The supply chain may have changed drastically over the past three decades, but the tenets for success – for being a “winner” in the industry – remain the same: customer is king, prepare to adapt, and above all, be a good person.
These were the tips passed down by SAP CEO Bill McDermott in a keynote address to roughly 2,000 supply chain professionals at APICS 2016, the certification institute’s annual conference held in Washington, D.C. this week.
McDermott mixed jokes with industry asides in a candid overview of his career, emphasizing his success was derived from close relationships with peers and, often, a sheer if relentless determination to do his job well.
"In the future you will see more supply chain professionals running companies than before." #APICS2016
— Edwin Lopez (@EdwinLopezT37) September 25, 2016
"It isn't about me," he said. "And as you manage your career, it isn't about you. It's about service."
Supply chain managers have the opportunity to change the world – whether through expediting healthcare supplies or eliminating waste through analytics – because they are uniquely set as relationship-managers to influence and serve others.
“Why do we matter? Well, because we help the world run better but more importantly because we improve people’s lives,” he added, noting it’s not always easy. “Sometimes, all you have is a dream. You have to hold on when you are tested.”
But no one can do it alone: mentors, colleagues and relationships with clients are of utmost importance according to McDermott.
"The mentors I looked up to I always felt had my best interest in their heart" .@BillRMcDermott #APICS2016
— Edwin Lopez (@EdwinLopezT37) September 25, 2016
Smiles were rampant and the applause was boisterous for the CEO, as attendants and organizers alike rejoiced following the excellent delivery.
“The results, they spoke for themselves,” said Peter Bolstoff, Executive Vice President for Corporate Development of APICS, adding that McDermott’s message and life example were perfectly “aligned to where [APICS is] going.”
The keynote event was followed by a book signing session at the expo hall, where the speaker connected with attendants who braved an extensive line for his autograph.
Book signing (and homework signing) with Bill McDermott CEO of @sap today's @APICS keynote! #apics2016 #APICSscholar pic.twitter.com/l5o4msea4p
— Katherine Eboch (@keeboch) September 25, 2016
Many attendants said McDermott’s candid tone won them over.
“It’s good to hear someone actually speak from the heart and talk about his entire journey which was motivating,” said Mohammed Raja, an Associate Professor at the York College of Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, a second year master's student from Howard University’s School of Business told Supply Chain Dive the speech was “insightful,” as it provided students with an opportunity to think of the supply chain as a global enterprise as opposed to an industry-specific profession.
As for McDermott?
“I’m just getting warmed up,” he said to APICS CEO Abe Eshkenazi in a panel following the keynote, noting his life’s work was far from over.
