In an enlightening episode of the Sales Talk for CEOs Podcast, Alice Heiman engages with Malin Schmidt, not just as the CEO of Kodiak Hub, a pioneer in supplier relationship management software, but as a visionary leader whose journey epitomizes the fusion of sustainability and technology in business. Schmidt's transition from a sustainability advocate to a tech entrepreneur offers invaluable lessons on the intersection of technology, procurement, and sustainable business practices, making her path a beacon for CEOs and leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of modern industries.
In an enlightening episode of the Sales Talk for CEOs Podcast, Alice Heiman engages with Malin Schmidt, not just as the CEO of Kodiak Hub, a pioneer in supplier relationship management software, but as a visionary leader whose journey epitomizes the fusion of sustainability and technology in business. Schmidt's transition from a sustainability advocate to a tech entrepreneur offers invaluable lessons on the intersection of technology, procurement, and sustainable business practices, making her path a beacon for CEOs and leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of modern industries.
At the heart of Schmidt's story is her unwavering commitment to sustainability, which led her to challenge the traditional cost-centric models in procurement. Her philosophy, "What we want to do is to put the right data and insights in front of the strategic buyer...including the quality of what you buy, how it has been produced, and of course, to the right price," reflects a holistic approach to business that balances economic, environmental, and social factors.
Kodiak Hub's utilization of technology to foster transparency and drive change is a testament to Schmidt's forward-thinking leadership. She emphasizes the importance of not just collecting data but using it to identify and act on opportunities for improvement, stating, "One thing is to report and to measure. But if those data points are not used to drive and identify opportunities for change...then what use is it to just report?" This approach underscores the role of technology as a catalyst for meaningful change, beyond mere efficiency gains.
Schmidt's leadership journey is also marked by resilience, particularly in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Her ability to lead Kodiak Hub to double its growth consecutively highlights the significance of agility and customer-centric innovation in overcoming obstacles. This resilience, coupled with a strategic focus on growth, offers a blueprint for CEOs navigating uncertain times.
A distinctive feature of Schmidt's leadership style is her emphasis on creativity in hiring. By exploring candidates' personal journeys and thought processes, Schmidt seeks to uncover their innovative potential, ensuring that Kodiak Hub's team is not only technically adept but also capable of thinking outside the box to drive sustainable solutions and innovation. This approach to building a team underscores the critical role of creativity in fostering innovation and navigating the complexities of technology and sustainability.
Schmidt's journey and leadership at Kodiak Hub offer several key takeaways for CEOs and business leaders:
For CEOs and business leaders looking to embrace sustainable business practices and navigate the complexities of modern supply chains, Malin Schmidt's insights provide a roadmap for leveraging technology, understanding buyer needs, and prioritizing sustainability to drive business growth and innovation. Her journey from a sustainability advocate to a leading CEO in the tech space is not just inspiring but also offers practical strategies for leadership in the 21st century.
Malin Schmidt, a seasoned SaaS B2B entrepreneur, seamlessly blends her expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, and SustainTech to reshape global business collaborations. Malin stands at the forefront of innovation in the realm of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) software as the Founder and CEO of Kodiak Hub. Recognized as one of the Top 100 most influential Women in Supply Chain, Malin has carved an indelible mark in the industry by steering Kodiak Hub to unprecedented success.
For Malin, the creation of Kodiak Hub represents the most rewarding and enjoyable venture in her career. With a mission to assist brands in developing sustainable supply chains at scale, Kodiak Hub, under Malin’s guidance, has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of balancing expansion with consolidation in her business building, to ensure organizational scalability and sustainable modes of operating.
Her continuous mission is to develop the Kodiak Hub platform to consistently surprise and delight users, delivering top-line value for large enterprises and solving the challenges residing in global supply chains.
Connect with Malin on Linked In
(99+) Malin Schmidt | LinkedIn
Check out Kodiak Hub's Website:
Kodiak Hub | Supplier Relationship Management Platform
(99+) Kodiak Hub: Overview | LinkedIn
Kodiak Hub on YouTube:
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Check out Alice's website:
Alice Heiman | Sales Consultant and Strategist for CEOs