Rodrigo Lavrador - Leading planning initiatives, teams, and S&OP across cultures & industries

In this episode, ⁠Ben⁠ and ⁠Wim⁠ speak with ⁠Rodrigo Lavrador⁠, a supply chain leader with over 20 years of experience across companies like Bosch, Givaudan, and Daikin.  

Rodrigo shares his journey through these industries, how he has led supply chain initiatives from scratch and implemented S&OP processes while adapting to the different cultures. 

He also shares his leadership methodology and advice for young people within supply chain. 

Key topics covered include: 

• Rodrigo's career path through different industries and countries (Bosch, Avon, Givaudan, Daikin, Genomma Lab) 

• Implementing S&OP processes  

• The challenges of leading and adapting supply chain teams across cultures 

• Building leadership methodologies based on transparency, continuous improvement, and clear evaluation 

• The role of risk management and informed decision-making when launching a new supply chain planning initiative 

• Advice for young people 

⁠Rodrigo's LinkedIn profile⁠

TIMESTAMPS

(0:03) – Introduction and guest welcome 

(0:26) – Rodrigo's career journey: from Bosch to Avon 

(1:43) – Learning from different industries: automotive to cosmetics 

(2:22) – Building leadership skills at Avon 

(3:07) – Early supply chain experience at Bosch and project coordination in South Africa 

(4:16) – Leadership at Avon: leading supply planning and logistics for fragrance 

(4:53) – Transition to Genoma Lab and building a supply chain department from scratch 

(6:04) – International career ambition and move to Givaudan 

(6:51) – Challenges of leading supply chain transformation at Givaudan Brazil and Dubai 

(9:11) – Adapting leadership across cultures and regions 

(10:31) – Leadership methodology: transparency, continuous improvement, and evaluations 

(14:00) – Differences in SNOP across industries: FMCG vs. large-scale projects 

(19:00) – Insights on AI and technology in supply chain processes 

(27:00) – Engaging employees with new tools and innovation 

(33:10) – Advice for young professionals: taking risks, mastering problem-solving, and leadership 

(35:40) – Lifelong learning and adapting to industry changes 

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