intentionally human centeredThe operational challenges of moving at the speed of culture in modern retailWhether you're leading a consumer brand, navigating organizational transformation, or exploring what conscious leadership looks like in practice, this episode offers a powerful case study in how companies can grow by listening more deeply to the communities they serve.If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: The Conscious CapitalistsThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. and is produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome & Introduction01:45 – Meet Brianna Olson & the PacSun Transformation05:35 – What Is Co-Creation? The Strategy Explained10:50 – The Youth Advisory Council & Gen Z Leadership18:30 – Purpose, Conscious Capitalism & Finding Her True North22:40 – The Viral TikTok Moment That Sold 200,000 Pairs of Jeans36:20 – Purpose as a Framework for Co-Creation40:00 – Building Community & Real-Time Customer Feedback50:50 – From $785M to Nearly $1 Billion in Revenue55:00 – How PacSun Is Using (and Not Using) AI01:05:00 – Sustainability, Suppliers & Affordability01:21:00 – Closing Thoughts & Final TakeawaysThank you for your support!Timothy & Raj

Eva Damato, senior director of luxury lifestyle marketing for Travel Leaders Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the Luxury Leaders Alliance, which brings together the network's top luxury travel advisors for networking, education, supplier partnerships and programming. D'Amato also discusses luxury travel trends in Europe, Africa and Asia; fam opportunities, supplier access and how advisors can learn more about the Luxury Leaders Alliance. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox. 

In this episode, Charlie Horner interviews Tom Waterhouse, founder of Waterhouse VC, to explore the evolving landscape of online gambling, regulatory impacts, investment strategies, and future opportunities in iGaming and betting markets.Key  topicsImpact of regulation and taxation on online gamblingUS market evolution and prediction marketsInvestment strategies in B2B iGaming suppliersFuture opportunities in scalable iGaming businessesHost: Charlie HornerGuest: Tom WaterhouseProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLearn how Optimove's Positionless Marketing is changing how iGaming teams operate. Discover how operators are using Optimove's Positionless Marketing Platform to launch personalised CRM campaigns, dynamically change casino lobbies and bet slips, and create engaging gamified experiences. Learn more at optimove.com.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service. 

For the first time in 26 years of the Working Relations Index, every single North American OEM moved up the chart. Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Honda, GM, and Nissan all scored higher than the year before. That has never happened. Not once.In this special episode, Jan sits down with Dr. Angela Johnson, principal at Plante Moran responsible for the WRI, along with Sig Huber, Chief Commercial Officer of Elm Analytics and former supplier risk leader at Toyota and Fiat Chrysler. Three sharp voices. One story the industry needs to hear.Tariffs. EV cost recovery. Permacrisis fatigue. Return-to-office mandates. Four undercurrents shaped this year's results, and they all point to the same place. When OEMs can't control the macro, they lean into what they can control. Communication. Accessibility. Buyer responsiveness. Taking the meeting. Listening. Acting. That's what moved the needle, and the suppliers noticed.Ford's 32-point jump is the second-largest gain in WRI history, and Liz Door led that charge from the top. Stellantis is showing the early signs of a real turnaround under Filosa. GM's still working through cultural inertia, but the relationship side keeps moving in the right direction. And Toyota and Honda aren't slowing down.Angela also unpacks her new 6C framework. It's the bridge between transactional and relational. Commercial fairness, consistency, clear expectations, communication, continuity, and collaboration. It's the structure the industry's been missing.But here's the harder truth. The next 18 to 24 months will test every relationship in this industry. Cost of goods sold is climbing. Supplier financial distress is creeping back. Cross-functional alignment inside the OEMs is slipping. The playbook's changing. The question isn't whether we can do this together. It's whether we will.Here's the link to the WRI 2026 StudyThemes Discussed in this EpisodeFirst-time-ever WRI result: all six OEMs scored upPermacrisis fatigue and the shift toward collaborationTariffs, EV cost recovery, and commercial fairnessThe 6C framework: bridging transactional and relationalFord's record-setting jump and Liz Door's leadershipStellantis's rebound under FilosaGM's ongoing culture changeTop 50 suppliers, organizational memory, and cultural inertiaReturn-to-office mandates and buyer performanceCross-functional decline inside the OEMsFrom cost reduction to resilience: the playbook is changing

- Honda and Nissan Merger Back On? - Military Production New Revenue Source for EU OEMs - Stellantis and Renault Urged to Use More EU Suppliers - Ford Energy Gets 1st Big Customer - Ford Not Giving Up on Europe - BYD Hired Japanese Kei Car Veteran - Fisker Owners Have Vehicle Software - Supplier, Automaker Relationships Improve

- Honda and Nissan Merger Back On? - Military Production New Revenue Source for EU OEMs - Stellantis and Renault Urged to Use More EU Suppliers - Ford Energy Gets 1st Big Customer - Ford Not Giving Up on Europe - BYD Hired Japanese Kei Car Veteran - Fisker Owners Have Vehicle Software - Supplier, Automaker Relationships Improve

A prototype works. The team signs it off. Everyone feels confident. Then production starts, and unexpected failures appear. Why does this happen? In this episode, Adrian is joined by Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group's Head of New Product Development, to discuss the gap between prototype and production. This is part one of a two-part discussion on why working prototypes can still fail once products move toward mass production. Paul explains why prototypes and production units are often not the same thing, even when they look identical. The episode covers five areas where important changes can creep in: Components Firmware Suppliers and factories Tolerances and process variation Validation basis The key point is simple: A prototype proves the concept. Production proves the process. Understanding that difference helps hardware teams, product developers, and importers avoid painful surprises when moving from a successful prototype to production. In part two, next week, we'll continue the discussion by looking at common real-world failure patterns, including component swaps, firmware tidy-ups, factory transfers, and how a structured NPI process helps close the gap.   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: why working prototypes can still fail 02:09 Prototypes and production units are not the same thing 03:46 The gap between prototype and production 04:23 Five things that change before production 04:36 1 - Components: prototype parts vs production parts 09:17 2 - Firmware: why prototype code is not production-ready 12:03 3 - Suppliers and factories: why process knowledge gets lost 16:50 4 - Tolerances and process variation 19:54 5 - Validation basis: What exactly was tested? 22:22 Key takeaway from part one 23:17 What to expect in part two   Related content How Many Prototypes Are Needed Before We Get ‘Perfection?' Process Management Audit (PMA) An Effective New Product Development Process for Electronics From Prototype to Production: 7 Pitfalls for Tech Products Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

Renovations and conversions are about to outpace new builds by a lot — and that changes who suppliers should sell to. Glenn Haussman talks with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, in Las Vegas while Choice Hotels International's convention and HD Expo run in the same building.

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 4 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, we move beyond the internal challenges of running a business and look at what's happening externally, specifically the economic pressure building across supply chains and consumer behavior.Frida shares what she is seeing in real time:• Suppliers changing how they operate.• Relationships being replaced by automation.• Credit tightening.• Stock shortages becoming more common.What's striking is that, from her perspective, businesses are already feeling the pressure, but consumers haven't caught up yet. That gap matters.Because while small businesses are absorbing rising costs, adjusting products, and trying to maintain customer loyalty, the underlying system is becoming more fragile.This episode is a grounded look at what's happening beneath the surface, and why many small businesses are preparing for what comes next, even if the wider market isn't paying attention yet.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 4 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, we move beyond the internal challenges of running a business and look at what's happening externally, specifically the economic pressure building across supply chains and consumer behavior.Frida shares what she is seeing in real time:• Suppliers changing how they operate.• Relationships being replaced by automation.• Credit tightening.• Stock shortages becoming more common.What's striking is that, from her perspective, businesses are already feeling the pressure, but consumers haven't caught up yet. That gap matters.Because while small businesses are absorbing rising costs, adjusting products, and trying to maintain customer loyalty, the underlying system is becoming more fragile.This episode is a grounded look at what's happening beneath the surface, and why many small businesses are preparing for what comes next, even if the wider market isn't paying attention yet.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

First up on this episode of Inside Business, the rising cost of living. Prepay Power last week became the first Irish energy supplier to announce an increase in its prices since the Middle East conflict began.Daragh Cassidy is Head of Communications at consumer advice website bonkers.ie, and he joins host Ciarán Hancock to discuss the outlook for a range of consumer prices, and whether other energy suppliers would follow Prepay Power's lead and increase their prices.In the second half of this episode, Professor at the School of Computer Science & IT at UCC, Barry O'Sullivan, joins Ciarán to get under the skin of artificial intelligence and its poor image. Some say it will cure cancer and solve climate change; while others view it as a threat to humanity and something that will take away all our jobs. Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of DriveTime, Emily Poladian, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, talks about her admiration for the aftermarket after a successful 27-year career at Bridgestone where she led two different business units. Despite its size and influence, she says the industry maintains a close-knit, relationship-driven culture that makes her feel right at home.On Right-to-Repair legislation, Poladian is seeing stronger momentum than at any point in recent years, though outcomes remain uncertain given competing priorities in Congress. She emphasizes that the issue ultimately centers on consumer choice and affordability. Poladian notes that meaningful progress will require alignment across the aftermarket ecosystem—including suppliers, distributors, retailers and repair shops—to present a unified voice and find a common ground.

Jenny Du, Ph.D. is Co-Founder of Apeel Sciences, a post-harvest intelligence and solutions company helping suppliers and retailers deliver fresh, healthier, and simply better produce at scale—using plant-based materials science to close the gap between what consumers expect from fresh produce and what the supply chain is able to deliver. Jenny earned her bachelor's degree in engineering chemistry and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, where she was awarded an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship. She then joined the University of California, Santa Barbara as a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry, where she met co-founders James Rogers and Lou Perez. In 2013, the three founded Apeel in a garage in Goleta, California. Today, Apeel has earned regulatory clearances and operates in several markets worldwide, including in the U.S. and in Europe. Jenny was named to Inc.'s 2021 Top Female Founders 100 list and named one of TED's Top 10 most-watched speakers of the year following her 2025 talk, "The Science of Making Fruits and Veggies Last Longer." In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jenny [1:51] about: Her journey from being a postdoctoral chemistry researcher to co-founding Apeel Sciences The science behind Apeel's clean, edible produce coating and how it differs from traditional products applied to produce post-harvest Apeel's evaluation and approvals by FDA, EFSA, and regulators in more than 40 countries How Apeel disrupts the existing $11 billion dollar post-harvest industry and what happens to produce between the field and retail The implications of Apeel on food safety standards and protocols for post-harvest treatment and microbial control Apeel's response to industry resistance and disinformation The broader consumer movement demanding transparency about food production and ingredients, and where Apeel fits into this conversation. Resources Follow Apeel Sciences on Substack! Sponsored by: Apeel Sciences We Want to Hear from You! Please send us your questions and suggestions to podcast@food-safety.com.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Mauro Schilman, CTO and Co-founder of Tuki, the distribution standard for the AI agent era in travel, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the joys of international travel and the beauty of mathematics to the fast-evolving world of AI and large language models. Mauro shares his background as a math Olympiad competitor and later a coach, his time training coding models at the AI company Cohere, and his thoughts on how frontier models are progressing — or plateauing — at the foundational level while innovation accelerates at the application layer. The two also get into the mechanics of agentic AI, MCP and agent-to-agent protocols, hierarchical memory systems, red-green test-driven development as a powerful coding workflow, and the philosophical murkiness of open-source AI. They wrap up discussing Tuki Travel's mission to build AI-ready infrastructure for the travel industry, connecting hotels, suppliers, and online travel agencies to prepare for the coming wave of agentic commerce. You can learn more about Tuki Travel and reach out to the team at tukiclub.com.Timestamps00:00 - Stewart welcomes Mauro Schilman, CTO and Co-founder of Tuki Travel, who shares how traveling since age 15 through high school exchanges opened his mind to cultural similarities and differences.05:00 - Mauro explains Math Olympiad coaching culture and mentorship, noting LLMs now solve competition-level problems while Terence Tao explores AI assisting frontier unsolved mathematics.10:00 - Discussion turns to ChatGPT revealing Mauro's birthdate unprompted, exposing opaque application layers, preference tuning, and system prompts hidden within closed models.15:00 - Mauro argues true open source AI requires full training data, annotation protocols, and alignment processes, not just model weights, while scaling laws appear to be slowing.20:00 - Hierarchical memory models replace flat vector databases, using three-level retrieval systems improving context accuracy as knowledge management becomes AI's core challenge.25:00 - Mauro describes travel's fragmented infrastructure of aggregators, bed banks, and intermediaries, explaining Tuki builds agent-ready unification protocols for AI commerce.30:00 - MCP versus API debate clarifies natural language capability descriptions help agents consume services, while agent-to-agent communication embeds negotiating agents inside supplier systems.35:00 - Hallucinations and consumer trust block agentic payments, industries must build mistake-resilience into bookings before autonomous agent transactions become viable.40:00 - Mauro reveals red-green test-driven development methodology where agents write failing tests first then implementations, creating Oracle verification loops dramatically improving code quality.45:00 - Blockchain's potential for transparent distributed AI training discussed, distinguishing democratization from decentralization while stable coins and regulatory momentum build toward agentic commerce infrastructure.Key Insights1. Travel broadens perspective by revealing both universal human similarities and deep cultural differences. Mauro Schilman began traveling at fifteen through math olympiad competitions and found that people across the world share fundamental traits while also being shaped in profoundly different ways by their cultures. This tension between sameness and difference is what makes travel meaningful.2. Mathematics transitions from structured problem-solving in olympiads to genuine uncertainty in graduate school and research. Olympiad problems are carefully designed with elegant solutions meant to encourage creative thinking, but once a mathematician enters academia, the answers are unknown and the work becomes navigating that uncertainty.3. AI is now assisting mathematicians at the frontier, not just solving olympiad-level problems. Terence Tao, one of the greatest living mathematicians, has written publicly about how AI tools can help tackle unsolved problems, though the role of AI remains assistive rather than independent at the research level.4. Large language models are not truly transparent even when described as open source. Releasing model weights alone does not reveal the training data, annotation protocols, alignment tuning, or system prompts that shape model behavior. Real openness would require access to the entire pipeline.5. Memory and retrieval remain core unsolved challenges in AI systems. Researchers are moving from flat vector database approaches toward hierarchical memory structures with roughly three layers, which improves retrieval accuracy and reduces how much context gets consumed with each search.6. The travel industry is structurally unprepared for AI agents. A hidden web of bed banks, aggregators, and aggregators of aggregators sits between hotels and consumers, each taking a fee. Tuki Travel is building infrastructure to unify this distribution layer and make it consumable by AI agents through protocols like MCP and emerging agent-to-agent communication standards.7. Test-driven development using a red-green approach significantly improves AI-generated code quality. By asking the model to write failing tests before writing any implementation, developers create a verification oracle that guides the model toward correct solutions and avoids the bias of writing tests that simply confirm existing flawed code.

The salient point of this discourse elucidates the multifaceted challenges currently besetting the furniture industry, characterized by a confluence of financial pressures, uneven consumer demand, and significant restructuring at the supplier level. As we delve into the intricacies of the market, we observe alarming indicators, such as the Chapter 11 filings by prominent entities like Supernova Furniture and QVC Group, each reflecting broader shifts in retail dynamics exacerbated by evolving consumer behaviors and inflationary pressures. Furthermore, while consumer spending remains resilient overall, the furniture sector specifically underscores a more selective purchasing pattern, as evidenced by a decline in sales amidst a backdrop of rising costs and housing market constraints. This podcast episode meticulously dissects these evolving trends, elucidating the implications for retailers and suppliers alike, and posits that the industry is navigating a period of transition rather than outright disruption. In light of these developments, our focus remains on fostering adaptability, discipline, and vigilance in anticipating future trajectories within this complex landscape. The discourse presented in this episode elucidates the prevailing dynamics within the furniture industry, with an emphasis on the multifaceted pressures that are currently shaping its trajectory. Notably, we observe a juxtaposition of retail stress and supplier restructuring, which together create a complex landscape for industry stakeholders. A salient example is the recent Chapter 11 filing of Supernova Furniture, a regional entity operating in Texas, which has unveiled the fragility of certain retail sectors. This filing not only highlights the precarious financial position of the company—reporting liabilities that significantly overshadow its assets—but also serves as a bellwether for potential ripples throughout the supplier network, as the creditors involved encompass a notable array of industry suppliers. Such developments compel us to consider the broader implications of these financial maneuvers, particularly in relation to the evolving consumer landscape, where spending is increasingly selective amid rising costs and inflationary pressures. In addition to retail distress, the episode delves into the broader economic context impacting the furniture sector. While consumer spending has shown resilience, the specifics of furniture sales reflect a more nuanced reality; the data reveals a slight decline in month-over-month sales despite a positive year-over-year trend. This dichotomy suggests that while consumers remain active in the marketplace, their purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by a focus on essentials rather than discretionary items. The discussion also touches upon the demographic shifts in home buying patterns, with first-time buyers dwindling to historical lows, thereby constraining the market for full home furnishing purchases. As the episode progresses, it becomes evident that the convergence of these factors—retail restructuring, selective consumer spending, and demographic changes—underscores a significant transition within the industry, necessitating a reevaluation of inventory and sales strategies among retailers. Finally, the episode addresses the global economic landscape and its ramifications for the furniture industry. The International Monetary Fund's recent adjustments to global growth forecasts serve as a harbinger of potential disruptions, particularly with respect to critical supply chains affected by geopolitical tensions. The discussion of the Strait of Hormuz exemplifies how external pressures can escalate costs for essential materials such as plastics and aluminum, thereby exerting additional strain on manufacturing processes. This multifaceted analysis not only highlights the immediate challenges faced by the industry but also suggests an enduring need for adaptability among companies as they navigate an increasingly volatile economic environment. Collectively, these insights underscore the importance of maintaining a disciplined and flexible approach to strategy as the industry grapples with an array of interconnected issues that could shape its future trajectory.Takeaways:In the current landscape of the furniture industry, financial pressures are manifesting in various forms, prompting both retailers and suppliers to reassess their operational strategies.The recent Chapter 11 filings by notable companies like Supernova Furniture and QVC Group indicate significant restructuring efforts, reflecting broader challenges within the retail sector.Consumer behavior is shifting towards a more selective spending pattern, wherein individuals prioritize essential purchases over discretionary items, thereby affecting furniture demand.The decline in first-time home buyers, now at the lowest percentage in over 40 years, poses a considerable challenge to the furniture market, as these buyers typically drive substantial home furnishing sales.Suppliers are increasingly focusing on internal restructuring and cost management to adapt to an unpredictable market environment, highlighting the necessity for agility in operations.Global economic factors, including geopolitical tensions and rising material costs, are exerting additional pressures on supply chains, compelling companies to rethink their procurement strategies.

"What you think of as the data isn't the right data."  This observation from FineTune COO Brian Gamble shines an (uncomfortable) spotlight on one of procurement's biggest challenges: AI has the potential to completely transform the function (in a good way) and drive a significant amount of value for the business, but only if organizations first acknowledge how inadequate their current data actually is. In the twenty-ninth episode of "Buy: The Way...To Purposeful Procurement," Philip Ideson, Rich Ham, and Kelly Barner reflect on recent conversations with procurement tech pioneer Jason Busch and category expert Brian Gamble. They explore the troubling reality that procurement's future with AI depends almost completely on having the right data, while most organizations don't even know what the right data looks like. This conversation exposes the gap between what practitioners call "the data" and what actually constitutes useful information for decision-making. Invoice details, contracts housed in various systems, and perhaps some quarterly business review reports make up most of what the average procurement professional considers their data foundation.  Suppliers have systematically reduced invoice transparency over the years, removing fields that enabled auditing, all under the guise of creating "easier to read" formats, and procurement is left to deal with the fallout.  The episode also connects back to Buylaws 5 and 6, prioritizing comprehensive high-quality data and developing expense-specific systems of measurement, while simultaneously setting up the next conversation about how compensation models and hiring practices must evolve for procurement's uncertain future.  Links: Rich Ham on LinkedInLearn more at FineTuneUs.com

Season 12 is here! In this kickoff episode of The Big Bid Theory, Kim Cullen joins Bill Culhane for a  conversation to break down key trends shaping today's public sector community and practitioners. The topics include e-procurement systems, the strategic value of bid debriefs, and how supplier insights can improve long-term competition.Kim shares a compelling preview of her upcoming NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement webinar with Victor Leamer, “Debriefs Demystified: From Missed Opportunity to Meaningful Practice” this Wednesday at 2PM EDT. Register now.Suppliers tuned into this episode will gain practical guidance on how to better position their organizations in competitive bid environments, understand agency expectations, and refine their approach using real-world feedback and data.Kim is busy! Later this week, be sure to stop by and see her at the Arkansas NIGP Conference and Vendor Expo.

Smith the Grocer in The Old Bank Arcade on Lambton Quay said its raw ingredients and services have gone as a result of the war in the Middle East causing fuel prices to rocket up. The cafe has sought advice on whether it's legal to pass those costs on through a surcharge. Kirsten Saunders, the owner of Smith the Grocer Cafe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton details the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith, the decorated war hero who was arrested yesterday at Sydney Airport.

Why Factory Audits FAIL and What Smart Apparel Brands Should Do Instead with Anna Triponel Factory audits are not enough. If you want to build a stronger apparel brand, protect your margins, reduce sourcing risk, and create better factory relationships, this episode is essential. In this conversation, Rachel sits down with Anna Triponel, a leading expert in sourcing, human rights, and supply chain accountability, to unpack what really makes a factory partnership work. They break down why third-party audits and supplier profiles can create a false sense of security, what brands should be doing instead, and how smarter sourcing decisions can improve quality, resilience, transparency, and long-term business growth. Anna explains why the future of sourcing is moving away from top-down compliance and toward real partnership, where brands work alongside suppliers instead of policing them from a distance. She also shares why poor purchasing practices, last-minute changes, race-to-the-bottom pricing, and weak internal leadership can quietly create major human rights and operational risks across the supply chain. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Chapters: 00:00 Let's Talk About Factory Relationships and Sourcing 00:22 Meet Anna Triponel 00:53 Why Audits Miss Issues 03:37 Partnership Over Compliance 07:12 Culture Shift Success Story 12:29 Business Case for Human Rights 16:46 Consumer Scrutiny and Lawsuits 20:12 EU Rules and Blind Spots 23:44 Three Regulation Types 33:08 Why Transparency Matters 35:53 Internal Culture and Suppliers 38:58 Climate Adaptation for Factories 39:33 Resources and Don't Forget to Subscribe!   CONNECT WITH ANNA:   Website: https://www.wearehumanlevel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-triponel-285b3ab/ Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw  Grow A 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, I've sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.   After decades working inside major fashion companies, I learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.   I help founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion   Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. 

Reinvention in the automotive industry is no longer optional. It is survival. In this episode, Jan Griffiths sits down with Lori Lancaster, Vice Chair of Emotiv Mobility, to break down what reinvention really looks like when you are living it, not talking about it from a distance. The old playbook is cracking, and incremental improvement will not get us where we need to go. Yet many leaders are still holding on, waiting for direction instead of stepping up to create it.Lori did not wait. She made the decision to step back from the EV hype, resist the pressure to go all in, and focus instead on the real constraint holding the industry back. Infrastructure. That shift required courage. It meant challenging conventional thinking and refusing to follow the herd. Instead of chasing what everyone else was doing, she looked at where the real opportunity was and made a strategic move to meet it.That decision led to a bold reinvention of the business. By taking core automotive manufacturing capabilities such as process discipline, scale, and precision, Lori and her team expanded into energy and transformer production while exploring emerging mobility spaces like eVTOL. This was not diversification for the sake of it. It was a deliberate move to stabilize the business, reduce reliance on automotive cycles, and position the company for what comes next.But reinvention is not just about strategy. It is about leadership. Lori grounds her approach in servant leadership, accountability, and clarity of purpose. She makes it clear that transformation only works when people understand the why, when they are engaged in the journey, and when leaders create an environment of trust. Without that foundation, even the best strategy will fail.The message is simple and direct. If you are waiting for certainty, you are already behind. If you are waiting for direction, you have missed the point. Reinvention belongs to leaders who are willing to see what is coming, make the hard calls, and move forward without a safety net.Themes Discussed in this EpisodeReinvention as a survival strategyWhy incremental improvement is no longer enoughBreaking free from OEM dependency and legacy thinkingThe real barrier to EV adoption: infrastructure, not vehiclesDiversification beyond automotive to stabilize volatilityTranslating automotive manufacturing discipline into new industriesLeadership courage in high-risk, uncertain decisionsServant leadership vs command-and-control in transformationAccountability through clarity of purpose and shared visionCulture as the foundation for successful reinvention