Business-Casuals with Karen Betancourt

Lessons from Unilever CHRO: Preparing Your Workforce for the Future of Work

Are global supply chains ready for the future? Unilever, ranked by Gartner as a Supply Chain ‘Master’ 6 consecutive years in a row certainly is and in this episode of Business-Casuals, Karen Betancourt speaks to Antoinette Irvine, Unilever’s Global Chief HR Officer for Business Operations to find out how their approach to gearing their workforce to the future of work has been pivotal to their success in building a world-class global supply chain. Antoinette tackles crucial questions like how technology is integrated into business services, the role of employee upskilling in future-proofing organizations, and the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning. They explore the strategic investments Unilever is making, including the use of global transformation teams and the alignment of HR strategies with technological advancements to drive substantial change. Tune in for an enriching conversation on how to future-proof your supply chains by preparing your people for the future of work.

Ep3 - Leading Like a Legend, with Noel Kinder

In this episode of Business-Casuals, Karen sits down with Noel Kinder, former Chief Sustainability Officer at Nike, to explore what it means to lead with a legacy mindset. They discuss how leaders can create lasting impact beyond business success, balancing short-term goals with long-term community impact. They delve into cross-cultural leadership, with Karen and Noel sharing experiences from their work in Central and South America. They highlight the importance of adaptability, empathy, and trust when leading diverse teams across borders. Drawing on lessons from the Peace Corps and global executive roles, Noel offers valuable insights on resilience, navigating ambiguity, and building a legacy that extends beyond the bottom line. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on transformative leadership!

Ep2 - Can Small Businesses Really Compete with Amazon? - with Scott Luton

In this episode of Business-Casuals, Karen sits down with Scott Luton, the founder of a world-leading supply chain news outlet and podcast, Supply Chain Now. Together, they dive into the intersection of media, supply chain innovation, and the challenges of staying competitive in the age of Amazon. Scott Luton shares the story behind building his media powerhouse, Supply Chain Now, and how it has reshaped conversations around supply chain leadership. Together, Karen and Scott explore how Amazon's rapid delivery model has revolutionized consumer expectations—and whether these high standards are truly sustainable for smaller players. From hyper-local fulfillment to personalized service and sustainable practices, Scott offers actionable strategies for small businesses to carve out their niche in a competitive market. Drawing on their extensive backgrounds, Karen and Scott share their perspectives on resilience and agility as essential tools for navigating the rapid pace of industry change. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of media, the future of supply chain, and expert advice for emerging leaders.

Ep1 - The Real Truth About AI in Business - with Phaedra Boinodiris

In the first episode of Business-Casuals, host Karen sits down with Phaedra Boinodiris, IBM Consulting's Global Leader for Trustworthy AI and author of AI For The Rest Of Us. Together, they dive into the ethical and moral challenges businesses face when leveraging generative AI. The conversation sheds light on the fine balance between innovation and responsibility, exploring the implications for the future of AI and its potential to reshape industries, communities, and decision-making processes. With Phaedra's expertise, the episode provides a thoughtful analysis of how businesses can navigate these complexities while maintaining trust and accountability.

Business-Casuals Trailer

Business-Casuals is a provocative and insightful podcast that dives deep into the intersections of business, technology, and innovation. Hosted by seasoned executive Karen Betancourt, the show explores the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping industries today, from the rise of Gen-AI to sustainable supply chains and leadership in the digital age.